I am in Minnesota! I have been here for 2 days now. It is great to be near family again.
Being home just affirms how blessed I am. I have so many people here who would do anything for me. I am comfortable and safe here. I also have a lot of luxuries... a comfy bed, good healthy food, and even as much as a new computer.
I will be home until the 18th... then I go back to Eau Claire for RA training.
These next few weeks are going to be full of transition. Transition form D.C. to Apple Valley to Eau Claire. Transition from working with high schoolers everyday to living with my peers. Transition from living among some of our nations most impoverished people to living among people who have the world at their fingertips.
My biggest fear within this transition is that I will slip into pre-YouthWorks life unchanged. I fear that I will let this summer stay in this summer. But, I know that the Lord will not let this summer go in vain... so I have nothing to fear.
I know I am just at the start of processing this summer. I am excited to see what the Lord continues to teach me from this summer even as my time in D.C. has ended.
I am sorry this post doesn't flow well. OH WELL!!!
FYI... I probably will not be posting anything on here as often... but take a look every now and then just in case.
Thanks for sharing my summer with me!!!!
With all the love in the world,
Bridget
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Connected Ears Unite
This weekend my dad came to visit! It seriously the best weekend I have had in D.C.! Yes, seeing 4 museums and the memorials was a blast, but those were really just the sprinkles on top of the cake. I can't express how good it was to just be able to spend time with my dad. Most all of you who read this know him well.... so I won't blabber on long... but for all of you who do not know him I would recommend getting to know him! I really admire his outlook on life. Ask him how he is and he will 9 times out of 10 respond with "Just Great!" And he means it too. He really embodies Psalm 118:24. "This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."
Anyway... long story short. I LOVE my dad and I feel sorry for anyone who is not Catherine, Jack, or me because you don't get to have the worlds best dad as your own.
What we do while my dad was here?
Friday: Walked to the church I live in.
Saturday: Air and Space Museum, American History Museum, Holocaust Museum and the Memorials.
Sunday: National Archives and lunch with Austin, Dan, and Courtney.
Lots of waking!!! We had to have walked more than 12 miles over the weekend. Who needs a car when you have 2 feet! It was also above 100 degrees and humid here. We sweat standing still. By the end of the day it looked like we had been swimming!
They put the caution thing by our feet because we are so awesome people have to be careful when they get close.
Minnesota Pride!
Did you know that there were 3 Wright brothers!!!
Thanks for an awesome weekend Dad! It makes me thirsty to come home! 2 more weeks!
<><
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
we ARE the CHURCH
Today I went to Central Union Mission for the morning. While there we helped make beds and fold sheets for the shelter. We also helped fold newsletters they are going to be sending out. The group I was with was AWESOME!!! We finished everything with 45 minutes to spare. Usually I would be FREAKING out at this moment. My JOB is to have work for the participants from 9-3. However, today God really blessed the extra time. The group and I were sitting in a room right off the offices. The participants had the opportunity to hear the testimony of 3 of the men who work at the Mission yesterday. SO, today I asked if anyone wanted to share their testimony. Both of the adult leaders and I shared how God has brought us to this point in our lives. It was so cool! THEN, I asked the youth what made them want to come on this mission trip and what their expectations are for the remainder of the week. One of the youth said that she had signed up for this trip a long time ago, but within the past month really did not want to come. I really appreciated her honesty. One major reason for that was that someone from her church called her mom and told her mom that she was a bad kid. You can tell that stung! She started to tear up just voicing it. This girls honesty led to a sweet conversation. The main center of this convo was a frustration with how people who say they are Christians and go to church every Sunday can be the most hurtful... while at the same time people who are not Christian can be so loving and do so much good even if that is not a part of their creed.
My dear blog reading friends, how often do I judge and deny the right from someone to be loved?
I do it all the time! But, I have no place in doing that. If I say I am a Christian I am saying I am a Christ Follower. Is un-love following Christ's example?
Let's look!
The Woman at the Well in John 4:1-42.
Jesus FIRST reveals himself as the Messiah to a 1.) Samaritan 2.) woman 3.) in the afternoon (aka heat of the day when no one else was at the well). You have 3 cultural no no's right there. BUT Jesus chose to show this woman himself and give her life giving water... the same life giving water he has given us. Should not I also stop my judging and start loving? My challenge for myself is to stop seeing all that I see wrong in people's lives and start loving them where they are at...TODAY!
There are many many GREAT things the church does. But sometimes I forget the greatest commandment. LOVE! Drop everything else I have...everything the "church" tells you to be and do and start being the Church of Christ Example Followers I am called to be a part of. Start to bridge the gap that has caused the youth that was in the group so much pain.
Before I go I just have a few random things:
1.) Dad, I am SOOOOOOO excited for you to come visit this weekend! You are going to take D.C. by storm!
2.) Heather, you make me smile very much! Thank you. I am sorry my letter still hasn't made it to you. WEIRD. I put the same address on it as was on your return address form the letter you sent me. Sorry!!!
3.) All who are reading this... thank you for reading this. I know lots of people write blogs and they can be a hassle to read, but I really do feel loved by the fact that you would take the time out of your day to read about mine.
4.) SHOUT-OUT TO CATHERINE (because I didn't give you a shout-out last time I did this).
Peace, Love, and Lots of Life Learning for me in D.C.
<><
Bridget
My dear blog reading friends, how often do I judge and deny the right from someone to be loved?
I do it all the time! But, I have no place in doing that. If I say I am a Christian I am saying I am a Christ Follower. Is un-love following Christ's example?
Let's look!
The Woman at the Well in John 4:1-42.
Jesus FIRST reveals himself as the Messiah to a 1.) Samaritan 2.) woman 3.) in the afternoon (aka heat of the day when no one else was at the well). You have 3 cultural no no's right there. BUT Jesus chose to show this woman himself and give her life giving water... the same life giving water he has given us. Should not I also stop my judging and start loving? My challenge for myself is to stop seeing all that I see wrong in people's lives and start loving them where they are at...TODAY!
There are many many GREAT things the church does. But sometimes I forget the greatest commandment. LOVE! Drop everything else I have...everything the "church" tells you to be and do and start being the Church of Christ Example Followers I am called to be a part of. Start to bridge the gap that has caused the youth that was in the group so much pain.
Before I go I just have a few random things:
1.) Dad, I am SOOOOOOO excited for you to come visit this weekend! You are going to take D.C. by storm!
2.) Heather, you make me smile very much! Thank you. I am sorry my letter still hasn't made it to you. WEIRD. I put the same address on it as was on your return address form the letter you sent me. Sorry!!!
3.) All who are reading this... thank you for reading this. I know lots of people write blogs and they can be a hassle to read, but I really do feel loved by the fact that you would take the time out of your day to read about mine.
4.) SHOUT-OUT TO CATHERINE (because I didn't give you a shout-out last time I did this).
Peace, Love, and Lots of Life Learning for me in D.C.
<><
Bridget
Thursday, July 8, 2010
BRING IT!
Hello! This is an entry from last week that I just never posted. Enjoy.
This week has been one of the craziest weeks of the summer. The youth and adult leaders have been wonerful, ministry sites were great, and even praking and traffic wasn't bad (which was very unexpected because of it being the week after the 4th).
This week I have been learning a lot about how great God is. There have been a lot of unexpected events this week and yet God is still (and will always be) great!
The real exciting stuff started Tuesday night. We had gotten back from our evening activity (Union Station because it was too hot to go outside for our usual Capitol walk) and had started out nightly worship (we call it Club). Then we got news that the girls bathroom in the basement smelled like gas. In the middle of Club we all had to move outside and 5 fire trucks came. Although it is not cool that we had to call the fire depatment and finish Club outside it actually turned out to be one of my favirite worship experiences of the summer. Austin led us in singing "How Great is Our God"... and our voices rang louder than the fire engines. It was so cool to literally stand on the corner of downtown Washington D.C. and sing about our God! As a bonus, there was no gas leak. False alarm... but better safe than sorry.
