Life as a Wake Forest RUF intern.

In order to keep things interesting and organized, I want to give you an update in list form. 

First of all, simply some things we have been up to here at Wake Forest RUF:

• Last Thursday, we had our first "Bowlin for Soulin".  That is an activity the previous intern, James, started, and Stewart has decided to keep it going.  I am so glad... we had somewhere between 30-40 students come out and bowl... from freshmen to seniors.
• We took a large group of freshmen, about 15, to Hope Pres. Church on Sunday morning.  Kevin preached from 2 Samuel 23.  (I will talk a bit more about that in a second.)  Hope is a church plant from a larger church in Winston, called Redeemer Pres.  I think they were very excited to see such a large group of students there!  I was so excited that they came!
• We had our 2nd leadership meeting on Sunday night.  It's neat to get to know the upperclassmen and talk about our vision and goals for RUF at Wake Forest.  Its such an interesting thing, though to step into this established group that is pretty different from the core group I am used to at Auburn.  However, I love to see a different culture of students.
• Last night, I had about 16 freshmen girls over to watch the Emmy's.  My little basement apartment was quite packed.  Gosh, I love these freshmen girls!!  And we have not even had our first large group, yet.  Praise God.

What's going on more personally in my life or how I am responding to all of the activities and change:

• People ask how things are going.  I think the best way to describe it would be a roller coaster ride. There are moments I am beyond thrilled to be here and amazed that the Lord is allowing me to do this.  Then, there are moments in which I feel very homesick and think, how did I get here?  This is so random.  But, in the midst of "emotions and feelings", I rest in the promise that the Lord has sovereignly ordained and provided for me to be right here right now and that keeps me at a very steady, joyful, peaceful place.  
• I am so thankful for the Teasley's.  I feel like I have a family I can get to know and feel comfortable with when I am feeling homesick for family.  My family is always very available for me if I need them.  Plus, Auburn felt like home... no matter how hard it got, it was comfortable and familiar.  So, the Teasley's are such a wonderful family to make me feel at home.  Plus, I get to play Barbie games online with Molly Jane (their 5 year old) and it feels like I am right back at home with Ellie.  
• I am so thankful for my roommate and a couple of other post-grad friends that I have made.  I've always heard it is kind of tough adjusting to life after college, and its true.  You are surrounded by like 20 of your best friends all the time in college that you can hang out with at the drop of a hat.  I didn't understand the luxury of that.  To realize that even having 3 or 4 friends my age is a blessing right now is quite an adjustment.

Pray for:

• First large group, tonight!!  It's amazing that we have not had our first large group yet, when I feel like a community has already begun to form among the freshmen.  Pray that people would be very open to the teaching and music of RUF.  Pray that students would feel welcome and loved.  Pray that the gospel would be taught and hearts would be receptive to it.
• Pray for congruency among leaders in RUF.  That our hearts would long for the same things... for the gospel to be proclaimed and students to be loved and equipped to serve Christ... and our hearts and minds would stay humble.
• Pray for students who are on the verge of believing the truth of the Gospel, pray that Kevin, Stewart, and I could be empty vessels to be used by the Holy Spirit to speak truth to them.
• Continue to pray for energy for my somewhat introverted self.  At the end of the day I am so blank... because my job is to talk to people.  Talk to people all day long.  So, I get a little socialized out.  But the Lord has been very gracious in giving me joy in that.

What I am learning:

• So, like I said Kevin preached on 2 Samuel 23.  David said, "Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!"  Then, when three mighty men risk their lives to bring water to David, David pours the water out as a sacrifice to God.  David knew God had promised victory, yet he was parched, he doubted the Lord and feared the circumstances around him.  When the three mighty men heard his cry and responded, it was a reminder that the Lord was there and providing for him.  Therefore, he poured the water back out saying Lord, all I need is you and your refreshing.  It was a good reminder to me that even when I grow weary or doubt that the Lord is working and I become fearful of my circumstances, it's a reminder that God hears my cries.  That He is ever providing.

As always, thank you for your support.  I am so encouraged by those of you who have given financially and who are praying for me.  Ya'll are in my prayers.

I will have pictures from bowling, Emmy's party, and first large group very soon!!