clothing of memories

Yesterday, I was reminded again of some great memories just because of what I chose to wear.

I put on my World Impact shirt and then a hoodie from my time on 2 West in Reed.

I went on my first World Impact trip to Easton, PA to a children's home during spring break in 2004. I think that this was one of the steps that God provided me with in order to get me more interested in missions. I loved working with the teens there. Then God laid it on my heart to try something a little more out of my comfort zone and go overseas for a little longer. I went to Ukraine for the first time and my life was forever changed. I fell in love with kids who had

pretty much nothing. This is where I had a heart to heart with God and knew that He wanted

me to do even longer term missions. And this led to my 2 more trips to Ukraine...but to

Odessa those times. Parts of my heart will always belong to the kids and teens I met in Ukraine. And even though I am no longer living overseas, I'm forever grateful for the time I was there. But I also know I'm exactly where he wants me to be.

I lived in Reed Hall 3 out of 4 years of my time at IWU and so many memories were made. I met some life long friends in this dorm. I grew closer to God in this dorm. I stepped out

in faith and became a small group leader in this dorm. I really believe that I matured and grew the

most in my life during my college years and I credit a lot to it to the awesome women who were a part of Reed hall during the first 3 years of college. I am so thankful that I had the chance to have a great, encouraging and uplifting atmosphere to flourish in.

More than a job

Easter 2009, I came back from Evansville to where I was living in southern IN near Cincinnati and felt God leading me to work with teens. I had no idea where, when, who and how He would lead, but His timing was perfect. All the details worked out and God led Craig and I back to North Park Wesleyan. We've been working with the teens for over a year now and I wouldn't have changed a thing to God's plan...because it has been the perfect fit!

Working with the teens is not just a job to me. These teens have become a part of my family and I love each of them. I love how if I'm having a rough day, they know the things to say to make me smile and laugh. I love how it's not just me teaching them, but they are able to share and teach each other. I feel many days that they are ministering to me while I'm trying to minister to them.

I have enjoyed so many activities with them: youth revival, LoveMercy, district lock-in, the Power Team, Holiday World, Otters Game, hanging out at our house, Valentine's Banquet, Christmas Party, Sunday School, 1 M1LL1ON meetings, VBS and all the other activities that I left out. I'm looking forward to many more times together and to see how God will use them and work in their lives! I feel blessed to have this "job" to be a part of their lives!