On Wednesday I got a lesson in my dependance on the Lord. I got a call from Courtney asking if I had left my computer in our room. I had. I used it to print off directions in for one of the ministry crews in the morning and then put it by my bed like I always do. Long story short, my computer has been stolen... charger included. We still have no idea what happened, but you can't dwell on the 'what ifs' anyway. I am upset that someone would do that. This is my HOME for the summer... and someone chose to violate it. I was at one of our ministry sites when I got the news and had to go to another ministry site across town to check in on another group. During my dirve I couldn't find a good radio station, so I sang any worship song that came to my head. It was an awful sound. I can't sing to save my life, but I don't think Jesus cared. Later on in the day while I was driving home I finally found the Christian radio station... and what was the 1st song that was on... How Great Is Our God! How awesome is that! Yes, He IS Great! I am not going to lie... it really is frustrating that someone stole my computer. But in reality, as much as I REALLY enjoy having my computer and everything on it... I don't NEED it. The only thing I NEED is God... and there is no possible way that anyone can take Him away from me.
------
End of last weeks writing.
------
Fun adventure of this week.
We went to the Monuments on Tuesday instead of our usual Monday because it was raining a little on Monday and the chance of rain on Tuesday was a little less. FALSE! Weather.com LIES! We got poured on. I was just drizzling as we were walking to Lincoln... but nothing bad at all. Fast forward 15 minutes... DOWN POUR! It was AWESOME! It was raining so hard you could not even see the Washington Monument from Abe. Although it was crazy... it was kinda fun too... for real... how many people can say they were caught at the Memorials with a group of 64 youth in a tsunami rain storm. Everything turned our great and everyone was safe.
Oh D.C. how I love thee. You never give us a dull moment.
lovelovelove and a big fat hug.
Thanks for following my blog. I am sorry my entries have not been very frequent.
In His Grip,
Bridget
This week has been one of the craziest weeks of the summer. The youth and adult leaders have been wonerful, ministry sites were great, and even praking and traffic wasn't bad (which was very unexpected because of it being the week after the 4th).
This week I have been learning a lot about how great God is. There have been a lot of unexpected events this week and yet God is still (and will always be) great!
The real exciting stuff started Tuesday night. We had gotten back from our evening activity (Union Station because it was too hot to go outside for our usual Capitol walk) and had started out nightly worship (we call it Club). Then we got news that the girls bathroom in the basement smelled like gas. In the middle of Club we all had to move outside and 5 fire trucks came. Although it is not cool that we had to call the fire depatment and finish Club outside it actually turned out to be one of my favirite worship experiences of the summer. Austin led us in singing "How Great is Our God"... and our voices rang louder than the fire engines. It was so cool to literally stand on the corner of downtown Washington D.C. and sing about our God! As a bonus, there was no gas leak. False alarm... but better safe than sorry.
On Wednesday I got a lesson in my dependance on the Lord. I got a call from Courtney asking if I had left my computer in our room. I had. I used it to print off directions in for one of the ministry crews in the morning and then put it by my bed like I always do. Long story short, my computer has been stolen... charger included. We still have no idea what happened, but you can't dwell on the 'what ifs' anyway. I am upset that someone would do that. This is my HOME for the summer... and someone chose to violate it. I was at one of our ministry sites when I got the news and had to go to another ministry site across town to check in on another group. During my dirve I couldn't find a good radio station, so I sang any worship song that came to my head. It was an awful sound. I can't sing to save my life, but I don't think Jesus cared. Later on in the day while I was driving home I finally found the Christian radio station... and what was the 1st song that was on... How Great Is Our God! How awesome is that! Yes, He IS Great! I am not going to lie... it really is frustrating that someone stole my computer. But in reality, as much as I REALLY enjoy having my computer and everything on it... I don't NEED it. The only thing I NEED is God... and there is no possible way that anyone can take Him away from me.
------
End of last weeks writing.
------
Fun adventure of this week.
We went to the Monuments on Tuesday instead of our usual Monday because it was raining a little on Monday and the chance of rain on Tuesday was a little less. FALSE! Weather.com LIES! We got poured on. I was just drizzling as we were walking to Lincoln... but nothing bad at all. Fast forward 15 minutes... DOWN POUR! It was AWESOME! It was raining so hard you could not even see the Washington Monument from Abe. Although it was crazy... it was kinda fun too... for real... how many people can say they were caught at the Memorials with a group of 64 youth in a tsunami rain storm. Everything turned our great and everyone was safe.
Oh D.C. how I love thee. You never give us a dull moment.
lovelovelove and a big fat hug.
Thanks for following my blog. I am sorry my entries have not been very frequent.
In His Grip,
Bridget
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Half Way Already?!?
Today marks the 1/2 way mark for the summer. CRAZY!!!!!! I cannot believe it. It feels like we are still just getting started.
I haven't updated you all about any of the ministry sites in awhile. I have 2 favorite ministry sites (this week) so I will tell you a little something about each one.
In no particular order...
Rachael's Woman's Group is a place for women without a home to go during the day. I get so much joy out of going to this ministry site. The staff is SO loving and the women there are teaching me something new each time I go. I am getting better at playing the card game spades and am stretching my creativity with game Scattergories. I am also leaning a lot about giving and gratitude though being able to spend time at Rachael's Woman's Group. The staff there is continually inquiring if there is anything they can do for us as volunteers... even though we are there to serve them. I am learning what true gratitude is from how the women respond to us being there. Every time we leave they are full of blessings, well wishes, and a heartfelt thanks for our time. Although we may just be organizing a closet or playing games they let their appreciation be know. This challenges me to show the same gratitude for the people in my life and the little things they do.
The Chinese Community Church is a summer long VBS program for kids from 2nd-5th grade. A YouthWorks group goes in each week and helps make skits, do crafts, and play games with the kids. Last week was out 1st week helping with their VBS. I am in LOVE with this service site because I get to do what I love doing... playing with children and sharing the good news of Jesus with them. I am having a really hard time articulating my passion for this ministry site... so I won't ramble on any longer. But once again, I love it. I cannot leave that place without a smile on my face and joy in my heart!
I was planning on writing more.... but I am gonna keep it on the short side today and take a nap.
I will try to update again by Sunday. Thanks for following my summer!
<><
I haven't updated you all about any of the ministry sites in awhile. I have 2 favorite ministry sites (this week) so I will tell you a little something about each one.
In no particular order...
Rachael's Woman's Group is a place for women without a home to go during the day. I get so much joy out of going to this ministry site. The staff is SO loving and the women there are teaching me something new each time I go. I am getting better at playing the card game spades and am stretching my creativity with game Scattergories. I am also leaning a lot about giving and gratitude though being able to spend time at Rachael's Woman's Group. The staff there is continually inquiring if there is anything they can do for us as volunteers... even though we are there to serve them. I am learning what true gratitude is from how the women respond to us being there. Every time we leave they are full of blessings, well wishes, and a heartfelt thanks for our time. Although we may just be organizing a closet or playing games they let their appreciation be know. This challenges me to show the same gratitude for the people in my life and the little things they do.
The Chinese Community Church is a summer long VBS program for kids from 2nd-5th grade. A YouthWorks group goes in each week and helps make skits, do crafts, and play games with the kids. Last week was out 1st week helping with their VBS. I am in LOVE with this service site because I get to do what I love doing... playing with children and sharing the good news of Jesus with them. I am having a really hard time articulating my passion for this ministry site... so I won't ramble on any longer. But once again, I love it. I cannot leave that place without a smile on my face and joy in my heart!
I was planning on writing more.... but I am gonna keep it on the short side today and take a nap.
I will try to update again by Sunday. Thanks for following my summer!
<><
Monday, July 5, 2010
4th of July
Sorry I haven't written anything in a week... plus a few days. I will be posting something by mid week this week.
