Engaged!!

I know the title of this makes it seem like I'm engaged... but in all seriousness my little sister and her boyfriend Matt are now engaged... what makes it even better is that they got engaged on my birthday! I gained a brother-in-law for my birthday! :D They have been dating for 3 years but they have been  friends since 3rd grade! I'm so excited and happy for them and I can't wait to see how the wedding and everything goes... I've been on the verge of tears all day because I'm just so happy and excited!! I just had to share this awesome news!!!!

Camp Ministry

I was given an opportunity this past summer, that I almost decided not to do out of fear, the fear of being so far away from family, the fear of the unknown. I guess I make it sound like I moved to another country, but in fact I just moved several states away for 3 months. Little did I know that those 3 short months would change my life, my dreams, and my goals. God opened the door for me to work at a farm in a small town in Ohio called Zanesfield. The town actually is one of those little places you drive through without realizing it is a town. But the farm is located off the the state route from their and it is called Marmon Valley Farm. It is a big farm in my eyes, but I also haven't spent much time on farms so it might not be a big farm. But they have 150 or more horses. They also have other farm animals like goats, llamas, a cow and her calf, bunnies, a pig, chickens, cats, and a couple dogs. They also have some pet deer, and peacocks. But the animals aren't what changed my life.
        Marmon Valley Ministries, which is their ministry name for the farm has a summer camp that runs from the end of June-Mid August. Each week children from ages 7-17 flock to the camp and fill all the cabins. I had the privilege of working in the farm house with the younger groups of girl campers. I had opportunity to teach these young girls about Jesus through different activities on the farm, and most of all share God's love for them. But they also taught me so much, they taught me how to be thankful for the little things in life. They also taught me how to have fun and act silly just for the sake of joy. Children are unashamed of their exuberant joy and as adults we often forget how to be joyful. The girls challenged me to understand what I was teaching them, to put the scripture to work in my life. I was challenged to pray constantly. I know that I prayed and still ray over each girl who walked into my cabin. It amazed me to see their transformation from the first day to the last and see how they had grown and just opened up and made great friendships. I also was just so amazed by how I saw God at work in their lives. These girls attitudes and demeanor's would change throughout the week as they learned that Jesus loved them, it was amazing.

         I've always felt that I wasn't cut out for the cookie cutter kind of job, a secretary, an accountant, a cashier... I have always felt like God has pushed me to search for something a little more obscure and not the normal kind of job. After this summer I feel like God is calling me to be a missionary in the camping ministries. I'm not sure where, I'm not sure when he will open the door for me to work  and serve in the ministry. But I feel like this is my calling. To help lead God's children young and old to Him. I have been so blessed by this last summer. The Summer Staff and the Full Time Staff have been encouraging and just a blessing upon my life. I can say I honestly loved this summer. I loved getting to know these amazing people who served with me as we ministered to these kids, and I loved getting to know each girl and just learn from them and teach them about God and His unfailing love for them. I can't wait for the next opportunity to work at a camp and serve comes my way. God's blessings upon my life have been amazing and I am so thankful for the people He has placed in my life that have encouraged me to follow Him wherever He leads. God's provision has been unfailing.