My Last Post...

Where do I even start. Where did I even leave off? As I sit here, I am packing up the last few things in my apartment and getting ready to leave in a little over an hour. To think that it will all be over in such a short time…

I have had an incredible past two weeks here, and more than that an incredible two years. Packing day was a lot of fun; it was cool to be stuck in our apartment all day with just the six of us. And we got a lot done too!

Tuesday was our trimester exam (I got a 92!) And following that we had our last family time. It was so much fun to just hang out with our family at the Yellow River. Later that evening, the entire Masters Commission met up at Mellow Mushroom in Athens to have a final dinner together. We then headed to the Athens Botanical Gardens for our closing chapel, where it all started in September. We got to pray together, worship and reflect on the year and where God has brought us. It was an amazing, powerful night…

On Wednesday, it was “final” day! We had our final Verbal Communications Ministry Track, our final Southeastern test, and our final O2 night. Hosanna and I talked about being planted in Audax on O2 night, and it was one of the biggest crowds we had seen all year. I am really going to miss my Oxygen students; they have placed an incredible impact on my life!

On Thursday we had our last Jeanne mentoring time, and our last leadership lesson at Yellow River. That was a lot of fun once again! Later that evening my best friend Danielle drove down from Chicago to visit for a few days. It was such an amazing time to be with her, even for a few days!

Friday was a really memorable day. We got to experience the first year class’s chapel, and they talked about Ezekiel and dry bones. After that, Jeanne treated us all to lunch at Fire of Brazil. It was a “thanks” for all the hard work we put into at cadre, and it was sure appreciated by us all! We had our last outing with Audax that night too, and it was a fun night of paint wars! I left with green paint all over myself and in my hair… which meant a lot of scrubbing to do before banquet the next day!

Saturday was banquet day. We got up, got all dressed up, and headed to Maggianno’s. It was so fun to see everyone, meet parents and family, and reflect on the year. It has been so memorable, and it was fun to share the memories together.

Sunday finally came… graduation day! For the morning service, we got the opportunity to share as individuals in Masters about the life change that occurred here in the past nine months. The Tabernacle has been my church home for the past two years… and they will be missed! Later that evening we filed in and celebrated ourselves graduating. We recognized each others achievements, and the second year class all received Bibles as a graduating gift. Let me tell you, that Bible is now a prized possession of mine! The night ended as we prayed together on stage, took pictures, and cried a lot of tears. It was so bittersweet! After that, we all went to Jeanne’s house and hung out for our last time together. It was a lot of fun, but weird knowing that we may never see some of these people again…

Monday came, and our apartment got up early and finished moving out. We were checked out of our apartment by Pastor Adam, gave the keys away, and it was over. I was no longer an RA L Saying goodbye to the first year girls was so hard. I will be keeping in touch with them for sure; I can’t bear being away from them! Later that evening, Danielle and I celebrated our birthdays at the Cheesecake Factory with our second year class. It was a lot of fun, a lot of people came, and we just had an overall great night. I was so blessed to be able to celebrate my birthday early!

Tuesday was our pool party, and the 2^nd and 3^rd years as well as the staff all hit the water! It was a great day to just relax, and a great way to cool off. Later that night, we went on our last adventure as second year girls. I can’t reveal all the details over the internet, but trust me… it was good (holy) fun!

On Wednesday and Thursday we just helped clean up Jeanne’s house and the church. We cleaned out our offices, wrote about our portfolio responsibilities, and made as many memories as possible while we were together. I was a wreck a lot of the time! I was just so sad to say goodbye to everyone. Thursday night, we all stood outside the apartments saying our final goodbyes, giving our last hugs, and just spending time together. It was so much fun, I didn’t even go to sleep that night. I finished packing, and at 3 am, Hosanna drove me to the airport… goodbye Atlanta.

I’m home now, and it really is good to be here. Of course I miss my friends, but I know that when I am in God’s will, I won’t miss out on the best that He has for me. I know I am walking into God’s best. Atlanta, you have given me the best two years of my life. I am forever changed because of the people I have met, the program I was placed in, but most importantly the Jesus inside of me. It was an incredible journey, and I know that I will continue it for the rest of my life. As I write my last few sentences of this blog, I know that I will return to Atlanta someday, even just to visit. But the most important thing I have gotten from my Masters Commission experience is a launching pad; it has launched me into a new season, and a new passion for Jesus Christ. All I can say is that it was forever worth it.

