"Pride and not just summer come before the fall, so if it's You that's getting bigger... I don't mind being small." - Jimmy Needham

Well, we finished up camp last Saturday and I can only summarize the whole summer as truly amazing!  There were around 1000 kids this summer and I was greatly blessed by getting the opportunity to present the gospel message in the morning and lead the worship time in the morning and evening with my friends in the picture.  I am genuinely in awe of God's power and plan as He strategically places people in my life at certain times to strengthen, encourage, and open my eyes to see that although I have many plans, His are the ones that will prevail!

There were so many things that God did at camp this summer!  A counselor at one of the camps told me that she knew God put a specific child on her heart and believed that I needed to connect with her and share the Gospel with her.  So, one day I got to share a little bit of my story.  I specifically told her that my grandmother began taking me to church when I was around 11 years old and that my grandmother had really impacted my life.  Immediately, the child's eyes lit up and she said, "Wow!  My grandmother takes me to church too!  And, she impacts my life too!"  I continued to share with her a little bit about my story and how my father was saved from His previous life of sin, alcohol, and rebellion against God through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  With a countenance of hope, I saw in her eyes that she and I connected at that point and she said, "My dad is into that stuff too."  I also said that I was praying that she and her father would believe the Gospel that we were learning at camp, repent of their sins, and commit to following Jesus.  A few nights later, a dear friend of mine ended up getting to minister to this young girl as she did just that!  Our God Reigns!  Praise Him.

Last Sunday was very difficult for me.  Many tears were shed at Ridgeview!  I have only been leading there since January, but have built some great relationships with the kids there.  They have so many kids that are currently leading out, even in 3rd grade!  I always try to tell them, "You are never too young to serve the Lord."  They took my word for it and they really do lead out!  I am leaving in faith that God will provide a new leader to lead out Proverbs 22:6, "Train a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not turn from it."  God will provide.  I will be praying for my church and my kids in this time of transition and can't wait to come visit you guys during Christmas Break :)

This summer ended with tons of affirmation and encouragement from camp pastors, friends, co-workers, mentors, and campers as I am about to head off to Brazil.  I received word a couple of days ago that I will most likely be receiving my visa within the next 10 days, and should be able to leave in the next 2-2.5 weeks!  School starts on August 10th, and am losing sleep with anticipation!  Packing up my apartment has been a bit overwhelming, but very necessary!  I have enjoyed getting to spend so much quality time (my love language) with my family and friends over the summer!  I loved going to California with my younger brother, Marshall, and visiting my friends that are currently living out of state!

This was a long update!  But, I have to end claiming my belief in Jesus:

"I believe that You're my healer.  I believe that You are all I need.  I believe that You're my portion.  I believe that You're more than enough for me." -Kari Jobe

I am about to face a significant amount of transition and this is my cry! Please be in prayer for this time!  Thanks friends!