God's faithfulness - Pray BIG or go home.

God is just so good, faithful and wants to invest in the lives of His children.

Last week, before our Friday Disney day, I was praying for God to do something big. In the past, these Friday's have been pretty good, but I've felt myself relying on my own abilities to engage in conversations with interns. In realizing that, I feel that the "fruits of my labor" have been small. I have a BIG God, so why not fully rely on HIS abilities?

I kid you not, the first conversation of the day that I had, God blew me away. I met a girl named Meena who is from the UK and has been interning for 9 months. In our conversation, she shared with me about her families spiritual background - her dad is Buddhist and her mom is Catholic. She does not specifically identify with either, but acknowledges there is a God.

"So, is it easy for you?" she asked, regarding my journey of being a Christ follower. It seemed to be an opportunity for me to share my story with her and briefly explain the gospel. She was intrigued and wants to meet up for coffee sometime this coming week! I am thankful God has given me another international friend!

Distance Coaching Conference

This past month, I was assigned to be the conference administrator for a group of about 40. I worked with the conference speaker/host on the pre-conference tasks like creating the registration website, booking the hotel rooms and organizing meals. I liked doing this because I feel it got my "feet wet" to real conference planning.

These leaders came to Cru head quarters for Distance Coaching Training. Via Skype, email and over the phone, these leaders coach students and volunteers to lead movements of evangelism and discipleship on their campuses. Since these campuses don’t have full time staff, they depend on the leadership of students and volunteers. The coaching they receive is very important for impacting the lives of students involved in these new and growing ministries!

Something my supervisor has said before, '...the work we do in conference and event planning, sends missionaries, who build movements and leaders that fulfill the great commission.' Working on this conference has helped me see that.

French Friends

A few weeks ago, I missed a Disney friday due to an event at headquarters. A week or so later, I had a Disney "make-up" day on a Wednesday with a teammate, Evangeline and her daughter Annada. Usually, I never go on Wednesdays!

I ate lunch at the Paris pavilion and ended up meeting a french girl named Pauline. She studied at a university near by and came back to American for the Disney intern program. I mentioned to her I had just moved back from France and wanted to practice my french! Sort of hinting at the idea of hanging out :) I think she caught on because she said "If I wanted to hang out with French people, I would move back to France. I want to meet more Americans!"

We ended up exchanging phone numbers and I invited her to the Halloween party. Unfortunately, she was working late that night and couldn't come. A few days after the party, she texted me and invited me to hang out! I was pretty excited because this was the first intern I've met who has shown an interest in hanging out OUTSIDE of when I see them at Disney. I drove to Disney, picked her up at her apartment and we went out to a restaurant to chat about life. She is a honest person and not afraid to share her views. She speaks English really well! We talked about fun things to do in Orlando, making friends, dating - which lead to what qualities we look for in guys, and eventually the topic of marriage! She told me about her job and asked about mine. It was interesting for me to explain to her about support raising and that my job wants me to stay. On my way home, after I dropped her off at her place, Pauline sent me a text thanking me for hanging and hoping to again soon!

Pauline is also kind of an answer to prayer because when I found out I was accepted to YearOne, I prayed I would meet a French girl who would want to be my friend. I am excited to spend more time with her as the year continues.

Point 'N Shoot: First Post

Point 'N Shoot: First Post

Doesn't this sound like fun? Who's with me? It's not to late to join!

Day 67

67 days here already. Recently, I've taken a little time to reflect on this year so far. I'm happy to say I've see myself grown in areas of need, and also see God provide in different ways - community, outside friendships, learning more about who He is as a relational God.

Last Thursday, I went out sharing with one of the Cru staff, who's campus happens to be Disney. We spoke with this newly married gal, who was very colorful with her words and anecdotes.

As we spoke, we learned she had become a believer at a young age. In conversation, her references to God were truths I've known my whole life... yet God seemed to use her to minister to me!

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

Matthew 11:28-29

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

1 John 4:19

We love him, because he first loved us.

Luke 12:7
Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.

It was a sweet and humbling moment when I realized God was teaching me something through this conversation with a stranger. Because He is a relational God and cares deeply about each one of us He has created. He knows me better than I know my self. Its a wild and peaceful thought.

Prayer

Cute.

Also cute.

When you say "I'll be praying for you", how long does that commitment mean? Till the prayer is answered? As often as you think of them?

I recently found myself saying that (and wanting to mean it) to a couple people. As I was thinking about it, 'for how long am I really committing to praying for'?

Someone told me once that if you see a stranger who looks like someone you know, maybe God is prompting you to pray for them. My junior year of college, I often saw this guy who looked like my friend Sanjay - who at the time, was undergoing major health issues. Taking that suggestion to mind, I found myself praying for Sanj often.

The concept of prayer is pretty unique. We can talk to the Creator of the universe at any time, not matter the circumstances, subject matter, language, or timezone. He's ready and waiting. I personally know I don't utilize this enough.

So, the next time you offer to pray for someone, think of it as sharing your concern and asking for a blessing from the Maker of all.

Psalm 55:17
Evening and morning, and at noon, I will pray and cry aloud; and He shall hear my voice.

Romans 8:26
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.

Hebrews 4:16
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Sex Trafficking Awareness

Nefarious: Merchant of Souls Official Trailer from Exodus Cry on Vimeo.