Lately I find myself wanting to be anywhere, anywhere but here.
This struggle isn’t anything new- on the contrary. If I’ve learned anything about myself over the past almost 25 years, it’s that I don’t exactly thrive in new environments. I kinda just cope until this magical switch happens, and it always does. This is the story of my life: the Lord puts me somewhere, and the only place I want to be… is somewhere else. Where, I don’t usually know. But I do know that it happened when I first went off to college, when I spent a summer in Fort Lauderdale, while I was a new member in my sorority, my first summer at Greek Summit… the pattern recycles itself.
But praise the Lord, He always knows better than I do! And I was walking on campus yesterday, my heart was once again reminded of this. The setting sun and air too crisp for a May evening brought with them whispers of His sovereignty, and a sweet reminder of one of my favorite summers- the summer I spent in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
My story begins late in the spring of 2008. I was gearing up to spend three weeks in Destin, getting my bronze on and, oh yeah, staffing a summer project too. I was pretty pumped. Until, that is, I received some unexpected news. I would not be reporting to Destin after all. Instead I was asked to relocate to Jackson Hole, WY.
Come again? You mean Wyoming, the least populated state in the entire nation?! Now I’m normally a pretty compliant girl, sometimes known to be a little bit of a pushover. But not this time. No, I was determined to fight back and get my will, in the most polite and respectful way, of course. But alas, the powers that be (meaning Crusade’s regional team), were firm in their decision. There was simply a greater need for single female staff in Jackson Hole, and well, that’s where they were sending me. Little did I know that the Lord, by way of the regional office, was giving me of the greatest gifts I have ever received in my short lifetime.
Immediately upon receiving the final word, I did some research on this Jackson Hole place. I had heard rumors of its beauty, and how refreshing it would be for my walk with the Lord. I had also heard through the grapevine that a few UCF students were coming, so that made it seem a little more appealing. But still, the doubting Thomas within me was stronger than any belief that I could or would love this summer as much as I thought I would love being in Destin.
A few weeks later, I landed in JH nervous but kind of excited, having no clue what to expect but hoping for the best. Stepping off the plane immediately put a few fears at ease, as Jackson Hole is breathtakingly beautiful. I don’t know how to properly articulate the majesty of such a place. The splendor of God’s creation is so evident there. Everywhere you look you can’t help but be amazed. Even the Albertson’s is gorgeous! You laugh, but it’s true. Upon arriving at my new home away from home I met the rest of the staff team, all of whom I came to enjoy working with immensely. I found out I’d be sharing a room with the other single staff women, Ellen & Kelly. I had no clue how much fun I’d come to have with them over the next 3 ½ weeks. Their wisdom and encouragement spoke volumes to my soul, and I doubt they know how deeply my time with them impacted me and my decision to continue in ministry. All in all, the first four days in JH weren’t so bad. They were quite wonderful, actually. I had some time to get to know the lay of the land, cruise the strip, eat gobs of great food, do a little exploring (I looove to explore!) and prep for the students.
Those first four days were crucial for preparing my heart for the weeks ahead, and soon I felt ready to welcome 24 fresh new faces! But the night before the students arrived, I was up most of the night with one of the worst stomach aches of my life. I usually get stomach aches when I’m feeling anxious, but it’s rare that I can’t sleep it off. I wish I had been able to quiet my brain that night, because that stomach ache may have been one of my biggest wastes of emotion. I would soon come to find out that there was absolutely nothing to be nervous about, nothing at all.
The next day the students arrived, and I still recall seeing their anxious yet excited faces. Many of them were feeling the same way I had just a few days prior, I was sure. I remember the nervous energy floating around “the compound”, that same energy that had all but evaporated day two. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen a group of strangers bond so quickly. Within days I grew to love each of the girls in my small group, and I wondered how I had been so blessed to have the group I did. Looking back, it is so clear the Lord had his hand over this place, and my heart. I don’t know if I can quite put into words the magic that transpired during the rest of project, one blog post simply couldn’t do it justice! But I’m sure you know how I felt when I say that those next 3 ½ weeks passed by in what seemed to be the blink of an eye. Before I knew it, I was leaving the airport in tears, so heartbroken to say good-bye to these precious students that I had grown to love so much.
To say I that I loved my time in Jackson Hole would be a gross understatement. Every second of that project, I never questioned being anywhere but there. The place I hadn’t wanted to go became the place I didn’t want to leave. Despite my initial refusal the Lord had prepared for me a most precious gift- a more rich understanding of the His sovereignty and grace in my life. It is because of my time there, in Jackson Hole, that I began to truly love ministry. It was because of that next year of ministry that I was convinced of my calling to join staff with Campus Crusade for Christ. And it was my because of my answer to that call that I was led to the exact place I am in now: Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
I don’t know where I would be now had the Lord not intervened that summer. I may have loved Greek Summit, or I may have hated it. I may have walked away from that summer in love with ministry, or ready to throw in the towel. To this day no one but the Lord knows, and who but him should care? I am so thankful for His change in my direction. Through all the valleys I have walked and in all the places where I wanted to be anywhere but, I have learned that the Lord’s plans for me are good. And although I’m still struggling with wanting to be anywhere but here this summer, I will obediently look with anticipation to the days the Lord has planned for me.
A summer in review: JHSP 08
This struggle isn’t anything new- on the contrary. If I’ve learned anything about myself over the past almost 25 years, it’s that I don’t exactly thrive in new environments. I kinda just cope until this magical switch happens, and it always does. This is the story of my life: the Lord puts me somewhere, and the only place I want to be… is somewhere else. Where, I don’t usually know. But I do know that it happened when I first went off to college, when I spent a summer in Fort Lauderdale, while I was a new member in my sorority, my first summer at Greek Summit… the pattern recycles itself.
