Update!

Hello Everybody! (:

Today I got inspired to share some new things with y'all. Many of you have followed me through my first YouthWorks summer and lifted me up with lots of prayers and encouragement. I just wanted to fill you in on my life post YouthWorks, what I am up to, and what the future holds.

Making the transition from YW life to home/school life was definitely challenging. I went from being in a place where we were focused on glorifying God's kingdom every day to my public school where talking about God just brings out the worst in people and some hatefulness. It has been really tough in that regard. I also struggled with empathy among returning home. It was hard for me to separate some of the things that happen every day on the rez from the things that happen here. I was upset when I would see people posting about their a/c units going out because the reality is that a/c is a luxury for some in Wanblee. That is just one example, but in many situations I found it hard to be empathetic when we all have so much to be grateful for. Now, that we are in January and a new year I feel like I have been more back to normal where empathy is concerned.

A few things that haven't changed from my YW summer? I have a quiet time every day. That is one thing that started there and is still continuing in my daily life at school/home. It makes a huge difference in my day and my attitude. Another thing that hasn't changed is my communication with a few people. I still talk to Jerome regularly and love the time I get catching up with him. I also still talk to Tyler a lot. He has been a huge encouragement to me and really embraces me how I am. For that, and for his friendship I am especially grateful. Finally, my love for YouthWorks and Wanblee has not been the same…I am on fire with love and passion for YouthWorks and Wanblee. God is so good, worked on me so much, and shown me so much love and faithfulness through YouthWorks and the community of Wanblee. My heart is just filled with so much joy, love, and happiness.

I am excited to share that I will be returning to YW this summer as a Site Director. While this will definitely be a challenge for me, I can't wait to see what God has in store for me in another YW summer. Part of the reason I reapplied was because of the community I was in and the relationships I made with staff and churches I met this summer. One thing I struggled with before my YW experience was feeling loved or valued by people and God definitely used some incredible people this summer to show me that I am both loved and valued by so many people but most of all the creator of the universe. Isn't that awesome? Thank you to all the people who have kept in touch with me and poured into me back in my reality and not just in Wanblee. I am unbelievably thankful for Wendy Bartz and friendship, encouragement, and council. I am beyond blessed by Ron Smith and his conversation, care, and prayer. I got to Skype him and his entire youth group! That was beyond wonderful. The countless phone calls by Amy Heavey. When I was really struggling this fall upon returning from YW she would talk on the phone with me, help feed me spiritually, and even sent me a book to encourage me. Kirsten Kisner and her kind spirit and sweet heart, I could go on and on. Wow, these relationships and so much more are only things God could put into place.

Finally, I will leave you with a few things. I wanted to take a spring break mission trip back to Wanblee to help Jerome on the reservation and love on the community. As many of you know finances are a struggle for me. I sent out support letters but because I don't have anyone that is willing to sponsor my trip and keep my funds I have been unable to raise any money. This has been extremely hard on me. It's  sad for me to think that money is what is keeping me from serving the Lord and a community I love so much. Please pray for God's will in all of this. Pray that he will provide in whatever way so I can serve and glorify him. Also, please pray for Wanblee and Jerome. Pray that they can continue to see God working in their community. Finally, pray for my future staff and my future summer. Pray that God is preparing our hearts and getting us ready for what I am sure will be an amazing summer.

Thank you as always for following my journey, investing in my life, feeding my spirit, and loving me. Your kind words, ideas, love, and wisdom mean the world to me.

Kindly,

Kristen-