Ending one adventure and on to the next...

I just wrapped up one of the greatest journeys I have ever traveled. Life as an R.A. was more than I could have ever imagined or expected. Going into the job I really didn't know what to expect. I simply opened my arms and said, "God, work in me. Do whatever you want with me." He definitely rocked my world. Looking over this past year I can honestly say I am not the same person as I was a year ago. I learned so much while being on the Catalina R.A. staff-
1. I learned what true community is. My staff of eight amazing women surrounded me with love and care that was beyond anything I have ever experienced in a church. I was continually saying, "this is what it means to be the church." We knew we could ask each other for something without worrying about repaying one another. We didn't worry about offending one another; we lived in true acceptance of one another and loved each other for our differences. We shared everything- not worrying about what is mine and what is yours. We were a family! Ashley, Ally, Britters, Jessie, Jessica, Alaina, Katie and Bethany- I love you!!!
2. I learned how to feel- My year started with the realization that I had closed myself off from actually feeling any true emotion. Bethany, along with several other people, challenged me to be real with myself so I could in turn be real with others. I learned how to be vulnerable and honest. God took my brokenness and made it into something lovely.
3. I learned a lot about love! I have an amazing God who pursues me daily. He loves me even though I mess up daily. His love has been utterly amazing to me over the last year. There have been sweet sweet moments with him where all I wanted to do was sit in his arms. I also have an incredible boyfriend that daily models Christ's love- not just to me but to everyone around him! He has loved me into a better version of myself. I am still trying to learn from him what it means to sacrifice, to put other people's needs before your own and to love unconditionally. Thank you Chris for teaching me so much! I have a family that pours into me and supports me in all my dreams and aspirations. I am shown so much love from them daily- even when no words are spoken. Thank you for cutting me some slack, taking care of me when I was sprawled across the couch for a week and for sacrificing a lot to come visit me!
4. I learned that love and grace can go a long way!
5. I learned to take risks, do things I would have never done and to savor the moments in life.
6. I learned to walk alongside God in a partnership of ministry allowing him to be my strength and motivation.
7. I learned to find rest in my heart even if I can't find it anywhere else!
8. I learned that among all the things we do on this earth- people are the most important!

The list could go on forever... that will do for now!

Wrapping up that journey and saying goodbye to a job that allowed me to practice a lot of my gifts, talents and things I love to do was difficult! I hated saying goodbye to everyone, knowing that I will never again experience anything like that again! Now, I am on to another adventure: Entourage!

We are in training week right now, learning all of the ins and outs of our job. We leave on June 8th to travel around the Western United States to Youth Camps. We have the opportunity to impact lives, serve students and promote Vanguard. It is an honor to be a part of this team. I don't know quite what to expect... it is scary, exciting and nerve racking all at the same time. We'll see what God has in store this time...