so it's over...

the last week in Denver was crazy. crazy crazy.

It was a very full week finished off by the most amazing "wacky water day"... the maintenance guys found this awesome blow up slide that the kids climbed up and went under this spray of water and landed in a puddle at the bottom...I went down it and it was perfectly wonderful...especially because it was the hottest day of the month at about 98....also...the maintenance guys turned the sprinklers on and we had about 300 water balloons...so much fun!!!

hahaha...we also had a fire alarm go off...so while we were out playing in the water someone burnt a bag of popcorn that set the alarms off so all of the other staff and families came out and were so jealous!!! hahahaha...

it was definitely hard to say goodbye to the kids and their families and also to the interns...

this summer was challenging and rewarding and God used it to help define my future! God is so good!

I'm back at school now after a whirlwind trip home and have been back in Toccoa since the 10th...classes start monday....last year...wow...I'm excited to see where I'll be when it's all said and done!

i plan on to continue posting about normal stuff...school...and whatever i feel like :) so yeah. also i really want to post tons of pics...but we'll see how that goes...

here's to going a mile high to learn how deep God's love is for His creation...

3

this weekend was crazy!

Friday:

I slept in (most of the interns hiked Mt. Beardstadt which is a fourteener...I figured I would probably die...so I didn't go) then prepared for the Cardboard Campout. I picked up 6 boxes (2/person) from the Subway at Walmart, some ductape, and some sharpies...we (Amy, Kristen, Erin, Stephanie, Josh, and I) headed to Thorton, CO to the middle of nowhere....which has a chuch...Northern Hills Christian Church...they were expected 150 to show up for the campout but only 30 came....

It was amazing. Steph, Erin, and I were the three interns that decided to stay for the night and actually sleep on and in cardboard...Mike Garza (a case manager with the STAR program) gave his powerful testimony...he lived on the streets for a number of years in both California and Denver...he panhandled, was an alcoholic that started detoxing with a BAC of 0.2 (0.4 will kill you), he ended up getting stabbed in front of the DRML which eventually led to him graduating the New Life Program then transfering and graduating from the STAR Program...going to college....getting married....and working at the Crossing...amazing the power of Christ!

so....didn't really sleep well that night...but that was kinda the point...got up around 530am for breakfast and a debrief of the night for those that participated...

Saturday:

ran Kids Club...only 5 kids...sad times...but I was exhausted so that was okay...

took a nap then went to Heavenfest. 12,000+ people were at the same church as the Cardboard Campout....70+ artists events...it was intense....but it was amazing too! helped answer questions about volunteering and interning at the DRM booth...pretty cool...

Saw Jeremy Camp in concert. Sweet.

Decided that the next day I would be spontaneous with two other girls (Jeanna and Heather)...

Sunday:

left the Crossing at 5am for a 6 hour drive to South Dakota to see some Presidents carved into a mountain. We went to Mount Rushmore!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It was amazing! We drove through Wyoming and some of SD to get there. Let me tell you that Wyoming is it's own kind of beauty...with nothing around for miles and miles and miles except trains. and it really is the place where the "deer and the antelope play" and "the skies are not cloudy all day..." we also saw buffalo!!! and a fox but he was in Denver on the on-ramp to I-70...hahaha. South Dakota has the black hills which are gorgeous....and of course, George, Thomas, Teddy, and Abraham (Lincoln that is)...amazing!

got back last night around 9:30 and went to bed! that was amazing too....sleep was so good!

3 more full days here and then I head back to the south (where sweet tea is all a person really needs) on friday....

I'm really starting to feel the drain and strain of this last stretch...but I know that before I know it I'll want to be back here....so I'll just make the most of it all....

61+8=home

So. these are out of order...ooops...and that's not nearly all...but I had some time and thought some visuals would be nice! enjoy!



Well hello there....from the top of Pike's Peak.

The Group...potty break before the drive up Pike's Peak
Stapleton Park...where we took the kids...AMAZING...hightech park!

Dr. Howard!!!!! Saw the bike in CoSprings...it made me think of you!!
CoSprings...
BEAUTIFUL
So cool....they were marching around...we watched...and waved...haha
Where I've been!

