taking stock

The summer has flown by like I knew it would. I wondered if I would be sad at it's passing, but I am not. It's been a nearly perfect blend of work and play - so much so that I am looking forward to Thursday and the arrival of the new freshmen at Wash U. What a gift to know that God is already at work in this class of students and that we get to go on a treasure hunt to discover what He has been up to!

Here are some photos from my recent vacation in Washinton D.C. My mom and her company made it all possible. Thanks, Mom!

The back porch at Mount Vernon - George Washington's plantation.

My mom and I on the lawn at Mount Vernon. Pity that my eyes are very much shut for this photo.

July so far

My sister and I enjoyed some quality time together.

My daily routine is turning out to be a mix of organizing my contacts, sending out letters and emails, making calls, and meeting with people who are potentially interested in joining my support team. It doesn't always seem like I am getting a lot done each day, but I am learning to rejoice over the small, faithful steps forward. They represent victory over fear and the choice to live each day learning what it means to depend on God. It's an uphill climb, but a very good one for me to be making.

Last week my sister, Susan, came out for a visit. She helped me organize my apartment a bit and even volunteered to address envelopes for me one evening. It was such an encouragement to have her around and we managed to take in some of the sights of St. Louis during her stay.

Encouragement seems to be a recurring theme these days and I am mindful that each example is evidence of God's provision. Yesterday morning in prayer I kept thinking of the verse that calls Jesus our "great high priest". As I read the rest of that passage in Hebrews I found myself feeling grateful for the timing of a reminder that God is ready to "help us in our time of need". It felt like an exhortation as well: we are instructed to "boldly approach the throne of grace". I want to practice that more as I learn to fight the temptation to let discouragement take hold.

Now that we know what we have - Jesus this Great High Priest with ready access to God - let's not let it slip through our fingers. We don't have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He's been through weakness and testing, experienced it all - all but the sin. So let's walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.
Hebrews 4:14-16, The Message

many nations

One of the highlights of wrapping up my first school year on staff took place the last week in May. My co-worker Allison and I traveled to Colorado Springs with nine international students to attend the International House Party at InterVarsity's Bear Trap Ranch. Students learned about Jesus as we studied the parable of the prodigal son all week in small groups and had ample opportunies for fun, including hiking, rock climbing, square dancing, etc. It was a wonderful week and a great reminder of how much I enjoy serving in a cross-cultural context. I've become pretty accustomed to working with American students!

Last week one of the students hosted a reunion potluck for all of us. As great as it was to see everyone again, I was even more excited to learn from Allison that the four non-Christian students who were a part of our trip were all eager to continue studying scripture over the summer. Friday night they showed up at Allison's GIG (Group Investigating God) for dinner, fellowship, and a Bible study/discussion.

Praise God for the mysterious way He is at work drawing people into His kingdom from every tribe, tongue, and nation!

Enjoying the spectacular view from the top made up for a grueling climb.

Reunited - post dinner visit to Creve Coeur Lake.

summer staff life

Leading a scripture study from Nehemiah 2 at Catalyst 08, our week-long student leadership camp that happened in May.

I'm back from an unintentional blogging hiatus. Two student camps, a move to a new apartment, and a visit from Paul have kept me busy for the past four weeks. I am still getting settled into my apartment and figuring out what my schedule for the summer will look like as I work full-time to raise my full budget so that I will be able to focus fully on campus work once school starts up again! That's a lot of "full" for one summer.

I plan to post stories of God's provision as I dive into this process and your prayers for encouragement and boldness are very much appreciated.

Someone told me recently that raising financial support is one of the sharpest tools in God's discipleship shed. I am beginning to understand just what that means, but I can also honestly say that I know how good it is for me and the internal work that He is doing on my character.

house party

Tomorrow afternoon I will embark on a trek to the mountains surrounding Colorado Springs, CO. My co-worker Allison and I are taking nine international students to the International House Party, a week long camp for international students held at InterVarsity's Bear Trap Ranch. Most of the students attending are not yet followers of Jesus, but they will be encountering him through scripture each morning and through our interactions during the week.

Please pray for safe travel, loads of fun, and for many of our guests to make decisions to follow Jesus as Savior and Lord.

the plot thickens

Meet Paul. He's on staff with InterVarsity at UC Santa Barbara. We met at our staff conference in January and now we're dating.

Here's to another unexpected twist in the plot! It gets added to a long list of plot twists from the past several months.

Your prayers for wisdom are valued as we continue to get to know each other. We're definitely putting the "long" in long distance relationship, but I spent a week in Santa Barbara last month and he'll be in St. Louis for a week in June.

Unlooked for, unmerited gifts...

new life

...it's just like you to bring light into darkness / it's just like you / lord, it's just like you / it's just like you to bring beauty to ashes / it's just like you / lord, it's just like you...

Spring has arrived in St. Louis and it is a stunning sight to behold. There is something incredible about seeing new life in full bloom: God's story of resurrection on full display.

Wednesdays are typically my Sabbath - a time for rest and extended time in prayer and Scripture. I find myself returning to the Missouri Botanical Garden again and again - such a different environment from Wash U's campus and truly a place where I connect with the One in whom I live and move and have my being.

Here's a sample of what I observed during a recent visit.

As this academic year comes to a close, I am clinging to the promises of God for the students I've met this year who have yet to experience new life in Jesus. Our God is might to save and I am choosing to have faith that resurrection is possible in their lives.

I am praying, speaking, and walking with hope because the Spirit of God can cause skeptical hearts to become curious.