2014

word // coffee // sara

spring break in new jersey with dgroup

aunty donna

thanks, dad!

four years // six sisters // grads

mt rogers // em, elliott, ross // wild ponys

summer project // sand // staff life

the most perfect day

spur of the moment // reunion // grace

staff team // surprise party (my first!)

shared table dc // dreams come true

always the potomac river

Reflection

In 2014, I faced many very large fears and in a million small moments, I grew into the woman I am becoming, leaving behind the insecurities and faithlessness of the past. As I planned for the year, I walked into what I knew would be one of my greatest challenges yet: raising support to work with Campus Outreach. I was terrified, but printed and sent and called and called again and met and talked and asked and followed up and thanked and did it all again. And though I was easily discouraged and struggled often in that season, God's provision was abundant and beautiful- a home to live in, a niece to nanny, friends to love and encourage me, a church to embrace me and teach me the gospel, and time with my family I will never forget. And also- 100% of the $45,600 I needed to start this job. "God, will you really meet my needs and provide for your will to be done?" I asked this question countless times; I still do. But in those months I had the privilege of watching God's miraculous power overwhelm me in such tangible ways. I trust him, more.

I stepped out of my car in humid Myrtle Beach in May, laughing that here I am, again. Starting my job felt surreal-- crazy that I could be the one on the other side, thinking, planning, in authority. Spiritually, I floundered at SBP, feeling constantly inadequate and dry compared to my staff friends. I wasn't sure how to spend my time or energy and never knew how much was enough. The summer was filled with travel, and the inconsistencies tripped me up.

I was so happy to move into my very own place in August, my own bed and couch and kitchen, my own neighborhood to explore- more beautiful than I could've imagined. I craved a schedule and stability and it was exciting and thrilling to stand on the cusp of a fresh start, a new year, thousands of students to meet. Again, I was terrified of all of these new things and tasks and I wondered if I was prepared. Night after night and day after day, Alex and I headed to Leo's and headed to Darnell, even when we didn't want to. We met students and laughed and made brownies and felt incredibly awkward and learned to hide it, learned to care alot less about what others think. We made it through, and what's more is that we made relationships and started Bible studies and shared the gospel and loved freshmen. I've thrived in my position, well-led and yet given many opportunities to be stretched and lead, surrounded by a team who carries the same vision forward together. It brings me great joy to work each day towards an end, to be given a job to accomplish and to diligently complete it. It often astounds me that my full-time occupation and what pays my bills is doing a job that so overlaps with what my heart most greatly desires; God's glory in the earth, and the spread of the Good News. I am content and thankful for where God has placed me in this time.

This year led me through many extremes- busy and bored, quiet and loud, full and empty, exhausted and rested, sorrow and joy. I traveled to DC several times in the spring, New Jersey for Spring break with the dgroup, Myrtle for the summer, Orlando for TGC, Mt Mitchell camping with Em and Ross (the wild ponys! the sunset! the fire-grilled meat!), the camp for a perfect last-minute reunion of the room of grace with lazy floats on the lake, waterfall adventures, and real and honest fellowship, Lauren and William and Amber and Sam's weddings, and the camp for Thanksgiving with Mal, Jules, EG, and Kyle, Paul, and Mags, and I closed out the year with sweet time in Birmingham with family and the five, and then in DC for New Year's Conference. My favorite days this year were those days and the camp and my birthday- lots of friends, surprises, and so many celebrations. I loved hospitality around the table this year- Shared Table DC became a crazy dream-turned-reality and I love the potential of what will happen there next. I feel so blessed by the many men and women in my life who faithfully love me, even when I least deserve it. This year, my reading amount doubled or tripled and I devoured some deeply impactful books. I also loved women's Bible study at church each Wednesday morning this fall. I am the recipient of so many gifts through women who effectively teach God's word, and I so desire to grow in this myself! I am full of anticipation for 2015: deepening relationships on campus and at church, growing more consistent and disciplined in my daily life and walk with God, seeking out adventures in travel when possible, and leading the SBP in Myrtle for nine weeks! God is faithful and I am thrilled to see more of that in this next year.