Summer Fun

This summer has been busy, that's for sure! A couple weeks ago I went to Creation Fest 2008!!! It was fantastic!! It was their 30th anniversary too, so it was pretty special! I enjoyed it a lot! A ton of bands, a lot of speakers, plenty of food, a bit of rain, and a great group of friends. It was a nice first vacation of the summer...although I was very tired by the end of the four days there. My favorite part of the week had to be getting front row for Chris Tomlin! It was very exciting to say the least! Here are a few pictures from Creation (although I did take 3 facebook albums full of pictures...I'll try to pick a few to show you here haha)

the stage upclose:

from the lookout:

David Crowder:

Chris Tomlin:

doing our own worship:

wet friends:

From Creation I moved on to my next big trip of the summer...REALITY WEEK!! We just got back from that on Friday. Wow, what a blast! There aren't many words to describe how much I loved it this year. It was a week full of fun, growth, and building of friendships. God had my eyes on serving and giving rather than gaining this past week. But like always, I gained just as much as I gave of myself. I love how God works in that way. I really wish there was more I could say to explain how much beauty I saw this past week at camp, but honestly, I have no words. At the beginning of the week Lance reminded us that God had each and every one of us there for a reason, and he wanted us to keep our eyes open for that reason. At the end of the week Lance asked us to share what we found that reason to be. Although I did not share, it was very clear to me why God had me go this year. He knew that He wanted me to share my heart and my testimony with some girls over the week. He brought me closer to my graduated girls that I love so much. He opened my eyes to see how He is using the upcoming seniors and juniors to reach out and love the underclassmen unconditionally. This past week God revealed to me how my work is finished here. How I have finally ended my past four years, and passed it on to some amazing friends and leaders. It's kind of scary to think, but rewarding nonetheless. I was able to come alongside my peers and worship our Redeemer passionately, and I am hoping and praying that passion never dies for those in the underground student movement. That way a revolution will arise. With all that said, I will share a few pictures from the week.

blue squad (oh yeah!):

Flat Joey joined us in our REC games:

worship with Todd Wright & his band:

great friends:

graduated senior girls:

This last picture here represents five different girls going to five different states in the fall. That is so overwhelming to think about. I can't believe it! It's exciting but nerve-wracking all the more. I have no doubt, however, that these are four girls who I will always be close friends with, despite the distance...and that makes me happy :)

--->Next trip...Camp Barnabas!!!! I am excited, but I need to get my rest this week before I leave. I'm thankful that I have this week to rest before our trip begins next Tuesday. We leave the 22nd and come back the 30th. We're serving at autism week this year, and I'm looking forward to the things I will learn and the challenges I will face.

Thanks for reading my update of the summer thus far!