Quick though: As I was watching the fireworks from our housing site yesterday... and I could not help but thank God for our independence... especially the freedoms we all have. I...we... are so blessed to live in this country. I can have a summer job that openly serves the Lord and proclaims His Good News to 60+ youth each week plus the D.C. community. I am able to do this job all without an ounce of fear of persecution... a luxury still not found in MANY countries even today.
Although the last week and the start of this one has been busy and exhausting, I can't help but choose an attitude of JOY. There is nothing that can happen that can take away from Jesus... His life, death, and resurrection, God's grace, and the Holy Spirit's wisdom and guidance. I am FREE!
I am proud to be an American because America allows me to live out my faith with the joy and freedom the Lord has given me in a bold manner.
My challenge for myself now is to take the freedom I am thankful for and do something with it.
Happy Independence Day!
<><
Quick though: As I was watching the fireworks from our housing site yesterday... and I could not help but thank God for our independence... especially the freedoms we all have. I...we... are so blessed to live in this country. I can have a summer job that openly serves the Lord and proclaims His Good News to 60+ youth each week plus the D.C. community. I am able to do this job all without an ounce of fear of persecution... a luxury still not found in MANY countries even today.
Although the last week and the start of this one has been busy and exhausting, I can't help but choose an attitude of JOY. There is nothing that can happen that can take away from Jesus... His life, death, and resurrection, God's grace, and the Holy Spirit's wisdom and guidance. I am FREE!
I am proud to be an American because America allows me to live out my faith with the joy and freedom the Lord has given me in a bold manner.
My challenge for myself now is to take the freedom I am thankful for and do something with it.
Happy Independence Day!
<><
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Doughnuts Anyone?
Reason number one thousand and ONE why I am in love with D.C.
Dan and I went to Dunkin' Donuts tonight at 9:15 and asked if we could take the doughnuts they were going to throw out... and they gave them to us. I have already eaten 2. We think this may just have to become a Saturday night ritual.
In My World
HELLO FRIENDS!
Via Facebook and the lovely letters I have been getting...I have been asked multiple times what a typical YouthWorks week looks like in D.C.
Sunday
Bible Study and Church from 9 to 12:00-ish.
Then we get busy converting the church back into our housing site. This includes hanging posters, setting out tables, getting directions and ministry crew binders ready, making sure the bathrooms are stalked and everything is in its proper place.
At 3:00 we start making the beef for taco dinner on Tuesday. Our oven is too small so it is easter to brown the beef on Sunday and then just have to heat it on Tuesday. Beyond that we also start prepping for dinner.
The participants arrive anytime between 4 and 6.
Everyone gets settled in and we eat dinner (BBQ chicken sandwiches).
Then at 8 we have youth orientation where Austin, Dan, and I make fools out of ourselves as a fun means of presenting the rules and expectations for the week. The adult leaders are in a meeting with Courtney.
Then we have Club which is a time for worship and a message from Austin.
Following Club is church group time. While the particapants are at that we have a staff meeting and go over the next days agenda.
We then hangout some more before lights out at 11:30-ish.
Monday - Thursday
We wake up and eat breakfast at 7:15
Tuesdays I am on breakfast prep so I wake up at 6:20 to get ready before my prep crew comes in to help make the meal. Every staff member has his or her own day to be in charge of breakfast
After breakfast we clean the building.
Devotionals are at 8:15.
We depart for our ministry sites at 9:50.
Each week we split up the participants into 6-7 crews. Each crew goes to their own service site. The staff and I spend the day ministry hopping and problem shooting with any ministry sites that may need extra assistance.
The participants finish at their work sites at 3:00 and go to showers at the near by high school.
Then everyone but the dinner prep crew has free time until 5. I lead dinner prep on Wednesday (cheesy chicken and rice) and Thursday (community cookout leftover heat up... Austin mans the grill).
Dinner is at 5-ish
After dinner we clean up and go to out evening activity.
Evening activities are:
Monday- Memorials and Monuments (Abe, WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam War)
Tuesday- Capitol
Wednesday- Krazy Praise (A worship service lead by youth from the district)
Thursdays is the cookout.
Club starts at 9
Church group time/staff meeting at 10
Lights out at 11 for the participants and we as a staff get breakfast stuff ready for the next morning.
Friday
Wake up at 6:20 to do a massive building clean up and pack the cars.
Say our good byes and get the participants on the road by ideally 9:30.
Then we have a staff meeting about the week as a whole and then go shopping for the next week.
Austin and I go to Costco. We are getting really good. Last week we got in and out of Costco in less than an hour!!!
We get back to the church, unload, do final end of the week stuff, and NAP!!!
We try to finish everything by 3.
We wake up and go somewhere for dinner then come back to the church and go to bed early.
Saturday
SLEEP IN! Take it easy and then usually do something fun in the evening. Saturdays are our days off. We take advantage of not having to do anything!
Repeat!
Not the most exciting blog entry to read... but I hope you have a little better grasp as to what I am doing with my life here in D.C.
<><
Via Facebook and the lovely letters I have been getting...I have been asked multiple times what a typical YouthWorks week looks like in D.C.
Sunday
Bible Study and Church from 9 to 12:00-ish.
Then we get busy converting the church back into our housing site. This includes hanging posters, setting out tables, getting directions and ministry crew binders ready, making sure the bathrooms are stalked and everything is in its proper place.
At 3:00 we start making the beef for taco dinner on Tuesday. Our oven is too small so it is easter to brown the beef on Sunday and then just have to heat it on Tuesday. Beyond that we also start prepping for dinner.
The participants arrive anytime between 4 and 6.
Everyone gets settled in and we eat dinner (BBQ chicken sandwiches).
Then at 8 we have youth orientation where Austin, Dan, and I make fools out of ourselves as a fun means of presenting the rules and expectations for the week. The adult leaders are in a meeting with Courtney.
Then we have Club which is a time for worship and a message from Austin.
Following Club is church group time. While the particapants are at that we have a staff meeting and go over the next days agenda.
We then hangout some more before lights out at 11:30-ish.
Monday - Thursday
We wake up and eat breakfast at 7:15
Tuesdays I am on breakfast prep so I wake up at 6:20 to get ready before my prep crew comes in to help make the meal. Every staff member has his or her own day to be in charge of breakfast
After breakfast we clean the building.
Devotionals are at 8:15.
We depart for our ministry sites at 9:50.
Each week we split up the participants into 6-7 crews. Each crew goes to their own service site. The staff and I spend the day ministry hopping and problem shooting with any ministry sites that may need extra assistance.
The participants finish at their work sites at 3:00 and go to showers at the near by high school.
Then everyone but the dinner prep crew has free time until 5. I lead dinner prep on Wednesday (cheesy chicken and rice) and Thursday (community cookout leftover heat up... Austin mans the grill).
Dinner is at 5-ish
After dinner we clean up and go to out evening activity.
Evening activities are:
Monday- Memorials and Monuments (Abe, WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam War)
Tuesday- Capitol
Wednesday- Krazy Praise (A worship service lead by youth from the district)
Thursdays is the cookout.
Club starts at 9
Church group time/staff meeting at 10
Lights out at 11 for the participants and we as a staff get breakfast stuff ready for the next morning.
Friday
Wake up at 6:20 to do a massive building clean up and pack the cars.
Say our good byes and get the participants on the road by ideally 9:30.
Then we have a staff meeting about the week as a whole and then go shopping for the next week.
Austin and I go to Costco. We are getting really good. Last week we got in and out of Costco in less than an hour!!!
We get back to the church, unload, do final end of the week stuff, and NAP!!!
We try to finish everything by 3.
We wake up and go somewhere for dinner then come back to the church and go to bed early.
Saturday
SLEEP IN! Take it easy and then usually do something fun in the evening. Saturdays are our days off. We take advantage of not having to do anything!
Repeat!
