Unexpected work.
I went into this summer job not knowing too much about it. I knew I was going to be outside most of the day and that's honestly all that mattered. This job has turned out to be one of the, of not the best job I have ever had. I enjoy the team I work with and we all get along well. I never knew ziplining, rock wall climbing, and ropes course instructing could be this much fun.
 Unexpected lessons.
I've learned so many lessons about life just over these past one and a half weeks. I've learned how to be a better leader, a better listener, a better encourager, and I've learned more about totally embracing who I am as a person.


The Lord has been reminding me that my worth isn't found in my GPA, college degree, or any accomplishment, my worth is found in Him alone. In Christ alone, my hope and worth are found.

  

During my time in Yellowstone I met two southern belles from North Carolina. After realizing that all three of us had a lot in common we started hanging out after our shifts at work. Quickly we were stargazing past midnight and eating ice cream straight from the tub while discussing life.

My employee dorm is semi-empty. I'm thinking back on these last three months. With suitcases open and half-way packed, I am remembering all the lessons learned and the memories made. The mornings I cried because I was so drained physically, mentally, and spiritually that I couldn't get out of bed. I am remembering the late nights filled with stargazing and talks about our Creator. I will never forget the friendships I made here, the things the Lord has taught me, and how much He has asked me to step outside of my comfort zone.

I am sad to leave. Sad to leave all these new friends, this park, and being unplugged from the real world. I am excited as well. Excited to continue growing these new friendships and excited to continue the mission the Lord has given His followers. "Go and make disciples..."

So here's to more late nights when I get home with the friends I've made here via facetime. Here's to getting outside more and stargazing on the weekly. Here's to being more unplugged and more in touch with my heavenly Father. Here's to stepping out of my comfort zone and doing whatever He asks of me. Here's to going home and continuing the mission.

As I sit in my Yellowstone dorm room drinking a steaming cup of coffee my mind goes to all the highlights of the past weeks and all the things the Lord is teaching me.


Last week my team and I, with blankets in hand, went stargazing. In between the moments of work talk, and "hey...we live here" 's, there were moments of complete silence, moments of awe, moments of silent worship to our mighty Creator. Stars are one of my favorite things. They fascinate me, mesmerize me, but most of all make me think of my Lord. They make me realize how small I am in comparison with Him. They make me remember that I serve an all-powerful Savior. And when I see 10 shooting stars in less than an hour I don't make a wish, but praise the Lord for this beautiful place I am allowed to serve Him in.



He has also been teaching me a lot about what it means to be His missionary. Missionary work isn't always third-world countries, or in the trenches of the amazon ministering to an unreached people group. Although I have the utmost respect for those that He has called to live that life, I personally have been called to stay here at "home" in the US for now. (I am speaking to my myself when I say this) God has called every one of His followers to be a missionary to those around them. One of the main things that He is teaching me this summer is that building relationships with unbelievers and showing His love to them is the biggest form of  ministry. I was able to share my testimony, the creation story, and the salvation story with two of my coworkers this past week. Sadly, I realized that this was one of the first times I've ever been able to share my testimony with an unbeliever. I was appalled at myself. At college I am given a whole semester to connect with my classmates and share the gospel with them, but is that ever my top priority? I can feel the Lord molding me here, and chipping away at the fear, and selfishness that have taken over my life. I have a new-found desire and excitement to share about my faith and share the good news of my Savior!




I am building relationships with not only my co-workers, but also my ministry team members. We have really become family and treat each other like we're siblings. God hand-picked each one of us to perfectly fit with the others. We balance out compelety with personalities, likes, dislikes, strengths, and weaknesses. When we have the day off we all are more than happy with exploring new coffee shops, used book stores, and the local thrift shops. My team isn't afraid of hard work and we all have one goal, to spread the love of Christ. I am so blessed to be surrounded during this draining (but fulfilling) summer with like-minded individuals that sharpen me.

Travel is something that I crave. I crave the unplanned pit-stops to see the lame touristy places, or a place that is a little off the beaten path. I crave the gas station snack runs and car karaoke. I crave new places, new faces, and new culture. My craving was filled, for now at least, this past week. 

This trip was filled with firsts. My first time in an airport, first plane flight, first subway ride, and first time traveling by myself. As many of you know, I will be working with A Christian Ministry in the National Parks (ACMNP) this summer. This trip to Colorado was the training conference that they put on for us.