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.
<><
Monday, June 7, 2010
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
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