So this is what it feels like to live Life! [Jimmy Needham]

I can't believe that it's been almost 10 days since I've blogged here! You would think that I'd have so much more time now that I've been off from Coach for over two weeks...;) and I have, but life is still crazy!

God has been teaching me so much! I've had some time to process a small fraction of what I've learned, but it's going to be a process yet over the next weeks and months. One thing that He showed me is 2 Corinthians 9:6, "Remember this: whoever sows sparingly will reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will reap generously." I feel like this is one of the verses God has given me for the next school year. It doesn't mean that I should spread myself thin, but that I should be sharing & sowing seeds generously at school, at work, among friends...whenever possible. Our memory verse this week has also resonated well with me; it's something that I'm trying to learn and praying for grace to do this next year, and every following year of my life!

Ephesians 6:19-20 "Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly as I should."

[sidenote: I got a dove chocolate and the inside of the wrapper read "be fearless." something that God has shown me I have not been in my spiritual life, and that it's a definite area that He wants to grow me in! He's already started...ohhh boy.]

God has been revealing the people and areas He wants me to focus my energies on this next year. I'm still nervous about scheduling and such, but I know He'll work it out & will provide all my needs! This next year will be the best yet, through His grace & strength!

Thank you all who have prayed and given towards my Jax experience. God has blessed me beyond belief with a vision and desire to continue to know Him more deeply and share that back home in Cedar Falls & on campus(es), and with new friends with which bonds are as deep as family & that will last a lifetime. Words can't accurately describe how much my heart loves this program, and what a little glimpse of Heaven I get when we all worship purely for the sake of the glory and praise of the Most High God! My heart already feels like it's being torn out, and we don't leave for 3 more days...but I know that going home is a must.

It's time to live out what I've learned!

arry potta!?

This weekend was exhausting....but oh so much fun. The program took us down to Orlando for two days of educational learning and play! But last weekend was much more than I anticipated, let me tell you....

The drive to Orlando is about 2.5 hours, and I was already tired, so I fell asleep in the car pretty quickly. However, about 1.5 hours into the trip, we soon found our car on the side of the road. It was shaking and not sounding good at all. :( I called a few people, and four cars turned around to come help us out. We are SO thankful for all of them and their willingness to stop & wait while we tried to figure out what was going on and who to put in what car! Also, another HUGE blessing was that a State Farm truck was right behind us and was able to suggest numbers to call.

After waiting and finally remembering that I had AAA (hah. call them first next time!) and Joe Robb saving the day because Emily (the girl who was driving) and I were somewhat confused as to what to do next, we made it to the shop. Everyone was able to have a seat in one car or another, and we arrived in Orlando. Late, but safe!

Wycliffe Bible Translators was founded by William Townsend in 1942. They have held a great part in translating the Gospel and sending it out to the world. We were able to listen to speakers and learn how truly difficult it must be to try to communicate with someone when you have NO idea how their language works. How do you ask them what their word for God is?! Yikes.

Saturday evening we had Campus Time, where we were able to reconnect with our school groups and talk about what God has been doing this summer in our lives. I'm not near ready to think about leaving, but I am SO ready to see what God does this next school year on campus!

Sunday we were up bright and early to head into the city and go to Islands of Adventure at Universal!!! For all you un-educated or homeschooled folks out there (joking! ;)—this is where the one and only Wizarding World of Harry Potter is. Uhm. Yeah. That's a big deal right there.

of course, I was smart and left my camera in the car. (on purpose, but should have thought that through a bit more.)

but take my word for it, butterbeer is worth the $3.55. SO YUM IN MY TUM!

that's it for this post!

the mountain before us would become a plain in our eyes

This week has been extremely interesting thus far.

Monday was quite the eventual day. I came home from work, extremely excited and uber thankful that I'd reached quota + some (over 100%!? say what!? Thank you God for the energy, and heavy lifters for extra boxes!) only to receive a phone call. Basically, PR is ahead and some of us have been temporarily (and possibly permanently) cut.

Shoot.

Now what?

Well, there have been others in the same boat, and one of the opportunities presented to us is to either clean the Crossings or volunteer with a kid's ministry.

I chose to volunteer. ;) Kids? Sign me up!

