Summer: Oh The Memories

As of yesterday, I have finished up my practicum for Taylor. I worked with the youth pastor this summer at Archbold Evan. At the church, I was an intern under Jesse Kahler, helping out with the junior and senior high youth groups. I, also, was an intern for Impact Basque at the Archbold church. Impact Basque is a missions organization that brings high school students to the United States. It is kind of like a foreign exchange student. Many of these students have never heard the name Jesus Christ in their entire life. As you would understand, this is a very exciting and difficult task to expose these students to Christianity. A total of 8 students stayed in Archbold with different families in the church. Through talking with them and having a week at Miracle Camp with them, these students began to work on my heart.
I have been challenged a lot this summer. First and foremost was the challenge of being home after almost 2 years away. My family and I transitioned smoothly and i realized it actually wasn't a big deal at all. I enjoyed being home this summer to spend time with my sister and parents. Between my practicum and a summer course, however, I was not able to see them more than a meal here or there. I definitely wish I could have had more time with them this summer. They are such a large part of my life, yet I hardly ever see them now or during the school year.
Like I just mentioned, I also took a summer course. It was an independent study of a Christian Ed. leadership development. For this class, I had to write 18 papers and read 9 different books! To say the least, this wasn't too enjoyable. Yet, God seemed to work this class out for the best. At times the topics I was covering matched up best with what I was going through at the time. When I was struggling with my future and an occupation, I was to read a book titled Decision Making and The Will of God. A perfect match for my emotions. Another time, when I was struggling with the idea of the church, its purpose, and how effectively it is carry out its mission today, I was to read a book on church leadership. This book was the exact topic that I had been struggling with. This continued 3 or 4 times throughout the summer. I know that through my great amount of work, the Lord still had a purpose for this class. God is so good!
Between this class and my work at the church, I would not have any times for my friends. I was so excited to be home with them this summer, like my family, but i never saw them. When I would get done with the church, the rest of the time was automatically study time for my class. Sometimes i would be doing work until midnight before i could take a little time and rest for the day. I made some promises to see some friends more often this summer, and I did not follow through, for this is am greatly sorry.
Also, this summer emotionally and spiritually was a roller coaster. At times I would feel so close to the Lord, and at others I would feel so distant even though I was studying His Word or doing ministry at His church. In a lot of ways this was one of my toughest summers to date. It does make sense, though, for I am at that age where future definition is being made. What I decide today, the hard decisions will define me for the rest of my life. What do I stand for? What is important to me? And who are the people I can count on in my life? These were just some of the things that I wrestled with this summer.
Emotionally, I had to face a hard fact. I have been teaching students for the past couple years to put all their worth and value in God, yet I found myself not doing this. It had to go from an abstract thought to a concrete action for me. At times this summer I felt very let down and disappointed, for earthly relationships that I thought were so strong were broken. I needed to rely on the Lord more than every, and yet I didn't even know how to. Although this is one of the hardest things I have ever done, and I'm not finished yet, I am glad to be pursuing the Lord passionately for the first time in my life.
In a lot of ways this might sound like an awful summer, but it has been the best of my life. Working with the students at the church was so rewarding. Studying with and under Jesse was incredible. He was with me every step of this summer. Many days he would be the only one I interacted with. Except Katelynn Muntz, who is an incredible girl, had to get that shout out . . haa. God has and is teaching me so much. I feel blessed to even feel his presence in my life. The fact that He cares so much for me that He wants to rectify areas of my life blows my mind. He is an incredible God! I am blessed to be called His child.
Other highlights of this summer include going to Cedar Pointe 4 times this summer. Ya, I said 4!!! The week of camp was so powerful and honestly the best place I could be at during that time. Once again, God had my best interests in mind. Probably the most memorable time, though, was marrying my best friend off two weeks ago. I couldn't be happier for him. The wedding was a great time of celebration, and fun. My heart goes out to you Zac.
Now in the last couple weeks before I leave for Jerusalem, i still have a lot of school work to finish up and paperwork to do. I'm looking forward to a time down at Taylor, also the week before i leave. We are actually going to see a Hillsong United concert then also. I miss those guys so much. It is weird not living with them. They are such a part of me, I love them like family.
I wanted to write these things so that you know what’s been going on in my life this summer, and to ask for you to start praying for me and for this fall. I will continue to update and add more once the time gets closer to my departure.