some BIG changes...

Well, I have been waiting to post recently because well...we have BIG news and it was something that couldn't be spilled...so the best chance I had was to not say anything...

Bryan and I had been praying for quite some time about what to do when I graduate. We both feel called to serve in ministry but it has been so hard to juggle it all. So, we thought we will serve full time for the summer at a camp. We started asking around but nothing compares to Young Life camp- the clubs, the kids who hear about Jesus for the first time, the activities, the excitement, there's nothing like it!

We thought maybe we could intern for the summer at a YL camp but then all the responsibilities came flooding in. What about health insurance? Our bills? Oh the joys of being grown up! We started looking around the YL job opportunities website and Lo and behold! a "Young Life Year Round Married Intern Program!" I felt my heart beat faster as we read the description:

"The Married Intern-Discipleship Program is designed to equip young couples for the future by providing them with a year in which they will intentionally deepen their personal relationship with Christ. You will be immersed in the Word, have the opportunity to be a vital part of a committed Christian community, and work diligently on a variety of tasks. Together with the property staff, you will seek to love and serve the Lord our God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength."

In that moment, Bryan and I looked at each other and wow! It seemed perfect! Sure, there were times when I wanted to go and he didn't and vice versa but we applied and left in the hands of the decision makers and God who could ultimately shut the door. It seemed like the longest 2 months but finally we got the phone call for our interview. Then a few days later- the answer! We had been accepted! So we are joining one other married couple and about 10-12 single interns on Young Life's Wildhorse Canyon in Antelope, Oregon. When? We plan on leaving the second week in September to visit our family and then be there October 1st!

We are excited, scared, prayerful, and a little bummed to leave our Young Life kids and the people we have been serving with here in Salisbury. But, God opened the door and we feel as though this is a great opportunity to grow in the Lord together!

There are a few things that need to be taken care of first: We need to raise $7500 as a couple for the year before we go. That seems like so much money but I know that God is faithful. The great thing is that we will be taken care of when we get there. We get full health benefits, a condo to live in, and the opportunity to serve in a way that we have both prayed for. So, the reason why I am posting now is that we are sending out our support letters shortly and I didn't want anyone to be surprised and feel uninformed!

Ministry also comes with a few sacrifices: Bryan and I will be moving into my parents loft in the beginning of summer to save because we need to drive out there and back. Also, we will be an hour and 10 minutes to the nearest grocery store and a good 2 hours to the nearest shopping. Bryan's Grandma said she would pray for me! haha! We will be cooking our meals during the school season and eating in the dining hall in the summer so, I can't forget the milk! And lastly, I will be waitressing this summer, because I just need a job for 3 months... But God is good and He is going to provide our support team, and everything we need to move across the country!