And it kicks off with a Bang

So, for the novice college ministry onlooker- let me tell you one major thing- There is no time like the Fall to push, and to push some more and when you feel like you can't push anymore- you keep on pushing!  The month of September and most of October is what we coin "Fall Push!"  There is this window of time when students are new, everyone has time on their hands, and every freshman is looking for something to give their life to- and it lasts about 2 weeks!  The goal in these 2 weeks is to gather, gather, gather!  We have an incredible team of people that have had their lives changed by Jesus during college and they desire to see this passed on to those in their classes, dorm rooms, and work environments.  Enter: College Leadership Team!

At the beginning of every year (pre-push) we take some time away with our leaders after a summer away and get together for a time of re-invisioning, refreshment and fun!  This year, for the 3rd year in a row we visited the little blue cottage in Limington, Maine for 3 days of fun with some of my favorite 18 people on the planet!  We worshiped our hearts out, prayed for God to come in our city, and planned for a great fall!  I think each person walked away with specific goals and dreams for their campus, their faith group and the students God has called them to invest in!

Here are some snapshots from the weekend!  Let me just tell you- I am blessed to get to work with the most committed, hungry, passionate & deep students!  They are going to change the world- no doubt in my mind!

Big Blue- in all her glory! 

 Our kitchen staff was amazing!  Thanks June for planning all the meals!  Wait a minute- Tim, you weren't on kitchen staff.....caught red handed!  

 Beautiful Weather!  Beautiful People! 

 I promise- we did work! 

 Courtney, Lauren and Joseph- Some of our AMAZING Section Leaders!  

 Northeastern, Boston College and Harvard- lets get rocked! 

 Here we are hard at work!  Dreaming and Strategizing about reaching our campuses for Jesus! 

 Erin, Hannah & Kayla 

There they are!  Lets go and change the world!  Let's start with Boston! 

Worlds Collide

Ooops- before I got to the fall, I needed to update on our trip to Tempe!

Every Summer we take a trip with our college students to a destination to share the gospel and to see church planting up close and personal!  This year, because our dear friends just moved to start a church in Tempe, Arizona we decided to go and be there for the launch of their church!  I have been doing these trips for years, but this one held a special place in my heart for various reasons.  One, it was some of my closest friends that recently moved from Boston to Arizona  and it was a joy to go and be with them as they are living out God's calling in Tempe.  And secondly, it was significant to travel back to the homeland, where family and friends are to extend God's kingdom!  It was a colliding of worlds, but was a lot of fun!

I went out a few days early to spend some quality time with my family!  We had a throw back weekend and went camping- some families go to Europe or Disneyland for family vacation- we went camping- twice a year, every year growing up!  I have a deep love for camping with my family!  

Lindsay, Mom and I went on a hike!  What we thought was a light walk turned into a 5 1/2 mile journey!  We made it tho- closer on the other side! 

Games, Games and more Games!  

mogion rim, arizona!  

Love these guys!

Beginners luck?! Nah- BEST. GAMER. EVER. 

Praise God for parents who can grill!  We ate better camping than I do most days in Boston!  I love home cooking! 

Missed ya bro!  You were not forgotten!  

I went out a few days early to spend some quality time with my family!  We had a throw back weekend and went camping- some families go to Europe or Disneyland for family vacation- we went camping- twice a year, every year growing up!  I have a deep love for camping with my family!

The Summer Wraps Up

So, I have a bit of catch up to do from the summer..... Let me give you guys an update from the last couple months of the summer, then I will fill you in on the excitement of the fall!  Lots and lots of exciting things have been happening here in beantown, but first things first.....

USCP: US Church Planing Conference 


Every other year our organization meets with the staffs/ teams from all our US Church Plants for a time of refreshment, encouragement, strategy and teaching!  This year we went to North Carolina, in the Blue Ridge Mountains!  It was incredibly beautiful, restful and fun!  We spend the mornings having a time of worship & ministry as well as teaching and equipping.  Afternoons were spent in smaller breakouts with similar ministries and nights were spent mingling and mixing Throughout the years we have had opportunity to visit many of our US Church Plants and make some wonderful friends!  This conference was perfect to reconnect and catch up with friends!  I am so thankful to be in a church family full of like minded people full of love for others and vision for the purposes of God!  I miss you dear friends and look forward to meeting up throughout the years- growing closer even through the distance!

