The Team

I would like to introduce you to the amazing team from Texas that served during Salmon Frenzy. This group of Go Now summer missionaries were amazing. What we saw God do would not have occurred without them ready and willing to do whatever was needed. 

Guys, I loved working with you, and I am sorry it took me writing down what I think of you guys, and not taking the opportunity to say it in person. You all are amazing and it was a pleasure, privilege, and blessing to serve next to you. Until next time. Love you guys!

L to R: Lisa, Jared, Courtney, Lauren, Andrew, Meredith

Clockwise: Andrew, Angela, Lisa, Courtney, Lauren, Meredith

Angela: 
The inspirational leader of the six Go Now summer missionaries. Angela was the one to get up early and go to bed late just to insure that her team and the volunteers were taken care of. She was a frequent shopper at wal-mart, daily purchasing the needed items to provide breakfast to hundreds of volunteers. 

From sending us uplifting, spiritually refreshing text messages. To a hug right when you needed it most. Angela made us laugh and pushes us to focus on what we were really doing in Alaska.

Angela, First Baptist Kenai would not have been anywhere near as comfortable and easy place for me to work without you playing host. I was supposed to be your partner, but in all reality you did it all. Without you, I am certain some day would have come wehre we did not have milk or eggs for breakfast. You jumped on the task of taking care of the churches, and did an amazing job. 


Jared:
Always smiling and joyful. Jared worked hard and inspired the rest of us with his willing attitude. Whether cracking jokes or challenging us spiritually. When Jared spoke you always listen. 

Jared lead us in worship. His gift of bringing people into worshiping our savior is amazing. From Texas to Alaska Jared is on track to change the world. I was so blessed to serve alongside him in Kenai.


Meredith:
One of my fellow Aggies, one of the best parts of serving with her is it is not over. Mer was the quite one who always had a smile on her face and an encouraging word on her lips. From hosting at First Baptist Soldotna alongside Jared to serving on Kasilof beach. Whatever was asked of her she was always quick to jump up and serve. Serving with Mer was a blessing, and I look forward to how when we can serve together again in the future. 


Jared and Meredith, by the end of the first night the people at First Baptist Soldotna had already grown to love you. Their is no question why either, ready to serve, always smiling and joyful. The two of you made an amazing host team with nearly double the volunteers. You guys rocked. 


Andrew: 
The one so full of energy he made me tired just watching him. Yet, he could get quiet and serious and surprise you with what he was thinking. The man who took on hosting the teenagers every week and worked with them on their beaches. A job, few could have done as well as he and Lisa did. I know it was hard on them, but they pushed through and persevered to finish strong. I do not know what God has in store for him, but it will be crazy and exciting I am sure. 


Lisa: 
The only person on the Salmon Frenzy team crazy enough to return for a second year. Smiling, excited, full of energy. From day one Lisa was ready to tackle any challenge given her. From making sure dozens of teenagers had a pillow to lay their head on, to making sure those same kids did not use thousands of gloves. Lisa was ever watchful and so helpful in keeping a handle on what was being used. The last year Lisa has grown and changed, it was a privilege to see her return and continue serving her Savior. 

Lisa, you and Andrew took on one of the biggest challenges at College Heights Baptist Church. Serving groups of youth was not easy. But you did it with a smile on your face. You two where the only ones for the job. 


Lauren:I don't know what your name means, but I am pretty sure it could mean full of wisdom and fun. It feels like every time I was around you I was either laughing hysterically, or listening as you gave, sound godly advice. You where the only girl I did not know before I met you, but that fact was quickly erased as you worked yourself into my heart. From balancing Courtney, to taking the time and prompting of the Spirit to buy ice cream and build a relationship with George. You are always focused on kingdom work. I can name few women your age I look up to as much as I do you. From talking about my life, to talking about your vision for ministry, your loving heart is always visible. 

When I will have the blessing and privilege to serve next to you, I do not know. But I know this, the next time I see you won't be soon enough and the next time we work together will be a huge blessing. 


Courtney:
Ahh Court. Without you our whole entire experience would have been radically changed. There were so many times we needed a good laugh, and you gave it to us. Your openness and desire to be real with those around you was refreshing and a blessing. I knew where I stood with you because you were not afraid of letting people in. I have known you for two years now as an Aggie, but I feel like the four weeks we spent together has been a greater time of bonding and growing as friends than all the rest combined. I am so glad I can still be around you to laugh with you and learn from you. 

You and Lauren rocked at Kasilof Community Church, everyone who stayed at your church loved you. It was easy to see why. Two amazingly beautiful women, in love with the Lord and ready to do whatever to make their time more comfortable. 


Coming soon: 
A few of the other amazing people I served alongside.
The two guys that I worked closely with and who kept me sane and made me laugh. 

Salmon Frenzy

A week ago I returned home from Alaska. Many of you may not have even known I left Texas to go serve during Salmon Frenzy. I was not planning on going. Everyone I talked to asked when I was going back, and my answer was always I don't know. But as soon as possible. Two weeks before I flew from Texas to Alaska, I got a text message from a guy asking what he could do to facilitate getting me to Alaska for Salmon Frenzy. I was floored. Surprised. Unsure.