So far I've only been at 2nd Mile Ministries for two days and it's one of the most exhausting and emotionally draining things I've ever done. It's also one of the most heart-changing experiences I've gone through. These kids grow up in a neighborhood much rougher (and diverse, I might add) than any I've lived in. I have no idea what their meal plans look like, but it's probably more Mickey D's and less homegrown & fresh than I'm used to. As for parents and siblings, let's just say they probably have a very different family structure.

But that just makes me want to love them more.

I'm not very good at this. I mean, I work with white, privileged, well-behaved (for the most part, anyhow) kids in nursery or when babysitting. And it's rarely more than four of them at a time. Here there are seven or eight of them and they're loud (or don't talk! that's almost worse) and don't listen, but how can you blame them for having good manners if they aren't taught that at home?

I could go on and on, only to say: I love volunteering. [I also love work! I want to work! Which is a change in heart as well. But, I have found that I love earning money to spend it, and that is an area that needs to be curbed. Saving money or budgeting to spend on others...is so much more rewarding than selfish spending.] Loving on kids and people is challenging, but over time, results will come. I may not be here to see them, but someone else will. This summer has been showing me that I want to see fruit in the lives of others, but sometimes you have to do the hard work. Someone will see the ends, it might not be me, and that's ok. It's humbling. And it makes me excited to go home and do the dirty work. Maybe someday, perhaps through one-on-ones and such, I will see fruit! And that excites me.

A verse I found yesterday pointed out to me why I haven't seen fruit from my life and out of others. God is showing me that I really must give of my time to others, being bold in sharing and loving and giving and investing. Through that, with His grace, there will be fruit!

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. —2 Corinthians 9:6

love, amelia

from amber waves of grain to shining sea | 'MERICA!

the 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays, although I usually forget that until the end of June. I'm a patriot at heart and the history of this legendary country is one of my favorite stories. From the colonial days to the pioneers in covered wagons to the emancipation proclamation to sock hops, watercolored dreams of days before my time canvas my brain. Our Independence Day is just a very visual and loud reminder to me that our country still needs God as much as the rest of the world, and I pray that she succeeds another 200 years just as successfully!

This is probably my favorite 4th on record. I was unsure how I'd adjust to not spending it out at Merrill's on the farm with my favorite kiddos and friends, but I think this is my new favorite way to spend the day!

it started off by going to the beach:

and then down to saint augustine, the oldest city in the USA! what a perfect place to spend such a historic day, right? :)

we crashed a block party in the quaintest neighborhood to listen to a little local bluegrass band.

someday I'll have a front garden that looks like this:)

and of course, waiting for fireworks=cake, cardgames, and fellowship!

what did you all do for the 4th of July? This weekend should be fun & packed of activities, hopefully I'll be able to blog next week again:)

[this temporary home]

A part of growing up is realizing that everyone has different talents. It's a combination of both nature and nurture (woohoo, AP psych still kickin' in!) and it's always so interesting to see the gifting and talents others have! One talent that I've always wished for (and plan to work at more over the upcoming months and years) is that of writing eloquently. Patience is a virtue that does not always come easily for me, and writing...takes time. Lots of time: to write drafts, check them, and re-write, and possibly have others give input into your carefully crafted writing. And then, often enough, it's back to the drawing board. ;)

You all are prooooobably wondering what this has to do with JAX! The lovely Carissa Gallo has a short writing that exemplifies my feelings about being in Florida with 180 other fantastic, wonderful people. I only have a month left and it's already making me want to cry. Not even going there yet! Anyhow, here are Carissa's words:

I love home so much—my home, the place I live, with my family, with my memories, with all the things that feel comfortable and, well, homey. And whenever I'm away from home, I miss that place. That home-place. Yet I have this terribly beautiful habit of making the away-place become a home. It's almost accidental. It's one of those habits that's subconscious, like playing with my hair when I'm nervous—when I realize I've done it, it's too late to pretend I haven't.

This is so true of what has happened in my insides this past month. I miss home, kind of. ;) But I am love love loving this place, these people. When Christ is at the center, there is usually an instant connection and people feel like family. Even though I'm living out of a suitcase, and sharing a room with four other girls, and unable to go to the bank, it's still home. And I really, truly, wish that this wouldn't end.

