This morning we said goodbye to Ron and Kathleen. Then, we said goodbye to Heather right before they took me to the airport. It was hard to say goodbye, but I knew it was coming. I tried to hold back the tears as much as I could, but it didn't work. When they left, I went to check in.
First, I went inside and stood in line, but soon realized that the line was for people who checked in online. So I went to the curbside check-in are outside. When it was time for me to pay, they asked for a credit card. I gave them the card, but it didn't work, so I would have to go inside to use cash. The line was extremely long, and I only had 20 minutes left to check in. I asked a guy ahead in the line if I could cut in front of him because I was running late. Thankfully, he let me. Time was really running short, so I asked an employee if I could go ahead. She let me come out of line and check in. I made it to my gate and went to board the plane. The ticket I had didn't have a seat number, so I had to wait. I didn't think that I was going to have a seat on the plane, but I got my boarding pass last minute. I made it on the plane, but it was a really close call.
After a few minutes of flying, I decided to read my encouragement letters. They, of course, made me cry. All of them were great and made me even more thankful for such a great team. The rest of the flight, I listened to music and slept a little. When I got to the Denver airport, I got some dinner, then went to my gate to journal and read. We left Denver about 30 minutes late because both runways were pretty busy and there was a storm outside. The flight was pretty short. My family and a few of my friends were waiting for me when I arrived. It was really good to see them.
Coming home was one of the hardest things I have done, but I knew that I had to do it. Re-adjusting will take a while after spend a month with 27 amazing men and women. Seattle Summer Project was an experience like nothing else, and I'm so glad that I could be a part of it. I have learned so much in the past four weeks, and I can't wait to share it with everyone else.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Saturday July 18
After saying goodbye to another group, some of us went down to breakfast. When we came back up, I started packing. My friend, Amy, came to meet me for the day because she is on a road trip with her friends. She came, and I said my tearful goodbyes. I then met Amy's friends, Adam and Jenny.
We went downtown and walked around the market for a little bit. Jenny went to get some coffee after we had lunch, so Amy, Adam, and I went to get coffee and roam around. We had our drinks outside on a hill that overlooks Puget Sound. It was really relaxing, and the weather was nice. On the way back to meet up, we stopped to get pastries. I just had a bite of theirs, but they were delicious! We all met back up and discussed plans. They didn't have a place to stay in Seattle, so we decided that they would drop me off, and they would head to Vancouver. It was hard to say goodbye to Amy because I won't be able to see her for a long time.
After arriving back at campus, the group went out to dinner at the California Pizza Kitchen. We walked around Target and Ross, then went back to SPU. LaShondra, Liz, Nick, and I helped Ron and Kathleen finish stuffing their and Tom's newsletters. Then around 10:00 PM, we took Nick to the airport. It was our last goodbye for the day. When we came back, we talked in the lounge for a little bit. Then LaShondra, Liz, Jordan, and I slept in Jordan's room. I'm glad that we could spend the rest of the night together.
We went downtown and walked around the market for a little bit. Jenny went to get some coffee after we had lunch, so Amy, Adam, and I went to get coffee and roam around. We had our drinks outside on a hill that overlooks Puget Sound. It was really relaxing, and the weather was nice. On the way back to meet up, we stopped to get pastries. I just had a bite of theirs, but they were delicious! We all met back up and discussed plans. They didn't have a place to stay in Seattle, so we decided that they would drop me off, and they would head to Vancouver. It was hard to say goodbye to Amy because I won't be able to see her for a long time.
After arriving back at campus, the group went out to dinner at the California Pizza Kitchen. We walked around Target and Ross, then went back to SPU. LaShondra, Liz, Nick, and I helped Ron and Kathleen finish stuffing their and Tom's newsletters. Then around 10:00 PM, we took Nick to the airport. It was our last goodbye for the day. When we came back, we talked in the lounge for a little bit. Then LaShondra, Liz, Jordan, and I slept in Jordan's room. I'm glad that we could spend the rest of the night together.
Friday July 17
This morning, my second cousin, Sue, picked me up to meet with some of my family for lunch. We met at her dad, Bud's, place. There I ate with Bud, my great uncle, and some of his family. I haven't seen them since I was really young, so we spent some time catching up. I enjoyed spending time with them, especially since I haven't seen them in so long. After lunch, Sue took me back to the campus.
