Another chapter of my life.

I am finally back in Wisconsin, and boy has it been a meaningful summer. I signed up for Summer Project, not knowing what to expect, except for God to completely change my life forever, and give me a new perspective on life; and I definitely got what I asked for. This summer has challenged me physically/mentally/emotionally/spiritually, but more importantly this summer has made me aware of my own struggles and why I need Jesus just as much as everyone else.

I learned that God uses our talents for His good. I never would have expected to have landed a job (40+ hours a week) so close to what I’ve been doing in the past 8 years, and also very applicable to my major. In Vail, I worked for a small computer company called Market Computers; this is my missions field. It is the only computer store in the valley, so we get quite a lot of business. I quickly gained the trust of my boss Steve, and within the first two weeks of working there, I was running the store. When I left the company, Steve told me he was glad that I was part of his life, and really appreciates me. I was a big help to his life, especially right now. His wife Kathy has had Rheumatoid Arthritis for the past 30 years, and had to go into the hospital for some surgery. Steve was able to spend time at home to care for his wife while I take over the store. I was given the permission to put him down as a reference, as well as putting his company’s name down on my resume as a summer internship. God provided me with opportunities to connect with Steve in a way I would have never expected. I never would have thought I would be staying with his family and being a big part of their lives for the last week of project. I was given an opportunity to talk about God with Steve during my stay there, and he said he was thankful for me asking all these deep questions, it’s something he has not thought about in a long time. He provided me with food, shelter, shower, and even gave me a ride to church! I pray that through my witness this summer, he would have a new view on Christianity, as well as his personal relationship with God.

I had the opportunity to be a light for God not only at my workplace, but also at Church. I was given the opportunity to use the musical talents that God had blessed me with to glorify Him. I was part of the worship band, and I was even given an opportunity to lead a team during one of the week.

God taught me a lot about myself, lessons that has changed me. He taught me humility, and that I’m emotionally driven, quick to anger, and lack in discernment. However, even through trials, I can rejoice for He is God. These are areas of my life I was previously blind to, and God broke me down, and now I am aware of it, and allowing Him to work in me. I grew so much spiritually through my experiences this summer, and everyday I am falling more and more in love with Jesus. He is my strength, He always provides, He knows what He’s doing, and He’s much better at running my life than I.

I was pushed to my limits physically in a lot of ways and I feel very accomplished. I climbed 6 mountains, 4 of which are 14ers (14,000+ ft), one of them is a 13er, and one a 12er. I got myself an ice axe, and glacaded down two mountains, and I did a night hike and watched the sunrise from mountain top. I zip-lined through 6 canyons, rock-climbed on real rocks, bouldered on real boulders, white water rafted the Arkansas river. I slept outside in my hammock numerous nights, and I was constantly reminded of God’s awesome power through His creation around me. The stars were beautiful, and the mountains were gorgeous.

Here are some pictures:
http://www.jesusrocksmyfaceoff.com/gallery/ Click on Vail SP 09 - Final Chapter Recap Entry.

This closes a chapter in my life in which God did amazing things. He is good, and He definitely rocks my face off! Time to start a new chapter in my life with the things I’ve learned this summer.