What we learned this summer.

Karen:
I really learned a lot about God's provision. The way that he provided for this project: re-opening the project by providing a house, providing beds/matresses,kitchen supplies, dressers, hangers, couches, chairs, a car and bikes when we were short as the students only brought 2 cars for 24 people, the churches and their care for our students.... it was unbelievable. I was in awe of God this summer for his provision. It made me trust Him more for His provision for Tommy and I as we continue to pray and work on our monthly support. We want to be fully funded by the end of this school year-- and I really believe that God can do that..the economy is NO match for my God... and this summer restored faith for me in this area. I also learned a lot about leadership-- how to love and serve people, how to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus in the midst of 'surprises' that leaders sometimes have to deal with, how desperately I need to cling to the Lord for his help in ALL things including patience, his wisdom, his power, his provision, his strength, my need for intimacy with Him, and in leadership. I love Jesus more today then I did at the beginning of the summer, because I am so utterly desperate for him. As I look forward to this year ahead, I am so dependant on Jesus, that I know whatever 'surprises' of this year that come my way, I just need to look to him and trust Him that He is never surprised, and He's in control, I just need to walk with Him and follow Him. I love Jesus so much...

Tommy
He learned a lot about wisdom in leadership. God has wired Tommy so wonderfully in the area of accomplishing tasks. He's faithful, loyal, a servant, and is reliable to 'get things done'. Where Tommy was really stretched this summer was in the area of not just getting things done, but REALLY caring well and connecting with students and loving them well. He grew a lot in this area!

WE GREW TOGETHER...
Our marriage is soooo much stronger after this summer! As we battled leadership together, and faced this new experience as directors together, we were so dependent on the Lord, but also became somewhat dependent on each other. We had never led together in this capacity prior to this summer, and it was a life changing experience for us separately, but really for our marriage it was so grounding as we knew we had each others' backs. It was so good to work alongside of each other and do ministry together and share our dreams, hopes, disappointments, and joys!