The longest road in the country
Denver...
Coors Field...went to a game...the Rockies won!
CRUSH! game....dancing toilet? remember?
curvy road at Pike's Peak....kinda scary!

more of Stapleton's park....I got really dizzy here...tons of spinning things...
hahaha. that's my roommate Kristen...after the van brokedown at Pike's Peak
That's the CEO of the DRM Brad Meuli looking at a van...whattaguy!
wow. still can't believe I've been here

so...this weekend is the Cardboard Campout/Heavenfest...I'm pumped...I'm searching for some cardboard....the kitchen will probably have some...I'm really excited to see how tomorrow nights presentation and testimonials of those involved with the DRM will affect the awareness of homelessness...

this week's VBS is over...it went really well! Grace Presbyterian from Houston, TX did an amazing job and went all out! All the kids got CD's of the music and T-Shirts...(so did the interns...holla!) really exciting!

8 more days to make the most of an amazing opportunity and summer. it's not quite real that i'm leaving next friday....so i'll just pretend i'm not :)

will post more pics and such probably when I get home....

3

3 hour naps are great. Just to let you know.

So...this past week was pretty chill. This next week...probably not so much...

This coming week is our last VBS week of the summer...and since Jenna (supervisor) and Crystal and Luke are all away at KAA (Kid's Across America) camp in Missouri this week...it should be pretty interesting...interns unite! hahaha...

12 more days. yikes.

21

well...I'm 21 now...weird.

we went to Hard Rock Cafe last night and it was a blast...it felt good to hold to my convictions and not feel pressure to drink...so basically I'm 21 and I'm okay with the fact that I don't drink.

my granparents started calling me at 5am yesterday and then 6 and 7 and my mom called on the half hours...it was ridiculous...my roommate Kaila and Stephanie made me a poster and filled my bed with balloons...it was great!!! ...Devin hit me with a water balloon...not so great...hahaa

my mom sent me flowers and many people called and wrote on my wall on facebook...

so pretty much it was a great day and I feel very blessed!

today is my supervisor's birthday! happy birthday Jenna!

that's pretty much all for now....things have been pretty chill this week...

hollaatchalater!

7

***warning: long post***



first off....I have a deep desire to praise the Lord for the work He is doing through the DRM....

here's the story:

Monday: a family of 7 (dad, mom, 5 kids ages 3-16) came to the Crossing because they no longer had any money to stay one more day at the motel they were living in...literally not a cent...so this family came with all of their stuff and waited till 2pm to find out if at room was available. My roommate Kaila works with FSHI (Family and Senior Homeless Initiative) so she was able to secure them a weeks worth of rent voucher and meal vouchers...amazing...

T-R: the kids became involved with our programs and we made connections with them...the mom is a firm believer in the power of the Lord...and by Wednesday they found out they qualified for the FSHI program...

so that brings the story to today...the family is moving into their own house tomorrow! I just spoke with the mom and she is unbelievably thrilled...and praising the Lord the entire time!

it's stories (and realities) like these that make me fall in love with the work being done here...

anyway...

last thursday we served dinner at the DRML--the downtown men's shelter/soup kitchen/clinic

talk about an experience I will never forget...and an experience that I have a desire to repeat again and again...

the DRML (Denver Rescue Mission: Lawrence St) is in the middle of "Triangle Park" which is an area that has the DRML, Samaritan House, and another shelter all in the same area which means tons of homeless...

I was told to look at the people we were serving...you may think 'bum' or 'hobo' and granted there were definitely those types...and those that were pretty well on their way to a nice hangover...but also those that were decently dressed...families...as well as younger men that seemed to just have left work...it's an intense moment of awe when your presuppositions are challenged.

I know that families I work with at the Crossing and some of their stories...but the DRML just added to picture of homelessness and its effects. also. the food there is really good...they serve about 200 meals in 45 minutes. talk about intense...

then...came the weekend and the 4th of July. the holiday that made me really want to be home where I know the people their take it seriously and the F-15s do a fly over...and there are amazing fireworks and flags on every lightpole. not so much in Denver. it took us 30 minutes just to find the American flags at Wal-Mart on the 3rd. the "parade" we went to was nothing more that personal pride in the fact that it was an entirely 'green' parade...but that's another story.

that night we did find fireworks downtown and it was amazing to see the reflections on the buildings and see towns miles away shooting off fireworks because it's pretty flat out here...

