It was another great week here in Atlanta. We had a lot of work to do on Monday and Tuesday in preparation for Experience. It's like our version of college days, and over 70 students came to see what Masters is all about. We had four girls stay at our apartment and we had a lot of fun! In the day, they got to see what our ministry tracks are all about, academic life, prayer, our mentor families; everything. Our girls had so much fun, and really had an encounter with God while they were here. I think it made us all appreciate how much this place has done in our lives, and how God can do so much in their lives as well.


     The next time I write, I will be back from my missions trip to New York! I'm so excited to go, and I can't wait to tell you all about it. Please keep me in your prayers as we leave this Thursday, I am expecting big things!


Here are some pictures from our experience days:

All of us!

Our family and visiting students

     What a great week! On Tuesday I went in to church and where we had the usual classes. After our day at the church, we came back to my apartment and filmed a video showing off what the apartments are like. Next week we have a thing called "Experience"; basically Masters version of College Days. It's going to be a lot of fun, and I can't wait to meet the girls staying with us. I definitely have a lot of good things to say about this place to them!


     Wednesday was really fun. Hosanna and I got to teach creative art and design, and we made it a fun one. One thing we always try to point out to our students is that God was creative, and He made us in his image. If you scan the Bible, you will find countless acts of him creating from nothing restoring things, or even using punishment to be creative (ever heard of Jonah and his adventure in the belly of a large fish? What about the plagues of Egypt?) The Bible points to one feature of God's character, and that is that He is creative. We all looked up different passages of God being creative, and shared them with each other. Then, using the random object they brought from home, we gave them supplies and told them to make something out of what they were given. 50 minutes later, we had a number of very different things. It was cool to see our students begin to realize that they can be creative too, and they didn't think that when they walked in here.


     On Thursday we had another creative art and design class, and we went on a field trip! We went to an art gallery in downtown Decatur called the Fat Cat. They had some great stuff, and we just looked around and talked about what we liked, and what wasn't exactly our cup of tea when it comes to creativity.


     Friday is chapel day, and this week our 4th year support staff brought us the word. They talked about the promises of God, and gave us our own promise that they found from the Bible. It was a great chapel that left us all really encouraged and ready to go out and claim what God has already given us.


     We had missions practice this Saturday, and so we worked on dramas and testimonies for when we are there. I am really getting excited to go; I leave in a week and a half! It really has snuck up on me, but I believe God is going to use us to do great things on this trip. We also found out that someone has sponsored us and is giving us a day of snow tubing at a resort in New York- now that will be a fun day! I know God is going to do great things, and I can't wait to tell you about them.


     Sunday was an early morning: I got up and was at the church at 7 am for drama practice. Pastor Jordan was speaking, and had us to a short drama to the song "This is What it Means to Be Free" by the LaPointes. Beth and I were laughing, remembering how they always used to come to Rock Church and sing for us. We had practice, sunday school, our regular church service, meetings with our small group, and then I came home. Did I take the Sunday afternoon nap I so desperately wanted? Nope! I finished reading "How to Read the Bible Book by Book" and after evening service, I finished up my book report on it. It was a long day, but I really can't complain. I accomplished so much, I can enjoy my day off today!


Today is Monday, and I slept in... until 8 am. Nevertheless, I'm going to get some homework and laundry done, even hit the gym! Here are some pictures of the week:

MegDeb and I on our field trip!

The Yogurt Tap: Best frozen yogurt in town!

I love this picture: Allie and I walking in Decatur on our field trip!

     I have had another great week here! On Wednesday, we were still snowed in and so we had the day off! I did go out in the snow, yes, and even tried to make a snowman.


     Thursday was another day back at the church, although we got to come in later to allow for the ice to melt more. I just had a relaxed day with Southeastern classes, prayer, and I worked on a mailer for Masters promotions. I came home and got to spend some time with my roommates, which is always so much fun. I'm really going to miss living with these girls, it really is a blessing. I love it!


     We opened up Friday with Chapel: Christina spoke about trading our ashes for beauty, and how to give our hurts to God. It was a great message! In leadership that day we started a really cool lesson on Godly friends. It talks about 11 personalities that everyone should have in their circle of friends. I'm really looking forward to finishing it! Later that night, Allie and I went to Walmart to price out food for our missions trip. We were given the privilege of helping to plan the menu: what we will eat, how much it will cost, and who will prepare each meal. It was a lot more work than we thought it would be... but we managed to be under budget and make pretty healthy meals!


