Well folks, it's been a week! It's been a full one, and I'm tired now it's at an end, but as we have a super crazy full schedule next week I shouldn't complain too much. After all, who needs sleep? ;)
I think my favorite part of this week has been hearing people's stories. Several Crisis Response staff members and their families have been gracious and generous in inviting us interns to their homes for dinner. It is fascinating to hear how God has worked in each person's life and how He has brought them together in His ministry. I love seeing how so many different people, from different backgrounds, in a variety of personalities and talents can be brought together to make a Crisis Response ministry work. God truly can take ANYONE to do His work!
Part of our week was spent in going over expectations and goals, answering logistical questions and figuring out our spirit animals. I'm not even kidding. Turns out I'm an owl. (that wasn't a ministry requirement, by the way ;) ) We also set goals for Key Result Areas (KRAs) during our time here. Much of mine is simply being intentional to develop relationships with the staff and interns, and invest in the volunteers we host each week. I also included being faithful in updating all of you in what is going on down here and how God is working! So you can be sure I will post news every week!
On Tuesday we went blueberry picking with several staff members. We went right after it finished raining (when I say raining...down here when it rains it truly POURS. Every time. Like turning a faucet handle on or off, no in between) so everything was wet and it was overcast. It was perfect! It was cool and breezy and clean. The farm we went to was beautiful and the berry bushes super tall, and full of berries! Between us girls alone we picked 5 gallons of blueberries. And only two of us really like them, so its needless to say that we shall not be short on blueberries this summer! Today, Mallory and I went into the city to take a truck to the airport and went to the aquarium and wandered around the French Quarter for a little bit. It was fun to just walk around and see people and learn a bit more about the intricate Creation of our God. I think my favorite part was seeing the little kids' reactions to all the cool fish! Tourists are out in full force already and the streets are full of bicycles and mule carriages. Art vendors line the sidewalk near Jackson's Square and people take photos with the cathedral, Decatur St, and the Mississippi River in the background. It's crazy but intriguing. There is always music; either from restaurants and bars, or random folk sitting on steps and benches playing their instrument of choice. I love it.
Tomorrow the final summer intern arrives! Tristan will join Nathan, Ryan, Jess, Bailea, Gabby, Mallory, and I as the Crisis Response intern crew for the summer. Ryan and Mallory are the lead interns, and work directly with us as mentors and guides. Katie Manning is our Director (or ringleader....depending on how you look at it) :) Already, we are beginning to feel like a family. We have shared so much of our stories and personalities with each other, and with each activity or responsibility we complete together it only brings us closer. It delights me to see how Jesus is weaving our stories together to make something truly beautiful. I am excited to see what stories He will bring about through the coming months! I know it will be beyond our wildest expectations. 
Next week the first batch of volunteer teams arrive. We have about 55 volunteers this week, from two different churches. All of us will dive right into our various jobs and callings. Ryan and Nathan will be working as construction site leaders; Bailea, Jess, Gabby, and Tristan will be working with the discipleship team in various areas; and I will be working with Jessica, the volunteer coordinator, in the office! I get to be her shadow, mini-me, slave, etc. We are all excited to get started and praying for the strength and focus to run our races well.
If you could be in prayer for our whole intern group and the staff, I would greatly appreciate it. Prayer is truly what will carry us through every day in the grace and truth of Jesus.
Pray:
- For us as interns to draw closer together in friendship and encouraging each other towards the Cross.
- That we will be a help and light to the staff we are working with.
- That every transition and change would go smoothly and will only push us closer to leaning on Jesus.
- For the strength and energy to finish the week well.
- For the volunteer teams coming; that their experience would open their eyes to the needs of people everywhere, develop a desire for a greater relationship with the Lord, and multiply their desire to serve wherever they may be.
- For me, as I wade into a "new job", that I will keep my focus first on Jesus and next on the people I am working with.
Thank you all so much for your prayers and support! I hope this summer turn out to be the best ever! If you are interested in learning more about this ministry you can follow the links below. You can send a team to one of our crisis locations, come for a short term internship, or support a current intern or staff member. Feel free to get in contact with me if you need anything or have questions. :) Reach Global website
Reach Global Crisis Response blog
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