the rest of the weekend was spent resting and enjoying the use of my supervisors house as she was away for the weekend and we were house sitting...

then came this week...a group from the John 3:16 Mission in Tulsa, OK came and did a 4 day VBS....wow...talk about amazing.

the group was 13 highschoolers and 2 leaders. the most mature highschoolers i've ever met. they are our kids just grown up. they are being discipled and it is evident the work that has been done in their lives...amazing leaders and a blast to work with! they knew the best kid's songs and the kid's loved it...as did the interns...can't get them out of our heads...hahaha...and their leader/pastor Rich paid for the 6 interns to go to Eliches today (6 flags over Denver...actually more in Denver...) It was a blast...not as good as Atlanta but still fun to ride rides and hang out with the John 3 crew one more time before they leave tomorrow...:(

It's hard to believe I only have 22 more days here....I think I could stay here if I were already graduated...anyway...

so my birthday is on Tuesday. just to let you know :)

ooooohhhhh! so July 25-26 is going to be amazing! the 25th is a Cardboard Campout to promote awareness of homelessness and then the 26th is Heavenfest. well.......somebody in charge wants the interns at the DRM to help facilitate small group discussion the morning after the campout with those that attended! and then we get in free to Heavenfest which is a huge Christian concert!!! oh. and we also get to promote the work of the DRM at a booth at the concert! I'm so excited!!!!!

well that was a decently long post...this next week will be pretty low key but I think that will be good for us...we need a bit of a break...

i'll leave you with a verse from a VBS song stuck in my head "J is for Jesus...O is for others...and Yyyyyyyy is for you. you. youyouyouyou..." then you dance around....

for those of you that asked:

6090 Smith Rd.
The Crossing
Denver, CO
80216

13,999

haha. so yesterday at Pike's Peak...we took two DRM vans...both filled to capacity...and one made it to the top and one didn't...

i was in the one that didn't we were literally two curves from being at the top when the van just died. hilarious. especially becasue the driver was Brad Meuli (pronounced Miley) head CEO/President of DRM...he's amazing! and very down to earth! It was cool to hear his heart for the homeless and desire to serve even us lowly interns :)

well Pike's Peak...talk about amazing view....it's one of 53 fourteeners (14,000ft) in Colorado...and talk about crazy high...and very thin air...i got a bit dizzy and lightheaded...so i was quite happy to be back at 6,000ft...hahaha...i wonder how i'll adjust when going back to Georgia...which Warner Robins is like 300ft. hahaha...anyway...

well...Josh (intern coordinator) drove the other van to the top and came back down for the second group. Brad waited with the van which we named Lazarus (b/c it kinda came back to life for a while) or Lazi for short. haha. Well since Pike's Peak is in Co Springs and working vans are in Denver, Brad had to wait for a couple hours to finally meet back with us in Manitou Springs at a Mexican restaurant...mmm.

Manitou Springs is very much "hippie" town...including "The Hemp Store" where Erin and I bought some hemp to make necklaces and such...it was humourous anyway....most stores were either reggae-ish or new-agey...it seems like CO is full of these little towns that are...well...different...from Georgian small towns...hahaha. it just makes me realize how much Americans still need Jesus and how alternate life-styles and religions are more common than i thought...

tomorrow is our Pre-Independence Day Partay ("because partay rhymes with day"--Kaylie). I'm super pumped! We are doing a history lesson, songs, crafts, games and school house rock videos! Hopefully the kids will have a blast...i know i would!

Tomorrow night all the interns will be serving dinner at the DRML (Denver Rescue Mission Lawrence St. ) which is the main downtown shelter/soup kitchen...i haven't been there yet so i'm excited to see how the homeless are served and how their needs are met...

****************shout out: Tom ******************

I decided to start including some random stories about people I've met since being here that have impacted me...

Tom is a STAR resident that moved here about 7 months ago as a Respite guy. He's in his 60s. and he is amazing. He says that he came here with a hangover and cataracts and that he'll leave here sober and with Jesus.

Pretty much I see Tom everyday and he always has something encouraging to say. He also has nicknames for everyone...mine was first "Danielle Steel--didja know she has written her 100th book?" then when he found out I was from Georgia it became "the Georgia Peach" haha. One time I was doing devotions for the youth staff meeting and he found out about it and afterward I ran into him and he told me that he prayed for me that morning while he was doing his rosary. Tom is also a very commited Catholic. I was very grateful for his prayers. Tom is pretty much great! He's like the grandpa to the interns...plus he's hilarious...

