Ground Zero for India

The past two months have been a bit of a blur, but definitely in a good way! We leave for India in less than one week. I can't believe that the next Monday I see, I'll be in India. There is still a lot to do. I need to practice my lesson, revise my story, and finish getting my shots (kinda imperative). But I'm trying not to get too overwhelmed with those things that my focus is taken off the goal.


We had our final team meeting yesterday, and during the night, we talked about what people say when we tell them we are going to India. It's funny, there are certain questions/comments people always say:


1. Be careful: Noooooooo. I will NOT be careful! I am going to drink tap water, run around bare foot, and never wash my hands.


2. What if you get kidnapped?: Uhhhhh...I'm not coming back? Seriously, I get this question. So if I get kidnapped, here is what needs to happen: Roomie-find another roommate. You can borrow my clothes in the meantime. Please DVR Mad Men for me. Mom/Dad-you can use the Jetta. You might want to take Izzy, so she doesn't end up sold on Craigslist or end up thrown onto Richmond Ave. Nizzle and Jenny-Find someone to run my marathon. I did NOT pay $100 to not have someone run 26.2 miles. Jordan, Deets, and Jen-Find a new "event planner":) That pretty much covers it.

3. Don't move there/bring home children: For some reason people say these hand-in-hand to me. I mean isn't that an either/or question? But rest assured...I'm coming back...Rodeo season is coming. And I'm not bringing babies back; I don't think my suitcase is big enough. Now if anyone has an extra one I can take...

4. It's going to change your life!: Really? That's a lot of pressure! What if it doesn't? What if I like my life? Isn't that kind of selfish? Those thoughts keep running through my head.

What I think will happen (and of course...it's what I think will happen) is it will change my outlook on life - or expand the outlook I have. We are very blessed, and I don't just mean America, I mean me! I know that I'm blessed to be able to pursue a career or pick up and go when I want, and if I need/want something, I can pretty much take care of it. I'm blessed to have family and friends that truly care and put up with my eccentricities.

I realize that we can't comprehend the destitution or want in other parts of the world or even our own city. Have you driven by 3rd ward lately, or ever? I anticipate that my understanding of this will increase, and my heart as well; that I will remember that while I worked for my money, it is not mine; and that I am no more important or worthy that the little kid in line with his mom at the grocery store paying with food stamps.

My outlook has already changed some. I thought I always understood what humility truly was. You know, the kind where when someone says, "Good job," you simply blush and say it was nothing. The past two months I have truly felt humbled- and not just in preparation for this trip. I've looked at my life and everything I have, and everything that has been entrusted to me, and I can't believe why I am chosen for these things.

My family and friends have given unselfishly over that past couple of months. I can't believe I have people in my life that care that much. I've had random people come to me and ask about our trip. I'm amazed at how people I don't even know are praying and thinking of us as we prepare.

Thinking on these things made me think on other areas of my life, namely those of leadership. Somehow, somewhere, someone thought I'd be a good addition to the leadership team of my class and for our high school students. I know that I am in no way worthy of the leadership positions I'm in. I used to feel like I was just a gopher/punching bag for teenagers and/or 20/30-somethings (which oddly enough is not that different from each other). But I loved seeing everyone having fun at an event or seeing plans come to fruition. We are called to serve, and that's how I felt. Leadership is serving others.

Then, a couple things happened that expanded my understanding of that. First, I heard a lesson from a friend of mine that reminded me that people are watching. He said that even when we don't know it, people are watching. Some are waiting for us to screw up or fall. Some are looking to see what makes us happy. And some looking for guidance. No matter who you are, someone is watching you. Who is it? Your niece or nephew? Your friend or co-worker? I'll let you mull over how inadequate that makes you feel.

Second, one of my high-school girls came up to me and asked where I was one day. Simple question, right? Man, it brought me right back to that lesson. Who am I that I am entrusted with serving these students? These are the kids that will one day lead others. I know I definitely feel that I fall short of being worthy to serve this generation. I hope that they know I love them and adore the time we spend together. I love that they challenge me and encourage me to grow in my walk, so that I can serve them more.

In short (or long), I just wanted to send a big thanks for everyone that's thinking of us over there and that has contributed to our trip! We'll be blogging about all of our adventures. I'll put the blog link on my facebook!

BR09!! 16 people in an elevator....why not?

1727 students and leaders
7 girls in my cabin
5 Campuses
1 Church

1 God

What were your camp experiences? Mine were filled with bunk beds, latrines, and BAD cafeteria food. For 1700 Second Baptist Students, theirs are filled with condos, beaches, and cabinets stocked with junk food!

This year, one of my condo's memories also includes getting stuck on an elevator! When 4 of my ladies were 30 minutes late after free time, I, the ever-trusting leader stormed out of the condo in search of my prodigal youth. Entering the elevator, I asked two gentleman if they had seen my renegades. "They're probably on the elevator that got stuck!" was their reply. Immediately, my stomach dropped thinking of my dear sweet teenagers stuck on that elevator. I knew they were terrified. Thankfully, as I exited the elevator on the 3rd floor, I saw my ladies crying being lectured by a Fire Marshall as I tried not to bust out laughing. (I'm abundant with sympathy)

Turns out we broke a record! Second does always do things bigger and better...including managing to stuff 16 people in an elevator.

That is definitely something I will always remember about my first BR experience, but I know there was so much more.

Before I left for Beach Retreat, so many told me I was going to be exhausted. When I told people how many students we were taking, I got responses like "Whoa!" or "You're a better person than I am!" In all honesty, by the end of the week, 1727 people really doesn't seem like a lot anymore!

I have to say I was incredibly blessed with the the young women I was able to hang out with this week. No word can express the joy in a leader's heart when she hears high-school students singing praise and worship at 8 AM in the morning while cooking breakfast. Couple that with 1700 students spending quiet time with God twice a day, and hundreds of them making commitments to Christ, it fill a heart with hope that God isn't done with us yet!

At the end of the trip, students wrote letters to themselves about resolutions they made on the trip. I challenge these students to stay on course! Lets keep doing it bigger and better!!

Adults: Why not write a letter to yourself about something that God is laying on your heart or a resolution you've made recently? Do it with a friend, seal the letters, and trade back in 3 months. Are you staying on course? Did your passion fade?



For inspiration and hope, check out more pics and videos from Beach Retreat 09 on our student pastor's, Jordan Easley, blog here.