Not the most exciting blog entry to read... but I hope you have a little better grasp as to what I am doing with my life here in D.C.
<><
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Let's Do 72!
My D.C. Staff Team: Austin, Me, Dan (with lens-less 3D glasses he found in a park), and Courtney. Welcome to our largest week of the summer. We have 72 participants here this week... all from one church. This week has been a healthy D.C. mix of craziness, hard work, and grace!
The craziness can be seen just by the sheer fact that there are 72 participants in a building that is best fit for 60 or less. We have people crammed in to sleeping rooms. I am sure it is against some fire code, but just don't tell anyone. I also never knew 72 people could eat so much and so fast. I feel like there is always someone in the kitchen during dinner just cutting more lettuce.
Amongst the craziness there is also a LOT of hard work going on. I love this group for many reasons.. one of them being their deep desire to serve. They are constantly asking the staff if there is anything else they can be helping with... even after a long day of serving the D.C. community. It is such a blessing. We as a staff could not do this week without their servant hearts.
Lastly, with 72 people a lot of grace is needed. We are unable to do anything as quickly as desired. There are more dishes, more cars in the caravans, more people getting ready in the bathrooms, etc. The adult leaders have been so patient with us as we try to get everyone where they should be. I am so grateful!
The challenge of this week is getting to know that youth and adult leaders. Because they are all from one group I am unable to break them down into smaller more manageable clusters of people to get to know. I am tying... however there is a lot of "Molly, right?" "No, I'm Sarah" "AHH! I totally knew that." Again, lots of grace has been given this week.
I'll keep it on the short-ish side today. Thank you for following my summer. Feel free to shoot me an email, phone call, Facebook message, or letter updating me on your life.
Prayer Requests: For my continued devotion to doing the Lord's work and not getting sucked into the routine of the summer... but to earnestly seek Him and serve Him everyday. Thanks!
Love you all!!!!
In His Grip,
Bridget Ila
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Smile...it's picture time!
Here are some pictures for you:
Playing Ninja with some of the youth in front of the Capitol:
I am in the gray on the right.
Saturday walk to The Mall
Art on the side of the road:
Dan asking Lauren (our area director) if we can get a dog:
D.C. Sunset:
Oh Hey Abe:
WWII Memorial:
My allegiance:
Sunset looking out from the Washington Monument:
Yes, I am a tourist... I had to:
Washington Monument:
Hope you enjoyed them. It was fun to have a relaxing Saturday enjoying our Nation's Capitol.
<><
Playing Ninja with some of the youth in front of the Capitol:
I am in the gray on the right.
Saturday walk to The Mall
Art on the side of the road:
Dan asking Lauren (our area director) if we can get a dog:
D.C. Sunset:
Oh Hey Abe:
WWII Memorial:
My allegiance:
Sunset looking out from the Washington Monument:
Yes, I am a tourist... I had to:
Washington Monument:
Hope you enjoyed them. It was fun to have a relaxing Saturday enjoying our Nation's Capitol.
<><
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Love and Water Bottles
HELLO FRIENDS!
It is mid week two and life is good!
It is late and I should be getting to bed but I though I'd give you just a little update before I hit the hay.
Today one of the groups that we sent out was done with their service project early. SO, they came back to the housing site where I was waiting for them to do a water bottle ministry. To be completely honest, I though this was going to be a stupid time killer. I hate the feeling of having my time wasted... and in this case wasting other peoples time. However, the Lord was going to prove my preconceived notions of handing out water bottles wrong. Here is how:
1.) We decorated pieces of construction paper to put around the water bottles. These water bottle sleeves consisted of information about out free community cookout we host every Thursday and a Bible verse. The Lord really blessed this time of preparing the water bottles. The group and I were able to break open the Word and look at what God's promises are for the city and His people. These verses were meant to be used as encouragement to the people getting the water, but I think it encouraged us making them just as much... if not more.
2.) While we were making the sleeves for the bottles a man named Nick came to the front door of the church and asked for water. I think that is way to ironic to be just a coincidence. As Kara Koerner would say, it was a God-incidence.
3.) After we finished preparing the bottles we went out in groups of 4 got hand them out. After we gave the person the water we told them about the cookout and then just asked if there was anything they needed prayer for... because after all the water was gone we were going to come back together and pray for the church we are living in and the community we are surrounded by. Man, it is crazy how people open up when we communicate fully out of love and true compassion. It was cool to witness how a bottle of water can open the door to deep meaningful conversations.
I would like to ask you to join me in continued prayer for some of the individuals we met. It's such a small but so huge of a thing we can do.
Mr. Ronald: Prayer for continued sobriety and thanks giving for health.
Mr. Martin: His sister Lenore is on life support.
Officer Robinson: He is a drug officer. He asked that we pray for the youth in the area that they resist the temptation to try drugs or any other kind of substance. Also for these young man and women to find positive role models and support networks in their lives.
Ms. Rose Mary: For a home and security.
Thank you for supporting the community I am falling in love with in prayer. Although there is a lot of tough stuff going on even on the corner of where I live... God is still doing HUGE things in the city of D.C.
I was not expecting this update to be this long. Whoops.
Thanks for your continued support and prayers.
<><
It is mid week two and life is good!
It is late and I should be getting to bed but I though I'd give you just a little update before I hit the hay.
Today one of the groups that we sent out was done with their service project early. SO, they came back to the housing site where I was waiting for them to do a water bottle ministry. To be completely honest, I though this was going to be a stupid time killer. I hate the feeling of having my time wasted... and in this case wasting other peoples time. However, the Lord was going to prove my preconceived notions of handing out water bottles wrong. Here is how:
1.) We decorated pieces of construction paper to put around the water bottles. These water bottle sleeves consisted of information about out free community cookout we host every Thursday and a Bible verse. The Lord really blessed this time of preparing the water bottles. The group and I were able to break open the Word and look at what God's promises are for the city and His people. These verses were meant to be used as encouragement to the people getting the water, but I think it encouraged us making them just as much... if not more.
2.) While we were making the sleeves for the bottles a man named Nick came to the front door of the church and asked for water. I think that is way to ironic to be just a coincidence. As Kara Koerner would say, it was a God-incidence.
3.) After we finished preparing the bottles we went out in groups of 4 got hand them out. After we gave the person the water we told them about the cookout and then just asked if there was anything they needed prayer for... because after all the water was gone we were going to come back together and pray for the church we are living in and the community we are surrounded by. Man, it is crazy how people open up when we communicate fully out of love and true compassion. It was cool to witness how a bottle of water can open the door to deep meaningful conversations.
I would like to ask you to join me in continued prayer for some of the individuals we met. It's such a small but so huge of a thing we can do.
Mr. Ronald: Prayer for continued sobriety and thanks giving for health.
Mr. Martin: His sister Lenore is on life support.
Officer Robinson: He is a drug officer. He asked that we pray for the youth in the area that they resist the temptation to try drugs or any other kind of substance. Also for these young man and women to find positive role models and support networks in their lives.
Ms. Rose Mary: For a home and security.
Thank you for supporting the community I am falling in love with in prayer. Although there is a lot of tough stuff going on even on the corner of where I live... God is still doing HUGE things in the city of D.C.
I was not expecting this update to be this long. Whoops.
Thanks for your continued support and prayers.
<><
Friday, June 11, 2010
1 Down... 8 to Go!
It's Friday night. Our 1st group has gone, grocery shopping is finished, naps have been taken, dinner has been eaten, life is good!
The 1st week went great. The groups form Texas were really good. It was nice that there were only 34 of them. It made our lives easier as the staff. It was nice being able to get to know all of the students well. I was very surprised at how easy it was for me to learn all of their names. Pray that that continues throughout the rest of the summer. It was also fun to work along side the youth at the service sites. I feel so much more prepared for the youth coming this sunday because I can talk from experience about what they are going to be doing at the service sites... instead of going off of what other people say.