Pray for Tom:

• renewed relationship with his daughter
• strength to stay sober (alcohol)
• encouragement to continue with and graduate from the STAR program
• encouragement in his walk with Christ

well...Rockin' Readers is about to start...holla!

7

i have 7 minutes until i need to meet for kid's club.

things are pretty crazy around here...not that they ever weren't...

this past weekend we (13 of us) went to Colorado Springs and stayed in a cabin rented for us by one of the girl's parents...amazing!!!!

we went to the Air Force Academy (!!!) and i got to see my friend Liz Wood...she's interning at the C&MA National office...pretty sweet....

we just hung out and enjoyed the quietness of the mountains and their beauty...the next day we did a hike and some bouldering....it was crazy! not something i would normally do...a bit on the dangerous side...the bouldering that is...but it was definitely an adrenaline rush climbing up and down huge rocks...probably my favorite hike so far...

tonight we have a cop and an EMT coming to speak to the kids...should be pretty exciting for at least two little boys who both want to be "poleeece cops" when they grow up...hahaha...

tomorrow it's back to the Springs for an all intern paid trip to Pike's Peak and Garden of the God's....we leave at 7am...sweet! no. but i'm excited to be 14,110 feet in the air...

well...time to go...i plan on post tons of pics soon....just to catch y'all up visually...be on the look out!

4

4 lightening strikes in the last 2 minutes. crazy! i'm loving it.

That's one thing that's amazing about Denver...it's so flat here that you watch the storms off in the distance...pretty sweet!

well it's been a crazy week and a half since my last post...

last week we took some kids kayaking, to the zoo, and to a downtown carnival...talk about exhausting...but so worth it.

The kayaking event was in Golden, CO...so we made Golden Tickets for nine lucky children! They had a blast! I had so much fun watching them learn and then take off! No worries though they were on a pond...across the street from a river where pro kayakers were doing tricks on a class II rapid....sweet! the kids all wanted to try....hahahaa no.

This particular trip was interesting because I was able to view my kids inlight of the other "normal" kids who came for the kayaking lessons...there was also food provided and our kids if they didn't eat it they wanted to take it home with them...B left with 5 apples, 3 burritos, 2 honeybuns, and 1 giant jug of Picante salsa...kind of funny...but sad to realize that most of these kids know a life that questioned where the next meal was coming from...

The Zoo. 21 kids. 3 leaders. 1 migraine. My group was decent...except for the one guy who would not stay with me...or the group. ever. But they loved the animals and especially the monkeys. I wonder why? We got the tickets donated and brought snacks and water...that way the parents didn't have to pay...but it was hard not being able to give the kids rides on the trains or ice cream or souvenirs...but at least they got to go right?

The SAY Yes! (a mentoring program) carnival. 9 kids. 6 leaders. 0 migraine. I hung out with K. He is a 4 year old that speaks very clearly and knows exactly what he wants. and he has a mullet. haha. He got his whole face painted like spiderman. "Hi! Did you know that I'm Spiderman?!?!?!" and he got a sword balloon animal. "Ya! Hi-Ya!" Right next to the carnival was a McDonald's...we got all the kids sundaes...ha. ha. ha. talk about hilarious when 3 year old G tries to eat with a spoon and it goes everywhere...

This past weekend we went to Estes Park on Sunday...so far I have only been to the foothills apparently. Because Sunday...talk about humongous snow capped mountains...beautiful...

Then comes this week. This week has been one thing after another.

One family is leaving. One family might be kicked out. One family's dad is hoping to join the New Life Program (NLP). Today we had to bring a social worker in. it's just been crazy...full of those little details that I can't talk about....suffice it to say that it's been hectic and prayer would be greatly appreciated.