I had made a commitment to be home all summer. Spending time with my family, working for my Dad. I did not know what to do. I felt needed in two places. I wanted to be in two places at once. But in the end I decided that for now, God wanted me to spend my month of July in Kenai, Alaska.

While there I worked to prepare the supplies needed to enable nearly 400 volunteers to serve on the beach. The vision of Salmon Frenzy is to provide for a need of the people. For three weekends, white tents appear on three beaches and one boat dock to meet the needs of people. We give out free hotdogs, lemonade, hot chocolate, water, have a kids club with crafts, balloon animals, and a bounce house. We direct traffic, pick up the beach, anything that is needed we work to meet that need.

My job was to make sure the volunteers had the items they needed to meet the needs of the people. I spent hours in the barn counting, organizing, re-counting, and counting again, hot dogs, buns, lemonade, hot chocolate, spoons, pots, propane tanks, and the list goes on.

From buying, to sending out. I had to make sure that whatever was needed made it on to the trailers to go to the beaches everyday. Was it easy? No. Did it push me? Yes. But through hard work, and amazing people beside me, I made it.

The next post will introduce you to the amazing people I worked with. Without them, I would have had a zero success rate. But together, we had a small part in changing Alaska.

A crazy week, the Short and Long versions

This past week has been one of the craziest, strangest, most amazing, mind blowing, God's grace and love revealing week I have had in a really long time. So here goes the short version.


Short Version:
I was asked to help drive a vehicle up to Alaska. So on May 5, I am leaving Texas and headed north on an adventure I have wanted to take for a while, but didn't think I would make for several years. I will work up there for a few days until I fly back to Texas on May 21. The end :) For the long version keep reading.

Long Version:
Monday night a friend told me that one of the women that has become like a mom to me, is flying down to Texas. I called found out what was going on and what her plans where. So we made tentative plans to road trip to go see her. Tuesday I was asked if it so happened that the lady moving from Texas to Alaska was able to trade in her truck for a car, would I be willing to help drive it up. I said yes I will consider it, but I can't make any promises.

While I wanted to be able to say yes. I honestly did not think I would be able to. There where several things that would have to work out perfectly for me to be able to go. First, the truck had to get traded in. I had to get a final changed to earlier. I had to talk with Mom and Dad about getting home later. And kind of important I had to find out if I would have a passport.

I had at one time considered going overseas this summer, so I reapplied for it April 10, because it expired at the end of May. The passport is supposed to take 4-6 weeks to be delivered. Well by some miracle I might be able to get it before we would need to leave.

Wednesday night I got the message that the truck was traded in and there was a need for my help if I would be able go. That night my parents gave me the blessing to go if everything else worked out. Found out I can get into Canada without a passport, but I can't get out. That helps me so much.

Thursday morning I called the passport office, thinking that maybe I would be able to go to Houston and get my passport that way. But I was told that my passport was in the process of being mailed out and should be in Perryton in 3-5 days. Wow! Praise the Lord that was amazing! and not at all expected.

So then I was down to getting my test changed. Thursday night I got to tell some of my friends what I was going to get to do. When I told two of my friends that are getting to serve as summer missionaries this summer they where ecstatic for me. I was totally blown away by how excited they where for me. It made me realize how blessed I am to have the friends I do. Ones that are so excited I get to go to Alaska even though I will be there when they aren't and when their there I'm not. But they where still totally excited for me which totally made my day.

Friday my professor told me I was not the first person to ask if I could take the test early and that she was going to try to have it ready about a week early. Which is perfect for me. So all the hurdles I feared would not allow me to go. Where in fact movable and I am off for a huge adventure in may.

So to all of you who I said I would not see for months, I am blessed to be able to say I will be there for a short while in May. And for those I said I would see in a few weeks, well...it will be more like a month before I make it back to Perryton.

And I promise I will post updates and pictures from our time crossing the country.

Familly

This past weekend was Parents weekend here in Aggieland. While my family was not able to be here, I had an amazing weekend. Saturday was totally different than what I had planned. I woke up thinking I will go to work for a couple hours. Go home and do some homework, and take a nap. Then head back to the BSM for the banquet, then possibly Breakaway after.

Well when I got to work, I started thinking and decided I would go to Kylee and Katelyns soccer games. Since I had not seen Katelyn play yet. So I worked, went to two soccer games, got sunburnt, ate lunch with the Gilstraps, made two girls day by caring about them enough to watch them play. Talking to Kylee why her sister played, and having Katelyn sit on my lap while Kylee played where pricless. Was I hot, and burning, yes, but I would not trade it for the world.

I did get my nap in, though it was short. Then got dressed for banquet. I ended up serving during banquet which was great, it is a huge blessing to be able to show support of my fellow students by letting them enjoy time with their families. Even if it was a little strange to be dressed up and serving.

