Post-Parma Shenanigans

Hey friends! Deepest apologies for such a long time since the last post...our days for the most part haven't been the freest of days. Since I posted last we successfully completed our camp in Parma, OH! Praise the Lord! As the week went on things calmed down for the most part and we were able to finish strong, ready to head out before noon on Saturday. The highlight of my week was on Thursday night. There was a group of 4 campers that came to the office window looking to buy snacks from the camp store and ended up asking me a whole bunch of theological questions. We had such a thoughtful and beautiful conversation about a few of the things I enjoy discussing the most, especially since I study religion back at UVA. It brought me so much joy to hang out and chat with them.

As I've thought about writing this post there at least two major lessons that I've been learning since last week.

Number 1: There is one major reason that I'm not a huge fan of being a red shirt, and it's that I don't really get to minister directly to kids. Many have told me that the crop of our ministry is the opportunity that we set up for youth leaders to minister to their youth kids. And I understand, I get it, and I know it's awesome. I know all of the wonderful times I've had with my youth leaders and friends at workcamp and how good workcamp is at making that happen. But I miss being able to talk to kids; I strongly dislike the indirectedness of my job. Maybe I'm just used to the intense relationship building of leading YoungLife at a middle school back home, but I can't stand seeing the brokenness that's poured out during many of the programs, and there's nothing I can do. This past week in Parma I found myself sitting in the auditorium watching the kids circle together around the cross, sobbing, at the feet of Jesus. I shed a few of my own tears, merely wishing there was some way I could just lift their burdens and take them away. It was a weird feeling, especially because what I wanted to do is exactly what Jesus does for us all, always. Maybe the real lesson here is that God is working on my controlling nature...I can't be the one in control that takes the hurt away...only HE can...

Before I get to lesson number two, here's what else we've been up to. We left Parma High School and stayed with a couple that have been on summer staff before and will be getting married in August. We went to church with them on Sunday, which was much needed for us all. On Monday we went to Cedar Point which was really fun. We were blessed by some of our friends from the team of volunteers in Parma who bought us tickets to go, so it was simply awesome. Of course, we got caught in another rain storm and scarfed down two funnel cakes as it poured around the pavilion we were huddled under. Good times with Crew K in the rain! On Monday night we stayed with a lady named "C," who works at a Christian camp in Mansfield, OH. She gave us a twilight hike/tour of the camp which was absolutely beautiful. At first we didn't really want to go, but how blessed we were to spend a few minutes in God's beautiful creations in nature...I mean, we saw a waterfall and a field full of fireflies that literally looked like Pixie Hollow. Anddd then, on Tuesday we stayed with a guy who has played for the Bengals, Steelers, and Giants once upon a time. We were able to relax by the neighborhood pool and catch some rays on our pale, Summer Staff skin. By Wednesday morning we found ourselves beginning set up in Middletown, OH, where we will be starting camp #2 on Sunday!

Now, lesson number 2: I am so blessed to be meeting the vast amount of people that I am this summer. For starters, my crew is fantastic. Who knew a group of four girls could hold it together and do this job for a summer without killing each other. I know, the summer isn't over yet, but the Lord is good and He has certainly been holding us together fairly well, even in the high stress that we inevitably experience as red shirts. Don't even get me started on our red shirt volunteers last week. They couldn't have set the bar higher for the remaining camps we have. But, our travel week especially was just awesome. Alex & Jessica (the summer staffers getting married soon) took such wonderful care of us and it was great to be with more people that understand our mission and experience this summer. Then there was C, who blessed us with time in creation and some great stories about puppies, horses, camp, and much more. It was pretty cool to hang out with her and her neighbor and just listen to their tales of adventure in the middle-of-nowhere-Ohio. And Brad and his wife, Tammy, were wonderful too. Hearing about his ministries and just observing the heart he has for everything he does was pretty sweet, not to mention his testimony. I'm kind-of strangely humbled because I realize that I would have never met these people if it weren't for this job. Not only am I learning much from being a summer staffer, but I'm also learning to value relationships more, even the short term ones. There are so many people in this world. Cool ones, sweet ones, hurting ones, rich ones, poor ones, you name it. And I have the sweet opportunity of meeting a few and serving a few right here in America this summer. What a blessing it is to be on summer staff, even through the hardship that it requires at times! Still remembering & grappling with James 1:2-3 :)