For one of my specialized experienes for my internship...I got to do the New Family Orientation. AMAZING. Favorite thing so far. I went to the whole thing...it begins with the STAR Case Managment and then to the Facility Director and then to the STAR Youth Program. My supervisor wants me to do the orientation the rest of the summer! I'm excited. Basically I present a ton of mandated paperwork to the families with kids...This week the crossing got 4 new Families with kids....so we have 14 new kids at the crossing! woo hoo..

well Panera is closing...hahaha.
bye

p.s. the most totally amazing thing ever also happened this week.........my roommate Kaila got me a gallon jug of fresh brewed Sweet Tea!!! amazing huh? I'd been talking about how much i missed it...and she surprised me!!!! loves her!

1+1=3?

so this weekend was amazing. especially after the chaos of last week it was greatly needed!

Friday was a company picnic at the Harvest Farm in Fort Collins, CO which is 45 minutes north of Denver. The farm is another ministry of the DRM it's a 209 acre farm that is farmed by more New Life guys...it's amazing! They have a pizza farm...meaning they grow everything to make a pizza!

After that a group of us stayed at Andrea's house (she lives in Fort Collins). Her parents cooked for us and we hung out around town. The next day we went to the Taste of Fort Collins and saw Lifehouse in concert! It was amazing!!!

This week started a bunch of stuff planned by the interns! Today was Rockin' Readers and Brain Games. We were trying to encourage the 3-11yrs to keep up their studies or to help them along...I was with the 3 and 4 year olds. They don't read yet so we were doing the alphabet and numbers. It was very similar to TESOL which was interesting for me. Both boys I was working with have a very limited attention span so that was equally interesting and frustrating.

We still have some kinks to work out...which we will...but I think both of those programs will be greatly beneficial...

Found out today that another family is leaving on friday...this time the family is moving into their own home instead of another shelter which is exciting. Their kids were definitely more of the challenging type but I will miss them...

We have Kid's Club tonight...it's career night! There's a nurse coming in and everything! The goal of this is to present to the kids a future they might not think they could have....most of the kids who live here do not have a vision for their futures...so we just want to encourage them...

Oh. We are totally going to the Denver Zoo on Friday! How cool is that?

a is for apple. and 1+1=2 not 3.

-1

Today was hard.

It didn't hit me until today that I was really working with transitional families. And the program at the Crossing exists to encourage families to self-sufficiency and so with that are a set of strict rules and policies. Any broken rule results in the family being asked to leave or "kicked out" for a minimum of 30 days...and today I was immediately affected by this.

I was starting to build a relationship with a ten year old girl named M (no names). Her family is leaving tomorrow morning. Potentially, I could see her again before the end of the summer...but I'm just not sure...

We gave her two books and lots of small toys to take with her to remember us by. But somehow it just doesn't seem right...I know this is going to stick with me...but I also know this won't be the last time a kid will be leave in the middle of the week...

Last summer I was used to kids coming and going on a weekly basis. But this affects the whole family and it's really hard. She has already been through so much in her short 10 years of life that I can't even imagine. All I know is is that I praise the Lord for bringing her into my life if it was only for a few days and I know that I will never forget her...

31:3

"I have loved you with an everlasting love."--Jeremiah 31:3

20 kids said that memory verse tonight. I just hope they realize how much they truly are loved.

I'm back in Denver. Today was full force intense day of kids. A church from Oklahoma is here for the alternate summer break program and is putting on a VBS. So today was VBS and since the parents have a workshop we have Kid's Club M-W this week.

I'm currently with Crystal and Devin in the Bronco Room awaiting the arrival of the final two kid's parents. They're occupying themselves by spinning around and around..."43's my limit."

I had a little 3 year old fall asleep on my lap while watching a movie. So cute. The 20 kids here tonight were pretty exhausted so most had pretty rough attitudes. oh joy.

If the rest of the week goes the way today went then I'm going to be exhausted with a rough attitude myself. hahaha.

Now the two that are left are playing Marco Polo. hahahaha.....

polo.

1

1 thing: sweet tea at lunch.

that's all.

I was really excited!!!!! and it was good...and not from powder...or with nasty fake lemon...but real brewed sweet tea...not quite as southern...but it was refreshing none the less...

I'll be flying home tomorrow for the wedding! I'll be back in Denver Sunday morning...early.

Holla.

33

There are 33 kids between the ages of 3 and 12 at the Crossing.

All week...meaning yesterday and today...we, Kaylie, Devin, Ashley and Lilly (both Cru Kids with Summer in the City and part time) and I, have been planning for the upcoming weeks at the Crossing...

