So, there's a store here in Tucson called "K-MOMO, The Original Hip-Hop Store". Somehow, this made Bryce and Dustin think of me. And now, I have been dubbed K-MoMo.
A lot has happened since my last post. God did really neat things in me and in our students through the prayer retreat last weekend. Vic's perspective on prayer is so good for me to hear year after year. He paints these beautiful pictures with words of coming into the presence of God in prayer, and it changes my paradigm a bit. Rather than coming to God with a list of requests, I want to come to God with eyes focused on Him. When I do, I find that many of my requests no longer apply. God used the time with our students to grow community. It was so good to see my friends be vulnerable with each other and let others pray for them, coming alongside them to the presence of the Lord. I loved it.
The prayer retreat ended on Sunday, and on Monday, Lori and I head to the San Bernadino mountains outside of LA for a retreat with NavWest- a Navigator training curriculum for the Staff-In-Training and EDGE Corps in our region. I haven't been a part of NavWest this year, but they invited me to their retreat, and it was so good. The focus of our time was on The Nations - God's heart for the nations and our response to that heart. Tom Yeakley came and spoke on the history of missions, the history of Navigator missions, and the different roles we can play. We also did a bible study on the nations, and it was just cool to be reminded that my work in Tucson is part of a global effort. I appreciated that Tom made it a point to say that we have a part to play in the effort to reach the nations whether we leave the US or not. And, neither role is more valuable than the other. He shared with us that there have been 6 revivals in US history which have resulted in the sending of people to other nations with the gospel. Of those 6, four were started by college students. It got me excited to imagine the big things God can do through the students at the UA. I love it!
We got back on Wednesday night, and Thursday was Dustin's 25th birthday. We had a fun celebration with the staff - Sponge Bob birthday hats and all.
Then, the one thing Dustin wanted to do to celebrate was go to the Pima County Fair. He had an amazing hook-up in his first-cousin-once-removed, Bill, and we got a bunch of free food, and got to ride all of the rides for free. It was so much fun!
This picture was taken after the caramel apples, popcorn, roasted corn and fried snickers bar, but before the corn dog, indian fry bread and nachoes. (Don't worry, it was a collective effort.) We got to see tigers and sea lions, rode on numerous stomach-churning rides - Mega Drop, G-Force, or The Zipper anyone? - and Dustin even won a huge stuffed dog with purple ears in a game of hoops.
In the meantime, I've been wrapping up time with girls for the year, and we had our last bible studies Saturday morning. My girls honored me with some beautiful pink Gerber daisies and a card that brought tears to my eyes. We talked about where God is taking us this summer (3 countries and at least 3 states), and we prayed that God would really use this summer in each of us to acquaint us with the sound of His voice and the awareness of His presence. We've been reading in Acts, and one thing that struck us is how Paul really had an intimate relationship with God even in the times when he was in prison, being beaten, or being falsely accused in front of the Sanhedrin and the courts. It's so easy for us to get out of spending good time with God during the summer, but we all long for an intimacy with God like Paul's. So, anyway, it's good to enter the summer thinking that way and asking God to work in each of our hearts.
Lest you think that might be the end of my adventures this week, I have one more. Let me preface it by saying that I am on the coolest staff team ever. God did a beautiful thing when he orchestrated that we would all be working together this year. And God did a beautiful thing when he created a man who could not only put up with three female teammates, but enjoy them, serve them, and generally just love on them. He did it last year with one Sam Nguyen (we miss you Sam!!), and He did it again this year in one Dustin Butler.
Last night, Dustin took Hannah, Lori and I out on an incredibly fun date. First, he surprised us by taking us to the Colossal Cave just outside of Tucson. We went on a tour of the cave and then hung out outside enjoying the surrounding mountains.
I had to throw this picture in, because Hannah is just so beautiful. She's showing off her promise ring from Steve. She tried on about 10 mood rings in the cave gift shop and turned all of them dark blue; according to the box, that means she's in love. Hmmm...do you think so?
Somehow, this is the only picture I got with a bit of the view (I'm talking about the mountains - sheesh). I tend to take pictures of people, and forget that sometimes it's nice to have one of the scenery.
After enjoying the cave, we drove into the sunset and on to dinner at Outback Steakhouse. I know what you're thinking - one man taking three ladies to Outback? Who is this guy? He's pretty much amazing. And not only that, but he serenaded us on the way...
At dinner he gave us each a card which was touching in and of itself, but it also said it was good for 4 hours of service from him. I'm totally serious. We don't deserve such a teammate. After dinner we went up to Windy Point on Mt. Lemmon and enjoyed looking over the low lights of Tucson. We spent some time thanking God for who He is and what He's done this year. It was picture-perfect. We then drove back down the mountain to Dustin's place and watched Nacho Libre. Who could think of a better ending to an amazing date? :) As we were leaving, Hannah noted that we had just spent 9 hours together and one of the students Dustin lives with, Grant, said he couldn't imagine spending 9 hours in a row with the same people. It just goes to show, God has given us such a sweet spirit on our team. I am so blessed!
No comments:
Post a Comment