So that's that I suppose. As of now set-up in Middletown is great, and we had a lovely day of relaxing for the 4th. Happy Birthday 'Murica! Campers come on Sunday, and I'm sure I'll have more lessons to share soon...God must be aware of how much I need to learn...I'm certain He must be entertained by how blinded I am by my earthly surroundings when He's been waiting for me the whole time! Please be in prayer for the week ahead, mainly that Jesus will sweep through Rosa Parks Elementary School and that the lives of residents and campers will changed forever by His precious spirit.

Love y'all.

CAMP #1: Parma, OH

Okay friends, I'm gonna be real. This job is so, I don't really even know the right word. Bittersweet maybe? Now that set-up is done and campers are here, all of the craziness has begun. For the past two days I've been in and out of the office trying to rearrange sleeping areas, answering 1 million+ questions, hanging out with campers, dealing with special situations, you name it. Yesterday I was thrown so many different directions that by the end of the night I didn't know what to do with myself.

I have been so spent. Last night I was incredibly exhausted and emotionally and spiritually drained. It took a solo trip to Walmart, full of prayer and praise for struggle and letting Jesus break me into a million little pieces (for the second time this summer I might add...) and reassemble me for today. It was weird. Often I think my intense moments with God typically revolve around my eating disorder recovery and battles, which is more than true and reflected in earlier posts, but last night not so much. I really was just tired, and it was only day one! My anxiety instantly elevated to fear for the rest of the summer. Because the past several days have been so insane and utterly draining, I feared for how I was going to make it through two more camps. I doubted my capabilities in so many ways that it was nothing but sinful. My fears went to the place of knowing full well that I somehow made it through Monday, but I probably wasn't going to make it through Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday or two more camps in general. It's been days since I had a quiet time set aside to spend with the Lord and boy could I feel it last night. That trip to Walmart was forty-five minutes of releasing fears to Jesus, just spending time talking with Him telling Him what was going on and that I need Him (how fitting, our GroupMissionTrips question of the day was "What do you need from Jesus?").

So, I think this job is teaching me some things that I already know, but it's teaching them in a firmer way: realizing the blessing of hardship and thanking God for it is so important. Doesn't seem to make sense, right? But think about it. When do we typically face hardship? For me, it almost always is when I'm doing everything on my own and am not drowning ministry and service in prayer and sought-after guidance from the One who has sent me to do it in the first place. It's when I think I can take the world on my shoulders and carry it into victory all by myself. Then trouble happens. Why? Because only one man successfully holds the world on His shoulders and sees the victory, and that's Jesus. Duh. Hardship is a blessing because it is a constant reminder that we cannot do life without our Savior. I cannot be a part of Group Mission Trips summer staff without spending better quality time with the Lord. I praise Him for yesterday because it makes the peace of today all the more wonderful and a glimpse of hope for what's in store for the rest of the summer.

"Don’t run from tests and hardships, brothers and sisters. As difficult as they are, you will ultimately find joy in them; if you embrace them, your faith will blossom under pressure and teach you true patience as you endure. And true patience brought on by endurance will equip you to complete the long journey and cross the finish line—mature, complete, and wanting nothing." 
~(James 1:2-3, The Voice)

As usual, Jesus equipped Max with the perfect words of encouragement for me last night. It's not that I don't want to share my struggles with other staffers, but there's just something special that Jesus is doing in allowing Max and I to support each other. Okay...I'll drop the mushy stuff, but I still think it's super sweet :). As for recovery things, the lack of mirror usage that I've decided to try out is actually working, I think, or maybe I just haven't had time to think about body image things...either way I'm definitely feeling better. Jesus is, has been, and will be on the move. Even through the struggles and demands of this job which seemed to break me down yesterday, I am blessed that He has been answering my prayers for recovery. With the newness of today I am confident that He will constantly pull me out the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire, and set my feet on Him, the rock, and give me a firm place to stand always. 

