Here Lately

I've been trying to get back into the swing of things.

Back to work and back to my business.

Life is good and busy, and I'm so ready for fall to show up.

Here's a little photo diary of what I've been up to.

There are reminders of camp everywhere. No exaggeration whatsoever.

 Spent some time celebrating little Owen who will be here soon!

I've gotten well-aquaited with an old friend.

 Spent some time with some friends playing one of my favorite games.

Went out with some friends to celebrate.

Got twisted up playing some more games. 

 Had a slight case of writer's block.

Went crusing to enjoy this beautiful weather. Fall, come soon.

Spent a little free time painting up a storm.

I've gotten to know Skype very well.

There's a handsome man I see on there quite often.

Hope you enjoyed a look into my 'lately.'

Have a great week.

Dome Cones, Penskes & 3am's

I'm not even sure where to begin this post.

I've tried to write about the last three months over and over and nothing seems to bring it justice.
It's truly difficult to put this summer into words.

I started on this journey on May 23rd, unaware of what was before me. 

 I arrived in Georgia and met the 22 other people I'd be spending the summer with.

I had no idea what was before me. I spent the next two weeks nose deep into material, meetings, and trying to take in and prepare what God had planned for me.

After our time there was finished, we headed out on our summer.
Nine weeks stood before us.
Twenty three people, two vans and one Penske truck.

I had no idea at the time,
but this summer would play out to be the best summer of my entire life.
I learned so much about myself.
I went away with twenty two great friends.
I worked harder than I have ever before.
I ministered to children and families.
I shared Jesus all day, everyday.
It was one of the hardest and most rewarding things I've ever experienced.

It would take me days to tell of the countless children, stories, good times and memories
that the last 3 months of my life hold. They are truly a blessing from God and I'll never forget them.

All in all, our God is so extraordinary.
It's not me, it's Him. He is the one who does all good and works through me.
My summer was extraordinary because of Him and I can never thank Him enough.

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."
-Ephesians 3:20-21

Six Weeks In...

I can't believe tomorrow is the end of week six.

Where in the world have these days gone?

The days are long and the weeks fly by. 

I've become quite comfortable in my camp bubble.

I spend my days teaching photography.

I have stories to share that would melt your heart.

Like one about a boy named Jameson.

During week one I occurred a little injury that had me on crutches.

He was my trouble maker most of the week until I got hurt. 

When I got back from the hospital he came right up to me and checked on me.

Most days I wear a green Atlanta hat to represent the Alpine and he had been wearing one all week.

The next day he came to camp with two hats in hand,

and one was for me.

Through that, I was able to share Jesus with him.

It's amazing what God has done in the last few weeks.

I would have never thought that being completely

emotionally,

spiritually, 

physically

and mentally drained...

would be the most wonderful thing that has ever happened to me.

My days are filled with talks of photography,

campers,

road trips,

Jesus,

and how our God is completely extraordinary.

And I would live this life every day I have on this earth.

Heavy Calling

I told myself I would recap every week of the summer on my blog.

One, so friends and family can keep up with the insanity.

And two, so I can feel some type of normalcy to my current lifestyle.

Yet as I've been compiling the last three weeks
and going over memory after memory,
I was hit with some news that is heavier than most
and needs to be shared so God can receive all the glory.

Two weeks ago, we were in LaGrange, Georgia.
I'll write about that memory soon,
but there was a little boy there named Hakim.
He was a sweet, trying child that a lot of our staff came in contact with.
One even spent almost two hours with him talking about God,
sharing the gospel and even lead him to accept Christ.
We all fell in love with Hakim. His charm drew you in
and kept your yearning for more of his sweet disposition.

Today, we were shocked and saddened to hear that he passed away earlier today.
We were suddenly hit with an array of emotions.
We're broken to hear of his tragic death.
We're shocked at how we were there just a few short days ago.
We're joyous at his decision to accept Christ just days earlier.
We're hurting for a community that poured nothing but love into his life.
We're clinging to God and his goodness, his sovereignty and love.
We're grasping to the reality that Hakim is resting in the arms of Jesus.