Yours truly,

Annie in Atlanta

The girls at the Cheesecake Factory!

Praying together at Graduation

Allie and I at Graduation

The Morgan girls at Graduation

Hosanna and I

Danielle and I, best friends

So Much to Blog About!

     Sorry It's been so long guys- I've been pretty busy! Since my last post, I have worked two big fundraisers. As you probably already know, Masters Commission underwrites our tuition by $1000, and we raise that money by fundraising throughout the year. We started off by heading to Kentucky to work at the Kentucky Derby! We worked long, hard hours... but it was fun, too! We even got to see some of the races and meet some really cool people. Kentucky was a success, and an experience I won't soon forget. Soon after that, Desperation Band came to town and we got to help set up and work at their concert at our church. That was a lot of fun! It wasn't long after that when we started working here in Atlanta at Microsoft's Tech-Ed conference. We worked more long, hard days... but it was a lot of fun once again! It was such an opportunity for God to reveal himself and it caused me to learn so much about myself. I am very grateful for these little lessons He gives me, at times when I don't even see them coming.

After much prayer and consideration, I have decided that this year will be my last here in Atlanta. Yes, it's a bittersweet decision, but I know that when I follow Jesus's lead, I won't miss out on anything. He has a plan, and I will walk in it. That being said, I am coming home! The countdown is on... in two weeks from today, I will be flying home and starting another summer at Rock Church. These past few weeks have been so good, and I can say is... the Lord is faithful. God bless you!

The room I worked in at the Kentucky Derby

Turtles!

     Well its been a great week; full of classes, tests, assignments, and FUN! I've started a class called verbal communications 2.0, and we have to practice writing and preaching sermons as well as altar calls. It's been very challenging but good so far! I'm blessed to have the opportunity to get better.

     I have had so much fun the past few days. I have gotten a lot of my work done already, and so I got to have a few days off of schoolwork. Allie and I had a relaxing dinner at Panera Bread on Friday. Hosanna and I went graduation dress shopping (and got some GREAT deals), I took Boston for a run at Graves Park, and had a sleepover with my small group girls Charmayne and Demoya. Today I went turtle hunting with Chris and Hosanna! Now that it's nearing the end of the year, I'm trying to make as many memories as I can. I may not be back here, and so I have to make each day count!


Here is a picture of my lovely turtle Hector:

Easter Sunday

We had a great Easter dinner at Lucy and Adam's today, and I just had to share some of the photos:

     What an interesting few weeks this has been! Since coming home from spring break, it’s been a busy few weeks. We had a weeklong fundraiser at the Georgia World Congress Center, in which we had the opportunity to work for Microsoft at their international conference. It was a lot of fun, even for a fundraiser! I enjoyed the experience for sure, and I got to meet a lot of people from all over the world. Even Canada! Amidst all the fundraising, we had some fun too. We had a second year girls BBQ last Thursday night at the poolhouse, and it was a time just to enjoy each others company. Look below for some pictures!

     The last few days have been cadre days, and I actually wasn’t assigned to this one. I have spent the last two sunny days on Christina’s 3^rd floor balcony doing homework and walking her dog Boston. It’s made me miss Smudge, that’s for sure! I’ve gotten a lot of work done which will put me ahead for a few weeks… and that’s always nice!

     If you have some extra time to pray, I would love to make your list! I have been invited back to intern with Jeanne, and it would be my third year here. I also am deciding whether to go to university in the fall or not; I would like to get my bachelors in psychology and Christian counseling. Please pray that God will make his plans for my life known, as it clearly says in his word that he will! Thanks for your prayers… in about 6 weeks I will be home for the summer!

Spring Break in Florida!

