Catch Up Time

I haven't blogged in so long, but the summer has still been going NON-STOP! Refuge Ministries is on the move, and I will do my best to Recap :)

On July 3rd, we went to a Lookouts game which included fireworks as the grand finale. Lookouts games can be quite uneventful at times but this night was not at all that. The Lookouts played great and we got to experience an exciting game!!

The next day, the wonderful Hardison family took Kyle and I out on their boat. It was an exciting day of wakeboarding, tubing, and spending time together. After a fun time and while heading back to the dock, a torrential downpour started! It felt like we were getting shot with BBs. But it was also hilarious! We had a wonderful 4th of July together :)

And just a few days later we set out for Camp Wetoga...

Trip to Cookevegas

Last Thursday and Friday, we had a trip for the high school where Kyle and I got to show the kids our home-away-from-home. The days preparing for this trip were so exciting and I was so anxious to combine 2 parts of my life that I love. We left on Thursday morning at 9 a.m with 5 girls and 6 guys from the youth group (plus Kyle, Josh, and I). Our first destination was Rock Island State Park in McMinnville, TN. When we arrived, we ate lunch them broke up into 2 groups. One group went to the falls to make the jumps and another group went to the beach and swimming holes. Everyone had a blast here! We got to hike, swim, and just be in God's beautiful creation. After this, our friend Cody Deason showed us through the nature center and many people held the snake there, while many of the rest of us kept our distance. My roommate works at the welcome center, so it was wonderful to introduce the group to her. From there we made our way to Cookeville. We settled in mine and Kyle's apartment and went to Cheddars for dinner. We then went to the UCSC and played countless games of psagi! We played a game of Apples to Apples and when that ended it was time for Late Night Praise. The kids got to meet and play with a bunch of our best friends. We had a time of singing then went to Big O's for some donuts. We went our seperate ways (the girls got some pizza rolls). The next morning we met up for breakfast at the one and only Dipsy Doodle! Then Thaniee gave us a general tour on campus and we introduced the kids to the incredible MamaT. We then packed up and I took the girls to The Market. Our trip was truly a blessing!!!

Space Unicorn

Stranger Than Fiction - Impact 2012
This camp is always one of my favorite parts of the summer. Since I have been out of the youth group, I have found a way back to Impact every year. First 2 years as a roadie, then a counselor, and this year as a chaperone. Being a chaperone was a much different experience. I didn't have really anything I HAD to do. I still really enjoy going to the classes and sessions and couldn't miss those. But during free time I was able to visit with friends and even get some rest. Each experience whether it be in worship, lessons/class, girl's/quiet time in the morning or hanging out, Morning Impact, and nightly entertainment. Our group this year was incredible! We also got to meet up with our friends from University Church of Christ again. We had our nightly devos with them and also played some extreme spoons. We learned about what makes a good story, our own pride, and the greater story that God is calling us to be a part of. It is not about us. Lord, it is all about YOU!

JAMAICA

Thursday night our Jamaica team made it back home. Our trip was jam-packed and so hard to part with! It had been 4 years for me away from Jamaica and what I found when I returned was so similar to when I left - some of the most loving and grateful people in the world. Their laid back nature makes life so much easier to enjoy every moment. We visited an infirmary nearly every day- where we visited, made crafts, sang songs, had prayer, and read some favorite verses. This was such an important time; it was there that we were able to see how blessed we truly are. And just like four years ago, as hard as this place is to visit - it is one of my favorite places to go. There was a group each day that would go play soccer with any kids that wanted to come out during this time. And let me just tell you, Jamaica is hotter than hot! We also visited 5 school throughout the week where we performed puppet shows. My favorite school we visited was a school for kids with handicaps. They had the most adorable smiles! One day we painted a school; and later on that week got to return to do a puppet show there. At night we put on a VBS. This time was insane and as the week went on our numbers went thru the roof. Another night we had street church, where Brother Solomon impacted each one of us with an incredible sermon. They also had a beatbox with their singing that I loved. Yet another night, we had activities for the teenagers of Lucea only. We played fruitbasket turnover, had snacks, heard singing groups perform, and had a great lesson by Josh. Oh, and throughout the week we had some incredible food! And we got to go to the beach, climb a waterfall, and shop in the market. We also had groups visit the church's sick and see Brother Fergie's house. We were truly blessed! Blessed to be around adorable children, comfort the sick, and travel safely!!

