Summer is for ice cream & Jesus

Hello wonderful friends!

It is hard to believe this summer has come and gone in the blink of an eye.

I can’t even begin to describe to you how impactful it was for me on a ministry level, so I will try to do it justice.

d123ca60-2d11-4fde-af4d-b5c55f19d936 — Paris Connection Group

First, in June I got the opportunity to go to Paris on a pseudo-mission trip. My church is connected with several missionaries over in France and I went over to see what they are doing for the kingdom. Most of what they do is church planting because of the sigma surrounding evangelical church in the country. Anyways, how they do ministry is what really got me. The relational aspect of the way they live and commune with their neighbors blew me away, and challenged me to live more of that way in my city and part of Atlanta. God can show up in the mundane picnic or run to the grocery store, it doesn’t have to be in a grand gesture or big program. I loved walking around and seeing the people and really grew to have a heart for those around me. I am excited to possibility have the opportunity to partner with them in ministry next year, by maybe bringing some of my college students along to help with a camp.

Second, this summer was a sweet time of just getting to hang with some of my college girls. We spent many an afternoon eating ice cream or getting dinner, just talking about the things God was doing in their “big girl job” summers. There was even a group text to try and coordinate their schedules! 🙂 I am so blessed by the vulnerability they confide in me, and the growth I see in them everyday. This fall, I am starting a senior Bible study that will include these ladies to begin to talk about what life looks like outside the college life, and how to live it for Christ. I am so excited about diving into the struggle and hope that comes with senior year. It feels like yesterday for me, even though it’s been 7 1/2 years!

Third, I once again got to have a small part with our college interns. These students blew me away, and all I did was go eat lunch with them once or twice a week. It was such a blessing for me to just sit and goof off while their brains had some down time. I love seeing their hearts for Jesus, and three are actually going on staff with FCA in several different areas. This program my colleagues develop and grow every year really does cultivate amazing leaders to go spread the gospel.

Lastly, this summer has been challenging despite the wonderful work happening around me. I got to see my family for a week, and do some other small trips, but it was a time to reflect and to really take stock of my heart. I just finished a 6 month leadership class with my church, and I cannot begin to tell you about the self-awareness that came out of that. I feel more equip to lead and to take charge, both with FCA and my job at CNN, and feel more settled into where the Lord is calling me.