Proof that I'm Alive & Making Friends

(I know. Bizarre post title.)

I've been around about 6 weeks now, but last weekend gave me the chance to learn and get to know a whole new set of faces at Sherwood: the student ministry! I was able serve at the annual Disciple Now hanging out with and leading a small group of students.

One of the things I love about Sherwood, is the desire to be intentional about building bridges. For example, a couple that teaches college guys and girls Sunday school, each lead a group of high school seniors at D-Now. I worked with 6th grade girls over the weekend, and the hope, is that I will continue to work with that grade in the years to come. So, starting next year, I will be able to see and lead girls that just left the children's ministry! Pretty pumped about that. But they have a standard to uphold: the 6th graders this year won the middle school recreation time! (Lets just say, I reverted back to my high school cheerleading days for that one)

What made the weekend even better, was that my dear friend Jaye came to visit me and help with the D-Now. I'm pretty sure I was beside myself Friday I was so excited! I am so thankful for our time together, and getting to show her around my new "home". We hit a couple of the hot spots of "Al-binny"...

 Quickly becoming one of my favorite places to eat: Cookie Shoppe. The expression is because it was only my second time, and I got there without getting lost. I was excited...

 

This was at a little place called "Livi & Company". Its a flea market of sorts; has antique and other cutesy stuff. Jaye and I found a set of plates that we found appropriate...

We also hung out with some new faces...

Allow me to introduce a few new friends: Saren, Kenny, and Scott (in order LtoR). Saren and Scott are siblings, from Albany and Kenny is the youth intern at Sherwood. This was attempt #5 in a series of pictures. Needless to say, we had a good time hanging out.

A blessing, and fun fact of the weekend, was that we got free Starbucks, twice!! Thanks to a friend who gave us a gift card especially for Jaye's visit.

Jaye and I tried to document with more pictures, but most of the time, were too busy talking to remember. Sorry. Its what happens when you try and cover a MILLION topics in a just a few days.

So there have it: Helped out for the first time with students. Had my first out of town visitor. 

Georgia resident 6 weeks and counting!

When I grow up...

When I interviewed at Sherwood, David talked to me about possibly discipling/mentoring some 5th grade girls. I immediately said yes, thinking about how long it had been since I had poured into some younger girls (they are all currently college freshman). So after getting into a groove of "normal" at the church, I found a study I wanted to do and sent a letter to every 5th grade girl's parents, letting them now about the bible study. We met for the first time last Wednesday, and it went great! I passed out books, and just took the time to get to know the girls and let them get to know me. The latter being the most humorous part of the time.

I told the girls they could ask me questions in order to get to know me. I was prepared for most, but others had be a little thrown. Some of the conversations were as follows:

- "Do you have a boyfriend?"

Nope (they seemed disappointed.)

Side note: You gotta love 11 year old girls. Not even in middle school yet, and the boy craziness is setting in, bless their hearts.

-"How old are you?"

23.

"NO way! I thought you were 19!" (I know, I'll appreciate that one day).

-"How many brothers and sisters do you have?"

8

"Do you have a brother that's 11?!"

Next question... (boy crazy)

Lastly, my favorite...

-"What do you want to be when you grow up?"

(with a huge smile) Actually... exactly what I'm doing right now. Helping a pastor with his ministry and working with kids.

That's when it hit me: I haven't thought about what's next. Because to me, this is it. Now, I'm fully aware that the Lord's plan for me could have a million other jobs in store, anywhere in the world. But I don't see any end to this, and that's different for me. Something that definitely is taking some getting used to, but I'm excited to see all that God has in store for this next stage in my life.