Highlight story of the week: I was at CCNV on Thursday. CCNV is a transitional homeless shelter. First of all, I really agree with the idea of transitional housing. Seriously, how can we expect people to get out of the cycle of homelessness if they are more concerned about finding a bed for the night instead of a job or any type of education. The residents at CCNV have a 6 month lease on a bed. If the resident proves that he is making considerable effort to life on his own this lease can be extended. ANYWAY... story time. While at CCNV YouthWorks hangs out in 1 South. This is the floor for men 50 years of age and older. Basically we are there to just be relational with the men: play games, hear their stories, and share our lives with them. The men of 1 South are chess masters! Dustin, one of the youth, was playing Mr. Edward. Mr. Edward smoked Dustin 4 times. It was really fun to watch. In between moves Mr. Edward even finished a crossword puzzle . A few times other men would come over and try to "help" Dustin out. I am not 100% sure, but I think their motive was to just confuse him even more. Laughter was had by all. Sorry, I am not doing a great job at articulating this story, but be rest assured that it was fun.
Moving on to this coming week... we have 66 youth and adult leaders on their way to D.C. as I type. They will be here at 4:30 on Sunday. It will be interesting to see how different next week pans out with having double the people. While shopping at Costco today I filled one of those big flat carts with bread (sandwich bread, hotdog and hamburger buns, dinner rolls, you name it). Added on top of that was another 2 full large carts of food. Who knew how much food it took to feed 66 people. The looks Austin, Dan, and I were getting were kinda funny though. You could read people's faces saying, "what in the world are those 3 kids doing with all that food?!?"
As for this moment... I am taking time to rest. I am very tired from the week. I could go to bed right now and it is only 11:00... despite the fact that I took a 3 hour nap this afternoon. It was so nice to just have down time today. The staff and I went to a cafe for dinner and just sat there for a few hours and solved all of the problems of the world. Literally. I think the U.S. Government should just come to us for advice. Tomorrow we have a few minor things to do to get ready for next week but beyond that we are just gonna keep it low key and relax.
Sorry so long. I'll stop now.
Love you long time!
Comment!
In Him
<><
The 1st week went great. The groups form Texas were really good. It was nice that there were only 34 of them. It made our lives easier as the staff. It was nice being able to get to know all of the students well. I was very surprised at how easy it was for me to learn all of their names. Pray that that continues throughout the rest of the summer. It was also fun to work along side the youth at the service sites. I feel so much more prepared for the youth coming this sunday because I can talk from experience about what they are going to be doing at the service sites... instead of going off of what other people say.
Highlight story of the week: I was at CCNV on Thursday. CCNV is a transitional homeless shelter. First of all, I really agree with the idea of transitional housing. Seriously, how can we expect people to get out of the cycle of homelessness if they are more concerned about finding a bed for the night instead of a job or any type of education. The residents at CCNV have a 6 month lease on a bed. If the resident proves that he is making considerable effort to life on his own this lease can be extended. ANYWAY... story time. While at CCNV YouthWorks hangs out in 1 South. This is the floor for men 50 years of age and older. Basically we are there to just be relational with the men: play games, hear their stories, and share our lives with them. The men of 1 South are chess masters! Dustin, one of the youth, was playing Mr. Edward. Mr. Edward smoked Dustin 4 times. It was really fun to watch. In between moves Mr. Edward even finished a crossword puzzle . A few times other men would come over and try to "help" Dustin out. I am not 100% sure, but I think their motive was to just confuse him even more. Laughter was had by all. Sorry, I am not doing a great job at articulating this story, but be rest assured that it was fun.
Moving on to this coming week... we have 66 youth and adult leaders on their way to D.C. as I type. They will be here at 4:30 on Sunday. It will be interesting to see how different next week pans out with having double the people. While shopping at Costco today I filled one of those big flat carts with bread (sandwich bread, hotdog and hamburger buns, dinner rolls, you name it). Added on top of that was another 2 full large carts of food. Who knew how much food it took to feed 66 people. The looks Austin, Dan, and I were getting were kinda funny though. You could read people's faces saying, "what in the world are those 3 kids doing with all that food?!?"
As for this moment... I am taking time to rest. I am very tired from the week. I could go to bed right now and it is only 11:00... despite the fact that I took a 3 hour nap this afternoon. It was so nice to just have down time today. The staff and I went to a cafe for dinner and just sat there for a few hours and solved all of the problems of the world. Literally. I think the U.S. Government should just come to us for advice. Tomorrow we have a few minor things to do to get ready for next week but beyond that we are just gonna keep it low key and relax.
Sorry so long. I'll stop now.
Love you long time!
Comment!
In Him
<><
Monday, June 7, 2010
First Full Day
WOW MAN! Our 1st full day of programing has finished. The students are in bed, the lights are out, the kitchen is prepped for breakfast, and I am off to bed after finishing this. Today was full of its challenges. BUT, the Lord is good and for every frustration He has given even more peace and blessing. Here are 3 of the challenges and the blessings.
1.) Today is Monday and I haven't showered since Friday afternoon. (I did wash my hair in the sink before church though). I feel gross and my skin is sticky from spilling lemonade over myself. The place that was set up for the YW staff to shower has not been cooperating with us and wants to charge us a crazy amount to let us shower for like 5 minutes. However (PRAISE THE LORD) as of tomorrow we have staff showers! At 1:00 tomorrow afternoon I will be clean. You can't imagine how beautiful a shower sounds after days of hard work and humidity! I can't help but see the blessing though this. I will go 4 days without a full shower... but I have more than enough food, a place to live, wonderful people around me, and seriously... it's 4 days. I am working with people at the service sites who are without a house and the luxuries I take for granted. My unclean self has taught me about about how much the Lord has given me.
2.) I am itchy. I stopped by one of the service sites (Parks and People) to see how they were doing. Their afternoons task was to help trim back bushed in a park. (Cool stories about what this service site does to come in later entries). We were working a lot with poised Ivy and thorny bushes. I was wearing ungloved hands and shorts. Poor life choice. I don't think it is poison ivy, but my legs mush have touched something that my skin doesn't like. So I itch. BUT the grand part is that we have anti-itch cream! AND beyond that there is HUGE blessing in even being able to serve beside the students. It is so fun to get to know them, observe the hard work they do, and see their enthusiasm for being the hands and feet of Christ. The groups this week (they are both from Texas) are really great! They are setting the standard for the rest of the summer high!
3.) I apparently can't drive in parking lots. As I was trying to navigate the YW minivan through the gates of our parking lot and not hit the 2 other 11 passenger vans with students in them I turned too sharp and hit a parked car's bumper with my back wheel. It gets better. I hit the other car so perfectly that the corner of the other car's bumper was stuck in my wheel socket thing (whatever you wanna call it... the hole where your wheel goes). Because of that we had to get 7 of the high school guys to lift up the van and get it unstuck . Nothing like having 30+ people watch you make an idiot out of yourself. The good news is that the van has no damage to it and the jeep only has 2 very minor scratches. Plus, the owner of the jeep doesn't have insurance which makes YW's job a lot easier. Let's just say it could have been a lot worse.
SO, that was my 1st full day of YouthWorks! I am looking forward to seeing what else the Lord has in store for the summer.
FInal note: This morning in my devotional I asked the Lord to speak His truth to me though Scripture. One part of a verse that really stood out to me was Judges 6:24 "...The Lord Is Peace..." It was so cool to see the Lord answer my prayer. He spoke these 4 words to me all day. Through it I am able to just be. I have nothing to fear and only blessing to count.
I am the daughter of the King and I am full of peace.
