Year One, Done!

Wow, again it has been over a month since I last blogged! The end of the school year was filled with many wonderful graces. In particular, I realized how much I have grown personally through this year. I can't imagine anything else I could have done to help me become more of a saint than FOCUS has. Clearly, this is what God had in mind for me and desired for me.... It brings such peace to know I am doing His Will for my life.

I found out that I will be back in Duluth for my second year with FOCUS! I'm so excited to continue the friendships, bible studies, and discipleships that began this past year. I love the women at Duluth so much, and it was easier to say goodbye for the summer knowing that I get another year with most of them next year (some will be transferring or graduating). The last week of classes was a great time to just be with these ladies and enjoy the friendships we have started this year, especially within bible study.

with my athletes bible study

In addition to being a missionary in Duluth, I'll also be the team director there next year! I'd be kidding you, and me, if I said that accepting this responsibility wasn't scary. However, in the last couple weeks of the semester, I realized more than anything the heart that God has given me for the campus of UMD. We saw His grace work in amazing ways this year, and I know that He would not have asked me to step up in this way unless He knew that I would allow Him to help. Plus, FOCUS does an awesome job of preparing new team directors for our leadership roles. While all of my wonderful students were fighting finals, I got to spend a week in the Rockies, learning how to be a servant leader and successfully guide my team this next year. I am now beyond excited to serve UMD as team director next year and can't wait to see what God has planned. Our students definitely have a desire to win their campus for Christ, as shown by their dreaming of what campus could be like. Take a look:

A common question I've been getting lately is "So what do you do all summer?" Well, since team director training ended on May 17, I've been back home in Fargo. This coming Saturday, I'll fly out again, this time for 5 weeks in Florida for our summer training. Despite the heat and large bugs that are sure to accompany us, I'm looking forward to 5 weeks with my fellow missionaries, getting re-charged for the mission, strengthening friendships, and learning more about how to be a Catholic leader. Please keep us all in your prayers!

For those of you who have been following my blog throughout the year, you may also be thinking.... hmm, there was a dating fast for the first year.... now that the year is over, is that over? The answer is yes! It is absolutely amazing to see how much I grew through giving this past year to Jesus in that way. When I said yes to FOCUS, I was unsure of how the dating fast would go. Now, I can see it for what it is: the best thing I've ever done to truly give my heart to Jesus. To learn to put Him first, to truly let Him love me and receive that love, and to do so without needing or having a boyfriend was something I really needed this past year. And now, after giving that all to God, He has given me a dating relationship that is so incredible I never would've imagined it on my own. Back in January, I shared my recognition that a great relationship was worth the wait, and I know that is the case now. Devin supports my crazy adventures with FOCUS and encourages me to put Jesus first. I can't wait to see what God has planned for us.

Well, I should wrap this up and move ahead with working on my expense report and campus plan. I'm hoping to get some of that done before training starts so I can have more time to enjoy the classes and friendships (and maybe a trip to the beach). Until next time....