Paige and I

Allie and I

Heather and I at Covanent Night

Kilah and I

My remaining AC family from my 1st year

My apartment, 910!

My AC Family

My AUDAX 1st year assistant leaders

     As I write this, I am on the road with Crissy headed to Florida for thanksgiving break. It’s going to be an amazing week, but first let me tell you about this week past!

     On Monday and Tuesday we had cadre, which Pastor Mike was here for. It was great to see him again and spend time with him. I’ll get to see him in a few more weeks for Christmas break!

     Wednesday was O2 night and we had a Thanksgiving Day party. It was a ton of fun! We played charades in which you acted out what you were thankful for, had pumpkin pie, and just enjoyed each other’s company. I am so thankful for my Audax family this year, as they have taught me so much more than I ever could.

     On Thursday, Mike Rogers flew into town with his wife and we got a chance to spend some time with them. Mike Rogers is on Jeanne’s Youth Leaders Coach board, and is a successful businessman who loves the Masters gang. It’s great to see him and hear what he has to say. We all have a lot to learn from him!

     On Friday we had the usual classes, and after our small groups got together to prepare for pumpkin bowl. We met at my apartment, ate pizza and made our football t-shirts. The girls slept over at our apartments and the next day we headed to the church for Pumpkin Bowl! Pumpkin bowl is Oxygen’s annual tradition where we have a football tournament between the different O2 groups. This year, our group placed 3^rd out of 9 groups and also won best sportsmanship. As far as I’m concerned, I’d say that’s a win! Our group has grown so much this past year and I’m so grateful for God using our leaders to reach out.

     On Monday, our day off, our mentor family made breakfast together as we got ready for break. We watched Elf and even had pumpkin pie! It was early, but it was nice to get the chance to hang out before we went off to break. Later that day we went to Pastor Jordan’s as a second year class for Thanksgiving dinner. We all brought something, and sat down together to eat. We all went around the table and talked about what we were thankful for, and it was a fun, relaxing evening. I was reminded that night of how thankful I am for all these amazing people God has put in my life. I don’t know how I could live without them!

     Tuesday was another good day. It started off with prayer, and a scripture studies test followed by a Southeastern test on Acts. I’m proud to say I aced them both! After that, our family went to Chik-Fil-A, and watched the Little Rascals. It was nice to have some downtime together before we are away for a week. We all went to Covanent night together; a tradition right before break where we go and make new covanents to God about what our lives will stand for. I got the opportunity to pray with a bunch of people and see what God was showing them. It was such a blessing! All in all, I've had a great week. Please keep me in your prayers, as God changes me from the inside out here!

     The time is flying by here. I can’t believe that in a week I will be on thanksgiving break… I’ve been here 2 ½ months and it feels like 2 weeks!

     On Tuesday we worked a fundraiser at the Georgia Dome, to help pay some of our tuition. Even when we are working we manage to have fun together, and so the time really flew by. After our fundraiser we had an undershepherd meeting at Pastor Adam and Lucy’s. As leaders of our small groups, it was nice to just have fellowship and talk about where our strengths and weaknesses as a team. I came out of it with so many ideas for making Audax better, and some practical ways to do it.

     On Wednesday, we had a southeastern study hall, prayer, and Hosanna taught creative art and design this week. Wednesday night is Oxygen night and Jeanne spoke on the importance of relentless prayer. It was a very powerful message and I really believe that a spirit of desperate prayer was birthed in some of our students that night.

     Thursday was 3^rd year chapel day! It was incredible. They talked about the importance of vulnerability, and we had an amazing worship session as well. It was great to talk with our mentor families after and really see what was going on in their lives. I love the chances we get to really connect and build relationships that go beyond just having fun.

     One thing that I loved about Friday was our family time. We went to a beautiful monastery in Conyers, GA which was especially nice this time of year. We walked in and talked about our year, and asked them if they are getting everything they came here for. It was another cool moment to connect with them and give them guidance about their first year here. We gave them a token; a glass jar filled with 227 black beans. Each bean represented one day at Masters, and we told them to look at it and always to make every bean count. They really liked it, so I'm guessing it went well!

     On Saturday I had the day off; I did a lot of studying and caught up on some reading. It was nice to just be able to get stuff done that I haven't had the chance to.

