I guess I'll share in chronological order. Last week was the final week with staff and during family night on Wednesday, the leaders for the rest of the misson were announced. There are bible study leaders, ministry team leaders, and then four main leaders, two overseeing the project as a whole, and two to lead men's and women's time. I was not chosen to have a leadership opportunity, but I'm happy to come along side those who have been chosen to help them in what ever way they need. I would be lying if I said I was completely on board at first. I was frustrated, as anyone would be, who has been told their entire life that they are a natural leader to not be chosen to lead their friends. I soon realized that I don't need to be a leader in everything, that I am a great person to be a second hand man, and most importantly, that God is working in my life this summer that doesn't involve leadership; that leadership would actually hinder my spiritual growth.
We then had staff banquet on Friday evening as a send off to our staff leaders which included a video, superlatives, gifts to our leaders, and a catered dinner. Community team did a wonderful job planning and carrying out the event. it was sad to see such influential staff and friends say their goodbyes, but we as a mission have been told countless times that the true mission starts after the staff lead. With more responsibility on our shoulders we grow closer together, deepen in friendships, and see God work in even bigger ways. I'm both excited and nervous for what is in store.
On Wednesday I shared my testimony with the mission and felt a bit awkward, partly because I was on a stage and partly because I didn't practice as much as I would have liked, but overall people seemed to enjoy it and said I did well. Sunday though, was amazing, at first I was super nervous because it was in front of the entire congregation and they were all much older than I and I wasn't sure how they would take it, but once I was up there, it just felt so natural and all the nerves washed away. I felt different than any other time I've spoken in front of people, I think the Holy Spirit was really working in my heart that morning, and it felt awesome. After the service, a bunch of people thanked me for sharing and, said they were moved by my testimony, and that I had a very natural and warm speaking voice. One woman even asked if I wanted to speak at conferences for a living! Needless to say, despite the fact that First Pres would not have been my first choice of a church to attend this summer, it is slowly growing on me :)
For those of you who do not know, the 4th of July is my second favorite holiday (followed by Halloween) so missing out on our neighborhoods annual party was a huge bummer, but I suggested doing a cookout here and going to see the fireworks together as a group. Everyone pitched in a few dollars and we went shopping! I made Grandma Stout's infamous Mac N' Cheese for the first time, with minimal complications, and everyone loved it. Afterward, we went up to the loft and had an impromptu worship session where God was very present. After dark we walked up to the boardwalk and though nothing compares to Colorado fire works (kidding) the show was pretty good.
Thank you all for continuing to read my funny stories and checking in on me, I really appreciate it. I have a few prayer requests this week: We as a mission are really trying to reach international students, and with several opportunities to meet and share the gospel with them each week, I pray that their hearts will be open to what we have to share, and that God will move in them. For the girls, we have been focusing recently on "waiting well" and dealing with singleness, so prayers for contentment and fulfillment in Christ would be great. I personally want to fall so in love with God that if a guy were to pursue me, he would have to pursue God to get to me. I also ask for intentional daily quiet times and general peace over all of my circumstances and thoughts.
Lots of love, Maddy
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