Highlights:

One of our crafts one night was a VBS sheet- it asked what you learned, your favorite song, your new friends, etc. I looked down and saw that my sweet friend, Malik had written under "Favorite thing I did at VBS" .. "Playing with Jordan". It really warmed my heart :)

Also, seeing familiar faces from 4 years ago. It filled my heart with joy to know that they were still connected to the church. A couple of girls that remembered my right when they saw me, I could have cried.

Thank you Lord for a wonderful trip!!

June Joy

Tonight, we got to fellowship with a cookout, outside devo, and epic game of kickball! There was a wonderful turnout of youth and their parents. It was a special time for us to be together :) Steve Conn graced us with a lesson and he could quite possibly be the funniest guy alive! We talked about eternal joy, joy that can never pass away. This is the joy that should spill out of us because of the love that has been poured out on us. Thank you guys for such an uplifting night!

You must be Swift as the coursing river, with all the Force of the great typhoon, with all the Strength of a raging fire, Mysterious as the dark side of the moon

On Wednesday, we started Chattanooga Workcamp. Let me start off by saying.. the number of times I have driven a 15 passenger van made a great jump this week from 1 to a whopping 15! Crazy times. Lots of shotguns and wonderful van jams. This week, as Chattanooga Workcamp always is, was an joyful few days that included an incredible amount of service. My group was a wonderful group to be in. Everyone formed strong friendships and we sure did get to laugh a lot! We helped out at the Community Kitchen, Food Bank, The Salvation Army, gave donuts to firemen, and painted the back of a house. We got to experience so many things together. The other crew leaders and I loved seeing the enthusiasm and love shown my everyone that came to help out. I love meeting together at night and spending time fellowshipping with one another. We work, head home to shower, head back for dinner, then are able to worship our hearts out together. We were able to hear many lessons from surrounding congregations, even one by our very own Kyle Shrum. We also had the best video presented at camp on being modest! :)  Also, when it comes to the game of gotcha.. we really stand out! I am so blessed to be able to work with some hilarious and wonderful teens. Spending the night at the church building doesn't make for the most pleasant mornings or late nights, but it sure is fun! Glad the kids got to play murder again!!

And girls, loved doing the wobble with you in the parking lot :)
Got to watch Marley and Me & A Little Princess!
Planned our "Call me maybe" car-dance for the Braves Game trip.

CREW 13

So Thankful God was able to work through each of us this week! I know many people got to see His face through the work of our teens! What a great start to the summer!!!

It Begins!

Saturday night a few of us went to a CFC game at Finely Stadium. This was my first game and I have been wanting to make it to a game for about 3 years. I guess not enough to actually to make it to one, but the thought had been in my mind. Cameron, Jace, Molly, Kyle, and I were the party. First evidence of loving this activity was that they were having technical difficulty so the Chattahooligans (crazy spirit section) led the National Anthem - we all joined in! I really need to learn the correct wording at some parts of this very important song. Then the game started, as did Cameron's cow horn! "Chandler" "Who Dat?". We scored pretty early on but nearing the end they did the same. We ended in a tie; but it was a very fun outing. I would really like to buy some merchandise :)

Cameron.

@ the game.

Sunday was my official first day. We met before service to pray with the elders and ministry team. I really love this time! Then I sat with the teens and went to the high school class. The class was on relationships and being a good friend; it was a very fun time. That night the youth met to work on a modesty video for Chattanooga Workcamp that begins this Wednesday.

Yesterday, we went to a Braves Game. Let me tell you, a Braves Game is a great way to celebrate Memorial Day! We had an incredible dedication to the army, navy, marines, air force, and coast guard. We also got to witness a solider coming home to surprise his family :) The Braves didn't pull out a win but I truly had a blessed day.

 Fellow intern, Kyle.

Today, we have had staff meeting and got to have a great discussion there. I am so excited to be around this staff again!