     Sunday was really fun. I had breakfast at McDonald's with Jordan and Allison, and Audax hung out and make tacos together. It was cool to make Sunday lunch together like a family! Late that night Beth and I went to the airport and picked up Pastor Mike for cadre. It was so good to see him again! He is helping out with the small groups in the cadre so we will see him for the next two days. It's nice to have a little piece of home here with us.

     That's all thats really happened this week. We've been having a lot of tests before break, so I've been studying and leading a somewhat boring life. I'll keep you posted on my second year, and what happens on thanksgiving break!

     It was another great week in Atlanta! After getting home from retreat, we had a few hours to unpack and relax. The next day we had cadre! The youth pastors were here for retreat, and then a day at Jeanne’s house to be poured into and mentored. It was a long day, and the youth pastors didn’t leave her house until 2 and 3 in the morning. However late it ran, it’s worth it to think of how their lives really are being changed. The fact that we get to be a part of it is incredible!

     Tuesday was our day off, and I sure made use of it. I simply slept, got groceries, cleaned the apartment, and hung out with my roommates. We just came out of a very busy season here, so I knew that I just needed a day to relax.

     On Wednesday we had a great night at Oxygen. It was testimony night and we had different students share about what God did in their lives over retreat. To hear their stories was so encouraging, and made me realize why our hard work was so important. All of the late nights and early mornings helped bring life change for our students. That makes it worth it.

     On Thursday we had a family lunch, and our family came to my apartment and watched Toy Story 3. We went grocery shopping together and made tater tots and pizza bites. It was just another fun, relaxing time we could spend together.

     Friday and Saturday were both fundraising days for out missions trip to NYC! We were bucket brigading and raised around $400 during both days. It was freezing outside, and involved long days for both. We made about $20 a person… only $480 to go!

     Saturday night involved dinner at Cracker Barrel with two of my greatest friends; Allie White and Heather Robertson. Both were my roommates last year, and we decided to just have some fun and hang out. After dinner we went walking in Graves Park. I am so thankful for the people God has placed in my life! Later that night I went to a Christmas party with the 2^nd and 3^rd year class, where we had hot chocolate and watched Christmas movies. Lastly, I spent the night with some of my Audax girls.

     Today we had church followed by an Oxygen leadership meeting. Later tonight, we are going out to celebrate the birthdays of a few girls in my class. I love how much of a family we are, these all are some of the greatest people I have met.

Here are some pictures of the week:

Hailey and I at church

Allie and I

My Papa from last year mailed me a turtle footstool... since turtles are my favorite!

Retreat Week!

     I had the most incredible week! From Tuesday to Friday it was honestly a blur of retreat and cadre preparations. There were tokens to make; youth pastors to pick up from the airport, curriculum to go over, and everything else we have in a normal week. But it was SO WORTH IT. Instead of going through each day, let me tell you about fall retreat 2010.

     Our theme was YouTube, and the main message we wanted to get across is “how do you broadcast yourself to the world?” Our speaker was Pat Schatzline, an Assemblies of God pastor that travels around the world to speak. Going into this retreat, I really was praying and believing my girls would meet God and really change some things in their lives. One of my girls had recently begun experimenting with drugs, and it reached an all time high the week leading up to retreat. At the end, she came and told me she was completely done with drugs, and even promised me to never touch them again. It was evident that God did so much in her this weekend!

      Another highlight of retreat was the YouTube competition each O2 group participated in. At every service, three groups were chosen to imitate a certain video found on YouTube and compete to see who imitated best. I am proud to say that MY O2 group AUDAX won the entire thing! Our first video was called “Hippies Wailing over Dead Trees” and can be watched here ---.  It was a lot of fun to do, and really gave our group some healthy pride.

     One of my favorite things about retreat was the rap groups we had on Saturday morning and afternoon. I was chosen to lead a rap group with another third year guy, and it truly was a privilege. Rap groups are like small groups; only we discuss the service and how it applies to our lives. It was so cool to ask our group questions and really have them open up. Our group was honest and vulnerable with each other, and God totally used that.

     The weekend was really kissed by God. I could tell you stories of every one of my Audax girls and how God changed them. That is really all it’s about. One of my girls even told me that I am closer to her than her mom is. I really can’t help but be satisfied in the fact that I know God has used me to help these girls along in their walk with him. I am more than excited about it.

     Here is a video of our opening service:

my family at Stonecrest mall

our small group at retreat, AUDAX!

