and so it begins.

Well, the summer has officially started! I'm actually in Helen, moved into the cottage I'll be living in all summer, and meeting with my ministry team. I am anxious to get started with the work and see what God has in store.

Monday through this morning, I was at an orientation in Toccoa, Ga, for all the summer missionaries serving in Georgia. There were 19 of us, and that was the first opportunity I had to meet my teammates! I'll be serving with two guys (Colton and Matthew) and one other girl (Joanna, my roommate) this summer, and I am already pumped about the way God is bringing our team together. We have bonded quickly, and I know God is going to prosper these relationships as we serve. My supervisors, Keith and Stephanie, are just awesome. They are both so laid back and funny, and totally on fire for the Lord and their work here. You can tell after being with either of them for five minutes how much they love God and how devoted they are to His work in this area. They are a huge inspiration and just really fun to be around!

I'm already beginning to approach those "classic summer missions" experiences my other summer missionary friends have been teasing me about. I know whole-heartedly that I am going to be challenged this summer, but it's started in some interesting ways. For instance, at the hotel we were in for orientation, there was a cockroach that was roughly the size of my face that we could not conquer. Also, when we got to our cottage, Joanna discovered a furry visitor that had come to an unfortunate end under our refrigerator. We could only see two legs and a disgusting little tail sticking out. (EW!)

But on the serious side, I know I'm going to be stretched. One of the assignments from orientation was that we establish at least one personal goal for the summer that will grow us spiritually. Without much thought, I knew what God was going to teach me (at least one tiny part of it). I'm going to be called upon (within the week!) to share Jesus daily. Many times a day. My shameful lack of experience in evangelism is definitely something that's going to change. But I know I won't do it in my strength. God will lead me through it.

I'm scared, intimidated, overwhelmed, but so excited. I know that I am right where I need to be this summer, and I can't wait to go where He sends me. I will have to lean on Him like never before, and I know that He will lift me up and give me the endurance and courage to carry on.

Well, I haven't even really gotten started and I have a lot to say! That may be a warning for any of you that want to follow this blog ;)

My supplication to you readers: that you would be...
"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perserverance and supplication for all saints, and for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel." - Ephesians 6:18-19

Love!
H.