But praise the Lord, He always knows better than I do! And I was walking on campus yesterday, my heart was once again reminded of this. The setting sun and air too crisp for a May evening brought with them whispers of His sovereignty, and a sweet reminder of one of my favorite summers- the summer I spent in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
My story begins late in the spring of 2008. I was gearing up to spend three weeks in Destin, getting my bronze on and, oh yeah, staffing a summer project too. I was pretty pumped. Until, that is, I received some unexpected news. I would not be reporting to Destin after all. Instead I was asked to relocate to Jackson Hole, WY.
Come again? You mean Wyoming, the least populated state in the entire nation?! Now I’m normally a pretty compliant girl, sometimes known to be a little bit of a pushover. But not this time. No, I was determined to fight back and get my will, in the most polite and respectful way, of course. But alas, the powers that be (meaning Crusade’s regional team), were firm in their decision. There was simply a greater need for single female staff in Jackson Hole, and well, that’s where they were sending me. Little did I know that the Lord, by way of the regional office, was giving me of the greatest gifts I have ever received in my short lifetime.
Immediately upon receiving the final word, I did some research on this Jackson Hole place. I had heard rumors of its beauty, and how refreshing it would be for my walk with the Lord. I had also heard through the grapevine that a few UCF students were coming, so that made it seem a little more appealing. But still, the doubting Thomas within me was stronger than any belief that I could or would love this summer as much as I thought I would love being in Destin.
A few weeks later, I landed in JH nervous but kind of excited, having no clue what to expect but hoping for the best. Stepping off the plane immediately put a few fears at ease, as Jackson Hole is breathtakingly beautiful. I don’t know how to properly articulate the majesty of such a place. The splendor of God’s creation is so evident there. Everywhere you look you can’t help but be amazed. Even the Albertson’s is gorgeous! You laugh, but it’s true. Upon arriving at my new home away from home I met the rest of the staff team, all of whom I came to enjoy working with immensely. I found out I’d be sharing a room with the other single staff women, Ellen & Kelly. I had no clue how much fun I’d come to have with them over the next 3 ½ weeks. Their wisdom and encouragement spoke volumes to my soul, and I doubt they know how deeply my time with them impacted me and my decision to continue in ministry. All in all, the first four days in JH weren’t so bad. They were quite wonderful, actually. I had some time to get to know the lay of the land, cruise the strip, eat gobs of great food, do a little exploring (I looove to explore!) and prep for the students.
Those first four days were crucial for preparing my heart for the weeks ahead, and soon I felt ready to welcome 24 fresh new faces! But the night before the students arrived, I was up most of the night with one of the worst stomach aches of my life. I usually get stomach aches when I’m feeling anxious, but it’s rare that I can’t sleep it off. I wish I had been able to quiet my brain that night, because that stomach ache may have been one of my biggest wastes of emotion. I would soon come to find out that there was absolutely nothing to be nervous about, nothing at all.
The next day the students arrived, and I still recall seeing their anxious yet excited faces. Many of them were feeling the same way I had just a few days prior, I was sure. I remember the nervous energy floating around “the compound”, that same energy that had all but evaporated day two. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen a group of strangers bond so quickly. Within days I grew to love each of the girls in my small group, and I wondered how I had been so blessed to have the group I did. Looking back, it is so clear the Lord had his hand over this place, and my heart. I don’t know if I can quite put into words the magic that transpired during the rest of project, one blog post simply couldn’t do it justice! But I’m sure you know how I felt when I say that those next 3 ½ weeks passed by in what seemed to be the blink of an eye. Before I knew it, I was leaving the airport in tears, so heartbroken to say good-bye to these precious students that I had grown to love so much.
To say I that I loved my time in Jackson Hole would be a gross understatement. Every second of that project, I never questioned being anywhere but there. The place I hadn’t wanted to go became the place I didn’t want to leave. Despite my initial refusal the Lord had prepared for me a most precious gift- a more rich understanding of the His sovereignty and grace in my life. It is because of my time there, in Jackson Hole, that I began to truly love ministry. It was because of that next year of ministry that I was convinced of my calling to join staff with Campus Crusade for Christ. And it was my because of my answer to that call that I was led to the exact place I am in now: Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
I don’t know where I would be now had the Lord not intervened that summer. I may have loved Greek Summit, or I may have hated it. I may have walked away from that summer in love with ministry, or ready to throw in the towel. To this day no one but the Lord knows, and who but him should care? I am so thankful for His change in my direction. Through all the valleys I have walked and in all the places where I wanted to be anywhere but, I have learned that the Lord’s plans for me are good. And although I’m still struggling with wanting to be anywhere but here this summer, I will obediently look with anticipation to the days the Lord has planned for me.
A summer in review: JHSP 08
Home Sweet Home, The Rocky Mountain Lodge, aka- "The Compound."
With a view like this, I didn't mind waking up early every morning!
My first hike!
Hiking Jenny Lake.
Sticks n Stones at Inspiration Point!
One of my favorite drives in the rental car, the road to Wilson.
It was snowing the second to last day- in June!
A quick pit stop in the Tetons after New Staff Training last year... felt good to be back!
“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” Proverbs 16:9
80s themed dance party!
Yellowstone.
One of my favorite drives in the rental car, the road to Wilson.
Snapped this pic on top of a mountain, sitting atop my horse!
My girls from L to R: Kristin, Molly, Lindsey, Me, Heather, & Allison. I love you ladies!
It was snowing the second to last day- in June!
The whole crew: JHSP 08!
A quick pit stop in the Tetons after New Staff Training last year... felt good to be back!
“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” Proverbs 16:9
BEW-TEE-FULL, my friend! Wonderfully written and a fun photo trip down memory lane!
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