Hello from New Staff Training!

So I have been here in Fort Collins, CO for over a week.

First off: the weather is GORGEOUS. I am continually amazed by this blessing everyday when I walk outside.

My drive here was long and complete with a few time stressors but it all worked for the best, because as always God provides. And in this case (like He had in new places before) He provided people in my way who are so awesome and sweet to my soul.

My first week was fun and encouraging. I felt close to my calling and encouraged in it. We talked about the history of the organization and the doubts that come along. All of those tops were fascinating and extremely helpful.

The weekend rolled along and I flew home to go to my dear friend Dianna's wedding. The flight to Missouri was rough. I realized that (once again) that I'm not on the level I wish to be and some realizations of the teachings I had just heard that day were flung in my face. I had to take a deep breath and confront the day. And the day was gorgeous and I was so privileged to be included. The best part was bonding with the women of the bridal party and being a part of such a significant event in someone dear's life. I'm so excited to see what happens in her and DJ's marriage and their ministry through their marriage.

And then I returned. A lot of doubts sprung on me when I returned. Would I be able to fit back in? Had I missed vital information (they leave the weekends open - so of course not)? Was this still the right place for me? All of these doubts were wiped away and I sprang back into routine. With a few kinks thrown in because I left my meal card, key and pass key at home in Missouri. For the lack of patience I had for that flight to Missouri, God gave me an abundance in dealing with that situation. It wore on the third day but I made it through without getting mad at any rude dining staff! That's an accomplishment. Especially with how mad I was just a few days earlier.

Classes began this week and the tension was suddenly turned on for new staff. We are learning to balance graduate work loads with Jesus time and fellowship. I am super thankful for my last semester of school teaching me how to let go of my perfectionist attributes and letting things flow. Because with out that lesson...I would be a mess here. But thanks also to a work ethic I learned from my mom (work like it's a normal work day) I get done in an orderly time. I have learned so much this week already and I have been thoroughly challenged to sharpen my beliefs. But through all of this I have been trying to be proactive about hanging out with people and as the week is about to end my body and mind just want rest.

Real rest. That's another thing I'm learning. To still have sweet rest with God while taking seminary level classes. There's a part of me who at the end of the day doesn't want to look at the bible after staring at it for homework assignments. But I'm learning to look at it with fresh eyes and just rest in nature as the wind blows sweetly through my window and know that there needs to be a time for study and a time for relationship.

So that's it for now. If you're the praying type please be praying for my support to continue to come in for New Staff Training. And pray for the next week. That we don't get burnt our or let our head sink beneath the water of these work loads. And that we see God's sweetness through out it.

My view from my room