2010

what a whirlwind year it has been! this past year has broken me in a lot of ways. but, at the same time, light fell through the cracks. looking back, i can see how God orchestrated the events in my life to make me more like Him- how can i argue with that?!

in january, i packed up my bags and jumped on a plane to denver. i spent 4 months as an intern with Young Life, a high school ministry, in a small town called Buena Vista. i worked at one of their camps called "Trail West" with 9 other interns. i learned that i'm prideful and think because i work harder than everyone else, i deserve privileges (i was referred to matthew 20 on that one). i considered myself a good servant until i actually had to serve as part of my job- then it became a chore and no longer fun. those months were lonely because a lot of interns came and left- i cried a lot. i discovered my faith was based on the faith of those around me- my church, small group, etc. when i didn't have those things, i saw my relationship with God falter.
however, i did learn how to escape the business of the world and city life. our town had 1 stop light and 1 grocery store, walmart was a 30 minute drive (and it was so exciting to actually go!). my blackberry didn't get service, we didn't have cable or internet---so i did a lot of puzzles. and we went skiing a lot. and hiking. and we rode horses. it was awesome! i wish i could afford to go back for a week to go skiing again.

in the midst of all this, i had applied to go on STINT with campus crusade for Christ- that's a short term international project. you live for 1 to 2 years in another country and do ministry on a campus. i thought i was going to either argentina or east asia, but God had other plans. i had chosen inner city ministry as my third option, not really thinking anything of it (i did urban ministry through out college and loved it). then i actually got accepted for the inner city program and was placed in Chicago. i wanted to be in denver, but was thrilled for Chicago because there was another girl going with me. however, God had other plans for her and she now is a social worker in ohio. so not only did God not give me my first choice, but he had me go alone. i was very angry with God for the first few months, but after a great sermon from James, i confessed my sin and asked God to help me understand. these 2 verses came to mind:

Romans 8:31 "If God is for us, who can be against us?"
Psalm 84:11 "For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless."

i now understand that God is committed to my best. so as he chisels away my imperfections, i might cry because it hurts, but i understand that i will come out more beautiful and godly.

so rewind back to may, i move back home and start raising my financial support for my internship. i was not looking forward to it; my first week i was so scared i threw up every day. the process of raising support is such a great learning experience though- i would recommend it to everyone. it has made me a better neighbor and friend. after what seemed an impossible 4 months, i finally reached 100% support and reported to chicago in september. Jehovah Jireh!

the past 4 months here in chicago have been rough, mainly because i am away from home and friends. i did join a small group in november, so i'm excited to get to know those girls better.
i love going into the city and i've been volunteering at the shedd aquaarium a few times a month. i am debating between going to a zoo job or staying in ministry. i'm looking forward to see what God will be doing in my life this year. i can't wait to see Him show off.

so here is a slideshow of this year:

NYE 2010 with my bible study girls

the trail west interns (and some) after bull riding

trish and i with our backyard (it never got old to see)

roommates reunited at ray's wedding in may

little brother's graduation in may

dana and i at harry potter wizarding world in orlando

my church small group at our leader's wedding

the bible study girls i led for 3 years at NCSU

packing up to leave for chicago!

my sister and i in chicago!

meredith and i drove an hour to find chick-fil-a

my chicago team

my birthday dinner

beth and i at halloween

my kiddos :)

myers family photo 2010