So I skipped a month! Sorry! I've been so busy with two jobs and school, I hardly have time to just relax anymore. I've recently discovered that I'm working 7 days a week. I was too busy to notice that!!!
So what have I been up to? Well, actually, a lot. September 2007 was extremely packed full of things to do. USC football has started and so far, so good. Last week was just agony to watch, but we made it through OK! (yes I use the words "we" and "us" when referring to 'SC football, because, well, I'm a fan and I am part of the sport as a fan)
Last week is what really sticks out to me right now about last month. The pastor at my church resigned and Sunday was his last day. He and his family have moved to Texas. I am very VERY sad. Mark did so much for me in my life. I started going to IPC as a Jr. Higher. When I was in college, my parents stopped going to church and I stayed. I had found a place that had accepted me for who I was and allowed me to be that person. I went through some pretty awful stuff in college and I know that if it weren't for a place like IPC, I probably wouldn't be a Christian anymore. It was Mark's sermons and the staff there that kept me coming and gave me a place to just be angst-y, cynical me during those times (some of that cynicism is still there though :) I knew that I could turn to Mark or Kirk and they would answer my questions, pray with me and for me and allow me to have doubts. I never had to act like anyone I wasn't. It was through their determination that I went to Urbana in 2003 and where I, for the first time, realized that I could be used in God's Kingdom. I didn't have to go to Uganda or Russia or Mexico. God wanted me in the Jr. High ministry at IPC.
So I went, reluctantly. I had left that ministry on bad terms, but again, the staff was forgiving and welcomed me back. I was a volunteer for two years and then the opportunity to become the "intern of Jr. High Ministries" opened up. I asked if I could take it and now, a year later, as the ASSOCIATE, I am looking at careers in Jr. High Ministry. I would not be here if it weren't for Mark. I know that... well I don't KNOW it but I can say with much certainty that he helped me and made a huge impact on my life that I will eternally be grateful for.
What I find so amazing about this story is that it's not over yet. When I came back to the Jr. High ministry I had the opportunity to be a leader to the Jr. High class of 2007. These students have always been so special to me. I was a summer Sunday school teacher to them when they were 3. I was a VBS teacher and helper to them all throughout their elementary school lives, not to mention being a camp Councelor too! And then I got to be their Jr. High leader. Needless to say they were always more than just kids at my church. They were my kids. I was friends with some of them before they came to Jr. High, and then in Jr. High I became VERY good friends with them. And you guessed it, one of them is Mark's son. There are a good 10 that I feel completely close to and would do anything for (see the post titled: Life is a Football Game--that was to them).
So this last week was Mark's last week with us. I am so fortunate to have been able to spend so much time with Mark and Linda and Nathan and Kara last week. We went to a High School football game, Wicked, Disneyland, countless hours sharing meals, painting my office, and laughing and enjoying each other's company. I am so lucky to have such wonderful friends.
Well I have to read some more of Huck Finn right now and I'll tell you all about school and stuff later, but I just wanted to write a bit and tell you all that I haven't forgotten about you.... :)
Grace and Peace to you!!!!!