      This week was a lot of fun. On Tuesday I went in to the church and continued to work on the set for retreat. It is turning out so well, I will put the pictures up when it’s finally finished! Later in the evening, I went to Jeanne’s house to see the cadre. I actually met a youth pastor that flew in from Moncton; I was pretty excited to see another Canadian! It was so cool to witness God change their lives in Jeanne’s living room. These pastors are leaving refreshed and ready to go back to their youth groups equipped, and I couldn’t be more excited!  


     Wednesday was another day at the church, we had Morning Prayer, leadership, an RA meeting, and I taught creative art and design. We worked on the set yet again! It was a good, productive day.

     On Thursday I got up at 4 am to go to an optional study hall from 6-10 am. We had a scripture study test as well as our first Southeastern test, and I have been so busy this week I knew I needed the time. Both tests went well, so it was worth it! Also, that night I got to celebrate with going to see The Almost play at a local venue. It was so much fun! The Almost is one of my favorite bands, and one of my friends here knows the lead singer. We got to meet him, and I got in free because of it! Their lead singer, Aaron Gillespie, is an incredible man of God. After the concert, he went around praying healing over people! All in all, it was a great night. I’m so glad I got the chance to go!

     On Friday my amazing RA from last year came to visit- Lyn! She stayed right up until last night, and it was so nice to see her and get the chance to talk. It made me realize once again how God has blessed me with an incredible support system. I don’t know how I will be able to live without all my friends I have made here!

     On Friday we had chapel, but instead of having it at the Tabernacle, we went to Stone Mountain! Our job as mentor-family parents was to blindfold our children and lead them up the mountain. It was a lot of fun, and I think they really learned to trust us through the process. Pastor Jay had a great message for us when we reached our destination up the mountain, and then we had lunch together as families.

     Saturday was a day off, and I got to catch up on some much needed sleep. Previously, I had been so busy that I was getting very limited hours of sleep. The awesome thing about it was that I learned to make Jesus my strength. The Bible really is true; when I am weak, He is strong! I am learning that God has a purpose for whatever season he is taking me through, even if it just be a few weeks with a lack of sleep.  Later that day, I did a lot of studying and got caught up on a few projects I have been working on. That night, Lyn, Crissy, Allie, Heather and I went and had a sleepover together. It was just like our apartment together last year!  God has blessed me with some incredible friends in my life, and I am so thankful.

     On Sunday, we had morning service in which Pastor Sam shared a powerful message on reprioritizing your life. We had an afternoon prayer service for our fall retreat and talked as a leadership team about how to encourage our students to come. For evening service, Jeanne talked to us on how to make Biblical decisions. It was a long day no doubt, but I kept the mindset that if I’m going to be there, I might as well learn something! More and more everyday, God is showing me that it is all about my attitude, and whether I choose to be positive or negative.

     Today is another day off, as the rest of the week will be busy with retreat prep. Days off around here usually involve laundry, homework, and getting groceries. Nevertheless, I enjoy the fact I can spend the day in sweatpants! Right now I’m about to go running with Crissy. Here is a picture of the girls in our mentor family at the base of Stone Mountain!

Danielle and I reunited

Danielle and I when she visited

     This week went by so quickly, I don't know where to start!

     On Tuesday I had a great day with my best friend Danielle. We went to Starbucks for a few hours to work on homework, walked Boston, Christina's dog, and watched a lot of movies. It was so nice to catch up with my best friend! She left last Saturday and I already miss her so much.

     Wednesday and Thursday were busy days to say the least! Cadre is in town this weekend, so we had a lot of errands to run, Jeanne's house to prep, and youth pastors to pick up. It is so worth it. To know we get to encourage youth pastors across America and Canada is a huge thing. It really is making a difference in their lives, and in turn they get to come home and effect the kids in their youth group. I know I wouldn't be in Atlanta if it wasn't for Pastor Mike being in the cadre, so you can say I'm especially grateful for it!

     On Friday we had an incredible chapel where Jeanne talked about "polishing your bronze", and taught us how to really accept what God throws our way. After chapel, I taught my class Creative Art and Design and shared my heart about why creating a set for retreat is so important. I love my class!