     I had a great, relaxing spring break once again in Florida! It's always fun to go somewhere warm, meet up with one of my best friends Lyn Bohyn, and catch up on my sleep! We went to Cocoa beach, DisneyWorld, Millenia Mall, and just spent time with each other. It was a great trip, and not only did I relax but I got to spend some quality time with God too. Here are some pictures from my week in the sun:   

Disneyworld at night

All of us at the Disney Castle

Amy and I

Thunder Mountain: us on the rollercoaster!

Crissy and I in Winterpark

Lyn and I 

Retreat

     It was an incredible weekend. Why? SPRING RETREAT! All of Oxygen made the trip out to Forsythe, GA and we had an incredible few days. We started out Friday night with a worship service and a powerful message from Robert Madu: one of America's most sought after youth speakers. If the last name sounds familiar, it's because he also just happens to be my roommate Ashley Madu's older brother :) He brought a powerful message, and it was so awesome to have him here. One of my most favorite points from his message was "God doesn't call you to do things that you're comfortable with. He calls you to do what you think you can't do- and it's true. You can't do it without God. Our calling shouldn't be lived out in our power, but God's." It really made me reevaluate what I say I can't do. I can do all things through Christ!


     On Saturday I had the opportunity to lead a discussion group with some students that came on retreat. The theme for the weekend was "My Generation": it focused on a T.V. show that showed high school students with dreams for their lives, but as they checked in with them ten years later, they all were struggling to find purpose with their lives. We got to dialogue about what our dreams are for our lives, and who we think God is calling us to be. It was a great discussion, and it really opened their eyes to what they could be doing now to prepare for their future. I loved the opportunity!


     We had a lot of free time opportunities on Saturday, which meant time to go fishing, paddle-boating, or even take a nap. I love retreats because it gives us a lot of time with our Oxygen students- time that's hard to find throughout our busy weeks!


    On Saturday night we had another incredible service; a great night of worship and another incredible message brought on by Robert Madu. This time he talked about being fishers of men, and how as Christians our main calling is to bring others to Christ. I loved when he brought up the point "we aren't called to live for Christ but to die for Christ". He wasn't talking about a literal death, but about how when we surrender our lives to God, we constantly are dying to ourselves and our flesh. He brings up great points!


     The highlight of my weekend was seeing my small group students begin to realize and change things in their lives that I have been praying for prior to retreat. I love when God answers my prayers for them, and it was really encouraging to see them being to "get it". They really are growing, and I'm so proud of them all!


     It was an incredible few days. I know God has given me an even bigger heart for my students, and a new sense of burden in prayer for them. I appreciate how God does so much in them, and yet so much in us leaders at the same time! Here are a few snapshots of our weekend:

Eryn, Tiffany and I

One of my favorites: Kionjra

AUDAX

Our Saturday night worship service

Fresh Ideas

     I titled this blog posting "fresh ideas" because honestly I have been burned out with writing! Maybe it was all of the assignments and Southeastern, or the lack of time... but I just needed a break. I've taken some time, gathered my thoughts, and I'm back at blogging!


     The past few weeks have been really interesting. One night last week, Hosanna, Allie, Qualina and I decided to go out to some hospitals in the area and pray for the sick. It was incredible! We didn't have a single person turn us down for prayer... proving the great need and the openness of their hearts. I have so many different stories I could share, but the one I can most recall was when we prayed for a 5 year old girl with Leukemia. We got to talk to her mother and hear her story, and as we prayed I really do believe God healed her. We may never know for sure, but I believe that His word is true. He will heal the sick! Going out really showed me how easy it is to get involved in everyday ministry. It was so easy, and Hosanna and I plan to go and do it again!


     Last Wednesday was debate day! I won my debate, and I argued against same sex marriage. It was really cool to look into the issue and see what I believe on the subject; and not just from the Christian perspective. I know that when people ask me about this issue in everyday life, many of them won't be Christians, and won't care what the Bible has to say. I encourage you to look into the issue for yourself, and see what you believe too. It's astonishing the facts and statistics out there on this subject. Regardless, I won and that means extra credit :)


     Wednesday was also Angela and Caitlyn's birthday! We had a separate party for both of them and just spoiled them all day. It came at a great time for both of them, and they really did feel loved. I love how Masters takes care of each other as a real family does; though they couldn't be at home on their special days, they both said it was "the best birthday EVER!"