I spent a little time getting ready for our last dinner, then we left. We went to a hotel that had a garden outside that we could eat in. It was beautiful and a nice place to spend time with everyone. The students got together and got Tom a gold whistle with an engraved case. We gave it to him, and the boys said their thank yous to him. It was really emotional, but a good way to end the project. We picked up our newsletters after dinner, then headed back.
When we got to campus, we took a group picture and signed the bus. Then we packed and addressed our newsletters. During that time, we listened to a couple more testimonies. Next, we watched a slideshow and a movie that some of the students had made. Finally, we decided to have one last time of worship together. It was really hard for all of us, but definitely needed.
Once worship was finished, some of us went to 7/11 to get slurpees. Most of us still had encouragement letters to write, and the first flight was leaving in a few hours, so we knew we would be up late. I wrote my encouragement letters and had a little dance party with Stephen, Jordan, and Megan. After I finished writing, I decided to try to sleep in the boys' lounge, so I could say goodbye to everyone. I didn't end up getting any sleep, but it was worth it.
I spent a little time getting ready for our last dinner, then we left. We went to a hotel that had a garden outside that we could eat in. It was beautiful and a nice place to spend time with everyone. The students got together and got Tom a gold whistle with an engraved case. We gave it to him, and the boys said their thank yous to him. It was really emotional, but a good way to end the project. We picked up our newsletters after dinner, then headed back.
When we got to campus, we took a group picture and signed the bus. Then we packed and addressed our newsletters. During that time, we listened to a couple more testimonies. Next, we watched a slideshow and a movie that some of the students had made. Finally, we decided to have one last time of worship together. It was really hard for all of us, but definitely needed.
Once worship was finished, some of us went to 7/11 to get slurpees. Most of us still had encouragement letters to write, and the first flight was leaving in a few hours, so we knew we would be up late. I wrote my encouragement letters and had a little dance party with Stephen, Jordan, and Megan. After I finished writing, I decided to try to sleep in the boys' lounge, so I could say goodbye to everyone. I didn't end up getting any sleep, but it was worth it.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Thursday July 16
The prison was amazing today! We all did worship with the inmates and a couple of the girls from our group shared their testimonies. Ron then opened the floor for the women to say anything they wanted. A few women went up one by one and shared. A couple of them shared their testimonies, and it was so amazing to see how they've turned to God after all they have been through. Another woman said that she now felt free because one of the girls form our group shared their testimony with her. It was so awesome to see how God used us to give them hope. After they were done sharing, we broke up into our small groups again.
Our group shared encouraging poems and Bible verses for a little while. Then we went through the Soularium cards* with them. It really helped us get a better look at their hearts and to give them a better view of ourselves. We didn't have much time left, so we prayed for them before we had to say goodbye. Chandelle and Adriana both gave me hugs, and Chandelle gave me a note that she had written as well. She was so encouraging, and it was so rewarding to see how God worked through us to give her hope. Once we said goodbye, we left the prison. It was our last day of ministry, and it was so worth it.
We stopped in Gig Harbor for lunch on the grass. Then we walked around and got ice cream. We came back to SPU for a couple of hours before dinner. During that time, a few of us walked to a gas station to get slurpies. We then left to eat dinner at 5 Spot. Tom's wife, Sue, and his daughter, Heather, were there. We each got to meet them and talk with them. They were both beautiful and really sweet.
Once dinner was over, we came back home again. Most of us worked on our encouragment letters for one another. I can't believe that we only have one day left together, and we'll all be going home soon. It's going to be really hard to say goodbye.
*Soularium Cards are a set of cards that Campus Crusade makes to help share the gospel. They are just ordinary pictures, but you are supposed to choose pictures that represent your life and explain why. They are a wonderful tool to share the message with.
Our group shared encouraging poems and Bible verses for a little while. Then we went through the Soularium cards* with them. It really helped us get a better look at their hearts and to give them a better view of ourselves. We didn't have much time left, so we prayed for them before we had to say goodbye. Chandelle and Adriana both gave me hugs, and Chandelle gave me a note that she had written as well. She was so encouraging, and it was so rewarding to see how God worked through us to give her hope. Once we said goodbye, we left the prison. It was our last day of ministry, and it was so worth it.
We stopped in Gig Harbor for lunch on the grass. Then we walked around and got ice cream. We came back to SPU for a couple of hours before dinner. During that time, a few of us walked to a gas station to get slurpies. We then left to eat dinner at 5 Spot. Tom's wife, Sue, and his daughter, Heather, were there. We each got to meet them and talk with them. They were both beautiful and really sweet.
