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.
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