Yesterday we (Kaylie, Devin, Crystal, and I) ran our first Kid's Club...it's every Monday from 7-8:30 and we played games and learned about Jesus. It was a blast...

Then we went to the Colorado Crush game...arena football at its finest...hahahaha...it was hilarious...one of the players Rashad Floyd is really involved at the Crossing and provides free tickets for the families (and interns :)...super awesome...during halftime there was a women's rugby team that played...pretty cool...and a jumprope team...and an X-treme Bike team...it was a very random night...

Then it stormed something fierce...hail and everything...

Today we planned more and learned a ton from Luis Villarreal from Save Our Youth Mentoring...very intense day...I'm quite tired....and today is another long training session...so I'm off to bed!

P.S. The Crossing has an intense web filter so I'm not sure how much longer I'll be able to access this at the Crossing...which means my posts may be few...until I go to Panera! Also, facebook and myspace are also blocked...

3.5

today was a hiking trip to Golden, CO which is about a half hour away from Denver...well....supposedly. We got a bit turned around so two hours later we finally got to our destination: a hiking trail to the Red Rocks Ampitheater...sweet! It was a 3.5 mile one-way easy/moderate hike...absolutely amazing scenery!

First massive red rock...2.5 miles into the hike
Finally there! The Red Rocks Ampitheater! Amazing...two of the girls with us ran the stairs...the Foo Fighters are playing there on my birthday...and everyone from the Beatles to Sting have played there!
um. yeah. i'm really short...haha
the view from the top...that's Denver!
okay. so not at the red rocks...at the 16th St. Mall...that's one of the bulls! From L-R Kristen (roommate), Missy, Devin, Patricia, Kaylie, Stephanie, Me, Jade, Amy

So...the rest of the day was spent touring the area of Golden...including the free tour at the Coors Brewery...no worries...I didn't drink...although it was pretty interesting to learn how beer was made...

20+6+4

in honor of beth...i changed the title...

So. Since my last post things have gotten a bit more interesting...or at the very least informative...

The birthday party was amazing. Met most of the kids who live at the Crossing...about 20 kids under the age of 12 and about 15 kids over the age of 12 came to the party. The birthday party happens once a month and the kids are given a present and there's pizza and games. The interns decorated...I made homemade wrapping paper. it was awesome.

There are actually 6 youth interns. sweet. Jade, Stephanie, Luke, Devin, Kaylie, and Me! For the month of June we will be joined by 4 more interns through Campus Crusade for Christ and we meet them this coming Sunday...should be fun!

Today we all met with our supervisor Jenna...amazing! Next week is going to be super crazy...there's tons of stuff planned as a more in depth orientation which is really exciting.

I'm not sure if I'm still not adjusted to the altitude or to the time change. I'm quite tired and my lips are super chapped. It's very dry here...but I'm not complaining...I don't miss the Georgian humdity...:)

Last night we had a meet and greet at the intern coordinator, Josh's house. Met his wife and dog and had super amazing desserts...I'm really excited about the community being formed among the interns...it's already better than the drama filled 'community' from last summer...

Well...we were given the afternoon off so I'm off to the park with a few other interns...

44 to 16

44th Street. That was the bus we took to Downtown to 16th St. Mall.

The "mall" is just a road with tons of shops, starbucks, and randomly painted bulls. think Athens bulldogs...

Before the mall was 'orientation'. I still don't feel quite oriented. It was more of a get to know you session. Finally met all of the interns and I lied. it's actually more like 25 interns for the summer. crazy. although not all of them are living at The Crossing (TC)

Anyway. it's a 1.75 oneway for the bus. not too bad considering the price of gas and parking. most of the interns went and walked around. sipped some starbucks and found an amazing bookstore/coffeeshop--Tattered Cover...amazing.

4 of us actually spent almost two hours in a deep theological conversation with Officer Mark. We were in the Christian books section and he overheard us talking and then it went on forever. My roommate Kristen is a very committed and knowledgable Catholic and so it was very enlightening. I was glad I just finished Church: It's Truth and Destiny with Dr. Shelton. My head hurts though...

Now...we're back at Panera...we drove this time...I did find out that I'll have access to the internet with the office computers where I'll be working. The rest of the week will be a random schedule...tomorrow there's a birthday bash that we'll help with. There are 5 interns working with the STAR youth...so it should be interesting...

