leadtime...initial thoughts.

oh friends. what have i gotten myself into? this is seriously the craziest thing i've ever committed myself to. in the words of rohan..."you're awesome, but this year is going to be hell." seriously. these kids are hurting. and intense. and they can't be left alone. ever. they have no privileges. they're sneaky and conniving and manipulative. and they're broken. and they need jesus. wow. this year...it really is going to break me harder than i ever knew. and i can't wait. the community around me has been amazing so far. quality people dedicated to these kids who continuously slap them in the face. this is the realest group of people i've ever been with. the most honest and open and raw. i love them. i'm excited to see what God does...he's already teaching me things. it's going to be the worst year, and i'm going to love it.

transitions.

Camp is ending on Saturday. I had my exit interview today, as well as our final devo together as Team C's. It was nice to be able to share what I've been learning this summer. God has really been teaching me about trust and patience over the last few months. I came not knowing where I'd be this fall, and God has worked out all the details and plans so that I can have a job, a place to live, and an amazing experience that happens to be exactly what I was looking for. It never ceases to amaze me when God takes care of everything. It's been so good to rest in that peace and grace this summer, knowing he would provide the perfect thing for me. I love that about God. It'll be a crazy transition, driving out Sunday for about 20 hours with my friend from camp who is also doing the LeadTime program. Starting right away with team building...jumping into a new intentional community. But God knows what we need. And I'm trusting he'll provide the rest and processing time we need to do well in this new part of life. I'm excited...nervous...scared...excited. I think it's going to be better than I could ever expect.

Denver?

So...my first post. I've decided to give this thing a try. Xanga is dying, and I suppose Blogspot seems a bit more grown up to me. This is my third summer working at Frontier Ranch (Mission Springs) in beautiful Santa Cruz, CA. It's been an adventure for sure, and the adventure continues soon after camp ends. I received the news today that I've been placed in Denver, CO for a program called LeadTime. It's going to be an intense year, but I am more than ready for it. God is leading me through such an amazing time of growth, and I am so excited to see where this all goes. So! That's what's next for me. Pictures and more details to follow soon...

-jr