Once dinner was over, we came back home again. Most of us worked on our encouragment letters for one another. I can't believe that we only have one day left together, and we'll all be going home soon. It's going to be really hard to say goodbye.
*Soularium Cards are a set of cards that Campus Crusade makes to help share the gospel. They are just ordinary pictures, but you are supposed to choose pictures that represent your life and explain why. They are a wonderful tool to share the message with.
Wednesday July 15
At the prison today, we split up into our groups again. I thought it would be hard to work with one of them after finding out what she was convicted for, but it wasn't. Her, Lonnie, and Chandelle (inmates in our group) had some really good conversations with us. We tried to go over a Transferable Concept about How to Study the Bible, but it was hard because we hadn't gone through it either. So we just ended up sharing how we go through the Bible on our own, and tried some of it out. Soon it came time for lunch, so we went back out to the bus.
After lunch, we met again with the same girls. One of the ladies started pouring her heart out to me and some of the things that she struggles with. She just filed for a divorce, and she felt really guilty doing so even after her husband had beaten her and cheated on her several times. Sean and I explained to her that their relationship was not beneficial, and divorce would probably help to get out of the situation. We also talked about how she struggled with her image. She is very self-conscious because of they way she was treated by her husband and how drugs had rotted her teeth. I did my best to encourage her and explain to her that God thinks she's beautiful no matter what. They had to leave a little early, but the time that we spent together was awesome.
When we left the prison, we came back to the campus to pick up the students who were sick and to change into more comfortable clothes. We went out to a small diner for supper. Liz, Sean, Susan, and I sat together and had some good conversations. It was time for training again when we returned home. Tom brought us stuff for Root Beer floats after that. Yum!
After lunch, we met again with the same girls. One of the ladies started pouring her heart out to me and some of the things that she struggles with. She just filed for a divorce, and she felt really guilty doing so even after her husband had beaten her and cheated on her several times. Sean and I explained to her that their relationship was not beneficial, and divorce would probably help to get out of the situation. We also talked about how she struggled with her image. She is very self-conscious because of they way she was treated by her husband and how drugs had rotted her teeth. I did my best to encourage her and explain to her that God thinks she's beautiful no matter what. They had to leave a little early, but the time that we spent together was awesome.
When we left the prison, we came back to the campus to pick up the students who were sick and to change into more comfortable clothes. We went out to a small diner for supper. Liz, Sean, Susan, and I sat together and had some good conversations. It was time for training again when we returned home. Tom brought us stuff for Root Beer floats after that. Yum!
Tuesday July 14
Today didn't really go as I had planned. My roommate, Katie and I woke up late. We ran to the lobby and realized that the bus had already left. Susan called me to see where we were, and I told her the situation. We ended up staying behind for the day. It was nice, but we both felt awful. After being in shock for about ten minutes, we went back to bed. I woke up when it was time for lunch. After getting ready, Katie and I made a "Cribs" video of the girls' side of the dorm. Then I went to get coffee with Mindy and read my book. When we heard that everyone else was on their way home, we headed back. Mindy, Katie, and I set out the ingredients for quesadillas. A few people made fun of us when they got back, but it wasn't too bad.
Ron, the head director of prison ministry for Campus Crusade, led us in training after dinner. When he was finished, his wife, Kathleen, told us her testimony and talked to the girls for a little while. They're a great couple, and we are very fortunate to have them here with us. Our ministry site group then wrote our article for the newsletter. Later on, I went on a walk with Stephen, Caytlin, Julie, Noelle, Heather, and Drew. That was fun, and we were able to do a little bit of worship afterward.
Ron, the head director of prison ministry for Campus Crusade, led us in training after dinner. When he was finished, his wife, Kathleen, told us her testimony and talked to the girls for a little while. They're a great couple, and we are very fortunate to have them here with us. Our ministry site group then wrote our article for the newsletter. Later on, I went on a walk with Stephen, Caytlin, Julie, Noelle, Heather, and Drew. That was fun, and we were able to do a little bit of worship afterward.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Monday July 13
We were at breakfast this morning at 7:00 and left the campus at 7:30. This week we are ministering to women in prison at Washington Correctional Center for Women. Before lunch, we toured the buildings and invited women to talk with us at the chapel later. We ate lunch on the bus, then headed back to the chapel. The students split up into groups with the offenders. Nick, Sam, Angie, and I were in a group with five other women.
