Arrival!

Hi everyone!! 

Apologies for the lack of updating but I have been busy!!...And very happy to be so.

First things first, I arrived safely and seem to be adjusting well.  I got here Saturday afternoon, unpacked some, and met my housemates!  I was loved in more ways than one, the first being that Jenn and Karen had made for us the cookies that I happened to post on the blog last week!  Seriously, so thoughtful.  They were excellent and you girls are the sweetest :)  Jill took Jenn and I out for dinner on Bethesda Row, where we chose a tapas restaurant, Jaleo.  I had my first sangria (!) and we shared lots of yummy tapas with delightful conversation!  What blessings these women are.  I'm already being challenged so much by them, and not only spiritually--today we went for a rejuvenating morning run.  Yay for accountability!

After a full Sunday at church (introductions, services, Sunday school classes, lunch), we left for our retreat at a house on the Chesapeake Bay! B-e-a-utiful! In short, it was awesome to get to know the 17 other people on summer staff as well as the full time staff.  (We're divided into middle school, high school, and college staff.)  We had time to play outside, go through training material, read, pray, and share three-minute condensed versions of our stories with one another.  I am blown away by each personality and testimony that God has assembled together on our team.  Although it's always tough adjusting to a new environment, it helps when those around are like-minded.  I especially have loved getting to know my college co-leader, Lindsay!  She is spunk from London, England and has a beautiful heart.  We went out this morning to an absolutely delightful coffee place (Le Pain Quotidien) with the woman that is going to be mentoring us this summer!  She is the middle school director's wife and a grad of JMU too, and  I am going to be so enriched by the times we hang out.  Can you say unexpected blessing?!  (Before the church picnic on Saturday, Kristen invited us to spend the morning on a hike along the Potomac with her!)

I can't really shed light on my daily/weekly schedule yet, because I'm still figuring it out!  Many things are being learned OTJ --aka on the job :) I am so excited about the college ministry though.  So excited.  I love seeing everything unfold.  We had our first get-together tonight and every Wednesday evening we'll have The Well- dinner/worship/Bible study (I'm leading junior/senior girls!!) followed by a hangout.

So, ways you can be praying for me: 

-a deeper understanding of the love of God in the gospel 

-HIS strength and endurance for long days and emotional investment

-that I would not compare myself to others and see my worth in God's eyes alone

-a servants' heart towards the college girls, fellow staff, and church leadership 

Okay, off to bed! This weekend I am going to try and make some personal contacts!  I miss you dearly and I'm thinking about you, my dear friends and family! Feel free to shoot me an email or text throughout the day as well and I will try and respond as soon as possible :) It would be such an encouragement to me!

Pictures to come soon!