The Calm After a Beautiful Storm

I am in snowy Michigan with my precious friend Abby. As Steinbeck said so well in Travels with Charley, "...[she] offered me companionship, and the tea was wonderful because of it." There is something indescribeable about sitting with a soul mate and knowing that you don't have to say anything profound. All you have to do is be. Abs is that kind of friend. This is my time to rest, breathe and reflect on 12 weeks of Hearts Set Free, Too: the Sr. High girls retreat, which was this weekend. But it was more than a retreat. It was like a three day storm after a summer drought. There we stood, arms spread and mouths wide open ready to receive. 33 girls and 20 something volunteers were called away to be poured over by the Spirit of God. He came for us, fought for us, and changed us. For many of us, the last 12 weeks will stand as an Ebenezer, marking a time of significant change and growth. I will always hold dear the 7 other speakers and the committee of women who came together to orchestrate the whole event. A new community of amazing women has been established. Thanks for praying for us. Please continue to pray that these girls would be protected and choose life and freedom. There is so much at stake for them and their families. It sort of feels like post-partum to have worked so hard on something for so long, see it birthed and behold it's beauty and then move forward. The constant ebb and flow of life and calling entertwined. And the challenge of taking one event and following up with every participant. That is when i say, "oh yeah, i am a youth minister." how easily i forget. i seem to fit more easily into the counselor role, event planner, speaker,teacher, crisis manger, etc. but the day-to-day "over time" of youth ministry is still a little new. i am still learning how to not be transient, which is definitely my gut reaction. time is not my own and i must be fully present no matter how long the Tulsa stint is. Oh yeah, the cleanse was good too, that's another story with details that i will spare.