<><
1.) Today is Monday and I haven't showered since Friday afternoon. (I did wash my hair in the sink before church though). I feel gross and my skin is sticky from spilling lemonade over myself. The place that was set up for the YW staff to shower has not been cooperating with us and wants to charge us a crazy amount to let us shower for like 5 minutes. However (PRAISE THE LORD) as of tomorrow we have staff showers! At 1:00 tomorrow afternoon I will be clean. You can't imagine how beautiful a shower sounds after days of hard work and humidity! I can't help but see the blessing though this. I will go 4 days without a full shower... but I have more than enough food, a place to live, wonderful people around me, and seriously... it's 4 days. I am working with people at the service sites who are without a house and the luxuries I take for granted. My unclean self has taught me about about how much the Lord has given me.
2.) I am itchy. I stopped by one of the service sites (Parks and People) to see how they were doing. Their afternoons task was to help trim back bushed in a park. (Cool stories about what this service site does to come in later entries). We were working a lot with poised Ivy and thorny bushes. I was wearing ungloved hands and shorts. Poor life choice. I don't think it is poison ivy, but my legs mush have touched something that my skin doesn't like. So I itch. BUT the grand part is that we have anti-itch cream! AND beyond that there is HUGE blessing in even being able to serve beside the students. It is so fun to get to know them, observe the hard work they do, and see their enthusiasm for being the hands and feet of Christ. The groups this week (they are both from Texas) are really great! They are setting the standard for the rest of the summer high!
3.) I apparently can't drive in parking lots. As I was trying to navigate the YW minivan through the gates of our parking lot and not hit the 2 other 11 passenger vans with students in them I turned too sharp and hit a parked car's bumper with my back wheel. It gets better. I hit the other car so perfectly that the corner of the other car's bumper was stuck in my wheel socket thing (whatever you wanna call it... the hole where your wheel goes). Because of that we had to get 7 of the high school guys to lift up the van and get it unstuck . Nothing like having 30+ people watch you make an idiot out of yourself. The good news is that the van has no damage to it and the jeep only has 2 very minor scratches. Plus, the owner of the jeep doesn't have insurance which makes YW's job a lot easier. Let's just say it could have been a lot worse.
SO, that was my 1st full day of YouthWorks! I am looking forward to seeing what else the Lord has in store for the summer.
FInal note: This morning in my devotional I asked the Lord to speak His truth to me though Scripture. One part of a verse that really stood out to me was Judges 6:24 "...The Lord Is Peace..." It was so cool to see the Lord answer my prayer. He spoke these 4 words to me all day. Through it I am able to just be. I have nothing to fear and only blessing to count.
I am the daughter of the King and I am full of peace.
<><
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Getting Ready
This whole week has been BUSY! We have been working hard to get the site ready for youth to come next week. Out 1st group gets here on June 6th. We are SO looking forward to meeting the people we have been putting this work in for.
Prep week has consisted of spending hours on google maps getting directions to and from the service sites, working on skits we are putting on for the youth, cleaning, shopping, and having a lot a fun through it all. Although some of these tasks were tedious and boring it has been made a lot better doing them with my staff team. My staff consists of (from the left on the picture) Dan, Austin, Me, and Courtney.
Yesterday we went to the Capitol to make sure our directions to get there are correct before we lead 60+ youth and adult leaders to it. It is so cool! Our housing site is literally a 5 minute drive to the Capitol.
We rocked it! I REALLY like Austin's shirt. He found it in the thrift store in the church we are living it. Not only is it a 90's muscle shirt but it also says "To Legit To Quit" ... AKA awesomeness! Be jealous. I am!
The rest of this week is going to consist of driving around D.C. making sure Google Maps gave us the correct directions, as well as meeting with all of the volunteer coordinators from the service sites we are sending youth to.
Thanks for following my blog! Feel free to comment... that way I'll know if anyone actually reads this :)
By the way, happy 1st day of June! Can you believe it?!? I sure can't!
PEACE
<><
Monday, May 31, 2010
That Girl
I wrote this in the airport on my way to training.... It's a little old... oh well.
I'll get a update from D.C. soon
From May 24, 2010
Day of travel!
As I write this I am in Chicago waiting to get on my flight to Phili. Elton John’s song Philadelphia Freedom is in my head (I blame my aunt Theresa).
My first flight was good. I slept for most of it … the glories of being able to sleep anywhere!
I am thrilled to be traveling. Airports make me feel important. I look around at all these people and wonder “where is she going?” and “why does he have so much or so little luggage?” I like to think that other people are asking the same questions. I get to be ‘that girl’ who is off on some new adventure. Little do they know all the adventures I am about to have!!!
Bring home for the day and ½ was great! I selfishly wish I could have just a few more days… but oh well. Shout out to da mama and da papa and Jackie.
-My dad and I went to the Twins game. It was AWESOME! Our seats were beautiful… 3rd baseline and less then 100 yards from home plate. The company wasn’t bad either (love you dad)!
-Moms are the best intention ever! Most of my time at home was spent unpacking school stuff and repacking for D.C. My mom was super helpful and helped me do most all my laundry. I seriously don’t think I could have gotten everything done without her (love you mom)!
-Jack. Huggie Hugs! (sorry, inside sibling joke).
Fun Fact: The airport news station just said D.C. is the healthiest city in the America, and Minneapolis is #3.
Nothing else is new. I am ready for a week of training.
Feel free to comment on any of my posts or email me. I’d love to hear from you.
In Him.
<><
I'll get a update from D.C. soon
From May 24, 2010
Day of travel!
As I write this I am in Chicago waiting to get on my flight to Phili. Elton John’s song Philadelphia Freedom is in my head (I blame my aunt Theresa).
My first flight was good. I slept for most of it … the glories of being able to sleep anywhere!
I am thrilled to be traveling. Airports make me feel important. I look around at all these people and wonder “where is she going?” and “why does he have so much or so little luggage?” I like to think that other people are asking the same questions. I get to be ‘that girl’ who is off on some new adventure. Little do they know all the adventures I am about to have!!!
Bring home for the day and ½ was great! I selfishly wish I could have just a few more days… but oh well. Shout out to da mama and da papa and Jackie.
-My dad and I went to the Twins game. It was AWESOME! Our seats were beautiful… 3rd baseline and less then 100 yards from home plate. The company wasn’t bad either (love you dad)!
-Moms are the best intention ever! Most of my time at home was spent unpacking school stuff and repacking for D.C. My mom was super helpful and helped me do most all my laundry. I seriously don’t think I could have gotten everything done without her (love you mom)!
-Jack. Huggie Hugs! (sorry, inside sibling joke).
Fun Fact: The airport news station just said D.C. is the healthiest city in the America, and Minneapolis is #3.
Nothing else is new. I am ready for a week of training.
Feel free to comment on any of my posts or email me. I’d love to hear from you.
In Him.
<><
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Settling In
Hello!
I am finally in D.C. after a week of training in Philly. We just got in yesterday.
Sorry I don't have time at them moment to update... I'll have a full update by the end of this week.
Prayer Requests: For our prep week. We have a LOT to do and not much time. Pray for productivity, energy, and continued excitement... even in the mundane tasks.
THANKS!
<><
I am finally in D.C. after a week of training in Philly. We just got in yesterday.
Sorry I don't have time at them moment to update... I'll have a full update by the end of this week.
Prayer Requests: For our prep week. We have a LOT to do and not much time. Pray for productivity, energy, and continued excitement... even in the mundane tasks.
THANKS!
<><
Friday, May 21, 2010
Final Preparations
Finals... check.
RA room checkouts... in progress... almost done.
Dorm room packed... check.
Things are winding down. I have been keeping busy with RA stuff and saying goodbye to people at school. I can't believe I am leaving for training in Phili in three days.
As I finish up at school I am learning more about Jesus's love. I feel so loved and cared for ... both at school and definitely at home. This summer I will be more then 1,000 miles away from these people and the comfort and support they give me.
But, ya know what?!? I have the perfect love and unfailing guidance from God. Although these people back at home mean so much to me... they are not who sustains me. Although I love them more than words can comprehend ... I do not need them... I just need Jesus. He is gives me all the things I could ever need.
