MCATL so far

     Well It honestly feels like I've been living here forever. In the past few weeks, SO much has happened, I have been SO busy, but I finally got an afternoon off and I'm going to update you all! First of all, God has been doing so many things in my life. We have been doing a lot of serving with Operation Blessing, and I'm going to admit that it has been hard to serve willingly all day with them. Gutting houses is not exactly something I love to do! Through prayer, God has really been helping me with my attitude, and to build character by serving willingly. He'll help you with anything if you just ask!


     I got the opportunity to work on the kitchen team for Jeanne's YLC board meeting last Sunday and Monday. It was really fun! Everyone on the board is incredible, and flew in from around the world to be here. Together, they have reached over 155 000 youth in the last 10 years! It felt amazing to be a part of something with such an impact. Now I can't wait until the cadre gets here!


     A lot of people have referred Masters to a "spiritual microwave" and I really think it's true. Since my whole day is dedicated to God, I am learning at a much faster rate than with all the business of everyday life. I love it! One thing God has been showing me is to always obey him, in the big and small things. You aren't just robbing yourself, but possibly other people too! He has really been helping me in this area of my life and I love him for it.


     We started ministry tracks this week, and I am in verbal communications. So far, it's going pretty well, and I am learning a lot about how to be an effective speaker. I've only had two classes, so I'll let you know how it goes!


     We also have accountability parters, also known as Iron Sharpens Iron partners (ISI for short). Mine is this wonderful little Texan girl named Rachelle Christy. We have an ISI lunch every week where we share our hearts and challenge each other to live right, and so far it's been going well. I recommend everyone having one, they totally work!


     This week my family went to Fellinis Pizza, and then to a park which I forget the name of. I'd have to say my favorite part of our family time is driving in my Poppa's van: he is in a screamo band called Bagging Sasquatch and so we listen to that the whole time. Its pretty fun! I love having a family away from home, it's nice to have people to look out for you while I'm away. There's my family, my amazing roomies, my ISI, my small group, and our sisterhood.. Masters really is a family thing! It's so nice to have a bunch of people who is all believing in you and encouraging you to go after your dreams. The environment is so supportive, and I don't know how I'm going to leave these people in May!


     Today was probation day. Basically, you can get probation for anything like passing in something late, or being late for class, or failing room checks. Someone in our apartment left a few dishes in our sink, and we had a surprise room check that day.. so we all got probation! So we got up bright and early and met at the church from 6am to 10am. We were not allowed to talk to anyone, or show any frustration/anger for what we were assigned to do. Failure to meet any rules would result in another probation. There was 36 people at probation today, and we had to fold clothes, stand on one leg on cinderblocks, and wash trailers, windows, and floors. I am going to try to NEVER have probation again! Pastor Jordan told us that this kind of stuff builds character, and I'm beginning to see he is right. Jesus came from heaven to earth to serve us, he was the ultimate servant. When we are serving, we can reflect on our current attitude and then see how closely it reflects Jesus. I will admit, I have a long way to come on this one! But today I did not once grumble or complain, and I am going to try and keep this attitude not just for Master's but the rest of my life! Feel free to remind me of this when I come home. Today I have some scripture studies to do, and verb. com. homework, so I'm off to do that! God bless, remember to keep me in your prayers!