Other than already feeling homesick for JAX;) things have been crazy! Fast-paced like always—I've had 40+ hours of work a week, and so much learning going on that I have no clue when I'm going to process it all, if ever. Friday night we had the infamous "Thrift Store Prom" and it was a blast. Honestly the best dance party I've ever been to (and probably will be at.) My legs are still sore tonight (Sunday) if that give you an idea of how much fun was had!

[Edit: I was planning on writing more, but I never did. That shall happen most likely tomorrow (Wednesday) but as for now, goodnight!]

tell you 'bout these days, like they are stories of old

I had so many dreams of what this post would look like. It would be long and beautifully written and sooooo hilarious. (Sorry to break it to you, but my blog posts will not be hilarious. Ever. It's not a gift of mine!)

My day starts at 5:15 am (4:20 or so if I have overtime). I sometimes get crazy and press the snooze button. ;) but I eventually get out of bed, dress, have a quiet time, and eat breakfast. The staff provides cereal and other breakfast basics, of which you can have your pick. My ride leaves at 6:10-6:15 (or, again, an hour earlier for overtime) and we take a ride for 30 minutes through Jax.

Once at Coach, we go through security and sign in between 6:53-59. Work lasts until 4...we get two paid 15-minute breaks, and an unpaid hour lunch. Usually I work in PR (Package Removal) where we (guess what?!) remove packaging off of Coach "handbags." (note: not purses. handbags.) And wallets, and keychains, and duffels and such. Never shoes or clothing items though. Or any of the other crazy products produced for the overpriced materialistic items made in this company! I'm not complaining, because I have a job:) but it's crazy. Not sure who'd wear a Coach softball glove....hahaha. Or buy a dog collar from them! But hey, if you have the money...

Evenings are much more enjoyable, but sadly much shorter. I get back from work around 4:45 and have about 45 minutes until dinner. Usually a shower or cat nap or facebooking takes place. Then we have our evening activity:

Monday: 7-9:30ish— Rally! We kick off the week with worship, a skit by a few teams, and a new speaker on a message on the week's theme. A highlight of my week!

Tuesday: Free Night!

Wednesday: Workshop—go into more detail and application on what we learned on Monday/theme of the week & Bible study

Thursday: Bible Study night with the team

Friday: alternate weeks of Group Dates/Group Social

Saturday: morning is E-training, afternoon is beach evangelism! Free time in the evening.

Sunday: church, lunch, free afternoon & evening!

It's a crazy busy week. The days are long and full of yawns, but learning and joy and good conversations with new friends. This is the hardest thing I've done...but so so so worth it. I am learning copious amounts about myself and God and relating to others and just everything. Since there is hardly any time to process it, I can't really describe what I'm feeling right now. But just trust me—this is worth every penny and tear and minute.

So, thank you so much. To everyone who has prayed, given so I could come, sent letters (AH! I ran out of stamps but I will reply asap! Mom is sending stamps this week;) and inquired on how everything has been going.

[PostScript/Edit]

this tuesday, our team went to Christie Purifoy's home, where she and her husband Jon made us a most lovely dinner! Their children are adorable, their home straight out of Potter Barn, and their lifestyle super Kinfolk-y. Twas the most enjoyable evening in a while! She and her husband are just sweet, wonderfully people who love the Lord and are living it out. We had homemade grilled pizzas (uhh, amazing!) and salad with homemade vinaigrette. (white wine vinegar, olive oil, salt & pepper, shallots, mmmm and maybe something else? so delish!) Top it off with a piece of homemade strawberry basil shortcake...so tasty.

And just for kicks and giggles, my gals & me on Amelia Island last weekend (minus Pey-Pey! She was back home in Nebraska for a wedding.)

loves!

finally (almost!) friday.

I'm completely exhausted in every way, but this week has been so so so so good. and hard. but growing.

I'll hopefully blog my little heart out this weekend. I'm still alive, promise! & I'll be back online in the near future, I hope:)

Watch our Group Date ask, if you wish! And if you're in CF this weekend, go grab a Becker's Strawberry Smoothie & some mini-donuts for me;)

Amelia