NOLA: Expectations

The fabulous intern crew

We have this thing here, where we talk about expectations, and not having them. If you expect something to happen, or an event to work out in a certain way, and then it doesn't happen....naturally you are usually disappointed. Or angry. Or grumpy. Or nervous. On the flip side, if you leave your idea of the future open to whatever God might have in mind, you won't be disappointed! The only problem with this little idea is that expecting things is practically ingrained in us. It is pretty much impossible to have NO expectations. But we can have very few, or at least work to only expect God to do great things. Because that is one expectation that we can always afford to hold on to. :) 

That being said, here is a disclaimer. Hold on to the idea that God will do great things, BUT, don't hold on to one certain picture of what that could look like. The week before last was incredibly good. So was last week. But they were good in very different ways. One was full of new people, deeper relationships, full days of work, fun activities, and crazy living. This week was slower, more predictable, more 'normal', and to be honest, I was not very happy at the beginning. I really wanted my next to last week in Louisiana to be even more incredible than the one before it. So when it wasn't looking like the previous week did, I was disappointed. Praise Jesus I realized what I was doing early in the week.

 I realized that I was trying in my own strength to make this week great, and I was only copying something that God had already done. Who am I to try and out do the most creative being in existence?? God is the Creator of the universe, and looking back I can see He crafted a beautiful week for us all. It was full of deeper relationships, had its great moments, and its fair share of lessons. Most importantly, God was there, and He was continually reminding me of the fact that He is my provider, shepherd, and righteousness. 

I spent a lot of time on the work site last week; still Mr. Samson's house. We hosted a team from Laredo, TX and a team from Minnesota. Half of the Texas team was at my site. I really enjoyed getting to know these kind-hearted folks and hear their stories. Ryan (one of the interns/staff) leads the site at Samson's, and he has started having the team and staff members take turns sharing their testimonies at lunch while we are on the work site. By the end of the week, we have heard everyone's story of faith. I love hearing the volunteers share their stories and getting to share my story with them (trust me, this was not so at the beginning of the summer...:). It is incredible to watch people open up their lives to us and let us see what God has done. Sometimes it is painful, but it's always beautiful and powerful. 

Laredo team girls & Mr. Samson

On Friday I got to lead the work site! Ryan had to leave for Staten Island early Friday, and Jess was in Denver, so I got to step in a help. As far as work days go it was super easy (only half day, at the end of the week so the volunteers already had a rythym and knew what to do, and I know how to paint), but it was still a big responsibility to take on. Praise God, I gave it into His hands. I knew I couldn't do it alone. I also knew that He had equipped me already for this. Turns out I really enjoyed the day. I loved the new challenge and being able to guide and teach people all day. God gave me insight into a different aspect of this ministry, and it blew me away. Thanks God. :) 

This coming week is my last in Louisiana (for now ;). It is going to be a hard week, full of goodbyes and "see ya later"s. But it will also be a great week, full of Jesus and His sweet presence. I said farewell to Ryan, Nathan, and Tristan already (they are in Staten Island, NY this week), and I am thankful for the influence they have each been in my life this summer. That influence will continue to shape me as I walk along God's path. Thanks guys, for being a blessing in my life! 

 

(See, we can be serious too. ;)

Ways you can be involved: 

PRAY:
*Strength and grace in the coming weeks.
*Focus on the work Jesus has for me this week; not distracted by going home soon.
*Wisdom as I pray about what the future holds.
*Energy and resources for the staff as they finish out the summer run of teams.
*Continued faith in God as I walk forth in His will.

GO: 
*Consider bringing a team here to New Orleans, or Staten Island, NY. 
*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/