In our group, we went around and shared a little bit of our spiritual background. Then we went over the Four Spiritual Laws booklet. All of the ladies were believers except one of them. So we then split up into smaller groups and talked from there. Angie, Nick, and I split up with three other women. Two of them prayed the prayer from the Holy Spirit booklet, and the other one prayed later. The women were there for different reasons, some shocking and some not so shocking. We all really enjoyed spending time with them though.
When we were done at the prison, we went to Ft. Lewis to visit a guy that Uncle Tom knew. We stayed there for a little bit, then went to get gas. For dinner, we went to the Old Spaghetti Factory. It was delicious! I'm glad that we got to eat downtown, because we don't go there very often. We got back late, so the rest of the night was free for us to do whatever we wanted.
In our group, we went around and shared a little bit of our spiritual background. Then we went over the Four Spiritual Laws booklet. All of the ladies were believers except one of them. So we then split up into smaller groups and talked from there. Angie, Nick, and I split up with three other women. Two of them prayed the prayer from the Holy Spirit booklet, and the other one prayed later. The women were there for different reasons, some shocking and some not so shocking. We all really enjoyed spending time with them though.
When we were done at the prison, we went to Ft. Lewis to visit a guy that Uncle Tom knew. We stayed there for a little bit, then went to get gas. For dinner, we went to the Old Spaghetti Factory. It was delicious! I'm glad that we got to eat downtown, because we don't go there very often. We got back late, so the rest of the night was free for us to do whatever we wanted.
Sunday July 12
The boys made breakfast and served us this morning. It was amazingly delicious. Then we cleaned up and had our own church service. Sean led prayer, Stephen spoke the message, and Tom served us communion. The message was about Elijah in 1Kings 19 and how he hid from his weakness in the cave. Stephen related this to us by saying that we need to take steps to make sure that we don't return to our own "cave" when we go home. After the service, we cleaned up the camp and went back to the ferry.
We grabbed some lunch before we got on the ferry. I got some Starbucks to drink on the ride. It was really relaxing, and I really enjoyed it. When we came back to SPU, we did laundry and hung out for a while. Later, we had a meeting to discuss the newsletter and a picture slide show. Julie, Noelle, and I are writing about talking to the homeless. The rest of the night, I just hung out in the lounge with some other people.
We grabbed some lunch before we got on the ferry. I got some Starbucks to drink on the ride. It was really relaxing, and I really enjoyed it. When we came back to SPU, we did laundry and hung out for a while. Later, we had a meeting to discuss the newsletter and a picture slide show. Julie, Noelle, and I are writing about talking to the homeless. The rest of the night, I just hung out in the lounge with some other people.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Saturday July 11
This morning we were able to sleep in for a little while. Then we all went to a little orientation thing that the camp wanted us to go to. After that it was time for breakfast. Brooke's growth group made it for us, and it was amazing. We planned on going into town for a few hours, so I quickly showered and got ready. Before we went into the shopping area of Port Townsend, we went to an area that had army bunkers from before WWI. We only went into one of them, but it was really big. There were a lot of rooms and secret passages. Some of us walked through the tight passages in between rooms. It a little nerve-racking because there wasn't any light down there.
We left that area and went into town for lunch. The area reminded me a lot of Massachusetts Street in Lawrence. It was smaller, but there were neat shops there and it seemed to be pretty liberal. For lunch, we ate at a fiftie's diner called Nifty Fifties. It was really good and exactly what I needed after weeks of sandwiches for lunch. We didn't have much time for shopping, so I just walked around.
Once we came back from shopping, we headed down to the beach. The water was really cold, but we still had fun. After that, we just hung out until dinner. Noelle, Amy, Amanda, Mindy, and a couple other girls made us a delicious Mexican dinner. Later, a cake was brought out for Liz's birthday, but she didn't want any because it was a cheesecake. So someone came up with the idea to smash it in another person's face. LaShondra was holding it, and Drew ran up to her and smashed it into her face. I decided that we needed to get him back, so we filled up some of Mari's water balloons and covered them with syrup and sugar. Then we waited for Drew to come outside. Somehow, none of us hit him with the balloons, but we had fun with it.
To finish off the night, a few people shared their testimonies. Each of them were strong and unique. The boys re-affirmed their respect for us whether it had been shown to us before or not. That was such a blessing and really encouraging.
We left that area and went into town for lunch. The area reminded me a lot of Massachusetts Street in Lawrence. It was smaller, but there were neat shops there and it seemed to be pretty liberal. For lunch, we ate at a fiftie's diner called Nifty Fifties. It was really good and exactly what I needed after weeks of sandwiches for lunch. We didn't have much time for shopping, so I just walked around.