     Later that evening I found out where I am going for my missions trip in early February. I am going to NEW YORK!!! A few weeks ago, they sat us down and told us our options, and I knew God was specifically calling me here above anywhere else. I'm very excited to get the chance to go and reach out to the big city of NY! As I mentioned, we are going for 9 days sometime in the first few weeks of February. We don't have all the details yet, but I will post them here as soon as I find out. I do know that we are doing mainly street ministry, i.e. preparing short dramas, stomps, and sharing one on one with people, which is something I love to do. The cost is $500 American for the trip; we will be doing some fundraising here, but I am excited to see the Lord provide my needs in this area. Obviously, being in Atlanta I can't work... but He knows that! Please keep me in your prayers as I prepare for this trip. It still is months away, but I want to get the most out of this trip I can!

     Also on Friday night, all of the Masters Commissions in Atlanta got together for a night of fellowship and worship. There is five different Masters Commissions here, and so it was cool to meet everyone and hear their stories. We even met a Canadian girl!

     Finally, we ended off Friday night and the early hours of Saturday morning by going to IHOP with the second year class, just to hang out and have fun. It's very much needed after being so busy and running in a million directions!

     On Saturday I went into the church and worked on the set for our fall retreat. The theme is YouTube, and so we are making it something along those lines... I don't want to give too much away yet, but I will be posting pictures of the finished product on here soon!

     On Sunday night my "family" and I went to Pastor Jordan's house to hang out with staff. I learned a new game called "Smoke that Bowl" and I will be bringing it back to Canada for sure! It was a great night; I get the privilege to hang out with some incredible people! All in all, it was a great week. If you've made it this far- I hope I haven't bored you yet!

  

     I don't even know where to start! Last week was another fun one. I went out to Stevie B's, a pizza buffet, with a bunch of girls last Tuesday. It was great to just relax with them and talk about how we are doing spiritually, mentally, physically, and just catch up!


     Wednesday night was a big highlight for me. We had O2 group night, which is when we split up into our small groups and have our own service for them. That night we had decided to make our classroom into "Audax Highschool" complete with lockers, posters of different school extra-curricular's, and whatever you expect to find in a highschool. With just tealights for light in our room, we went around and shared what you would know "if you really knew me". It was a really great bonding moment, and the new leaders really got a chance to know our kids better. Everyone left feeling closer, and I felt like a proud undershepherd of my kids!


     On Wednesday and Friday I also taught my first two classes of Creative Art and Design. I love to tell pull out qualities in our students that they didn't even know they had. It's amazing to see their confidence to come out! I'm looking forward to see how the rest of the trimester pans out; right now we are working on our set design for Fall Retreat!


     On Saturday night the Audax ladies went out to Target and McDonalds to just be together and have fun! I love our group so much; this year we really seem to know each other a lot better. My first year students are great at connecting with our kids!


     I'm starting to realize just how busy I will be this year. All day Saturday, my "day off" consisted of studying and doing homework for my Southeastern University classes. I love what I'm learning, but it is a lot of work!


     This week is turning out to be a great one... last Saturday night, my best friend Danielle Klock flew in from Oklahoma for a week!!! Danielle was my roommate last year, and has continued to do great things this year studying at Oral Roberts University. I love her, I'm so proud of her, and I am so lucky to spend the week with her!


     Pictures of the week:

Allison and I having some fun on my Mac

Roommate night! :)

Roommates :)

Paige and I at the poolhouse

AUDAX!

My small group Audax. I love them!

     The past week was the first one resembling a “normal” week since I’ve been back.

     Tuesday was the day we started our Southeastern University classes! Along with learning all that Masters Commission has to offer, as 2^nd years we take accredited college classes from the Christian University together. By the end of the year, we potentially can be accredited Assemblies of God ministers. I am really looking forward to these classes this year, as I know I can learn so much about ministry and the Bible. After Tuesday we had our first family mentoring time! We had a picnic in Piedmont park, and the girls and guys split up to have a little heart-to-heart time. I love my daughters so much, we all just were real with each other and had the chance to get to know each other on a better level. Later that night, we went to Jeanne’s for a costume party, and our family dressed up as Superhero’s. Check out the pictures below!

