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!

In the inbetween.

Let"s recap a little bit: _______________________________________________ Around the end of November I decided that I was going to to come back to East Brainerd Youth Group for another summer! We told the kids. Then one of my good friends, Kyle Shrum, was hired to be the guy intern. This began an excitement in the 2 of us that was talked about pretty much every time we saw each other! _______________________________________________________________ My first reunion with this wonderful group was the Superbowl Party. Kyle came down too and some of the teens got to meet him. It was so incredible for me to be with you all again. The greetings from you all made me feel so loved. The night was insane. Especially with the nerf and wrestling match that took place. There is never a dull moment and I was so excited then for this hanging out to be a regular occurance. _______________________________________________________________ THEN, I was honored to go and chaperone Winterfest. Like Winterfest is every year, sleep was scarce - sidewalks crowded - lessons incredible - hangouts hilarious - and devos... so inspiring! I was so blessed to be a part of this experience with Refuge Ministries. And here is where I think Kyle got the most excited, when he saw how incredible our teens truly are. One night in devo we have the annual Q & A with the new interns (except I wasn't new). I really enjoyed this time; there was a blend of serious and creative/random questions. We are lucky to have some of the most unique people on the planet in our group. I really enjoyed the sessions of Winterfest this year. To be honest, sometimes Winterfest isn't at the top of my list of retreats because it is just so crammed and insane. But I LOVED the lessons this year on the 12 disciplines. What we learned there is so important and useful in keeping up with your spiritual growth and centering your life around our Maker. In our devo the last night - you guys really blew me away. Yall have done this to me before, but this night will always be one that stands out in my mind. The honesty and the brokenness shared, the prayers lifted up, and the hugs that were given out so freely from brothers and sisters. You guys put yourselves out there! And I am so proud that our group will not allow someone to put themselves out there without immediately wrapped up in love. After our devo we split girls and guys to talk further. This was a blessing! It was difficult to say goodbye the next morning, but I knew I would get to spend 2 months with you very very soon. ____________________ AND THAT TIME HAS COME. ________________________ I start in 6 days. I already have gotten to see a lot of you and am excited to see what this summer has in store for us. Love you dearly! Hope you are ready for Work Camp coming up!! See you soon.