Once we came back from shopping, we headed down to the beach. The water was really cold, but we still had fun. After that, we just hung out until dinner. Noelle, Amy, Amanda, Mindy, and a couple other girls made us a delicious Mexican dinner. Later, a cake was brought out for Liz's birthday, but she didn't want any because it was a cheesecake. So someone came up with the idea to smash it in another person's face. LaShondra was holding it, and Drew ran up to her and smashed it into her face. I decided that we needed to get him back, so we filled up some of Mari's water balloons and covered them with syrup and sugar. Then we waited for Drew to come outside. Somehow, none of us hit him with the balloons, but we had fun with it.
To finish off the night, a few people shared their testimonies. Each of them were strong and unique. The boys re-affirmed their respect for us whether it had been shown to us before or not. That was such a blessing and really encouraging.
Friday July 10
This morning, Susan and I were dropped off at the Seattle Police Department to do ride-alongs. We really enjoyed the officers that we rode with. One of them even bought us smoothies! Their job was to check up on offenders and arrest them if they have committed a crime. On the first round, there were four arrests. Two of them were caught with heroine, and the other two were drinking alcohol. The reason they were arrested for drinking was because they were high-violent offenders, and they are more likely to hurt someone when they're drunk. So they were just detained for a short period of time.
When we took them back to the station, I was able to give one of them a breathalyzer and handcuff them. On our second round, we picked up one guy because he had been drinking and he didn't show up for his community service. We took him back to the station, then we were done. Geoffrey then came to pick us up and take us back to the campus.
I got online and took a short nap, and then I quickly packed for the weekend. We all packed our stuff on the bus and headed down to the pier. For the weekend, we are going to a small camp area in Port Townsend for a retreat. It took a little while for the ferry to get there, so we roamed around. Once it arrived, we drove the bus on and got out to see the view. It was really neat, and I'm sure it was obvious that we were tourists because we took lots and lots of pictures. When we got to the other side, we got back on the bus and headed out. It was another 20 minutes before we arrived.
When we got to the camp, we unloaded our things and settled in. We had a dinner of frozen pizzas, then listened to Katie's testimony. She did a great job. Then we just hung out for the rest of the night.
When we took them back to the station, I was able to give one of them a breathalyzer and handcuff them. On our second round, we picked up one guy because he had been drinking and he didn't show up for his community service. We took him back to the station, then we were done. Geoffrey then came to pick us up and take us back to the campus.
I got online and took a short nap, and then I quickly packed for the weekend. We all packed our stuff on the bus and headed down to the pier. For the weekend, we are going to a small camp area in Port Townsend for a retreat. It took a little while for the ferry to get there, so we roamed around. Once it arrived, we drove the bus on and got out to see the view. It was really neat, and I'm sure it was obvious that we were tourists because we took lots and lots of pictures. When we got to the other side, we got back on the bus and headed out. It was another 20 minutes before we arrived.
When we got to the camp, we unloaded our things and settled in. We had a dinner of frozen pizzas, then listened to Katie's testimony. She did a great job. Then we just hung out for the rest of the night.
Thursday July 9
Susan and I were the only ones that went to our ministry site today because the others went on ride-alongs. Geoffrey took us to the first Starbucks in Pike Place Market, so they day started off better than most. We finished at the UFC early, but we had to wait for an hour and 20 minutes for Tom to get there. Ironically, the band Abandon Kansas, from Wichita, was in town for a show. Liz knows the drummer pretty well, so her and I were going to see them. Jordan tagged along to take pictures.
There was a little bit of miscommunication, so we didn't get to leave right away, but we eventually made it to the show. We arrived at the venue during one of the sets, so we said hello to the guys from Abandon Kansas and waited for them to take the stage. A lot of the crowd left before it was their turn to go, so there weren't too many people in the audience. They played really well, and we got to hear some old stuff as well as some new songs. Once they finished, we talked to them while they packed the equipment. We went to a fast food place called Dicks after that. It was greasy and absolutely delicious. Next we went to a place called Gasworks. It's basically a hill that overlooks the whole city. It was absolutely beautiful, especially at night. Then we headed back home for the night.
