NOLA: Minneapolis!

Oh, what a week it has been! We certainly have no shortage of adventures around here, as you will soon find out. 

On Sunday all of us interns flew to Minneapolis for the Trek 7 orientation and training. We joined about 50 other young people who are going all over the world to do missions. It was so encouraging to see so many people with a heart for God and to see how willing they are to share that with people. 

Building a tower as a team

During the training we learned about working well as a team, how to resolve conflict, how to share our faith story, and a little bit about the purpose and history behind missions. We also got to visit the Mall of America (several times) and explore the untold number of shops. I even rode a rollercoaster! (yes, there is a whole amusement park inside the mall) One night we were all given a scavenger hunt to complete at the Mall. It was super crazy and fun! I laughed so much and greatly enjoyed myself. I'm pretty sure people were looking at us funny. In fact, I can guarantee it! 

One of my favorite parts of the training was when we shared our testimonies in 3 minutes at our table. I had been praying about it all day, and really had to humble myself and acknowledge that I CANNOT do it in my own strength. I was so blessed to hear everyone's story again and to see clearly how God was working in us right then, to become more comfortable with where we are at right now and where God has brought us from. 

Minnehaha Falls

So, we were supposed to fly back to New Orleans Tuesday night. Our flight was delayed a full 24 hours, so we had to come up with something to do in our extra day. It turned out to be a big blessing. We took the metro into the city and decided to explore Minnehaha Park. On our wandering travels we met these two people, Randall and Erika. We got to eat with them, pray together, and just hear their story. It was an incredible experience to hear what they had been through, and to see Randall still praising God and acknowledging Him. They have a crazy story, and I know we were all so blessed to be included in a tiny part of it. 

Minnehaha Park has a lovely waterfall and a trail along the creek. They also have hills and rocks (something Louisiana is rather short on)! It made this nature girl's heart very happy to climb up around a waterfall, hike up hills, and just be in an area NOT surrounded by people. It was a sweet blessing for many of us. 

Waiting at the airport

That night was a true adventure in trusting God with the details. Our flight was delayed a little bit longer, so we got to the airport in order to figure things out early. Then our flight was pretty close to on time, and it turned out to be perfect timing when we got to St. Louis. Every time a detail changed, we were all challenged to trust God and trust each other. I am so grateful for this whole experience as I feel it brought us closer together as an intern family. 

It is very good to be back in New Orleans. Yesterday was everyone's PRD (Personal Rest Day) and we took time to reflect on what God has done and where we are going in the next month. This was a much needed time of writing out what God is teaching me, spending some alone time with my King, and praising Him for what He is going to do. Our director, Katie, is back in town (yay!) and I was able to meet with her this morning. I am excited to be friends with her this summer and be mentored through this experience. 

Guys, our God is so good and so real. He is always with us, and His love never fails. I believe His native language is humility, and if we humble ourselves to hear His voice and recognize His Spirit there is no telling what amazing things He will do in us and through us. I challenge you to trust Him. If you hear Him calling, listen and obey. He will equip you to do what He calls you to. 

"Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."

~Philippians 2:5-8 

On the plane!

Ways you can be involved: 

PRAY:
*Strength and grace in the coming weeks.
*Praise God we were safe this week in Minneapolis!
*Clarity in my ministry duties as I move forward.
*Continued unity and grace amongst the interns.
*Continued faith in God as I walk forth in His will.

GO: 
*Consider bringing a team here to New Orleans, or Staten Island, NY, or Estes Park, CO. 
*Consider an internship-couple months or a year or two! 

GIVE:
All staff and interns are support funded. This means they raise financial support from friends and family like you so they can live in this ministry. Everyone is in need of continued support.

Just message/email/text me if you have any questions. I will answer them or put you in contact with someone who can! 

Reach Global Crisis Response Website

https://reachglobalcrisisresponse.wordpress.com/