"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." -Philippians 4:19
Although I am about to embark on some new territory for my life I am at peace. I am excited to face any challenge this summer head on. BRING IT! I have Jesus!
Just a few random things:
-As if these next few days aren't exciting enough... I am going to the Brewers Twins game at Target Field on Sunday with my dad. Sa-weeet!
-I have Leaving on a Jet Plane by John Denver (with midfield lyrics) in he head."I'm leaving on a jet plane. I will be back in 3 months..."
-Prayer Requests: My transition into summer and safe travels. Also, praise for the Lord providing me with this opportunity and for all the people he has blessed me with.
Thanks for your continued support and prayers!
<><
RA room checkouts... in progress... almost done.
Dorm room packed... check.
Things are winding down. I have been keeping busy with RA stuff and saying goodbye to people at school. I can't believe I am leaving for training in Phili in three days.
As I finish up at school I am learning more about Jesus's love. I feel so loved and cared for ... both at school and definitely at home. This summer I will be more then 1,000 miles away from these people and the comfort and support they give me.
But, ya know what?!? I have the perfect love and unfailing guidance from God. Although these people back at home mean so much to me... they are not who sustains me. Although I love them more than words can comprehend ... I do not need them... I just need Jesus. He is gives me all the things I could ever need.
"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." -Philippians 4:19
Although I am about to embark on some new territory for my life I am at peace. I am excited to face any challenge this summer head on. BRING IT! I have Jesus!
Just a few random things:
-As if these next few days aren't exciting enough... I am going to the Brewers Twins game at Target Field on Sunday with my dad. Sa-weeet!
-I have Leaving on a Jet Plane by John Denver (with midfield lyrics) in he head."I'm leaving on a jet plane. I will be back in 3 months..."
-Prayer Requests: My transition into summer and safe travels. Also, praise for the Lord providing me with this opportunity and for all the people he has blessed me with.
Thanks for your continued support and prayers!
<><
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Washington D.C. ...Here I Come!
I am going to Washington D.C.
I just got the email. I am so so so excited!
The first thing Jack (my little brother) said when he found out was, "Sweet! Go to a Nationals Game!" Typical :)
I talked to Courtney, my Site Director, today. It was so good to get more details about the community we are going to be serving in. So, here is a little bit about the site:
I will be serving students in 9-12 grade.
YouthWorks (YW) partners with local organizations and programs that seek to address the very basic needs of residents. The students may serve at places like: Children’s Programs, Elderly Centers, Soup Kitchens/Homeless Shelters and Thrift Stores. Specific work sites include: United Cerebral Palsy, Parks and People, and Friends and Food... among many others.
In the evenings we have a variety of activities planned. These activities include visiting monuments and memorials, going to a worship night led by youth from D.C., and having a free community cook out. Courtney said the cookout is like a block party every week...aka... AWESOME!
It is so cool to see Jesus' hand in every single part of this whole thing. Here is just a glimpse into what He has done:
1.) One of the service sites is where we work with individuals who have Cerebral Palsy. Courtney worked with YW in D.C. last summer and was praying for someone who knew how to work with individuals with additional needs. I am a elementary ed and special education major. I am not saying that I am a pro at working with people who have physical limitations, but I have had previous exposure, and am very excited about the opportunity to get to know this people group better!
2.) I was praying to be placed in a Urban setting. Well, I am in D.C... Answer to prayer?... I think so. I have always liked the idea of living in a actual city (not just suburbia), but have never had the opportunity. I feel like the Lord can use this experience to either tell me, "Bridge, stick to suburbia" or "Bridge, an urban setting may be where I want you to serve long term." Well see!
3.) Courtney has a goal to learn Sign Language within the next 4 years. I am not fluent by any stretch of the word, but I know some Sign. Let's start teaching!
4.) I was kind of anxious about being out East, and so far away for everything "normal." BUT, my friend is nannying in D.C. this summer. With reality in mind, we will probably only see each other a small handful of times... but it is comforting to know I have a familiar face around while I am in such a new environment.
* This list could seriously continue for another 6 points at least... but this is already long enough the way it is... so I'll call it quits for today.
It's weird. I feel like I am dreaming. My mind really hasn't wrapped around the fact that I am going to be living in our Nations Capitol for the 4th of July... let alone the whole summer!!!
Love you all! Thanks for following me along this journey. Sorry for any grammar or spelling errors. English is not my strong-suit.
In Him.
<><
Song of the day: Cannons by Phil Wickham.
I just got the email. I am so so so excited!
The first thing Jack (my little brother) said when he found out was, "Sweet! Go to a Nationals Game!" Typical :)
I talked to Courtney, my Site Director, today. It was so good to get more details about the community we are going to be serving in. So, here is a little bit about the site:
I will be serving students in 9-12 grade.
YouthWorks (YW) partners with local organizations and programs that seek to address the very basic needs of residents. The students may serve at places like: Children’s Programs, Elderly Centers, Soup Kitchens/Homeless Shelters and Thrift Stores. Specific work sites include: United Cerebral Palsy, Parks and People, and Friends and Food... among many others.
In the evenings we have a variety of activities planned. These activities include visiting monuments and memorials, going to a worship night led by youth from D.C., and having a free community cook out. Courtney said the cookout is like a block party every week...aka... AWESOME!
It is so cool to see Jesus' hand in every single part of this whole thing. Here is just a glimpse into what He has done:
1.) One of the service sites is where we work with individuals who have Cerebral Palsy. Courtney worked with YW in D.C. last summer and was praying for someone who knew how to work with individuals with additional needs. I am a elementary ed and special education major. I am not saying that I am a pro at working with people who have physical limitations, but I have had previous exposure, and am very excited about the opportunity to get to know this people group better!
2.) I was praying to be placed in a Urban setting. Well, I am in D.C... Answer to prayer?... I think so. I have always liked the idea of living in a actual city (not just suburbia), but have never had the opportunity. I feel like the Lord can use this experience to either tell me, "Bridge, stick to suburbia" or "Bridge, an urban setting may be where I want you to serve long term." Well see!
3.) Courtney has a goal to learn Sign Language within the next 4 years. I am not fluent by any stretch of the word, but I know some Sign. Let's start teaching!
4.) I was kind of anxious about being out East, and so far away for everything "normal." BUT, my friend is nannying in D.C. this summer. With reality in mind, we will probably only see each other a small handful of times... but it is comforting to know I have a familiar face around while I am in such a new environment.
* This list could seriously continue for another 6 points at least... but this is already long enough the way it is... so I'll call it quits for today.
It's weird. I feel like I am dreaming. My mind really hasn't wrapped around the fact that I am going to be living in our Nations Capitol for the 4th of July... let alone the whole summer!!!
Love you all! Thanks for following me along this journey. Sorry for any grammar or spelling errors. English is not my strong-suit.
In Him.
<><
Song of the day: Cannons by Phil Wickham.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Summer Prep
HAHAHAHA Fail Blog! I stink at updating this. Whatev!
I'd like to elaborate on the purpose of this blog. To make my explanation a little more fun... let's put it in interview format!
Q: What is the purpose of this blog?
A: This blog started as a great procrastination tool. However, as the summer approached I may be putting it to productive use. Over the summer I hope to post what I am doing and what the Lord is teaching me.
Q: Why do you need a blog to communicate what is going on in your life this summer?
A: Great question! I am working for an organization called YouthWorks. They facilitate week long mission trips across the country for junior high and high school students. I will be living and working at a mission site with three other staff members. The four of us are going to be very busy serving the Lord. Because of that I will not have time to effectively communicate with all the people I would want to about what I am up to. This lovely blog allows me to tell you all a lot of information all at once.
Q: Where are you going to be this summer?
A: I still don't know my exact placement... but I for sure know that I will be somewhere on the East Coast-ish Region. I could be anywhere from a rural town in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains to Queens, Ny. I will know my exact placement on May 14th.