Love you all. Pray for CBC...they're workcampers in Georgia this week!

P.S. That last sentence up there? Yeah, it's from Psalm 40:2, I'd like that to be tatted on my foot someday. Just an FYI ;)

P.S.S. ALSO. This is SUCH a good song. I pray we can all be difference makers. Peace & blessinz.

Crew Timez

Since Crew K left set-up at the Racine, WI workcamp, we've been enjoying some relaxation in Kenosha, WI! We're currently staying with the sweetest family (just so happens to be our boss's family) that is taking very good care of us. Yesterday we literally slept all day before going to dinner out near the harbor on Lake Michigan. 

 

The harbor was quite beautiful when we were there. The sun sets here are lovely!

Today we went adventuring in Chicago, IL. We began today with an hour long train ride out of Waukegan to get there, pretty standard train ride. Upon getting off the train, we went straight to the Willis Tower (once the Sears Tower) to see the view from the top. It was PHENOMENAL! 103 floors up and a glass ledge to step out on was simply beautiful. Look for yourself...

Yeah, it's a glass ledge that overhangs and you feel like you're floating in mid air.

Anddd from the tower we went and had some deep-dish, Chicago-style pizza from Giodano's, as suggested by our wonderful staff contant, JT. It was too good, I mean, just look at it. 

This literally was such good pizza. It's baked with layers of cheese and whatever toppings you want and then the sauce is on top. It's beautiful. I swear all of the food in heaven is gonna be just like this. What they say is true, Chicago deep dish is the best. The last of our shenanigans in Chicago included going to see the giant reflective sculpture known as, The Bean.

I seriously love my crew. These few days of just relaxing and having time to bond have been so good for us, and I think much needed to prep for the week we have ahead for our first camp! We talked to our set-up director today for the first time, which means I'm officially starting in on my Day-by-Day to-do list! This is both exciting, and still a little nerve-racking. I feel confident in the camp we have ahead, but still weary of what standing on my own while I do this will look like. At the end of the day all I can ask for is that Jesus' will for each camp is evident and that our crew will effectively and efficiently execute what He is asking of each of us for the coming weeks. I am most looking forward to being able to room assign. Something we do for YoungLife each year is we have a HUGE prayer conference for the Commonwealth of Virginia and we pray over all of our YL kids by name as we look upon their beautiful faces in the yearbooks for schools across the state. I know I won't have pictures, but one of my goals for this summer is to be praying over campers by name and to more or less do a prayer walk through our schools where camp will be held. I don't know, there's just something about being physically present in the place your praying for and looking upon the names of kids as you pray for them that makes it that much more special when you meet them in person. We'll see how it goes, and hopefully I will be successful!

To update on me once again, I'm trying really hard to do this mirror challenge that I mentioned in my last post and I think it's going well. I'm feeling better, not perfect, but better body image wise and I think my focus is starting to be shifted to other places than griping about miniscule imperfections. I'm gonna be okay, I know this and have known this, and the Lord is using this off time to equip me with the tools I need to care for myself before I care for campers. I anticipate His victories big & small to continue the preparation of words and affirmation that will be necessary as Crew K heads into Parma on Wednesday. His love never fails, never gives up, and never runs out on us.

<3 <3 <3

 

Travelling & Setting up!

I can't believe it's been a week since I last posted. Time has just flown! So, last Sunday Crew K (my crew) set out with Crew B from Loveland, CO to head out to Racine, WI. My crew had to hang back and pick up one of our crew members from Denver, CO (she had flown home for her little brother's graduation and then flew back Sunday afternoon). So, since we're the all girl crew, we took the liberty to get pedicures while we had time to kill in Denver.

