For those of you who don't know, I've been offered an internship near Fort Wayne, IN at a church called Grabill Missionary for the summer. This place has been my home since four days ago... Tuesday.
Wednesday was my first official day at Grabill in the office and with the youth. It was a long day, but I just loved it so much. Some of the youth actually ran up to me and told me how excited they are for me to be here, get to know me, and spend time together. How crazy and exciting!
Let me take you back a minute though a mini-trail of how I've ended up where I currently am. Initially, I applied for an internship called SOAR -- it seemed promising to say the least, and very much made sense that I would be an intern with them for the summer. Unfortunately, things fell through with SOAR, and I was not offered a summer spot. The main man over there named Terry sent me an incredible email, and in it he stated that the first time he ever read my application he thought that if for some reason the numbers worked against me there, then he couldn't think of anyone he'd rather have me intern under than Sarah Lawrence -- at Grabill. She's a woman, with a family, in full-time ministry. A super valuable model and mentor for me. He asked me to lunch with her... she got snowed in (crazy Indiana!). We talked via phone when I was in Colorado for spring break. Then, I talked with Kelley (the guy youth pastor here) too, and they offered me a spot. Turns out that Sarah is pregnant with her third child under the age of four, among other things (taking on a different job, etc) and so she stepped down, and is not the youth pastor here anymore. That was really a bummer to me, but it's so interesting to see how God used SOAR to bring Grabill into the picture, and then Sarah to lure me into committing. And now she's not here. Even though there have been several changes already, and quite a bit of uncertainty, I know I am here for very clear, purposeful and specific reasons -- that I don't know yet. And I might never know. It's just so obvious that this is where I am supposed to be.
God is good. So much greater than good.
Throughout basically as long as I have known about and been preparing for this internship, I've been faced with quite a bit of fear and inadequacy. What I've been battling is not from the Lord, but it has been able to serve as reminders of how much I do need God, His Spirit, and His mighty Word.
So, here I am. Living with people I've only known for less than a week, serving with a church over 100 years old, building relationships that I can only pray will last a lifetime, growing and learning tons and tons for the betterment and sake of Christ's kingdom, and taking things one day at a time.
There are three other summer staffers with me. Two friends from Bethel, who are actually returning as they interned here also last year: Heath and Courtney, and another guy who is from around here, Joey. I can already tell it'll be a great summer with them. Lot's of inside jokes will arise, I'm sure -- they're my favorite! Mmm, yess... I've always wanted to be apart of an inside joke someday (for all you Office lovers).
And of course, my host family. Love them, love them, love them. They are pretty incredible, not perfect of course, but very devoted to serving the Lord. I have a sister here who just finished her first year studying Business at Huntington, they have another daughter married living in Texas, and they lost a son in his sleep about ten years ago when he was thirteen. My host mom is super talkative, and very encouraging, supportive, and hospitable. Host dad likes to play Scrabble. The other night he was in a game mood, and so Lisa (my host sister) and I agreed to play some Sequence with him, and then later that night us ladies (including their dog Missy, haha) stayed up and had "girl talk" until 2:30am. Yikes! Last night they sent Lisa and I out on a date on them -- we ate at a Mexican restaurant (SO much food), and then went to see the movie Soul Surfer. It was definitely great, although I cried so much during it. What can I say... I'm a cryer :) It was a blast hanging out with her for the night.
Today, I had my second wedding of the summer season (Congrats Caitlin and Peter!), seriously just minutes from where I am living here. I could see the church the reception was being held at outside our kitchen window! It was a great wedding (although I can never say I haven't been to a wedding without dancing again... ever), and I had a fantastic and super inspiring and thought-provoking conversation with Jeremy and Ann -- I love them so much! After I came back, my host family was just finishing up hosting a wedding shower themselves. Mama of the house took note that everyone was all dressed up in the middle of the afternoon, and we just had to live that out to the fullest, so we went out to Panera for dinner followed by a viewing of Jane Eyre at this downtown Cinema Center in Fort Wayne. Interesting movie -- would I see it again? Most likely not. What a night :)
I've already written so much, though I could go on! Shouldn't be that much of a shocker :) BUT -- tomorrow is my first day at Grabill for church on a Sunday. Us summer staffers are being introduced to both services... accompanied by a fabulous meets ridiculous "movie" of us. I'll plan on posting that later for all to enjoy!
Much peace, and thanks for all your prayers!
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