     Saturday was another Missions day. We worked on our testimonies again, and acted out some different dramas to do in New York. As it gets closer, I'm beginning to get even more excited. It's going to be an amazing trip; I know God told me to go there and I am excited to plant some seeds.


     On Sunday we had church and meetings with our small group leadership teams. Later that night, we went out to Cracker Barrel to celebrate my "daughter" Tosha's birthday! It was a lot of fun, and really made me think of how much she has grown this year. I feel so honoured to be in her life, and that God has worked through me to disciple her. It's another one of the great things about being here :)


     Monday is my day off- and I really need it! I'm going to sleep in a little, hit the gym, do my laundry of course, and make a Target run with a few of the girls. It's going to be a very busy next few weeks so I'm going to make the most of it tomorrow!


Me and Tosha doing "the beaver" at Cracker Barrel:

     I have only been back a little over a week but it seems so much longer than that!  Beth and I arrived in Atlanta on Sunday around lunchtime and went straight to Jeanne’s house for halftime retreat. It’s where we meet as second and third year students and talk about how we have done so far as leaders this year, and where we can get better. Over Sunday and Monday I learned so much, and it was a great time to just reconnect as a class.

     On Tuesday we had the day off, and as the first year students came back into town we helped them unpack and get settled in the apartments again. We had a great roommate night that night, and talked about how our apartment can get even better this year, as well as what qualities we want to have personally by the end of the year.

     Wednesday was our first normal day back at masters. We had our regular classes, and later that night we got to reconnect with our kids at Oxygen. It was so good to see them after three weeks!

     On Thursday we got to sleep in a little bit and had Jeanne time first thing in the morning. Later that day I got to help out with college days for Masters, specifically talking about the apartment life here. I am so excited because my apartment has truly been a blessing to me! When I got home, our apartment made a cake and at midnight celebrated the birthday of my roommate, Jessica. I love these girls, and it’s one of the main reasons why I love living here!

     On Friday we had an amazing chapel service led by Pastor Jordan, who talked to us about going deeper with God. It was cool to be challenged even further, as we already learn so much from just being here. After that our mentor family went out for Crissy’s birthday to Fuji Ya, a Hibachi grill that makes amazing Japanese food. We started a new trimester, and so I had a new class of students for creative art and design. Later we went to prep Jeanne’s house for cadre, and had another relaxing night at home.

Saturday was mission’s day, and so we prepared for heading to New York by working on our testimonies and individual projects. Allie and I are making the menu for our trip, so we have been pricing out food and working with a tight budget. I’m so excited, in a few short weeks we will be off to New York!

     Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday (today) were crazy days. On Sunday we went to church, had meetings with our small groups, went to evening church, but little did we know that a storm was brewing! Atlanta got at least a foot of snow on Sunday night, and let me just tell you that they were not prepared for it! Most Georgians don’t even know what snow tires are, and haven’t seen more than a few flakes once a year. I was stuck in traffic for over 3 hours picking up a lady for cadre from the airport. It was so bad that we had to move cadre from Mom’s house to the apartments! Yes, that’s right. We moved out three sets of roommates and moved in 40 ladies for cadre! It seems crazy, but it really did work out well. We obviously were tight on space, had to cut down on teams, and couldn’t do everything we wanted to. But the important thing is that God really showed up the few days they were here. I remember specific women telling me that their lives were changed for coming here, and they were so grateful for the experience. It just goes to show how the snow didn’t stop us, and I’m so glad we didn’t let it!

     I almost forgot to mention; from Thursday through Monday our entire Masters was on a media fast! What does that entail? No cell phones, no internet, no music, no T.V., even no GPS’s for FIVE DAYS. We talked about the reliancy of our culture on technology and media, and how it easily can become an addiction… so we decided to give it up! It’s been really cool to look back and see the effects of going without media. I have gotten a lot closer to my roommates simply because we have sat down and just talked to each other. I’ve had more time for the important things because I haven’t had little distractions throughout the day. No, it’s really impossible to live without a phone, but it does help to know that I really don’t need all of this media in my life. I’m really going to think about where I put my time from now on!

