Workin' Away

Hi all!

I don't have a picture of me yet from the summer, so you'll just have to wait for one on a later post. It's been really fun getting to read what you guys are all doing over the summer. My summer so far has been very different than I expected.

I started my summer by going home to Milwaukee for a few weeks before my job here in CoMo started. It was great to be home. I got to spend time with my family and closest friends, go to a couple of Brewers games, and hang out with my brother and puppy, both of whom are growing up way too quickly. Ami Jester came up from Kansas City and got to meet some of my extended family and friends from high school. I took her around all of my local favorites, and I think she had a good time. I know that I really loved having her there. I also went out to Salt Lake City for a long weekend with my dad to help coach some rugby with the team that I played for in high school. It was the high school national championship, and the girls took third. I was definitely very proud of them! While I was out there, I also got to enjoy some time in the mountains, and I really just got to marvel at the beauty of God's creation. There were literally beautiful mountains everywhere you turned. I did some hiking by myself, much to my father's worries. But it was beautiful. I think it really lit a desire in me to go to LT next summer because I felt like I could really connect with God in the mountains.

After those adventures, I headed back here to CoMo. I got to spend some quality time with the people who were leaving for Honduras before they left, which was fun. I started work right away when I got here. I'm a desk attendant for the summer camps that come through here, so it is not hard labor by any means but I've been working over 50 hours a week in shifts that are at least 8 hours, so I have to find ways to keep myself occupied. I've been going through the letters of Paul, which have been keeping my eyes focused. I've also been reading a lot. I just finished The Book Thief, which is my all-time favorite novel. If you haven't read it yet, do so. I also started Blue Like Jazz, which I have never read before but have heard it's good. I also watch a lot of movies. So far I've made it through Forever Strong, Invictus, Sunshine Cleaners, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Finding Nemo, just to name a few. It's been tiring for sure.

I really just feel like God is just challenging me so far this summer to let go of the things that I think I control. Last semester I switched my major from journalism to nursing. In doing so, I gave up a promised spot in the journalism school because I was a Walter Williams scholar. The nursing school here is really competitive, so there is no getting guarantee that I will get into it. After getting my grades back this semester, I realized the amount of work I will have to put in academically if I want to have any shot at all of getting into the nursing school When I realized that, I started to get really anxious. I questioned God why He would call me to change my major from something that was certain to something that was so uncertain and kind of scary to be honest. So far, this summer I feel God just asking me to give it up to Him and to trust Him with His plan, and it has been something that I have been trying to fight back and hold onto and worry about. So, that has been challenging, but I am definitely growing in that and beginning to let go. A friend of mine recommended and bought the book Calm My Anxious Heart for me, and through that, I am learning how not to pick and choose which parts of my life I'm going to let God control and let Him control all of it.

There ya go.

Erica

That piece of grass was super interesting.

Hello Friends!
Ok here it goes. My first blog post ever. This is monumental. But really.

So Summer.
Does anyone know how it is June 11th already? Time seems to be flying, speeding, fleeting already... yet so much has happened.
Here is a little glimpse into my summer of 2011 so far:

To begin my summer in hash-tags. it seems appropriate because hash-tags are always appropriate:
#sweettea #porchworshipsessions #cicadasewwwww #canont1i #waitimstillajournalismmajor? #pickuptruck #coffeecoffeecoffee #redmangoontheregular #95degreeweatherisntnormalformultipleconsecutivedays #88degreesisacoldfront? #community
#expectationsturnedupsidedown #rocheportismyfavorite #ijustwanttoridebikeswithyou

Surprisingly,

Re-Dirk-ulous

*One of the many privileges I have abandoned far too long.
Isn't this Hanesome?

All,

Forgive me for being one of the last to update the beginnings of this awesome summer.

Just been kicking it down south in Dallas, TX.

For beginners, I started the summer in KCMO and took Megs to the airport. Finally turned her loose and got her out of my hair. [Wish I could say those sentiments were true. Not going to lie, I miss her!]      

After that, I laid low with Trav and his family in Lee's Scummit-- for four of five days. He and I hung out everyday and found things to do in the 'burbs and in the downtown area (ask him about his bike crash). We watched his brother walk the stage and graduate at the infamous tabernacle (whatever it's called) in Independence, MO that we all treasure for our own reasons (i.e. slide, waterslide, rollerblade, etc).

The next day we headed south. Our drive took a solid thirteen hours-- but we made it.

Home was great. I spent a few days with the family and enjoyed their company. I was entertained with the conversations from Mom, Dad and my sis. The time was short, but it was well spent having strictly focused on time with them.

Heading back to Dallas, I was just north of ATX and received my first speeding ticket-- 84 in a 65 (OUCH).

Still workin' on its status. Apparently I can't take DD or defer to judication since I'm no longer a resident of Texas-- this 'country' and its regulations. [They just need to get off their saddle, literally].