Then, once we got Sara from DIA, we headed to Kearney, Nebraska and stayed there for the night and met up with Crew B Monday morning in Omaha. From there the 8 of us drove 4 hours down the road to Iowa City to stay for the night. And, finally, by Tuesday night we made it to New Berlin, WI, where we stayed Tuesday & Wednesday. We stayed at Mike's house (the materials manager for Crew B), which was so wonderful. His family made us dinner & breakfast for two days and let us do probably a million loads of laundry. They honestly were just the best. I couldn't have felt more at home (well, unless I actually was at home...). On Wednesday my crew had the day off, so we went shopping in Milwaukee and saw the art museum, which was pretty cool. But, we then got caught in a thunderstorm and literally ran from the mall in Milwaukee back to our car. It was not a fun time, but certainly a fun story and we shared many laughs during it all.

Here's Crews B&K (or Burger King according to our staff contact)

From Left to Right: Sara, Me, Kelly, Jacki, Lauren, Mike, Matt, & Laura

 Here we are leaving New Berlin!

To update you on me personally...I'm doing alright. Set-up here in Racine has gone well I'd say. I've been helping Jacki, the office manager for Crew B. I appreciate being able to be here and help out because it's giving me a better idea of what I'm going to need to do when we arrive in Parma, OH on Wednesday. I'm feeling good about doing this job, I think this "practice run" is boosting my confidence effectively. However, for personal/spiritual matters, it is so hard to make time for quiet times. We are so busy and so tired all of the time that it is very rare that I can find a time or place to just sit in the presence of Jesus. On top of that, as I've shared in previous posts about eating disorder recovery, body image seems to be fluctuating so much, which is very difficult to sporadically be battling alongside the stress of this job. Max has been AMAZING in checking in with me and talking me through some things, usually coupled with scripture and his own loving encouragement for me. Our two year anniversary was on Wednesday of this week, which was such a bittersweet day for me at least; it's so exciting, but a bummer that I can't be with him to celebrate this week. Anyways. This morning as I was getting ready and doing my all-too-typical critique of myself in the mirror, I realized that I need to try the challenge that another girl on staff told me about during training. I need to do the "No Mirrors" challenge. My problem is that I so easily pick things about myself and my appearance and quickly label them negative so that I can agonize and criticize as much as possible. It makes little sense why this becomes my default when I believe in a Savior that defines my worth as so much more than what I see. So, my thought is that maybe this lack of mirrors will help me understand the unseen better. Then, turns out my devotion from Jesus Calling was all about fixing our eyes on what is unseen...

"The tangible world still reflects My Glory, to those who have eyes that see and ears that hear. Spending time alone with Me is the best way to develop seeing eyes and hearing ears. The goal is to be aware of unseen things even as you live out your life in the visible world."

Sweet. Honestly, just what I needed to hear. A reminder that yes, my appearance DOES reflect HIS glory, but that I need to spend time with him to develop a keener sense of the unseen. Y'all, there's a lot that I'm struggling to see. Not to put myself or anyone else on a pedestal, but I struggle to acknowledge the fruit of ministry that Jesus can do, is doing, and will do through us. I want it. I ask Him for it. But I don't expect it. Would you pray for that & do that too? Let's not just ask anymore, but fully anticipate His presence with us.

Love y'all.

P.S. I recognize this is out of context, but I do find a sense of empowerment and truth in this verse applicable to the life of a "Christian..."

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."
-1 Peter 2:9

Last day...what!?

Folks, this is it. The last day in Colorado. As cliche as this may be, I can't believe this day has already arrived. Two weeks ago I was just arriving in Estes Park, scared of what these two weeks would hold, sad to leave so many people behind, and intimidated by the job I have to do. Right now? I am still sad at times, I miss Max & my family A LOT. I'm nervous to travel. But, I don't think I'm scared anymore...

These two weeks have been chock full of training, friends, laughter, and most of all: Jesus. As my last post stated, sometimes it's hard for me to remember my worth in the eyes of my Creator, regardless of how hard I have worked in recovery from my eating disorder. And, as my last post said, God has been pushing to get through once again. I thought maybe Tuesday night was the extent of that reassurance from Him. Then Wednesday happened. We had an awesome dinner at Group Publishing with all of the directors and MC's (by the way, did you know that they have a Wii, 2 ping pong tables, HUGE bean bags, and a mini-golf course all on the top floor for the staff to use??). We did that activity of prayer for a partner and listening for God's words for that person again, this time with a different person. My new partner heard the word "daughter" for me. It was perfect in the context of my struggles to accept and appreciate myself as a daughter of the King. This was only the beginning. That night during staff community worship time, Jesus swept through the testimony of a staffer, and for me personally broke down the rest of the barriers that I always seem to put up when I start allowing ED to win me over. I cried, I worshipped, I watched my brothers & sisters on staff lift each other up as we all let Jesus work on us.