     Thursday, Friday, and Saturday were 2nd year applicant interviews. To come back as a second year student, you must fill out an extensive application and have an interview with all of the staff members. It sounds intimidating huh? I was asked to help assist in the interview process by making sure everyone was on time, bringing them in and out, and everything along those lines. It was a lot of fun, and I could really get a sense for the staff and how they really do have every student's best interests at heart. In a few weeks they will know if they were accepted to come back, and I can't wait to find out for them!


     Taking it one step further; to be a third year student you must be asked back by Jeanne herself. You are then considered one of her personal interns and study more in depth for ministry. It is an honor and privilege to be considered for the intern position... and yes, last night I was asked back to be an intern!!! I am still praying about accepting the internship or not; please pray God's hand is on that situation!


     It's been a crazy few weeks, and there is even more craziness to come: this weekend is Oxygen's spring retreat; we also have a Southeastern test and scripture study exam beforehand! God bless, and God bless me as I continue to study!

My life the last few weeks

     I haven't blogged in forever! It's been a few weeks since my missions trip, it's been absolutely crazy- but praise God that the Lord is faithful! He never gives us more than we can handle. I've had the regular classes, but there has been a few things out of the ordinary I thought I'd write about this time.


     We had a cadre reunion last Monday and Tuesday. It was nice to see a lot of familiar faces and to reconnect with youth pastors all over the nation. It really gave us a heart for why we do this, and it was so cool to see their lives be impacted once again. I think I've made some friends for a lifetime, and it's cool to know I have connections with pastors all over the States!


     Awaken was Saturday night! Awaken is a city-wide night of worship we have at the Tabernacle twice a year, hosted by the Corey Evan's band. We had a huge turnout, and it was so cool to see God show up. Coming together for no other reason then to worship God seems so simple; but God did big things that night! I loved playing a part in it.


     Yesterday was a really fun day. We had church, and later that night we played capture the flag with seven different teams. That was crazy, but a lot of fun! We had pizza together and went to see Megamind at the dollar theatre. It was nice to just have fun together, all 100 of us.


     Today is my day off, and it came at a perfect time. I have a ton of homework to do, and I can't wait to start on it! God bless :)

My Missions Trip!

     What an amazing 10 days in New York. God did a lot of things individually, and among the whole team. It was a blessing to be part of, and I'm so glad I had the opportunity to go!
    
     We arrived on Friday the 4th around 11pm, and just got settled in our host homes. I stayed with the Perry family, and I made some wonderful friends there. From Saturday to Friday we worked to restore the old church building that the Pastor had just been placed in. It was very old, and wasn't in the greatest condition when we got there. All 24 of us got to work, and we painted walls, cleaned out old classrooms, basements, storage closets, and everything else that goes along with that. Along with manual labour, we got to do their entire Sunday morning service. I got to help lead worship, and we shared a message about laying your burdens at the altar. I think the church really got something from it, and it was great to meet other Christians from a different area. The trip really helped me realize how blessed I am! The Tabernacle and the Rock are both incredibly blessed churches, and it's not like this everywhere. On Friday the 11th we had a worship night, and we had an intimate night of worshipping God. It was incredible, and you could totally sense that God was there with us. Along with that, we had a day in New York City! We got to shop, sightsee, and eat at an authentic Italian restaurant in Little Italy. On our way home, we stopped in Washington, DC to eat and sightsee. I've been to both NYC and DC, but I guess I wasn't old enough to appreciate it just yet. I loved the experience!


     The biggest thing I took away from this missions trip was how to put myself second. I have really been working on my selfishness, and this trip really helped me to serve. I even grew as far as not having a bad attitude when I was tired! It really is true; when you spend time with God, you are made like him. I had some amazing prayer times on this trip, and I think that had a lot to do with the change.


     I could go on and on about our missions trip, but this pictures should do it justice :) Thanks everyone for your prayers and support in helping me get to New York!

Calvary's church sanctuary

part of our team in the big apple

Allie and I riding the subway

Washington DC!

Allie and I at Obama's house!

     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!