     On Wednesday we had our first RA meeting, where we talk about how our apartments are going and if any potential problems arise. Being an RA is my favorite portfolio responsibility this year, and I love the time we get to come together as RA’s and talk about its going. We had our first leadership class with Pastor Jordan and Missy, and my mind seemed to be exploding with knowledge by the end of it. I love that class! Wednesday was also tailgate night, and our group Audax dressed our car up to look like Candy Mountain. Since our fall retreat’s theme is Youtube, all of the different O2 groups picked a popular video from the website to dress their car up as. It was hilarious! Ours ended up getting 2^nd place, therefore earning a $75 scholarship for retreat for one of our students. It was a great night; we had a lot of fun building Candy Mountain!

     On Thursday we had a pretty relaxed day. We had chapel and Pastor Jordan talked about making the most out of this year. I love how PJ gives us a message that is perfect timing in regards to what we need. Pastor Sam came and gave us a lecture for our Southeastern class, we had a graders meeting, and our first accountability lunch. Allie is my accountability partner this year, and I’m so excited about it!

     On Saturday we had an outreach day in which we went to various parks and schools to pick up trash and bless the community. We picked up 75 bags of trash in the course of the day! I loved to see how no one had a bad attitude this year, something I would have been guilty of if I did this not too long ago. Thank goodness God has changed me!

     Yesterday we had Sunday morning service, and an incredible message by Dwain Jones, missionary in Calcutta, India.  In the afternoon we hung out as an O2 group and welcomed our new first years to their small group for the year! We went to Atlantic Station, had an amazing race/scavenger hunt, and talked to our first years about what Audax means to us. It was a lot of fun, and I’m so excited about the students we have in our group! Later that night we got to eat pizza with Mike Rogers and ask him a ton of questions about being a Christian, and affluent business man, essentially anything we wanted. Mike Rogers is a member of Jeanne’s Youth Leaders Coach board, and truly a blessing every time he comes to see us.

     Last night was really fun. All of the second years went to IHOP at midnight to hang out and just have fun with each other. It was great to catch up with each other, since our priorities have been the first year students since they have come. It was a late night, but sometimes it’s worth it; this was definitely one of those nights.

     I took a lot of pictures this week, so make sure to look below!

My books for our classes we take with Southeastern University

John's car = Candy Mountain!

Our mentor family :)

Crissy and I and cake on our faces!

my living room

kitchen and dining room

the view from the back

my bedroom

more of my room

Jessica, Emily and I; 2 of my new roommates!

     Monday was a great day. We had our opening chapel in Athens at the Georgia State Botanical Gardens. It was so great to be back there, it is a beautiful place that I get to go to and meet with God. He shows up everytime, and I am so grateful for that! I got to pray with a few of the first year girls and share with them my experiences last year. I love them all so much!

     On Wednesday night, Pastor Jordan spoke a powerful message on suicide. It was incredible to realize just how many of our students are dealing with this issue, or have been effected by it. At the end of the night, I got to pray with and talk to one of my small group girls about the issue and help her break free of the effects in her own life. It really was such a privilege to be part of helping her change her lifestyle.

     Friday night was another incredible one. All of the Masters Commission girls went to Jeanne’s house and we discussed the sisterhood, and how important it is for the year. As second years, we shared on how our sisters helped us last year and how important it is to be there for each other. Every girl in my class has helped me in some way or another. At the end of the night, Jeanne gave us all a necklace and we just hung out and had fun. She is such a good mom away from home!

     On Saturday we had a family field trip to sliding rocks in southern Georgia. We climbed a mountain and swam in a huge waterfall! It was a great experience, and I loved doing it again, as we did it last year too.

     This past Sunday was the church picnic! I helped assist in running it, and it was a lot of fun. The people at the Tabernacle are so amazing, and really have wisdom of the ages. I love to talk with them and build relationships. They really have a special place in my heart! Later that night our mentor family found out who our “kids” are for the year. I am so excited, and feel truly privileged to be able to guide these guys through the year. We have our first family time on Tuesday; I’ll let you know how it goes!

     Today was a glorious day off. I went to Perimeter mall with a bunch of first year girls and we just relaxed and had fun! I really love these girls already, and I can’t wait to get to know them better. God has really put these girls on my heart, and I know he is going to do great things in them!

     Let me start off by saying, it was a GREAT WEEK. It had its challenges, but it seems my reoccurring phrase that I keep telling myself is that God won’t give me anything I can’t handle. He will stretch me, but not throw me in the deep end and leave me to drown!