Now, my experience Wednesday doesn't stop with the beauty of that worship session. As usual, I called Max for our nightly phone date. I assumed that my tears were dried and I was ready to tell him about the work Jesus was doing. But, as we learned in training, we should never assume. At the sound of "Hey! How are you doing?" the water works came. Once I got through explaining, Max got his Bible to have what he calls a "Holy Bajoblie" session. He flipped to Ezekiel 41:17-18, Psalm 7:15, & Romans 16:27 and somehow strung them all together into a beautiful piece of encouragement that I needed to hear. Then, before we hung up I asked him to pray for me...this was kind of a big deal because Max does not pray out loud. Ever. He just doesn't like to. But, he prayed for me. His choice of words, "Lord, remind Noelle of what a wonder she is" have just stuck with me all week. It was such a cool thing for me to hear and for us in general.

And it all makes sense why something like this happened. I've heard it hasn't happened at training before, but it still makes sense. If we don't let Jesus have His way in us now, tearing us apart to put us back together more whole than we ever were before, there's no way that we can stand in a position to lead kids to the foot of the cross this summer as effectively as possible. It was hard and many of us seemed to have brokenness that needed some starter repairs. And now we have earned our red shirts, loaded our trucks, and will be on our way this time tomorrow!

And just for fun, here are a few songs I'm obsessed with...

"Great I Am" & "Glory to God Forever" & "Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies)"

Pray for the 2013 staff that will begin the trek across the country tomorrow! Pray Ephesians 3:16-21 & 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 over us.

Love y'all!

Thoughts & Things

Evenin' friends. Just as a starter disclaimer, I don't have super cool pics to share with you tonight. I know, I set the bar high on Saturday, but we just haven't done a ton since then. On Sunday we all went to church together to a church called Mill City Church in Fort Collins, CO. It was pretty cool and part of Colorado State University, which was pretty. But. UVA is by far the prettiest, of course. The town itself and where we're staying actually reminds me a little of home. Apparently Fort Collins is the #1 place to live & raise a family. Fun fact. 

Sunday kinda caught me by surprise. I was suddenly thrown into a wave of sadness to not be at home with Crozet Baptist friends. And, when we sang the song "Healer" I got especially sad because that's one of the songs that my dad always leads in CBC worship. But, the service all in all was pretty good (though my Bible knowledge from my religion classes at school made parts of the sermon questionable). After church we all went to a lake as a staff and had a picnic and hang out followed with pizza dinner back at the school.

Training is going well. I officially am capable of driving a Penske moving truck...maybe not well, but I CAN do it. We got our company credit cards and cash today. I'm nervous to be in charge of so much! Today we also had the briefest Red Cross first aid and CPR training. Hopefully I won't have to do that....I'd like as few emergencies as possible this summer.

On to Jesus things. I'm bummed. I haven't had a ton of time for quiet times, which is taking a bit of a toll. Whenever I don't keep up with my quiet times I feel a bit of a drag. But, there is still tonight and tomorrow morning to restart the groove. On the plus side, staff worship is just incredible. It's very simple and acoustic, just like workcamp, but I swear, Jesus moves through that gym when we worship. Though my personal time with him has maybe been lacking, He has not failed to reveal himself to me and speak the truth that I AM LOVED into me. Last night we had some reflection time at the end of worship and Jesus reminded me of that truth. For whatever reason, I make it seem like I am confident and content in myself, but I am so cautious at the same time that it's to the point that I easily forget that I am loved; by my family, my friends, by Max especially, and most of all by my Savior. Sometimes my self-doubting-eating-disorder voice easily creeps in and is so hard to repress. But, as always when this happens, Jesus makes the truth loud and clear, which I am forever grateful to have a Savior that reminds me of His love when I forget to love myself.

