reunion :: update

I’ll go Mark Artrip fashion and throw it all out there from the weekend, ‘mind dump’ style:

1. Roughly 14 hrs to drive there and 14 hrs to drive home – with 38 hours actually in Philadelphia. Ugh.
2. So amazingly good to see Chris again — he is a friend like none other. I know the Lord has called him to Sebring and he is using him there … but I do wish he was a little closer.
3. Jade Palace sweet tea = delish.
4. Stacie hit the brakes on the bus and I was standing on the steps navigating … I hit the windshield hard. Somehow that hurt my arm…
5. I  l o v e  these Barnabas students. I had conversations with at least a dozen of them that made my heart feel like it would explode because they are letting the Lord lead and use them so powerfully.

NOTE: Let me say something about those students. The overwhelming majority of students who are doing exceedingly well have a couple things in common: first, they are being discipled. HUGE. Second, they are intentional about consistent time in the Word. I’m not trying to oversimplify, but it’s just the truth.

6. Matt & I each had a part in breaking Eric’s car door key off in his door. At 1.30am. Whoops. They and a few boys then stayed up til 4 am waiting for a locksmith. (Not me, I went to bed).
7. Urban Hope has been running for 10 years. Hearing testimonies of what God has done in lives in that neighborhood through that ministry was humbling and exciting.
8. We got home at 1am last night. I am sick. (thanks Eric) And exhausted.

I’ll be honest. I was not excited about the driving. About the chaotic schedule.
This the best weekend I’ve had in a long time. Because I connected with students who are hungry for the Lord, hungry for wisdom, needing prayer, needing reminders of who they are in Jesus, needing someone to cry to, someone to get excited for them, someone to love them … students who my heart is so full for. That sounds cheesy. I don’t care. It’s true. My heart feels like it’s going to burst after this weekend.

I am so thankful for the Lord’s faithfulness. For the work he is doing in the lives of these students. 
I am so undeserving to have any part of it. And so privileged to be able to.

Praise the Lord.