     On Tuesday everyone on the cadre executive team was invited for breakfast at Jeanne’s. We talked about the upcoming year and how what we do really has a rippling effect across the nation in youth pastors lives, and their kids. It really is such an opportunity!

     The next few days involved preparation for orientation weekend and ultimately preparing ourselves for them. We were all sweetly reminded of how we came in last year… far from perfect! In the day we would assemble binders, make welcome home baskets, and order any materials needed. On Thursday night we were divided up in our AC families and sent to different apartments for “scenario night”. At each apartment, there was staff members acting out different situations we will face this year. As a second year and a leader to first years, we had to confront the situation and lovingly help them change.     The scenarios ranged from a girl with a messy bedroom to a guy caught smoking on the porch. It really was a great night, and taught me a lot on how to correct my brothers and sisters in the right way.

     Saturday finally came; ORIENTATION DAY! It was such an incredible thing to see everyone’s families and the students all together for the first time. I got a little teary eyed remembering what this day meant to me last year. After spending the morning going over the year, we came back to the apartments and helped our girls unpack. Having three more people really did make our apartment feel like home!

On Sunday we went to church, had a breakfast for their families and students, and went to the main church service. Jeanne spoke and as usual, it was incredible. After church our girls went out and said goodbye to their families, while I prepared for roommate night.

     For roommate night we drove to Perimeter and found a restaurant we could all enjoy: Chilis! After eating there together, we went to Walmart and bought anything else we needed for the apartment, as well as some foam core board and paint. What did we need that for? Later that night we made an apartment creed. We all brainstormed ideas that we wanted our apartment to be this year, and the atmosphere we wanted to create. It’s not completely painted yet, but here is what we decided:

“As the apartment of 910, we promise to first and foremost put God first above anything else. We vow to create a relaxing, peaceful environment where we are free to be ourselves. We will be an encouragement to each other, and adding to the positive atmosphere we want. Together, we will protect each other’s hearts and commit to looking out for each other wherever we may be.  We will not be afraid to confront each other in the right and honest way, and receive any confrontation as a way to be better. Lastly, our apartment will be a FUN EXPLOSION!”

We all signed, and then I made bazookies for my girls; half-baked cookie dough and icecream!

     When Monday came, we went to church for a continuation of orientation week. We went over what’s expected, gave the 1^st years a tour of the Tabernacle, and talked to each other about our roommate nights.  Later that day we embarked on a secret field trip: we went to Buffalo’s Southwest Grill in Athens and ate some amazing Mexican food as a family of 96. After dinner we went to the Georgia State Botanical Gardens for our opening chapel.  I remembered this night for me a year ago, when God did so much in my life, and showed me a glimpse of what I was called to become this year. We had a time of worship, Jeanne spoke, and then we received tokens and prayed together. I got the chance to pray with a few of the first year girls, and it so blessed my heart to help them sort out what they want from this year too. It really is such an honor that I am able to help them in this stage of their lives. God also confirmed to me once again that this is where I am supposed to be. There are so many more challenges this year than last, and although I feel incapable, I know with God I am a victor. Pray for me that I rely solely on God, and not myself! 

My First Post of my Second Year at Masters Commission ATL!

     I have only officially been a second year for a week, but it seems like an eternity already. I have done so much, learned so much, and realized just how God has lined my footsteps to be here again.
                                   
     Friday, September 3^rd I hit the road with my mom and dad. We drove all the way down to Georgia, and made it by Sunday afternoon. It was a great drive, and I loved getting the chance to spend some good quality time with my parents. I love them so much, and I’m so thankful for what they have done for me. They really are such a blessing!

     Tuesday morning I moved into my new apartment. It’s a 3 bedroom just like last year, but I have new roommates. I’m the resident advisor (RA) for our apartment, so it’s my job to make sure everyone is taken care of and that we get along, and keep our apartment clean. The first year students don’t move in until this Saturday, but I love them already and I can’t wait to help move them in!

     Tuesday and Wednesday were our move in days, and Wednesday night we all headed to Oxygen, our youth group, to meet up with our students. It was such a happy reunion! I missed my small group, Audax, so much this summer… and to see my girls again was so great. I can’t wait to be with them for the year again!