     My last few days before break have been busy, but so worthwhile. On Tuesday I was busy with classes and studying for my trimester exam on Wednesday, and my Southeastern test on Thursday. I did well on both of them, so it really paid off! One thing I love about Masters is the fact that I can really use what I learn here in my everyday life. For my trimester exam, I had to memorize 32 scriptures, and my Southeastern test was all about Jesus’ life here on earth. I really can’t help but love this kind of stuff.

     Wednesday night was 02 night, and Audax had a little Christmas party. We gave each other Seeing the Invisible gifts, just like PJ did last week. Our kids loved them, and it gave us an opportunity to really speak into their lives.  We had to end early that night because Atlanta was freezing over- literally! Bridges and exits were closed everywhere, which made for ridiculous traffic. Atlanta is already rated #1 for worst traffic in America… and when you add and ice storm to the equation, it’s not pretty! Now this kind of weather would be no big deal for us Canadians.... but Atlanta really has no idea how to cope with it.

     Thursday was test day, as well as roommate night. We went to the pet store and looked at puppies, bunnies, frogs, and turtles! All of us really want a pet, but sadly don’t have the time to take care of it. So going to the pet store is the next best thing!


     On Friday we had our last family time before Christmas. We decided to go to the library and pick out a book for each other, one that somehow relates to that person. It actually turned out to be hilarious! We read the books and just had fun doing something as silly as that. After that we went back to my apartment and made cookies while watching How to Train Your Dragon. That night we had “Impact Night” where we all came together to talk about what the Lord has done in us. Twelve were chosen to speak, and I was one of them! It was truly an honor and privilege to share with my Masters family about what God has done in me so far this year. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s been so worthwhile!

     Only a few short hours later, I’m sitting at the airport writing this. In just a few hours I will be home! I plan on taking a nice break these next two weeks, which includes blogging. I will fill you in again after my first week back, but until then… Merry Christmas!

     This past week has been amazing. Let me tell you about something really cool I got to be a part of. Every year, Pastor Jordan does something called “Seeing the Invisible” where he buys a Christmas gift for every one of the first year students. It’s not an ordinary gift, but it is one that reflects something about them and encourages them, while challenging them at the same time. From Tuesday to Friday, outside of my regular classes I got to help PJ buy and put together the gifts for all 42 students. Wednesday night was an all nighter, and on Friday night I was up until 4 am… but it was so worth it! During chapel on Thursday and Friday, PJ presented the gifts one by one and their explanation. A lot of people were inspired, and many cried. It was so cool to be a part of something that really affected each and everyone of their lives. All the late nights and long hours were worth it, and I feel privileged to be a part of it!

     Later on Friday a few of us went out to Starbucks just to talk about what God was doing in our lives. It was so cool to just connect, and even though I was so tired, it was nice just to be inspired by what the Lord is doing in my friends.


     On Saturday I think I was a little exhausted from not sleeping, because I woke up with a cold and the flu. I decided to take a sick day and I slept the whole day away!

     On Sunday we had our Scrooge performance at the church, morning and night. It was a great show, and so many visitors came and were saved. I’m learning that hard work really does pay off, and God honored all of the Scrooge team’s efforts.

     Monday was a nice day off. We have our trimester exam this week as well as a Southeastern test, so the majority of the day was spent studying. We had our second year Christmas party at PJ’s that night too, so I went to that and had fun with my class.

     There is only a few more days and then on Saturday, I go home! I’m so excited to see everyone, but until then I’m going to study hard and enjoy my last few days here before Christmas!

     Being back from break this past week has been good, but hard. It has made me realize how I'm ready to go home and see my family and friends again! It's been a busy week, so there is not much to write about. It's fun to look back on what I've done nevertheless.


     On Tuesday we had family time, Southeastern, and prayer. Later that evening I helped decorate Jeanne's house for Christmas which was a ton of fun! We had the Christmas music going and it reminded me of all the years I would decorate my house with my mom. Speaking of her, Mom, I miss you!