 Also, I JUST PARTICIPATED IN MY FIRST "GET DOWN" DANCE AS A SUMMER STAFFER! WOOHOO!

Peace & blessinz.

(Anddd, for confused readers, I am 4 years in recovery from a combination of anorexia & bulimia. Praise the Lord :) )

Hiking!

Today was the most exhausting, yet adventurous day! A group of about 30 or so of us went on a hike in the Rocky Mountain National Park. I think our hike round-trip was just under 6 miles. Not too far. It was through LOTS of snow and we went past 3 lakes and did some rock scrambling too. Honestly want to climb more and hike more when I get home now. For now I'm going to let the pictures speak for themselves...(more are on Facebook!)

 

Here's our group!

 

 

Bear Lake

 My crew!

 

Rocky Mountain Bluejay

 First lookout stop

 Dream Lake

 

 Emerald Lake

 Ben likes to go barefoot EVERYWHERE

 I like to crawl through crevices.

 View of Dream Lake from Emerald Lake

 So, if you can't tell, there's SO much truth in this verse:  

"There is so much here, O Eternal One, so much You have made.
    By the wise way in which You create, riches and creatures fill the earth."
          (Psalm 104:24, The Voice)

I have always had an appreciation for nature and creation, just ask Max about how many times I've made him watch the sunrise from Humpback Rock, but this hike blew my mind. Just like in Guatemala, I so easily forget how much bigger the world is than Crozet, VA and how each piece fits together into one breathtaking creation. Yes, I could say that my lungs were tight today from altitude, but I think it's safe to say that the overwhelming awe of this creation was probably the culprit of my stolen breath. Just take a moment and imagine physically being where these pictures were taken...I was there only hours ago.  I don't know why I don't do more nature-y things when I'm at home. That's going on the goals list for next year. Definitely wanna hike more, definitely wanna learn how to legitimately rock climb. 

So far, I think this job is teaching me just how much better being uncomfortable is than comfortable. Just read my first several posts and you'll see how sad and unsure I was about this job. But, as I anticipated and am being shown, Jesus shows up when we're uncomfortable. He calls us into the unknown so that we MUST depend on Him in order to find comfort and expect the end to be overflowing with His spirit and marvelous plans for us. Ever since my trip to Guatemala in March, I think I know that Jesus calls me into the exact things that make me uncomfortable and out of what's comfortable. And, He has yet to fail me as I follow Him as best I can. 

I haven't posted prayer requests in a few days, but this has been on my heart: friends, please be in prayer for Max this summer too! He will be going on a WorkCamp trip in Valdosta, GA in a few weeks and then on a 3 week mission trip to Charlotte, NC. Charlotte will be with an organization called "Hyaets", which if you click that link you'll see how awesome it looks. I'm super excited for him to have this experience and just want to have him lifted up in prayer as he sets out to do the Lord's work this summer too!

Here's a recent pic of me & my stud (for those that want to put a face with the name I just asked you to pray for.)

 
Y'all rock. Peace out girl scouts.

The past two days have just been wonderful. I finally feel some bonding with everyone and am legitimately enjoying myself. I think this summer is shaping up to be one of the best things I'll ever do, with some of the greatest people. Today for our Office Manager Training we literally spent almost an hour just watching wedding & proposal videos...I may or may not have gotten emotional...some of them were too cute (like THIS!). Then, we got to drive down from Estes Park to pick up 18 mini-vans for the Week of Hope people and for us to use this weekend while we're off. We drove them back up to Estes and came back down the mountain to Erwin Middle School to do a practice school walk through/set-up. It was pretty easy and now we're all settled into our rooms at the school as though it were a real work camp week. My double decker air mattress is actually pretty nice. I'm diggin' it. Tonight we went out with a group to dinner at this great burger place and got gelato afterwords. Turns out we met the owner and got filmed for some sort of advertising he's going to do AND got vouchers for free gelato if we come back tomorrow. Pretty cool I'd say.

