God Sightings

Around here we like to talk about a part of program we call God Sightings. In real life God Sightings are any way we see God at work during our day. They really are a cool part of program and kids are really responsive to seeing God at work. But sometimes you get some strange ones, like "Today, I was putting mayo on my sandwich and I looked down and it was in the shape of the cross." Some become quite funny but the good ones are quality. I still remember mine from my Workcamp days. The point of this story is that as I was going to sleep last night, after one of the most stressful weeks of my life, I reflected for a while on the multiple God Sightings I've experienced this week. 

Every morning this week I woke up at 5:30am, worked all day with 16 summer staffers to feed, serve, and clean up for 100-150 people. It was crazy. I didn't eat one meal in the cafeteria with everyone, I ate in the kitchen. There were many days all I wanted to do was shove everyone out of the kitchen and do it myself. Some incredibly frustrating moments.

And if this week was any different I wouldn't have gotten to have incredible conversations with my new friends Chris and Jake. I'm seriously so honored you chose to spend multiple meal times with me. You didn't let me isolate myself and for that I'm forever grateful. Love you both. 

Good thing we're talking all summer (and beyond!)

Gotta give a shout out to my trainers. You all rock. I'm inspired by your dedication to making Group Mission Trips a success not just for summer staffers but for every person that comes to camp. You are all so gifted in leadership and are true examples of selfless leaders. You have given everything this week and I couldn't have asked for a better group to work with. 

I may not have a picture of this one but I still have to share. Last Wednesday I experienced one of the most raw moments of worship in my Christian life. I've never cried or prayed so hard in my life. I was confronted with all of the things I've been trying to hide for years now and it was a time I truly felt broken. 

Enter Alex. Crying and sitting all alone, Alex came over and enveloped me in the best bear hug ever. Then he made me talk. You know, admitting your struggles is incredibly scary because saying them out loud makes them real. Alex wouldn't accept my silence and instead shared his story so I could share mine. Thank you Alex. You embraced me in my moment of honesty and have encouraged me in a way very few people have. You rock. 

I was nervous about training. I was not excited to create a new trainer position or potentially being the "second" trainer for the program leaders. I wrestled with my pride a lot before coming to Colorado and I wasn't sure I would enjoy being the kitchen trainer. 

Meghan, there's no one else I would have liked to train with. You are a bright ray of sunshine and especially in the topic of God's church your faith in Him blows me away. Thank you for being gracious with me and loving on me even when I was being incredibly prideful. Thank you for including me. But most importantly, thank you for being the kind of friend only God could provide. He somehow even wired our brains to think the same thing at the same time. You have so much Christ in you friend. I'm blessed by your friendship. 

Week of Hopers, you are the body of Christ. The hands, the feet, the arms, the legs, the whole body. Every single one of you fills a certain part of God's plan for this summer and I can't wait to see what He does as his body stretches across America. I'm encouraged and inspired by all of you. Thank you for you who are, the work you've put in these past two weeks, and the faith you have in following God's call for you summer. 

You're so ready. Go! 

And I'll end with this God Sighting: as I came into this summer, I was incredibly anxious about my new partner. I have had two Caitlyn/Kaitlyn's that have rocked my world and to give it a third shot? Fat chance I'd get another great one. Sometimes I wonder why I worry. God, you are good. And Molly, you make me so excited for this summer. Your love of God, genuine kindness, and pure joy is contagious and I know God is going to use us in ways we can't even imagine. Thanks for everything you are and all the ways you're already encouraging me. I love you and I can't wait for our summer in Charleston! 

And our extra bonus, Olivia. Even though your just a flex and take up extra space in our car ;) WHCHA wouldn't be a dream team without you. You've worked harder and laughed longer than anyone else this week and I can't wait to spend as much time as we get with you this summer! 

WHCHA and our van Charles. 

Packed to the max! Ready for the trip to South Carolina!

Ready or not, here we go!