Q; Wow...out East! What is your thought process about that?
A: I am SUPER excited! I feel so hard core! Along with that excitement comes a lot of nerves. I seriously never even though about staying out East for more than a week vacation... and now I will be living there for 3 months! Crazy Man! I REALLY though I would be placed somewhere in the Midwest! I was thinking Chicago or Duluth. HA NOPE! The Lord has some other plans.
Although I am very anxious and kinda scared about the whole situation ... I am finding SO much peace in the Lord's direction in all of this. I had no choice as to where I am going this summer. I am comforted in knowing that my will has not gotten in the way of the Lord's. I KNOW that He has chosen this placement for me... and I KNOW that He will not put me anywhere that I can't handle. I am looking forward to see all that He is going to teach me though this.
Q: What are you doing until you go out East?
A: I am still at school. I have 7 days of class left... then a week of finals. Then I am going home for 2 days to spend QUALITY time with the fam-jam... and then I leave Monday for training in Phili. These last couple weeks of school are going to be very busy with school and friends and preparing (physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually) for the summer.
But I would not change it for the world! I am SO blessed!
Q: Random question... What song do you have in your head at the moment?
A: Replay by Iyaz. It has been stuck in my head all day! I like to modify the lyrics to "that girl there she is my toaster" instead of "that girls is the gun to my holster"
Q: Anything else?
A: Neh. I think this is long enough. Hopefully I will update this more frequently in the weeks to come.
Living for Him!
<><
Bridget
I'd like to elaborate on the purpose of this blog. To make my explanation a little more fun... let's put it in interview format!
Q: What is the purpose of this blog?
A: This blog started as a great procrastination tool. However, as the summer approached I may be putting it to productive use. Over the summer I hope to post what I am doing and what the Lord is teaching me.
Q: Why do you need a blog to communicate what is going on in your life this summer?
A: Great question! I am working for an organization called YouthWorks. They facilitate week long mission trips across the country for junior high and high school students. I will be living and working at a mission site with three other staff members. The four of us are going to be very busy serving the Lord. Because of that I will not have time to effectively communicate with all the people I would want to about what I am up to. This lovely blog allows me to tell you all a lot of information all at once.
Q: Where are you going to be this summer?
A: I still don't know my exact placement... but I for sure know that I will be somewhere on the East Coast-ish Region. I could be anywhere from a rural town in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains to Queens, Ny. I will know my exact placement on May 14th.
Q; Wow...out East! What is your thought process about that?
A: I am SUPER excited! I feel so hard core! Along with that excitement comes a lot of nerves. I seriously never even though about staying out East for more than a week vacation... and now I will be living there for 3 months! Crazy Man! I REALLY though I would be placed somewhere in the Midwest! I was thinking Chicago or Duluth. HA NOPE! The Lord has some other plans.
Although I am very anxious and kinda scared about the whole situation ... I am finding SO much peace in the Lord's direction in all of this. I had no choice as to where I am going this summer. I am comforted in knowing that my will has not gotten in the way of the Lord's. I KNOW that He has chosen this placement for me... and I KNOW that He will not put me anywhere that I can't handle. I am looking forward to see all that He is going to teach me though this.
Q: What are you doing until you go out East?
A: I am still at school. I have 7 days of class left... then a week of finals. Then I am going home for 2 days to spend QUALITY time with the fam-jam... and then I leave Monday for training in Phili. These last couple weeks of school are going to be very busy with school and friends and preparing (physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually) for the summer.
But I would not change it for the world! I am SO blessed!
Q: Random question... What song do you have in your head at the moment?
A: Replay by Iyaz. It has been stuck in my head all day! I like to modify the lyrics to "that girl there she is my toaster" instead of "that girls is the gun to my holster"
Q: Anything else?
A: Neh. I think this is long enough. Hopefully I will update this more frequently in the weeks to come.
Living for Him!
<><
Bridget
Saturday, March 20, 2010
What is this?
Why am I starting a blog?
Seriously, I have no idea. I saw my friend Kaidee's blog and I was like, "Hey, that looks fun."
So, here I am!
I don't know what I am going to write in here... or even how often... it'll be an adventure!
Here we go!
Cricket Cricket... I am drawing a blank.
How bout we start with introducing you to the 5 most important things in my life.
1.) Jesus. He is my savior, my delight, my confidant, my protector, my friend and SO much more. I have always know about Him, but I met Him for the 1st time 7 years ago on a Side By Side (see #3) retreat. Over the past 2 years my relationship with Him has been maturing from convenience to daily/devotional. He teaches me something new every day...I love it! I can't wait to learn more!
2.) Family. I have an older sister who I look up to a lot and a little brother who is growing into an awesome young man... and who is not so little anymore. As much as I complain about it, I love being the middle child. It's the best of both worlds as Hannah Montana would say. I also have wonderful parents who have encouraged and supported me in everything that I have ever done. Their love for me is so great that it just blows my mind that God's love for me is even greater! Beyond the five of us, my extended family is very large. I love being a part of a big family and wouldn't change it for the world.
3.) Side By Side. My second family. I have been around SBS since I went on a retreat when I was in 7th grade. That is when I met a personal/relational God who loves ME. Since that retreat I have never left. I am now on the SBS Team. I go and help facilitate retreats for Junior and Senior High students... Showing them the personal God who desires and loves them just as He loves me. I could go on and on about SBS.... but I am sure you will hear more as this blog continues.
4.) My Friends. Pretty self explanatory. I love that they challenge me and also support me. I enjoy learning from them and their different perspectives. They help to make the routine of my everyday life adventurous!
5.) Chocolate. YUMMY! I am addicted. It's kind of a problem. Chocolate should not really be on the top 5 most important things in my life list... but I am really craving some right now... so today it is! I love Dove milk chocolate but Hershey's will do it. Plane and smiple. That's the way I like it!
Okie Dokie. This is enough into stuff.
Until next time home slice.
PEACE!
<><
Seriously, I have no idea. I saw my friend Kaidee's blog and I was like, "Hey, that looks fun."
So, here I am!
I don't know what I am going to write in here... or even how often... it'll be an adventure!
Here we go!
Cricket Cricket... I am drawing a blank.
How bout we start with introducing you to the 5 most important things in my life.
1.) Jesus. He is my savior, my delight, my confidant, my protector, my friend and SO much more. I have always know about Him, but I met Him for the 1st time 7 years ago on a Side By Side (see #3) retreat. Over the past 2 years my relationship with Him has been maturing from convenience to daily/devotional. He teaches me something new every day...I love it! I can't wait to learn more!
2.) Family. I have an older sister who I look up to a lot and a little brother who is growing into an awesome young man... and who is not so little anymore. As much as I complain about it, I love being the middle child. It's the best of both worlds as Hannah Montana would say. I also have wonderful parents who have encouraged and supported me in everything that I have ever done. Their love for me is so great that it just blows my mind that God's love for me is even greater! Beyond the five of us, my extended family is very large. I love being a part of a big family and wouldn't change it for the world.
3.) Side By Side. My second family. I have been around SBS since I went on a retreat when I was in 7th grade. That is when I met a personal/relational God who loves ME. Since that retreat I have never left. I am now on the SBS Team. I go and help facilitate retreats for Junior and Senior High students... Showing them the personal God who desires and loves them just as He loves me. I could go on and on about SBS.... but I am sure you will hear more as this blog continues.
4.) My Friends. Pretty self explanatory. I love that they challenge me and also support me. I enjoy learning from them and their different perspectives. They help to make the routine of my everyday life adventurous!
5.) Chocolate. YUMMY! I am addicted. It's kind of a problem. Chocolate should not really be on the top 5 most important things in my life list... but I am really craving some right now... so today it is! I love Dove milk chocolate but Hershey's will do it. Plane and smiple. That's the way I like it!
Okie Dokie. This is enough into stuff.
Until next time home slice.
PEACE!
<><
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