But, on our way back, one of our mini-van drivers got pulled over by a cop. Our car almost had a heart attack as a whole. But, since we're good little Christians there of course no colorful language as we watched the lights come on in front of us.....right.....Turns out it was just that the headlights weren't on and we were set free. Certainly nerve racking, but as we prayed for our friends in the other car they pulled away with no consequence. Thanks, Jesus, for that one! And, finally, we made it back to the school. I had a few minutes to chat with Max--always a highlight of any day, anytime of year, anywhere. Even though it's after midnight on the east coast, he's been staying up late just to get some time in with me. Super lucky for the bit of time we have had to stay in touch and just blessed to have him in general. Guys, he rocks & is missed a lot by this girl.

Cool thing that happened during devotions this morning: our crew had the opportunity to sit in silence and wait for God to reveal things to us about our crew mates. For Laura, we heard peace. From Kelly, we heard Hebrews 11:1 ("Faith is the assurance of things you have hoped for, the absolute conviction that there are realities you’ve never seen." -The Voice). From Sara, she imagined a lot of complicated scenarios from last summer, but with our crew and she could see them going more smoothly. And for me. Laura heard from God that I have strong faith. That I'm going to be the faithful one always pushes our crew closer to Jesus regardless of what's going on. No pressure, right? I've also been told this week that I have a calm, confidence and focus about me that makes it clear that I'm going to do a good job this summer. Hearing all of these things, and knowing that much of it has been revealed to people by Jesus is really cool and makes me feel great about myself and excited for what's to come. But, sometimes I still really struggle to receive compliments...even though my love language is Words of Affirmation. I'm hopeful that this summer God will teach me the importance of embracing grace and love from other people, trying to allow Jesus to work through them. God is good, all the time and I know he will be great this summer. Stay tuned! Lotz of luvz.

Something Beautiful...and Super Sweet

Andddd this my friends, is where we're staying until Friday of this week. Isn't it beautiful?? I still haven't decided if I like The Rockies, Blue Ridge, or Guatemalan Highlands best...all I know is that God has created a beautiful world for His children. The weather has been pretty moderate so far, actually more on the chilly side. As you can see, there's quite a bit of snow on the mountain tops.

 

This evening during a New Staff meeting we saw some pretty cool creatures...aka ELK! This is the closest thing I've ever seen to a moose, which I'm kind of in love with. Two years ago on a Group Workcamps trip to Cornwall, Canada I was desperate to see a moose, but had no such luck. But, for Christmas that year Max got me a mini-pillow pet moose, now named Alfred, which was simply wonderful. I think seeing the elk today roaming around like deer would back home was even more wonderful. Aren't they cool!?!?

So far, today has left me feeling much better and shifting closer to excitement and further from nerves. Tomorrow I should be starting to learn more about my position specifically, which will certainly help me calm down once I know what my job specifics actually are. My crew had some great bonding time tonight. I'm absolutely looking forward to traveling with them and all of the cool stuff we'll likely get to do along the way...hopefully my paychecks won't get used up too quickly. Tonight we had some awesome worship as a staff. Since I wasn't able to go to Intervarsity very much during the spring semester, it felt amazing to worship with a portion of the body of Christ as we prepare for our adventures this summer. AND. As if this wasn't enough, I got a text from my WyldLife team at UVA that we officially have FOUR girls attending YoungLife camp this summer! We have been hard at prayer for this, and it will be the first time in a long time that our team takes more than one girl. On top of that, all of them are rising 7th/8th graders so we have a full year or two to spend with them. Jesus is so amazing and it couldn't feel better to feel His hands at work in multiple ministries tonight. All the glory is his and I can't even wait for all He has in store for this summer in each place my heart will be.

I is for "introvert"

I know, I already posted today, but this I think is necessary too. I have officially arrived at Estes Park in Loveland, Colorado for 2 weeks of training! I must say, I anticipated being much more excited than I am, but as I wrote this morning a part of me is certainly still grieving the loved ones I've left behind for this summer. It dawned on me that I'll be missing my little sister's 13th birthday among other things I'm sure. It's hard. It's hard to be away from the people I already know and love so much. I am aware and looking forward to the new and close relationships that I will form with my crew, especially since I've been placed on a crew with ALL ladies. At first I felt a bit disappointed, but after hanging out with them for a little bit tonight I'm genuinely looking forward to bonding time with them.

