This blog post comes about a month late, but better late than never, right?
Mark and I had the opportunity to go on the high school youth trip, Caravan, again this summer as leaders. With such a great experience on the trip in New York last summer, I wasn't quite sure how this one would compare.
God always uses these trips to work in lives of high school students.
I was blown away by the trip. Each and every day and each and every night during worship, I could just feel the Holy Spirit's presence amongst our group. Lives being changed for God's glory.
We had such a great week. We both had wonderful small groups of high school juniors who we were able to grow with, teach, and learn from.
A story of the Holy Spirit's work in my life:
On Tuesday night, the third night of worship, an undeniable fear came over me. Fear for the year ahead, my first year of teaching. The fear ran deep and questions were racing through my head. How will I do it? Am I really prepared enough for the year ahead? Am I the best person for this job? What if the kids don't like me? What if they don't respect me? Will I be able to contribute enough to my teaching team?
I could feel and hear the lies penetrating my thoughts during worship and as the tears flowed- I was fearful for the year to come. Yet, as I felt so weak standing there, I felt strong, not by my own strength, but by a strength that I knew came from Christ alone. I cried out to God during worship, praising Him, knowing that I would be relying on His strength during my teaching career. I could feel the Holy Spirit working in me; I wouldn't be able to do it on my own, but by seeking Him and finding my strength from Him, it would be possible. There was so much joy that came from that. It didn't mean that the year was going to be easy, or that I wouldn't have to work my butt off, but I was at peace about that. It was such a surreal moment for me and so hard to put into words.
There is nothing like seeing the Spirit work in others lives. Mark and I love having the opportunity to witness changed hearts in lives of so many high school students that we care so much about.
By the way, we did go to Florida, and the beach was beautiful, the water was so great and the days were so much fun hanging out, playing beach volleyball and swimming in the Gulf :) It was a super trip!
Mark and I had the opportunity to go on the high school youth trip, Caravan, again this summer as leaders. With such a great experience on the trip in New York last summer, I wasn't quite sure how this one would compare.
God always uses these trips to work in lives of high school students.
I was blown away by the trip. Each and every day and each and every night during worship, I could just feel the Holy Spirit's presence amongst our group. Lives being changed for God's glory.
We had such a great week. We both had wonderful small groups of high school juniors who we were able to grow with, teach, and learn from.
A story of the Holy Spirit's work in my life:
On Tuesday night, the third night of worship, an undeniable fear came over me. Fear for the year ahead, my first year of teaching. The fear ran deep and questions were racing through my head. How will I do it? Am I really prepared enough for the year ahead? Am I the best person for this job? What if the kids don't like me? What if they don't respect me? Will I be able to contribute enough to my teaching team?
I could feel and hear the lies penetrating my thoughts during worship and as the tears flowed- I was fearful for the year to come. Yet, as I felt so weak standing there, I felt strong, not by my own strength, but by a strength that I knew came from Christ alone. I cried out to God during worship, praising Him, knowing that I would be relying on His strength during my teaching career. I could feel the Holy Spirit working in me; I wouldn't be able to do it on my own, but by seeking Him and finding my strength from Him, it would be possible. There was so much joy that came from that. It didn't mean that the year was going to be easy, or that I wouldn't have to work my butt off, but I was at peace about that. It was such a surreal moment for me and so hard to put into words.
There is nothing like seeing the Spirit work in others lives. Mark and I love having the opportunity to witness changed hearts in lives of so many high school students that we care so much about.
By the way, we did go to Florida, and the beach was beautiful, the water was so great and the days were so much fun hanging out, playing beach volleyball and swimming in the Gulf :) It was a super trip!
Mark's Small Group
Love serving with this guy :)
My small group :)
Some beautiful junior girls. Some of these girls I have led in a small group since they were in 7th grade and some I have just gotten to know over the last few years. It is such a blessing to be a part of all of their lives and watch how God is using them!!
The female staff of the trip -- some great woman to spend the week with!
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