A Brain Purge - Sorry!

Ok. So I've been trying to figure out the best way to blog about my summer here in DC. Honestly, I still have no idea how this is going to work. Especially since I've never been the type to just record events. Mostly because, as I'm sure you've noticed, I have a tendency to ramble and I get bored talking about things I've already done. I like to reflect on things and talk around the events. But, since I would greatly appreciate your prayers throughout this journey I will try to be a bit more specific as I write about this summer and my time here in the city.

This week has been a full one thus far and I can only imagine how crazy things are going to get once we actually have groups here. We've been in a lot of meetings with our bosses talking about all kinds of different aspects of this job. Things from what we can expect to see at the ministry sites to how to read a map and give directions to the drivers. We've also had the opportunity to experience some of the things the groups will be doing when they're here. We went on the prayer tour around the city. We've been to a bunch of different resturants. Yesterday we did the urban plunge in pairs. Basically, each person was given $2 and we were assigned a specific area of the city and told to go find dinner for the two of us and another person who looks like they need food. We were supposed to talk to this person and get a feel for what it is like to be living on the street and try and get this person a new pair of socks. Today we did a prayer walk down H street and had another opportunity to experience the city in a brand new way. One of the best part of the trip has been taking time to get to know the other 7 members of the staff. Along with the "scheduled bonding time" we (and I say we with the assumption that the other staffers agree with me) have had a great time hanging out together in our free time. Monday night we sent our designated driver (Thanks for having a car Craig!) and a couple others to target and they came back with ice cream and a movie from red box. Tuesday night we all went down to the national mall and just walked around. Yesterday we watched Finding Nemo and ate more ice cream. Tonight, the president of CSM was in town and he treated us all to some awesome fro yo downtown.

The greatest thing about every single experience I've had so far is how it has just reaffirmed the fact that I know this is where God wants me to be this summer. I wouldn't say that I'm entirely comfortable with all the work we've been doing, but I'd be scared if that was the case. However, I am constantly being reminded that this is the kind of thing every Christian is called to. Maybe not to serve directly in the city, but to somehow have a ministry of love for all God's children. And this summer I have the incredible opportunity to work with a very diverse group of His children. From the residents of DC and the ministry sites we work with to the youth groups that roll through here each week. The opportunity to both serve in the city and share this passion with young Christians is a unique one that I am excited to experience. In all honesty, right now there is nothing about this summer that does not excite me. God is here in Washington DC and I cannot wait to see how He reveals Himself. I've already seen Him in both of my bosses, in each and every member of the staff here, in Creed who so graciously allowed Lukas and me to share a meal with him in his living room. I don't want to lose this passion and desire to serve just because I've had a long week. I don't want to have my heart hardened and eyes closed to God's children because there is a particularly difficult group. If I could ask one thing of you it would be that you keep me, this staff, our ministry partners, the groups and the people of DC in your prayers. I'm going to try and be specific when I can, but just be thankful that the Holy Spirit is more articulate than I and capable of directing our prayers to fit God's will.