There was a little bit of miscommunication, so we didn't get to leave right away, but we eventually made it to the show. We arrived at the venue during one of the sets, so we said hello to the guys from Abandon Kansas and waited for them to take the stage. A lot of the crowd left before it was their turn to go, so there weren't too many people in the audience. They played really well, and we got to hear some old stuff as well as some new songs. Once they finished, we talked to them while they packed the equipment. We went to a fast food place called Dicks after that. It was greasy and absolutely delicious. Next we went to a place called Gasworks. It's basically a hill that overlooks the whole city. It was absolutely beautiful, especially at night. Then we headed back home for the night.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Wednesday July 8
Today was all sorts of craziness! When we got to the UFC, we played with the kids until it was time for lunch. Then we had to eat in the gym with them at lunch time. A few things that happened during that time: a little boy flung drops of his popsicle on my white shirt, Susan accidentally broke the handle of a broom, a girl got hit in the eye with a basketball, and a boy started crying because he thought he got stung by a bug. After lunch, they started painting their paper mache masks. I can't decide if making the masks or painting them was messier. While some people cleaned that up, the rest of us went downstairs to watch a movie. We watched Dennis the Menace, and the leaders spent most of the time telling the kids to be quiet. Then we headed home after the movie.
After I had dinner and a short nap, I headed downstairs with the group for training. We finished up the Compassion by Command videos and discussed them. Then we split up into our growth groups. At 10:00 PM all of us met together to figure out plans for the rest of the week. Some of us get to go on riede alongs, so we had to figure that schedule out. I'm going to my ministry site tomorrow, then on a ride along on Friday.
After I had dinner and a short nap, I headed downstairs with the group for training. We finished up the Compassion by Command videos and discussed them. Then we split up into our growth groups. At 10:00 PM all of us met together to figure out plans for the rest of the week. Some of us get to go on riede alongs, so we had to figure that schedule out. I'm going to my ministry site tomorrow, then on a ride along on Friday.
Tuesday July 7
Thankfully we didn't have to be at our ministry site today until 10:45, so we got to sleep in a little bit. Stephen wasn't feeling too well this morning, so he stayed behind. At the UFC, we did two really messy crafts. One of them involving tootsie rolls, spit, and toothpicks. The other one was the beginning of a paper mache mask, so there was glue and newspaper all over the place. Luckily, Uncle Tom came to pick us up a little early, so we left right after cleaning up.
When we came back to campus, we had dinner and did some training. This time, we did a study called "Compassion by Command". It's a study about the homeless and those that live in poverty. It had a good message, but most of us were falling asleep during it. Concentrating on training materials is hard because we're tired from the long day, but it's the most important information we'll take back home with us.
When we came back to campus, we had dinner and did some training. This time, we did a study called "Compassion by Command". It's a study about the homeless and those that live in poverty. It had a good message, but most of us were falling asleep during it. Concentrating on training materials is hard because we're tired from the long day, but it's the most important information we'll take back home with us.
Monday July 6
Today the "real" camp at Urban Family Center started. We showed up at about 9:00 AM to help set things up. This week is Asian-themed, so we hung up a few things to represent that. The kids didn't really start to show up until about 12:00. There were a little over 20 of them. We played games and did some crafts with them to keep them occupied. We weren't able to go outside because it was a little chilly, and it was sprinkling on and off.
We had dinner and a little bit of free time when we came back to the dorm. Then we met to talk about one of the Transferable Concepts, How You Can Love by Faith. Mindy led the group tonight, and she did a great job. Afterward, Tom told the story of Hosea and Gomer from the book Hosea in the Bible. Though I've heard it a couple of times already, it was still really good to hear. Because we are learning how to love by faith, Tom told us to go talk with God without any interruptions for an hour. Each of us found a spot to concentrate, then started. We wrote down a list of names of people that are hard to love in our lives. Then we prayed for each of them and asked God to allow us to love them by our faith in Him. I think it was something that we all needed right now.
When I finished praying, I started reading "Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis. I've heard wonderful things about it, so I picked it up at Mars Hill yesterday. I was only able to read the introduction tonight, but I like it so far.
We had dinner and a little bit of free time when we came back to the dorm. Then we met to talk about one of the Transferable Concepts, How You Can Love by Faith. Mindy led the group tonight, and she did a great job. Afterward, Tom told the story of Hosea and Gomer from the book Hosea in the Bible. Though I've heard it a couple of times already, it was still really good to hear. Because we are learning how to love by faith, Tom told us to go talk with God without any interruptions for an hour. Each of us found a spot to concentrate, then started. We wrote down a list of names of people that are hard to love in our lives. Then we prayed for each of them and asked God to allow us to love them by our faith in Him. I think it was something that we all needed right now.
