There's No Place Like Home...

I never though I would consider any place but Winchester, KY my home. In most ways, it remains home to me, but at the end of my South Florida adventure, I told one of my chapter chairman I was headed back "home", referring, of course, to Jacksonville. I was a little shocked to hear such a thing out of my own mouth. But as soon as I walked through the door of my one bedroom apartment and settled into my bed for a post road trip nap, I was overwhelmed with that comforting familiarity of being home. It may not be Winchester, but I'm finding a little piece of home in Jacksonville, and I can't thank the Lord enough for that sense of peace that I know could only have come from him. Father loves to spoil his girls like that:)

Speaking of being spoiled, his hand was ALL OVER this trip. I've picked up at least 4 awesome new chapters this week, and I'm super excited to work with Chairman who are VERY enthusiastic about Operation Red November. There were a few downsides, though. I've now learned exactly why I wasn't placed in Miami: I'm blonde, and the only Spanish word I know is "taco" (my mother would argue this point).

The chapters in Miami treated me like a princess; quite honestly I think they were under the impression I am wayyyy more important than I actually am. Far be it from me to break that news. Grin.

They scored me a ticket to the Univision Forum at the University of Miami. If you aren't familiar with Univision (which I wasn't until Wednesday night), they are kind of the MSNBC of the Latino community. I'm told Mitt was hit with some pretty tough questions (none of which I followed, as they were asked in Spanish. Once again, I kick myself for not taking it in High School. Sorry Mom.), but I was totally impressed with his answers, particularly when it came to immigration...no doubt a tough subject with this community.

On Thursday, I got to speak at the Florida International University CR General Meeting. For a strongly left leaning community, I was extremely impressed by the turnout. Check out these awesome FIU CRs: 

Florida International University College Republican General Meeting

So now I'm back in Jax, soaking up the next 12 hours worth of time off. I can;t complain though; I count myself unbelievably lucky to have a job doing something I love so, so much. My evening looks a little something like this:

I've given into the PLL hype, with Southern Living and my favorite hot tea to boot.

Michael Buble Pandora. Swoon.

At first glance, I have all the makings of a romantic evening...alone. I ain't mad at it.

Precious friends, I'm off to check out the hype that is Pretty Little Liars. Until next time...

I'm still here.

Oh sweet friends, its been a while.

I suppose the updates haven't been on my mind as of late. August was a whirlwind, to say the least. I touched down in every single state in the SEC (Plus D.C.) in the span of 2 weeks, and a week later, found myself in a new home in Jacksonville, FL. I suppose I just can't stay away from the coast.

After camp, I made the trip home and spent a lovely two weeks with my family and the best girlfriends (Plus Brian) in the entire world. Goodness I missed these guys. There is something to be said for the friends you can be totally comfortable around; those who will go in public with you in janky clothes, lay by the pool and plan your non-existant weddings with, and those you can talk politics with as though your opinion actually matters. What a soul refresher it was. Sigh...

So here I am. My first big girl job is underway. I suppose I ought to be a little more intimidated than I am. After all, I'm a part (albiet, a rather small, bottom of the totem pole, insignificant part) of one of the most critical presidential races in modern history. I'm in a very large, very unfamiliar town. I'm living completely alone for the first time in my life. Its often quiet...luckily, I'm quite the introvert. Maybe I'm better suited for this lifestyle than I knew.

I'm happy though. I'm 21 years old (22 a month from today!), and I'm in a field I absolutely adore. Just a week ago, I came face to face with Mitt Romney. I didn't even step on his toe this time...another story for another day. I work with college students and spend my days in a fast paced office run by some truly passionate, awesome people. At the end of the day, I'm being paid to do the things I did for fun in college. What more could a girl possible ask for?

Disclaimer: No toes were harmed in the taking of this photograph.

I'm tired, but I'm content. The Lord is here. I feel him constantly. Fully. I suppose his presence is what drives out the fear that should be here. He has called me here, for such a time as this. What a grand thought it is!

I'M BACK!!!

You know that phenomenal feeling you get when you come home after an unbelievably stressful day and put on your very favorite sweatpants? You know, the ones that are 3 shades lighter than when you first bought them and probably have a couple of holes in the hem because they're just a little too long (or is that just my problem??) Its that feeling of being comfortable...at ease...totally and completely at peace. That is how I feel right now.

I didn't just put on my worn out Fuge sweats though. Instead, I have a fresh cup of coffee and I've just sunk myself into my favorite booth at Panera Bread in Panama City. I'm FINALLY back. Goodness gracious, there have been times in the last few months that I thought this moment would never arrive. I feel so content to be in a familiar place where the Lord and I convened over hot coffee so many times last summer.

This morning, I said goodbye to my precious family. They are on vacation in Clearwater this week, and I got to spend a couple days relaxing with them before it was time to make my way to PCB. Before I hit the road about 9 this morning, my whole family gathered in the living room of the condo to pray over me. I wish I could have snapped a photo to share with you...what a precious sight it was! I'm continually reminded how crazy blessed I am to have a family that wholeheartedly supports this ministry. They're my own little army of prayer warriors.

As I made the 7 hour trip to the panhandle in the silence of my little jeep (silence is painful for me, as I'm sure you know), I couldn't help but wonder...Would you like to join them?

I once heard it said that not all of us are called to full-time ministry, but we are ALL called to ministry in some kind. There's a good chance most of you aren't able to drop everything and do camp for a summer (though I SO wish you could). You may be a nurse, an accountant, or a McDonald's drive-thru worker. Whatever you do, you are so very necessary (especially you McDonald's guys...I can't live without my $1 sweet tea), and while you do whatever Father has called you too, you are still very much able to be involved in ministry. I have a simple request of those who desire to come aboard: Join the army of those interceding on behalf of the PCB Fuge team this summer. We desperately, desperately covet your prayers as Father stretches us beyond belief while we love on camp babies (who are actually teenagers) and testify to the gospel of the grace of which we are all partakers.

I'll do my best to update you frequently. For now, here are a few requests you can take to our Father:

1. JOY. The 6 members of our leadership staff are arriving today, along with our coordinator, Mark, and we will be setting up camp for the rest of the staff to arrive. Its a mundane task, but one that must be done. Over the next few days, pray that God will give us joy as we prepare to get down to the good stuff.

2. Quick Friendships. Its scary walking into a group of strangers, and though there is comfort in knowing we share the same passion for the gospel, the "newness" can be awkward and intimidating (again, that could just be my own weirdness). Pray our team will bond quickly as we prepare to serve in unity.

3. Teachable hearts. Most of us are coming to camp to teach. Being teachers, we often forget to that we too are still learning. Pray our hearts would be mailable; that we would willingly serve as student teachers this summer. Our ministry will certainly suffer if we aren't growing daily ourselves.

Its time for me to run. I have 6 minutes until I'm officially late:) I'm so, so grateful you are joining me in this. I'll keep you posted on what Father is up to down here. I can't wait to see!!

Love you all!!!