First weekend!

Hey guys!

So the weekend is winding down. It was jam-packed with stuff to do though! On Saturday morning we had a large group meeting to get us pumped and ready for beach evangelism. We looked at why what we're doing is important and also ran through some scenarios that might come up. I was, to put it lightly, terrified of walking up to people and talking to them. I was paired with my d-group leader, Sarah. We went down to the beach and just took a deep breath and jumped right into it. Most of the people we approached were really interested in what we had to say. Most of them were already believers but we got to talk to a few who weren't. It was interesting to hear people's feedback and just get to know them a little better. Definitely didn't turn out to be as intimidating as I expected.

Today we went to the church we were assigned. It's First Baptist Church of Gulf Shores. The service was great! They did a recognition of all the servicemen and women that were members in honor of Memorial Day. The sermon was really good, too. It was titled "I Choose to Stand". The pastor talked about how we should choose to stand a make a difference for Christ in the world around us. Pretty cool to hear because that's sort of why we're all here this summer! :) Until next time...

Sarah
XOXO

Prayer requests:
*Strength at work- last week I only worked two days and I was exhausted, this is going to be a trying week
*Focus- We start Bible study and other stuff this week, pray that I would focus and get all that I can out of these times

Workin' girl!

Hey guys!

So I have a couple days of work under my belt. Ta-da! I'm great at unpacking boxes, straightening shelves, and taking orders. It's hard work, but I'm enjoying getting to know the people around me. My favorite person so far is Randy. We're gonna be tight, I can already tell. He's always willing to point me in the right direction, and give me a hard time about it later. Haha. Yesterday, I worked back in the receiving department on my feet for nine hours. It was a definite challenge. Today they had me out on the floor cleaning up and moving stuff around. Another long day.

StuMo last night was great as well! We got the 411 about how to make the most of our time here at Kaleo. Great speaker and I feel like I took a lot away from the message.

Tonight we had our first social. It was a mystery "group date". Each girls group got a theme that matched one that a guys group had gotten. Our theme? Hippies! Haha. So great. We got to hang out on the beach, eat tons of watermelon and meet new people. Kyle, Matt, Christian, and Dean were our hippie counterparts. They were a ton of fun! We played a game of volleyball with the plaid group. Then we took a bunch of pictures and played duck/duck/goose! Then they treated us to Sonic drinks, so sweet! We headed back to the 'Burbs, a room that the Staybridge has so graciously let us use for a hangout spot, where we can be loud and obnixious and not bother any of the other guests. We had a rockin' dance party (I don't know where energy for that come from!) and just chilled with the gang.

Now, I'm pooped. There's really no other way to describe it. So I'm peacin' out for the night. Tomorrow we get to do beach evangelism. That's the part I'm most excited for but also most anxious about. Until the next time...

Sarah
XOXO

Prayer requests:
*Beach evangelism- that God would give us courage and boldness and that people would be receptive

Day one and a half!

Hey all!

So we arrived here in GORGEOUS Gulf Shores, AL after two loooong days of driving and one heck of a rainstorm. It was definitely different than the I-70 drive from KC to Manhattan! :) Stephanie and Rachel made great car-mates!

Yesterday was mostly unpacking after arriving and a group meeting late last night. Basic stuff about staying here at the Staybridge Suites. The hotel is so nice!! My D-group shares a suite with a bedroom, small kitchen and living area. Lots of nooks and crannies for storage! Then last night we had an arrival luau out by the Gazebo. It was a great opportunity to unwind and meet a lot of the 120+ other students here in the project. We had bonding time in our room last night and my D-group has come up with a few goals and started our very own Kaleo Bucket List. We decided to take at least one D-group picture per day, but multiple ones are bound to happen!

Today we had a meeting that basically got us all pumped for what we're going to be doing here at Kaleo. We went over objectives and what our weeks are going to look like. I can't wait to jump right in, have new experiences, make new friends (and hopefully remember all their names), and get started at my job. My D-group went exploring and found an awesome local mexican restaraunt! We had more time to unpack and get settled. I got to put a few of my interior design skills to use to figure out where we were going to fit everything! There was the ever-needed WalMart run and then we headed to Lulu's for dinner. Lulu's is a family restaraunt and hangout place on the wharf, just a little ways up from the beach (which I still haven't seen yet!). The owner threw us a welcome dinner/party which was so great! Then the students who are going to be working there this summer got "initiated"! The food was amazing and I loved seeing everyone around me just getting to know each other and getting excited for this summer!

Tomorrow at 8am (yikes! that's earlier than any of my classes!) I go to Old Time Pottery. There are 4 other students working there with me. We're not sure if tomorrow will be paperwork, training, or actually working but I'll find out soon! Until next time...


Sarah
XOXO

Prayer requests:
*Students that don't have jobs lined up yet.
*That all of us would keep focused and disciplined
*That God would prepare our hearts and the hearts of the people around us to accomplish His work here in Gulf Shores

Only a couple weeks...

Hey all! I decided to create this blog to keep everybody updated on my summer, Kaleo, and what God is doing in my life!

I'm so pumped to get to Gulf Shores! Only 12 more days until we roll out from KC! It seems like such a long wait but so short at the same time. Wow.

I found out my D Group leader yesterday! I'm in Sarah Snell's group. I got to meet her for the first time at a volleyball study break last night. She is so excited and really sweet. Kelsey Ayers and Nicole Wilbert (sorry if I spelled that wrong!) are also going to be in our group.

Still no word about the job. I applied at Old Time Pottery and sent in an application but I haven't heard back. Keep praying for the situation. I know God has it under control, I just wish I knew too.

Thanks for checking in!