Week One

Can't believe I've been here a little over a week already.  It has been great, everything I had hoped for and more.  The students here are just stellar!  We have gotten the opportunity to meet together with our small groups a couple of times and I am so thankful for the girls in my group.  I have had the opportunity to hang out with several of them on a one on one basis and that time has been extremely precious.

Our study is also going great.  We are working through a study called Discovery, written by Will Wyatt who founded the Discipleship Focus program.  Will and his wife Betty are still coming here over the summer and I have had a couple of opportunities to meet with them personally and in group settings to talk about the study, ask questions, and share about what things are impacting me the most.  They are a precious couple and I feel very thankful and blessed that they are here this summer to learn from.  Last week the topics of the study focused on our significance to God, and this week we are focusing on His sovereignty.  The whole sovereignty deal has been a challenge for me this week.  I understand that God is in control, but I am having a hard time feeling at peace with it in light of all of the trauma and trial that I see in the world around me.  That being said, I'm thankful that our relationship with God does not operate out of our feelings, but out of what is TRUE.

Please continue to pray

• For wisdom and God's leading as I meet with students on a daily basis.
• For details of life to sort themselves out (I have several irons in the fire right now that seem to need attention, but can't seem to get the time to take care of business!).
• For my heart as I soak up the study, that God would use it in my life and continue to speak to me through it and through His Word.
• Praise God for a great time here so far and for His care in leading me here.  I am loving every minute!

Okay, I'll leave you with some pics to enjoy from this first week.

The drive here took my breath away.  I knew that I missed living here because of how beautiful it is, but I just kind of forgot HOW BEAUTIFUL it is here.  I am loving living out in the woods after living in the city for several years.

A picture of the bridge that students have to walk across to get from their cars on to our property.

Anne and I on Ride the Ducks.  This is a Branson attraction that we took the students on last Friday night.  It is an amphibious vehicle that goes on land and water, so we got to drive around Branson some and then go out on the lake.  Anne is on leadership here and keeps things running so smoothly.  I am very thankful for her presence here, and also for her opening up her cabin for Casey and I to live in over the summer.  

A picture of all of the students that were on my Duck!

Got the opportunity last weekend to go to Silver Dollar City for their Bluegrass and Barbeque festival.  The woman playing the bass on the far right is a friend from college!