Growth: Fall 2018

I’m back! Winter break means I can finally take a deep breath, stay up and wake up late without feeling guilty, read the books on my bucket list, and spend lots of time with my family. It’s been a long semester with taking six classes, attending extracurricular activities, and simply getting back into the swing of things!

Here are some highlights from the first semester of my sophomore year:

Young Life Leader Training

   Moving up from a high schooler who once attended Young Life to discerning if I wanted to lead it was intimidating at first. But learning about the ins and outs of an organization I admire was eye-opening. From Young Life leaders meeting kids where they are at (lunches, sporting events, after school clubs) to the way they plan each component of club serves a unique purpose.
   After training, I thought I was going to be a Wyldlife leader (Young Life for middle schoolers). I was wrong. After much consideration, I decided to wait it out and see what school and group would be the best fit for me. Even though I missed placement night, God still showed up. He gave me staff leaders who believed leading was still right for me. They showed me grace and were flexible. They helped me visit another Wyldlife club with contact work and a Young Life club. I’m still unsure of where I want to be come January, but I’m grateful for the teams I have met along the way and seen how they are putting God’s desires for us into action.

2 Trips to Timber Wolf Lake and a CSM retreat
   There’s something relieving about seeing the university in your rearview mirror and advancing into somewhere new. Whether it was the thrill of driving under Timber Wolf Lake’s blue sign and into the pines, or stopping for Taco Bell before pulling into a nearby Bible camp, retreats are a treasured time.
   If you are ever offered the opportunity to go on a retreat, take it. Meet new people. Learn as much as you can. Grow closer to God.

Novel Writing Class
   My NaNoWriMo class was my favorite this semester. NaNoWriMo stands for National Novel Writing Month, where authors attempt to write a 50,000 word book during the month of November. We were only challenged to write 10,000. Sitting with other aspiring writers with dreams of publishing their own novels, and a professor who has done it herself was a great experience. Every Wednesday we discussed our favorite books, discussed creating a novel, heard about my professor’s experience, and worked toward writing 10,000 words over the course of 3 months. (I finished! But don’t expect a complete novel to hit the shelves anytime soon. This one needs lots of revision.) I’m thankful this class gave me a love for writing again and an appreciation for attending a school which believes the world needs more writers.

10pm Bible Study
   This year our Catholic Student Ministries group on campus welcomed four FOCUS missionaries into our circle. They are dedicated to the Lord, have chosen to serve Him, and have an awesome sense of humor. One of them has been leading a bible study for us. There was something special about stumbling into our reserved room, stressed and tired, and exploring God’s plans for the people in the Old Testament. The room was filled with conversation about our highs and lows of the previous week, our God moments, laughter, prayers, and realizations about how the Old Testament connects to the New Testament and our very lives.

Thank you for reading! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Love,
Rachel