When I finished praying, I started reading "Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis. I've heard wonderful things about it, so I picked it up at Mars Hill yesterday. I was only able to read the introduction tonight, but I like it so far.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Sunday July 5
This morning we went to one of the seven Mars Hill Churches in Seattle. I was really excited because this was one of Mark Driscoll's churches. we didn't get to see him, but it was still a good message. The pastor, Bubba Jennings, based his message around Matthew 16 when Peter claimed Jesus as the Son of Man. We also talked about how Peter later denied Christ and how we do that in our own lives. Some people from our group were unhappy about the style of worship and how the church spent their money. Aside from that, I enjoyed it.
After we went to lunch at a taco place, we came back to SPU for some free time. I did my laundry and took a short nap. Around dinner time we headed down to the only building on campus with air conditioning. Ironically, it was the same building with the parking garage that we stayed in. This time we stayed inside though. We went down there to share some more testimonies. We eventually came back to the dorm to finish testimonies though.
We kept sharing them for a while longer. Again, they were all powerful, and a few were pretty tear-jerking. When we were done with the testimonies for the night, Tom stepped up to say something. He apologized for not being around and being so busy some of the time. The reason for this was that his daughter became really sick not too long ago and found out that she probably won't live much longer. His wife took their daughter to California to say goodbye to some of their family. It was really hard to see how much Tom has sacrificed for us to be here. He found out about the diagnosis a couple of weeks before the project, and he still went through with it. All ached and wept for him and his family. We prayed for them for a while, but it's still hard knowing what he's going through.
Once we finished praying, we had a cake to celebrate Nick's birthday. Altogether it was a really good day despite lots of emotions and frustrations.
After we went to lunch at a taco place, we came back to SPU for some free time. I did my laundry and took a short nap. Around dinner time we headed down to the only building on campus with air conditioning. Ironically, it was the same building with the parking garage that we stayed in. This time we stayed inside though. We went down there to share some more testimonies. We eventually came back to the dorm to finish testimonies though.
We kept sharing them for a while longer. Again, they were all powerful, and a few were pretty tear-jerking. When we were done with the testimonies for the night, Tom stepped up to say something. He apologized for not being around and being so busy some of the time. The reason for this was that his daughter became really sick not too long ago and found out that she probably won't live much longer. His wife took their daughter to California to say goodbye to some of their family. It was really hard to see how much Tom has sacrificed for us to be here. He found out about the diagnosis a couple of weeks before the project, and he still went through with it. All ached and wept for him and his family. We prayed for them for a while, but it's still hard knowing what he's going through.
Once we finished praying, we had a cake to celebrate Nick's birthday. Altogether it was a really good day despite lots of emotions and frustrations.
Saturday July 4
This morning was the first time we got to sleep in. It was amazing. I woke up around 10:00 AM. A lot of people were still sleeping, so I got breakfast and had a quiet time. That was nice because I haven't been able to do it for a while. Then around noon, all of the girls and guys gathered separately. We had our own women's/men's day.
During the women's time, we talked about the struggles that women face. It was a good, eye-opening experience. Then we made bracelets that tell the story of Jesus' life. After a little while, the whole group went out for pizza. Poor Julie cut her finger on a glass because she got so excited about sitting next to LaShondra.
We then came back to SPU and listened to some testimonies. They were all so powerful. We all laughed, cried, and related with their stories. It was really neat to watch how the group reacted to each story after knowing each other for only two weeks.
Once we were done with testimonies, a few of us went downstairs to worship. After worship, we went to the balcony on the sixth floor to watch fireworks. There weren't any too close to the area, but we could see a few shows in different locations throughout the city, so that was cool. We were pretty lucky though because this is supposedly the first year in quite a while that it didn't rain on the fourth.
During the women's time, we talked about the struggles that women face. It was a good, eye-opening experience. Then we made bracelets that tell the story of Jesus' life. After a little while, the whole group went out for pizza. Poor Julie cut her finger on a glass because she got so excited about sitting next to LaShondra.
We then came back to SPU and listened to some testimonies. They were all so powerful. We all laughed, cried, and related with their stories. It was really neat to watch how the group reacted to each story after knowing each other for only two weeks.
Once we were done with testimonies, a few of us went downstairs to worship. After worship, we went to the balcony on the sixth floor to watch fireworks. There weren't any too close to the area, but we could see a few shows in different locations throughout the city, so that was cool. We were pretty lucky though because this is supposedly the first year in quite a while that it didn't rain on the fourth.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Friday July 3
At the Urban Family Center today, we spent all of our time writing out each activity for the camp and figuring out what materials were needed for them. Before we got started, Paul did this excercise he used to get to know people better. The four main questions he used were: Where are you? Who are you? What is the problem? and What are you going to do to fix the problem? Then, based off of our answers, he would ask us other questions to understand us better. It was a really good excercise, and a lot of us got to learn more about each other because of it.
