After feeling a little deflated and discouraged last week, God definitely turned things around. Getting to see and spend time with my area last week was a blast. Having conversation with Josiah---my adopted little brother instantly energized me, the company of my "best-friend" Connor lifted my spirits, and the fellowship with my other area fellow staff just boosted my morale and made me ready for the week.
Going into the week I was skeptical and tired. I was concerned that maybe I had seen the best I was gonna see this summer. I was worried that the relationships I made with adult leaders and students in the first two weeks of programming were as good as they could get, God used this week to prove me wrong. Keeping in touch with one adult leader from week two has been a huge encouragement. Amy Heavey has really poured into me as a person and pursued. It's awesome the friendship I have with her and how much I respect her after such a short time. In our conversation I expressed and my concerns and she told me she would pray that God used the the students this week to refuel me...and boy did they. God answered Amy's prayer for me, and my prayer for myself.
This week the students were great. I promised I would give some shout outs, so here goes.
I met one student named Arielle. What an awesome young person who really follows God fearlessly. She stepped in and stepped up in so many ways this week and it was incredible to watch her interact with the community in a new way and get out of that comfort zone. I am definitely a better person because of her presence this week.
I also bonded instantly with 3 other girls. Jill, Lydia, and Lili. Wow, these girls were incredible. God used them this week in big ways. If there is one thing I am learning constantly it's that God is always pursing me, he never stops, and this week God used them. Their laughter, kind hearts, and soft spirits lifted me up even when they weren't aware I needed it. Of course, as teenage girls they constantly asked me questions about my love life...or lack there of. We joked about random things and ended the week as best friends. It is so encouraging to see young ladies so on fire for God and wanting to serve him incessantly. Watching them interact with other members of their church, the community, and our staff brought tears to my eyes at times. God is working, he is alive, and breathing a fire into us that is just crazy. Wow, what a God we have. I feel so blessed to have gotten to share my life with these girls and equally be apart and hopefully impact theirs.
Not only did I see some awesome things this week that students did, but they reciprocated acts in several ways. I got the chance to share my testimony, and hear theirs. I was given the chance to tell stories and engage in laughter with them all the while glorifying God.
This week was needed, and this week was great.
Not only was it a good week because of the youth but it was a good week because I got to see my family. We finally got some internet service, so on my time off on Thursday I was able to FaceTime my mom, siblings and grand parents. Their faces made cry. It was the first time I had legitimately seen them in 7 weeks.My best friend in my mom and my sister made me lose it. I love them so much. It was humbling to see them all and reflect on this time realizing I have so much. I have so many material things that I don't need, but I have an incredible loving family that meets all of my spiritual, emotional, and physical needs. That is something you don't see in Wanblee all the time, so their presence and interactions were refreshing.
Anyway friends, this week was ground breaking for me. I am so glad I am on this journey and I am more encouraged now than ever to just seize the next 4 weeks of programming and love on everyone as Christ continually loves on me.
God is so good.
Thanks as always for the continual love and support.
I love you all.
-Kristen
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