But. I have a problem. And I've been having it all day.

I. am. an. introvert.

Being with so many fun/wild/crazy people is great, but my energy is double drained. We spent 4 hours in the Denver airport just hanging out and getting to know each other. We basically took over the main terminal. There are certainly tons of cool people here, but I feel incredibly shy and a little lost in this sea of people, and of course, intimidated by the tasks that will eventually be at hand. Couple that with the bit of spiritual grief I'm experiencing as well as extreme exhaustion from 3 hours of sleep last night and leaving home at 4:15AM (which is 2:15AM in Colorado...), I am a slightly grumpy and antisocial Noelle at this point.

For y'all that are reading praying, my prayer requests for now are: physical health (my stomach is mean to me periodically, today has been so-so AND the high altitude that we're at in the Rockies can cause problems), praises for arriving safely, and emotional/spiritual health too (I'd like to be moving past the sadness of leaving behind Max and my family and friends and start focusing/getting pumped for what Jesus has in store).

Here are my locations:

Parma, OH--June 23-29
Middletown, OH--July 7-13
Belle, WV--July 21-27

Planes on planes on planes

I’m starting this blog for my travels & experience as a first time Summer Staffer with Group Workcamp. Presently, I’m on a plane to Denver that should be arriving within the next hour of me writing this. My first flight was out of Shenandoah airport in Staunton, VA and my parents and boyfriend, Max, came with me to see me off. We got there with plenty of time to check in (shockingly since I got less than 3 hours of sleep), and since it was such a small airport they were able to stay and hang out with me until it was time to board at 6:30AM. The time was approaching, but instead of being called to board we were told that the flight was delayed and we needed to come to the counter to reschedule. A shiver of panic went through me as my connecting flight to Denver was at Dulles International in D.C. and it was leaving the ground at 8:19AM. I was already tight for time without a delay. I think a glimmer of hope caught Max’s eye, he said several times “this is a sign from God that you shouldn’t leave.” As it turned out, while we waited in line the plane became ready and it was going to land in D.C. at 8…in reality it landed at 8:15. I did not make it to terminal D from B in 4 minutes. However, I was lucky enough to catch the next flight to Denver, that I’m currently on, which departed at 9:10AM. This was actually the best case scenario because I had just enough time to get off Plane #1, grab a muffin from Starbucks, and board Plane #2.

So. Here I am. Getting closer to my first destination of the summer. I suppose I’ll be finding out soon where my others will be. This four-hour flight has provided a bit of time to catch up on sleep, though the turbulence has been a little rough, I feel more rested now than I did waiting at Shenandoah. But, I’ve also done a bit of thinking and processing as I was drifting in and out of sleep. This summer is a huge loss. I’m losing 10 weeks that I could’ve spent bonding with my little sisters or babysitting the coolest kids that I nannied for last summer or bonding with my parents or dates and hangouts with the best guy around, Max. I’m losing a lot of quality time with some of the people I love so much it can’t even be quantified. But, as I’ve been told before, I think I’m continuing to better understand a little bit about how Jesus works. If you want to follow Him, you HAVE to lose something, and it’s okay to grieve what is lost. He asks us to take up our cross so that in order to gain life, we must lose it, because He has come to give us life, and life to the full. Jesus gave up His own life for us. Talk about incredible loss. Though there is much lost, there is so much more gained. I anticipate this principle will most certainly apply this summer. Yes, I have income to gain, but also new friends, experience, travels, and I’m sure plenty of lessons from Jesus himself. But, I believe my gains are not why I’ve chosen to do this job. It’s the gain for God’s kingdom. I want to better find ways that I can accept my position as God’s partner in ushering in his kingdom. There is much to be done on this earth before we meet Jesus again, and I am excited to take part in even a small bit of service right here on American soil. That’s how I view this. I am called to be a servant, a disciple. I want to answer that call. I hope this summer will reflect what answering the call might look like. I want to come home on August 2 a stronger, more faithful woman of God, seeking after my savior all the more.