     Wednesday was a fun day. We had our normal classes and I taught Creative Art and Design again. We are doing a few classes on photography, and later this week they will be decoupaging with pictures they took. Later that evening we had Oxygen, and it was so nice to see my Audax girls again! I really did miss them.


     On Thursday, we did some filming for "Oxygen Live", our annual Christmas party for our youth. I'm not an actor, but was asked to be in a few skits... so we will see how they turn out!


     Friday and Saturday were fundraising days for my New York missions trip. Even if we make hundreds of dollars, it's split between 21 people. We made around $150, which is about $7.50 each. Every bit counts though, and I'm grateful for what God provides our team with.


     On Sunday we had an exciting morning service. Steve Brock, worship leader for Benny Hinn was at The Tabernacle! It was great to hear him and have him minister to us in song. I really felt like I was in the presence of royalty. Later that day we had an Alliance meeting with our Oxygen leaders, and I got the opportunity to head up our discussion on where we can improve. That night we had a powerful lecture with Dr. Edy on holy living. It really made me realize how much I have grown from my first to second year. Classes with Dr. Edy were somewhat boring last year, but this year I really do take in everything I can from him speaking. I had a really great phone call with my old roommate Danielle last night, as well as my co-leader in Audax, Hosanna. I love having friends that I can talk to about Jesus. It really does help me so much, I don't know what I'm going to do without them!


     Today I woke up, went running, ran some errands, and then came home and studied. My roommates and I had a movie night together and made our apartment favorite; bazookies. If you haven't had one, you are missing out. Ice cream and half-baked cookie dough just can't be beat!


     This next 12 days before break are going to be very busy for me, but I'm excited about it. One thing I'm learning this year; no matter how busy I may be, if I'm too busy for God then I'm failing it all. I know that God is going to use me and show me new things, and I'm determined to put him first no matter how busy I get. That being said, I need to go study! God bless, and for everyone back home: see you soon!

Thanksgiving Break

Going to the Pirates Dinner Show

Lyn and I 

Crissy, Lyn and I

     It's been an amazing week in Celebration, Florida. I am so glad to have been able to come here for Thanksgiving break! The past few days I have been visiting with Lyn, my RA from last year. It was so refreshing to spend time with her again and just relax. On Wednesday Crissy, Jordan and I woke up at 4am, hopped in the car, and drove down to Florida. We met up with Lyn late that afternoon, and got settled in. Her youth group was having a Thanksgiving dinner that night and so we went and just had fun together! That evening we also met up with a few guys from Masters and visited downtown Disney. It amazes me that my family at home would come here vacation, but to them places like downtown Disney is their neighborhood. It's crazy!


     On Thursday we all got some much needed rest and slept in... and got up to eat Thanksgiving dinner! It was quite the international dinner; Lyn's family is Dutch, and they had students from France, Wales, and Austria there as well. I represented Canada, Crissy's from Spain, and Jordan's from Scotland. The only American was Scotty from Oklahoma! It was a great meal but I couldn't help but think about my family at home. I've missed Thanksgiving with them for two years now. It's good to know that I'll be home in 19 days from today, however! Crissy's Dad is the king of dinner shows, and managed to get 6 of us in for free! Later that night, we went to Pirates Dinner Show and had a great time.


     Black Friday was a lot of fun. Crissy and I went Christmas shopping at Millennia Mall and I got some good Christmas presents for the family! Later we came home and met up with Lyn, Jordan, Scotty and Anders at Starbucks and walked around downtown Celebration.  I even saw a real Alligator only a few feet away from me!


     Saturday was also a sleep-in day. Lyn and I went shopping at Target and out for dinner at Panera Bread to catch up. I am so thankful for a friend like her in my life! Later that evening we went to downtown Celebration to see the Snope fall from the sky. You may be wondering what Snope is? Well in Florida, it obviously doesn't snow. Their solution is to make snow-resembling soap suds and have them fall from the sky. It looks pretty realistic! We played in the snope, went to Starbucks, and looked for more Alligators!


     On Sunday we went to church, and spent the rest of the day driving home. We got home at 3am Monday morning and went right to sleep. It was great to get home, but hard to leave Lyn behind! I'll see her after Christmas break, so it's not too bad. Speaking of Christmas break... 17 days until I come home! :)

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!