It's been three weeks or so. The internship I was given has an interesting environment. Everyday has been filled with busy work, small talk, and long drives. I've learned quite a bit in the IT World. But don't let that fool you. I've reflected many times on the 35 minute commutes to and from work. I've surfed the Internet a few times, and have stayed positive. I have thought about a lot of things. I've began to dream about studying abroad in Australia (fingers crossed; won't get too excited yet)... and have been reading  for once.

The days have gone by quickly with the schedule I have:

• Wake up early at 7.
• Drive at 7:45.
• Work by 9 a.m.
• Eat at 1 p.m.
• Work until 5 p.m.
• Drive.
• Eat around 6.
• Run at night. Stretch. TV or hang out with the fam!
• Sleep at 11 p.m.
• When was the last time you did that?(!)

That's about it! I can't complain though. As said before, I am staying positive and know that I will look back on this summer and be happy with my decision. I'm here for a reason. Period. 

Up to now, I've enjoyed the time with my sister, in-law, and nephew. I've gotten to know them better and have opened up a bit more to them. In the past, I never got to see my sister too often (she started college when I was in first grade).

I'm excited to see how much closer I will be able to get with each of them since this will probably be the only chance I get this opportunity.

And for what it's worth, they can cook (taking notes)!

You might be trying to figure out the subject heading "Re-Dirk-ulous." Well, friends, that is a reference to the great Dirk Nowitzki from the Big G (Germany) who plays for the Dallas Mavericks basketball team. 

If you've done your homework, you'll know that he's led his team to three wins in the seven game series against the Miami Heat. If you haven't watched him yet, check him out on Sunday! The man can shoot.

So, up to now, this summer has been different from the last. Been driving, running, stretching, and eating. As I have found other things to do than watch tv, I am excited to see what Christ has in store for me. Just taking the summer slow; day by day and enjoying every little good thing that comes my way. I have enjoyed the family's support that I never fully knew.

Things will pick up- they always do!

Hope all's well for everyone!

Maybe next time, you'll see me at work, sound good?

Stay thirsty in the Word,

Ben

update from mrs. swift

Hey Equippers! 

I hope your summer is off to a fantastic start. It seems from the updates so far they are going well indeed.  I'll fill you in a bit on my life so far this summer and the things I am being taught by the Lord. (I won't bore you with the things Mizzou is teaching me)...

Last weekend I visited my sister and her two babies in Oklahoma. It was wonderfully amazing. I love those kiddos and they are so fun to play with. They give me my baby fix anyway...

Sawyer (6 mo) and Diesel (3 yrs)

On Friday I presented my research (kind of like my dissertation) and was approved to pass to get my Masters. That's good! I wasn't expecting to not pass, but it still feels good to get that over with!

And today I began my last 3 weeks of classes. I am so excited to be done. Finally done! Other than that, I have been eating dinners with Christopher, reading Harry Potter, drinking coffee with Margaret, re-painting old furniture and enjoying the Missouri heat by the pool. It is a great start for a summer...

Right now I am spending lots of time reflecting and praying with the Lord in healing from things of my past that I am realizing I have never let go of. I am really excited to be walking through this with the Lord at this phase of my life, but it also takes a lot of discipline. Please pray for me to understand the direction the Lord is leading me and to have endurance to be faithful in the process. Please also pray that I would find healing.

Keep keeping up to date. It's great! 

p.s. When you create a post from now on, put your name in the label bar. (Bottom right). This can keep track of our individual updates as well. Cool!

Live From Springfield, MO

Hey people!

Hope your summer is off to a great start. Thanks to Travis for his post before this one, to get us going on the blog for the summer. We hope to use this blog once again as a way to stay in touch throughout the summer. Additionally, we will throw some questions out there to hear your responses as we begin to dream about the fall.

Great thoughts on community, Travis. That is something strong on both my and Aimee's heart for the upcoming school year. We are so excited to serve with you four and pray that our unity as a group will begin with the equippers. We're excited to get to know you girls as you stay in Columbia and to hear from our boys in Texas throughout the summer. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!

For my part, I will be spending a majority of my time this summer raising support in order to increase my hours with The Rock in the fall. Next week is my last week of Boys and Girls Town. I feel a large burden lifted off of my shoulders and yet a monumental task ahead. I'm writing from a Panera in Springfield, one which I will undoubtedly visit often on my trips down here. Pray for me in my efforts if you would!

Well I look forward to hearing from you all throughout the summer through stories, pictures, videos, dreams and however else you chose to share on here. May God bless you all and challenge you this summer.

Take care!

Chris

Miss you guys! Hope the first few weeks have been well... can't wait to hear what the Lord has been doing!

-Trav

Hey friends! Ben and Trav here, signing in with an update on 'ol Durango, Colorado! The place is absolutely incredible, and the mountains are stunning. Check out some pics - hope the break has been good! We're bummed to ever leave here, but excited to get back to school and see you guys. God bless :-)