Me and my sweet friend Emily- church planter extraordinaire  in Tempe, AZ!

 worship/ ministry time

On a ministry level, I was so thankful to get time with all the other college staffs from the other churches.  Although all our cities look different and no two ministries looks alike, there is deep encouragement from getting together and hearing about what is working and happening at the other church plants.  As we have already kicked off the semester I can see how many of the things that we discussed at the conference have really made a difference in our strategy and implementation for college ministry this semester.    This conference was a huge win for us as a ministry and I am so thankful to have partners across the nation reaching college students 


On a personal level, I was so refreshed and personally envisioned.  The extended times of worship and ministry time provided a great platform for me to encounter God afresh and have mothers and fathers in the Lord impart, encourage and pray!   


And...because we were already in the beautiful mountains, my sweet friend and Alyssa and I stayed a couple days after the conference for a little R & R.   We spent time in Asheville, NC which turned out to be a funky and fresh town full of many unique stores & culture.  The weekend we were there there was a great music and arts festival in downtown which made for fun nights out with good friends!  We went to a back woods watering hole, ate homemade fudge, & spent extra time sipping coffee & reading in coffee shops!  

dinner with some friends who stayed after in North Carolina!  thanks Seth's Dad for the pizzeria recommendation- delicious!  

Ole!  Delicious Mexican food, Sangria & good company!  I love Alyssa!

Dinner out with Alyssa, Sandra and our friend Sarah who was visiting in Asheville from TN at the same time!  

A whole new world

To be honest- I am not much of a blogger!  I am joining this subculture at the prompting of many friends ensuring me that people actually do want to read and keep updated with my life.....so here I am :) I hope that those well-meaning friends are proven correct and you decide to stay with me thru my journey!  There are a few things that I would hope to get from this experience:  

1. Connect with and hear from friends: near & far 
2. Allow my long-distance friends and family to stay connected with my fast-paced, sometimes unconventional life
3. Testify to the goodness of God as we plant a church among students in America's college town
4. Meet my husband (if you know me- that one is a joke :) ) 

So...because I know everyone loves pictures- here are a few snapshots of life in Boston this summer! 

My Trip to Cambodia with our Training School Students

Our beautiful Team at Ankor Wat!  

What privilege to spend 2 weeks with these amazing Women of God!  

Tuk Tuks: Going around the city with Danielle, Jenna & Brittany

Cambodian children are hands down the cutest ones on the planet!
This little chunker stole my heart!  

T

Here is a room full of bar woman we invited to a party!  Many of them have no other option then to make a living selling themselves.  We were able to share testimony's about the Love of God with them.  We were believing for 20 women- 23 showed up:  several of whom shared their life stories with us thru vulnerable tears!  We offered them an opportunity for life skill training to leave their current professions! Yay Jesus! 

Brittany gets Engaged!

Over years of ministry here I have had the honor of discipling and investing in many wonderful women of God!  Brittany is one of the most refreshing, faithful and joyful woman I know and she is the first of these girls to get married!  She met a great guy- Dan; and he made a wise decision and snatched her up for life!

Here we are at Mike's Pastry- surprising them after He popped the question!  

Her wedding is on the beach of Rhode Island in September!  Looking forward to a great time! 

  

 

Home Renovations!  

=We have some changes coming at 42 Saybrook!  We are saying goodbye to my beloved roommates of 2 years: Jenny and Ashley.  But Missy and I are inheriting some wonderful girls: Jenna, Alyssa & Karen.  To make way for the arrival of 3 more we needed to get our somewhat redone basement in living condition for Alyssa!  Here are some pictures of the process!  

Yeah- thats right- we are building walls!

If you take note:  Karen and I drove with the back hitch completely open!
The dry wall wouldn't fit!   

"Lord, please don't let it fall out the back"
So many memories in Big Red!

Many great helpers!

Finished bathroom!  You can't even tell it is a basement!
Thanks to the dollar store and some old paint!

I will be sure to post the finished pictures once Alyssa moves in!  

Thanks for checking out my first blog posting!  My attitude is already changing....I think this is going to be fun!