I then went to Breakaway and met up with two of my teammates from this summer. It was great to get to see Mia, it is amazing to think about how close we all became over the course of the summer. At the end of Breakaway Ben asked everyone to pray as families. Not only was part of my Alaska family there, but the "real" family of one of my teammates was there as well. I have been blessed to be welcomed into their home on multiple occasions, and each time I gain so many blessings. When I was asked to join their family as they prayed together, I was suprised. But it was extremely cool. I know these people care about me and have already done many things to help me in life. From advice, to planning, to taking care of me.  Long story short, I loved that moment.

Then to round out the night we all went dancing together. To see so many different friends from several parts of my life come together to have fun was awesome. I stayed up way to late, but we had a blast. Sunday morning was a little rough, but I was extremely blessed in Sunday school by the community I have been able to be a part of.

Family comes in many forms, and this past weekend I realized how many I have been given. All are a blessing and I love them all.

About this time last week I arrived back in College Station after an amazing week in a place God has blessed me with a love for. Thursday March 8 2012 marked the beginning of my third trip to Nome Alaska for the Iditarod Outreach. In the weeks leading up to our departure I was anxious to go and desperate to see what God had in store for the week I would be gone.

After a few last minute errands, the three hour drive to Dallas seemed forever long, and yet short because we were finally on our way. As we traveled, we met up with more and more headed to Nome to minster with us. A long night of travel, including sleeping on the floor of the Anchorage airport, meant we arrived safely in Nome at nine in the morning. And apparently there is no such thing as a normal Iditarod Outreach volunteer after serving there twice before, and being a summer missionary. We had no more than put our bags down then we where whisked off to set up the other church.

Each day I was in Nome was amazing and a huge blessing in my life. I had the privilege of working with and developing relationships with many. I was able to work alongside some of the leaders at Nome Iditarod Headquarters, helping them out a few times.

One of the best nights of the week was when I pulled the over night shift at the minnie, I got to listen to two men who have been involved with Iditarod for years. To hear the ways they struggled and fought their way down the trail and what they learned along the way. I got to spend time with one of my closest friends from this summer that same night. We continued with our light banter and meaningful conversations like the ones that taught me so much this summer. I got to see and hear one of my teammates come in from working outside with a light in his eyes and a joy in his words showing how much he loved the work he was doing.

From washing dishes, everyday it seemed. To making a homemade strawberry cake for a wonderful older friend on his seventieth birthday. Playing with two amazing young kids on the sanctuary floor. Showing them the joy in being cared about by two college kids willing to spend their final hours in Alaska spinning them around and investing in their lives and talking with their Mom. Whether promising to keep the boat from sinking, though nothing was said about keeping it from leaking. Or desperately praying I am able to fulfill the duties given me to keep from disappointing so many around me.

It seemed everyday was filled with me discovering something new about myself, laughing with people I have not seen in months, yet are in many ways closer than those I am around daily. Being shown how God is moving across the arctic tundra, being a part, an extremely small part of what God is doing.

I am sure much of this makes no sense to many of you. If you wish to hear more about one story that was only hinted at, let me know I would love to share more, it is just hard to try and condense it down to something readable. Hopefully I will put up pictures soon so you can see a small part of what my week was filled with.

Please pray for Nome and the arctic region. God has so much in store for that area and it is amazing to start to see it unfold. Please pray for me, I have many decisions to make soon. Decisions that could potentially change the direction of my life. Wisdom is something I am desperately in need of right now and I am very grateful for the support given to me through your prayers.

Excitment

Tomorrow I leave to fly to Nome for the third time. All I can think about is how amazingly blessed I am. I have been so excited the last week or so, at times I couldn't even focus. I was sitting in church, thinking about Alaska. I was at Breakaway thinking about how the people of Alaska are going through many of the same things as where being talked about. I resisted the urge to count it down until week before. Then I kinda went into crazy overdrive mode. Randomly texting people when it is four days out, totally packed, two days before.

In all of this, I am so ready to be there to see the people I have grown to love over the years. I want to sit and talk with people who have such a love and passion for where they live, and the Savior they serve. I can't wait to learn, grow, experience all the amazing things I know are going to happen next week.

Please pray for me.  Pray for the people of Nome and those coming in to visit for the Iditarod. For my teammates that we would all be open to the urgings of Christ. That through it all lives would be changed for the better and challenged in ways that would push them into new dimensions of their life.  

Thank you all for the support you have shown and given me throughout the years.  And for letting me show you a little bit of my heart for Alaska.

The little things

It is the little things in life that make everyday memorable, and at times even bearable.  Yesterday was a really rough one for me.  But throughout the day God opened my eyes to the little blessings.

• Actually talking with a friend for a while as we pass on campus, instead of the usual hi or wave
• The A-Whoop text message replay I get
•  Being able to help someone else out 
• Coffee with a friend
• Sort of seeing a sunset
• Talking with my mom
• My sister texting me for no real reason. 

These are some of the gifts God gave me yesterday.  By focusing on the good, I am finding myself more productive, and better able to focus on all I have to do in the next three weeks.