     Wednesday night we left after Oxygen to Forsythe, GA for our leadership retreat. From Wednesday to Friday our entire 2^nd year class, the 3^rd year interns, the 4^th year support staff, and staff met to discuss the upcoming year, what we want to change, our targets on the wall, and how to improve. I found out my masters “husband” that I lead an accountability group with, and we even had a fake wedding that was one of the funniest moments I have had to date. Also this trip, I found out my portfolio for the year. As a second year, we have a portfolio consisting of different ministry and masters jobs we are responsible for the year. This year, I have 7: 

1.    1. House Prep co-lead for Cadre: In a nutshell I lead a team of about 5-6 people, and we go before and after each cadre to prepare Jeanne’s house. We make sure it’s clean and in great shape so it can be used for a place that youth pastors can be coached and effectively ministered to.

       2. Creative Art and Design co-track lead: Remember last year when I took Inner city, Administration, and Verbal Communications Classes? This year I have been chosen to lead a class about how to minister using art and set design in church or any sort of ministry setting. The fact that I haven’t even taken this class before is a big indicator of how much the staff must believe in me to think I can do this! I’m nervous, but I’m excited. I am very creative and I know that I can help others bring out their creative side!

3.    3. Female Room Check lead: I am in charge of checking all the girls’ apartments and making sure they are clean for our weekly room checks. If they are messy, I issue probation for Saturday morning. I am excited for this one especially, as I am a clean person and I am happy to help others in this area.

4.    4. Under-shepherd for Audax: This is a big one. I am one of three head leaders of our small group, and act as a youth pastor to them. I never thought they would give me this role, but I am so privileged to do it. As the only girl under-shepherd, I will be responsible for helping them spiritually and for the health of our entire group. I can’t wait to jump in, and I know it’s going to be such a rewarding experience!

5.   5. Academics Grader: I will help grade scripture studies and other papers of first year students for our academic director. It’s a great opportunity to help them dive deeper into God’s word, as well as learn from what they have found as well.

6.   6. RA: I mentioned this above, but above all being a mentor to those I live with and making sure our apartment is a great environment.

7. AC Mom: Our Masters “families” really are just small groups of 5-7 people who go out and relax, have fun, and help each other throughout the year with any problems or situations that arise. As a 2^nd year I have a “husband” and we will have first year “kids” that we mentor and take care of. I’m so excited to get to know my girls and help them any way I can!

     Along with everything I did last year, I have these jobs that I am personally responsible for. Then there are the online classes I take with Southeastern University... it’s going to be a very challenging, busy year. The first few days I was here, I honestly felt scared and unsure that I could do everything expected of me. I was reminded that I couldn’t do this year without God being my only strength, and it’s so true. This year will undoubtedly be the hardest year of my life. But I can’t wait to see how God will change me, mold me, and make me more into his image by using me at Masters for a second year.

     On Friday night we got back from our leadership retreat, but only for an hour or two. The next few days we embarked on our own version of the amazing race. We were given clues and pit stops in Tennessee and Georgia, and had limited resources to complete it all. This is what we were allowed to bring, and the only things we had for the two days: 1 sleeping bag, 1 pair of shorts, 1 pair of underwear, 1 pair of socks, 1 pair of sneakers, 2 shirts, 1 backpack, ½ gallon of water, and 3 power bars. We weren’t allowed any makeup, our hair was a mess from the challenges, and we couldn’t dry our wet clothes (it rained) or shower. We were split up with our mentor group, and drove around in cars to the different challenges: all while we were tied together on a rope! In the course of the two days I went white water rafting on class 4 rapids (class 6 is Niagara falls) which was scary but incredible, I went swimming in Georgia red clay, I slept outside in the rain with just a sleeping bag, I saw beautiful Tennessee mountains and the gorgeous countryside of Georgia, and I went to a little German town called Helen. It was so cool to really bond with my fellow classmates, and through all the challenges our mentor family won! It was so great to get to know the 2^nd and 3^rd year students again after a summer apart, and we all really helped each other and looked out for each other. After our amazing race, we came home Sunday night and rested after an incredible journey.

     Today I had the day off, and went to the Golden Corral buffet with my mentor family to celebrate our win. I helped some of the girls move in, and went grocery shopping. I have done so much the past week, and I have loved it all. I love being here, I love what God is doing in me, and I love having the peace of knowing this is exactly where he wants me to be. This coming week we have a lot of preparations to do for the first years to come, but I am more than excited about it. I know God is going to use me here! That’s it for this week, but expect another update next Monday, and hopefully some pictures too!