Biggest Loser?

Well, here is the long awaited update from the Florida trip! Let me just start out by saying, I have never felt so blessed in my entire life. I have an amazing family, and incredible friends in my life that love me and sharpen me DAILY. Honestly, the trip felt super weird for me at first. Some of my best friends are still in the student ministry, but there I was as a leader. I was really unsure that I would be able to handle this awkward position, BUT knew that God placed me as a freshmen girls leader for a reason. He is SO good. And that is an understatement. As the week progressed, I found myself being able to relate to the girls. I got to help them out with issues, and they really welcomed me to the point where I felt like I was one of them! They taught me perseverance, acceptance, vulnerability and unconditional love. One night, we were challenged to be open with one another. I have known some of these girls for a while, but I had really just started getting to know them. I was able to spill my guts and my junk to them, and they listened and cared for me. Once again, God proved that His plans for me are so much bigger and better than my own. Patience is another thing I learned last week. I feel like I can't learn about it enough!

We had lots of fun too, don't get me wrong. Beach time every day was an adventure. We made cookies for the freshmen guys and ding-dong ditched them. That definitely brought back some good memories. :) Our conversations each night were a blast! I felt kinda old when I would tell them my dumb stories, but maybe it helped them some. Boy talk was the best....always is! Oh, and I haven't mentioned the BEST part! WE WON IRON CHEF! I am now a proud two-time champ! :) And our theme of the week was purging pride..oopsies! But now that I have the hat AND the apron, I feel like a major nerd. As if I wasn't one before. We also were talking about random stuff the last night and found old pictures from student life camp! My friend Marissa and I went as leaders when these girls were in 6th grade. Oh, the awkward years.

Going back to work yesterday was NOT fun. This summer has just been so difficult so far that it's been nice to get away from all the issues. Luckily, I work in 3 week periods. In 3 weeks, I'll be on North Padre with the family, then in another 3 weeks, I'll be at IMPACT! Gosh, that makes the summer seem so short. Gotta enjoy it while it lasts!

Prayer: I want to continue to minister to my girls like they have ministered to me. My friend Jan is in Swazi and experiencing a lot of difficulty. Also, she is the only WHITE GIRL in the country, which is extremely scary. Kaitlin comes home this week, so pray for safe travel! Also, I want to be effective at my job and be a blessing to my kids.

T.T.F.N.!

JEE

P.S. Here are some pictures from the trip! Enjoy!!