Here's to hoping for sunshine tomorrow...I'm sick of the dreary cloudiness....

30

and...a 30 minute walk later I'm sitting in Panera in Denver, Colorado...

so...yesterday was a massively long day. I almost missed my connecting flight to Denver...but I didn't and then spent the next 3hrs with a kid next to me elbowing my side...ha. no.

As my plane started its descent I was surprised by the amount of brown square field things...which I learned later were freshly harvested wheat fields....and then the plane taxied to the gate and I was met with the jaw-dropping view of the Rocky Mountains. Snow and all. Amazing.

Once I arrived in Denver I met Josh (the intern coordinator) and my two roommates who are from Ohio and Wisconsin. They're pretty amazing girls...So far I've met 7 interns...all girls and all amazing! It's weird how new people always remind you of people you already know.

It feels like freshman year all over again. Having to meet new people and present the best possible side of your personality for at least the first 24hrs...is draining...

Last night was spent by taking a quick trip to Wal-Mart which is only a 5minute drive from the Crossing and a diversion to Sonic (amazing!). We then unpacked and crashed into bed. The 2 hour difference was definitely felt.

This morning...5 of us went to a Memorial Day festival in a neighboring town and then to Washington Park....Saw a little more of Denver...pretty cool

Tomorrow is our orientation. It's a bit hard not knowing anything that is going on but tomorrow is an all day event so to speak so more info will come! I assume it will be much like syllabus shock...

Oh yeah. There's only one computer for intern use in the lab at the Crossing hence the reasoning for taking a walk to Panera. No fear. All 8 of us came.

The Crossing is my home for the next 10 weeks. It's a hotel that's been remodeled and that's where the interns, transitional families, and men in the New Life program stay. Meals are served by volunteers lunchroom style. It's located in the midst of the industrial community. Lots of trucks and factories and such.

Okay. I'm done for now. Not sure when I'll be able to post again....hopefully soon!

50

50 pounds? that's it? seriously? darn.

I'm taking a break from packing...and trying to figure out if my new-super-on-sale-suitcase will be under the 50lb rule...not likely. sorry Dad...:) It's 25 bucks for the second bag...hmmm...

and 10lbs of the 50lbs is Grudem. because we (the CE dept intern kids) now have to complete our doctrinal position papers during our internship I must bring along good ol' Grudy...oy Theology...

I leave tomorrow morning at 0darkthirty. okay so it's not actually dark at 7:30am...but that will be the earliest I've been awake since...well...school got out for the summer...but I'm pretty sure I won't really notice...I'm pretty anxious.

my flight leaves ATL at 11:15am...and I have a layover in Charlotte, NC (my flight to Denver from Charlotte arrives 2:54pm/4:54EST) which I hear has free wireless internet...so that'll give me something to do besides people watching...although I'm quite intrigued by airport people....

the clickity clack of luggage on the tile floors=my favorite sound in the world...let's hope mine will even roll...

9

9 days.

In 9 days I will be embarking on my first solo adventure. Fo Real. I will be flying to Denver, CO for a 10 week internship at the Denver Rescue Mission. I will be interning with the STAR (Strategic Transistional Assistance and Response) Youth Program.

According to my job description...mmhmmm...I will be:

responsible for assisting with ongoing programs and special evens, including children and youth evening programing, tutoring and mentoring. I will assist Dave (not sure who that is) with the administrative aspects of the youth program. I will learn aspects of running a youth program including the areas of volunteer relations, mentor recruiting, community awareness and church relations. I will assist in formatting outreach to applicable families within the Denver metro area.

Needless to say...but I'll say it anyway...I'm super pumped. and quite, yes quite, excited.

So...if you care to lift me up in prayer this summer here are somethings worth mentioning:

• That the light of Christ will shine brightly through me and the DRM to a community that is in great need
• That I will not let fear stand in my way but rather claim the power of Christ
• A deep sense of community will be formed with the rest of the interns (there are about 17 of us)
• Safety through airports and in the city of Denver
• For wisdom and discretion
• For direction as this summer has the potential for great inward change and clarity concerning my future

Okay. Thanks.

So for the next 9 days I will be moving from school to home and then packing (again) to prepare for Denver...and then...finally..."attention ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking..."