Hakim and his story brought a realness and a reality to us today.
I spent the evening with some staff, having milkshakes around the table.
We just sat in silence as we read his story.
Tears of sadness and joy streamed down my face,
realizing that the last thing we ever said to him was,
"Don't just think it's you, give credit where it's due."

What we do matters,
but what matters more is people coming to know Christ.
God is using us. He is living inside of us all
and although tired unbelievably exhausting and heavy,
it's a calling I take strongly and humbly.

No matter what, our job matters and it's making a difference.
And it's not about us.
It's about HIM.

To read Hakim's full story, click here.

Recap: Last Two Weeks

It seems crazy to think that my birthday was a little over one week ago. 

It seems like weeks have gone by.

I wrote about how staff training was affecting me,

but people have been asking for photos and I've finally gotten time to share some.

Here's a look back through some photos...

As I got ready for camp I got a nice birthday breakfast.

Thanks, Mom.

Little bro gave me some swag to take to Winshape.

It's worn well so far.

I got ready, grabbed my luggage 

and headed to Atlanta.

Once we arrived I showed off my awesome trunk...

And said goodbye to Matt as training week started for the other two siblings.

And normal life as I know it was on pause for ten days.

So much information,

and new people

and so many emotions.

And an awesome private concert from Dave Barnes (go Nashville!).

But the days came and went and we found ourselves at last Thursday.

We got up, packed up and headed out as the yellow team.

Training had ended and we were off on our summer.

We headed for Madison, MS,

which is where I am now.

I've got through the road trip with some sweet texts...

and pit stops where I can found perfect waffle fries.

Once we arrived we had the luxury of unpacking the truck...

 which only took an hour and a half,

and if you didn't know,

that's amazing.

Since we've been here we have worked in the host church preparing for an awesome first week.

Lots of supplies, boxes and organizing.

But after working ourselves hard for two days,

we are able to see our work paying off and preparing for big things.

 My nights have been spent like so...

 Studying curriculum, reading the Word and watching some basketball.

Just imagine 8 or 9 girls and one hotel room. 

Best time ever.

 We've been able to have some time to enjoy ourselves, too.

I was introduced to Sno Biz shaved ice.

You walk up, try and pick one flavor out of a million

and it is phenomenal. 

 We've also been blessed with a community who is treating us like gold.

We have enjoyed some true southern hospitality 

and quality time as a team and family.

Life is good and Winshape is wonderful.

Keep checking back for some updates.

Love to you all.

Ten Days

A few days ago,

I embarked on a journey that would change my life forever.

I knew it would, 

and as I spent my birthday driving to Atlanta 

I came to terms that I was in for a ride of a lifetime.

God had destined for me to be a part of Winshape.

What I didn't see was that these last ten days would make me,

break me, and bring me to the place where I am now.

These days in Georgia have been the shortest and longest days of my life.

I have never been closer to the Lord.

I have never been so comfortable in the unknown.

I have never been myself in this way.

I have 22 new best friends

that I have the privilege of spending the summer with,

traveling from state to state,

sharing the love and message of Jesus

and connecting churches to their community.

My heart is heavy with the gospel and what all I have to do this summer.

What I don't understand is why I've been chosen.

But what I'm confident in is that I am here because I am supposed to be

and what I'm not, my God is.

Update from Training!

Hello all!

Quick update from training!

First, I am having a blast.

I am loving every minute of training and all of my new friends.

Being without constant internet and my iPhone is strange

but so freeing.

We are learning so much and receiveing so much of the Holy Spirit.

God is truly doing some amazing things here.

Baby bro, Barton, is doing well, too.

Well, I'll be back to this on Thursday when we hit the road.

Thanks for all the birthday love and the prayers.

Love you all.

AGH