From the complex, we left to eat dinner at Leslie's house. She was one of the people we met at the police station last week. When we arrived we were introduced to Leslie's parents. They were just as crazy as she was. After dinner, Leslie's husband and dad took us to a viewing place of the bridge in Tacoma. Then a group of us played Balderdash when we got back. We started to watch the movie Twelve Rounds after that, but we didn't get very far into it before it was time to leave. Leslie was crazy and wild, but we had a great time at her house.
From the complex, we left to eat dinner at Leslie's house. She was one of the people we met at the police station last week. When we arrived we were introduced to Leslie's parents. They were just as crazy as she was. After dinner, Leslie's husband and dad took us to a viewing place of the bridge in Tacoma. Then a group of us played Balderdash when we got back. We started to watch the movie Twelve Rounds after that, but we didn't get very far into it before it was time to leave. Leslie was crazy and wild, but we had a great time at her house.
Thursday July 2
When we got to the Urban Family Center today, we didn't have much to do. Shantel came a little late, but we sorted new supplies after she arrived. Then we played with the kids for the rest of the afternoon.
After dinner tonight, we went to help feed the homeless. Most of us were really nervous at the beginning, but it was awesome after we got started. We just walked around and talked to the people in the area. Noelle, Julie, and I talked to a couple named Bobby and Nina about God. We talked for a while, though the conversation got a little heated a couple of times. They already believed in Christ, but weren't living out their beliefs. While we were talking, a lady over by us started fighting us and telling us we were wrong. When we tried to answer her, she just walked away. Later, we were praying for Bobby and Nina and the lady came back over while I was praying. She started singing the Jeopardy theme song loud enough for all of us to hear because she was waiting on Bobby to tell him something. We knew right away that Satan was battling against us. We finished the prayer, and they thanked us. It was so creepy to feel Satan in our presence. Right after our conversation, we left with a better understanding of their lives.
After dinner tonight, we went to help feed the homeless. Most of us were really nervous at the beginning, but it was awesome after we got started. We just walked around and talked to the people in the area. Noelle, Julie, and I talked to a couple named Bobby and Nina about God. We talked for a while, though the conversation got a little heated a couple of times. They already believed in Christ, but weren't living out their beliefs. While we were talking, a lady over by us started fighting us and telling us we were wrong. When we tried to answer her, she just walked away. Later, we were praying for Bobby and Nina and the lady came back over while I was praying. She started singing the Jeopardy theme song loud enough for all of us to hear because she was waiting on Bobby to tell him something. We knew right away that Satan was battling against us. We finished the prayer, and they thanked us. It was so creepy to feel Satan in our presence. Right after our conversation, we left with a better understanding of their lives.
Wednesday July 1
Since we didn't have to be at the apartments until later, I went to breakfast then went back to bed for a bit. After I got ready, we headed out. When our group arrived, Shantel and Paul didn't have anything for us to do so we got on the internet for about an hour. Next, we went to the game room and played with some of the kids. Then Paul took us out for lunch. We got to talk to him a little bit about what him and his wife do for the community. It's so awesome to see their positive influence on the kids.
When we got back, we played with the kids for a little while longer. There were fliers that needed to be put up to advertise the camp, so we walked around and taped them to each door. Once we finished that, we were done there for the day.
We all had a quick dinner once we got back, then met at another building on campus to listen to a speaker. He talked to us about sex offenders and how they operate. Listening to him helped us understand the best ways to stay safe. After that we had the rest of the night to ourselves. A few of us sat on the balcony and shared our testimonies. That seems to happen a lot, but I really enjoy seeing how each person has been lead to Christ whether they've had a hard life or not.
When we got back, we played with the kids for a little while longer. There were fliers that needed to be put up to advertise the camp, so we walked around and taped them to each door. Once we finished that, we were done there for the day.
We all had a quick dinner once we got back, then met at another building on campus to listen to a speaker. He talked to us about sex offenders and how they operate. Listening to him helped us understand the best ways to stay safe. After that we had the rest of the night to ourselves. A few of us sat on the balcony and shared our testimonies. That seems to happen a lot, but I really enjoy seeing how each person has been lead to Christ whether they've had a hard life or not.
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