Woodstock '09!

I know it has been quite some time since I have posted, and I apologize for that! Things are going well in Dallas, but I have had a very packed schedule as the school year is off to a roaring start. God has proven faithful again and again. He placed me in this state, this city, my school, my new church and apartment complex for a distinct purpose. I am so thankful for the support of my family and friends back in SC, as well as the encouragement from the new friends I am continuing to meet here in my new home.
Well, I have just returned from an incredible labor day weekend away in Tyler, TX at a beautiful place known as Pine Cove Camp. I traveled with over 400 young adults from Watermark Community Church to this cozy lakefront spot, less than two hours away from the city of Dallas. We enjoyed a Woodstock themed weekend, complete with tie-dye, peace signs and lots of hippie attire. I enjoyed outdoor activities that I normally would like to pass on, including tug-of-war, dodgeball, hiking, ziplining, bobbing for apples in vanilla pudding and so much more. In addition, I met SO many new people who have captivating stories to share about God's work in and through their lives. They were also excited to get to know me beyond a surface-level friendship, which is rare and treasured. Most importantly, God's perfect love and desire to constantly change us into the image of His Son was omnipresent throughout the activities planned. I always take so much away from retreats such as this one, but this weekend was strategically placed in my life by my loving Father that knows how stressed I have been lately. This weekend was just the experience that I needed in the midst of a hectic new career and stage of life.
One of the main lessons that I took away from this retreat is one of fully following God's mission for me and for everyone that has breath. We are all called to be a fisher of men, glorifying God in all that we do, so that others may see His love and grace in us. However, I have been convicted of the fact that I am often hospitable with my words and actions, but I tend to shy away from sharing the Gospel--the ONLY words that have the power to save and cleanse the unrighteous. God is the initiator of this good news, Jesus is the substance and followers like myself are charged with carrying out the great commission. So often I allow my fear of man (essentially of being judged and ridiculed) overshadow my fear of my beloved Creator. This world is fallen, crowded out with broken sinners like me, who are in desperate need of a Savior. It is my responsibility to be sure that EVERY individual I encounter has the opportunity to be introduced to this indescribable love and forgiveness. Growing up in the Bible belt, it was so easy and natural to be a "believer" and check the box for being a "Christian". However, I have come to realize through a number of experiences over the past few years, the vast difference between simply obtaining the head knowledge of redemption and acting out of a full heart acceptance of its transforming power. We must daily move from being a literal believer to being a devout and passionate follower, acting on the assignments given to us by our loving and all-knowing Father.
I used to live for success and fame in this world, but it will never be enough. Someone will always have more money, be better, smarter, skinnier, more powerful and beautiful. However, living with an eternal perspective, constantly craving the promised sweet reunion with God and those who have gone before us, ALWAYS fulfills and fires me up about living in this crazy messed-up world! I want everyone I know, as well as strangers who I am yet to meet to "Taste and see that the Lord is good!" Christ is far better than sin and short-term worldy success. As they told us this morning, "stop drinking from the puddles of mud that the world offers and start drinking from the deeply satisfying, ever-flowing fountain of God." and "Quit sitting on the sidelines and get in the game, or else the celebration of victory will not be as real for you!"

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes" Romans 1:16

"O Lord, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am! Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing before you. Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath! Surely a man goes about as a shadow! Surely for nothing they are in turmoil; man heaps up wealth and does not know who will gather!" ~Psalms 39:4-6

The 'Big D'!

I love this place! There are enough restaurants and shops to satisfy even the pickiest people. I am living in an apartment complex that is within a community of 12 different complexes called "The Village". There are over 10,000 residents, which provides plenty of opportunities to meet people outside of TFA. (However, I love that there are a good number of TFAers living here as well.) There are tons of pools to choose from (which is a must, after realizing there is no more SC coastline nearby!), a driving range and putting green, tennis courts, ball fields (where intramural sports are played, including football, soccer and baseball) a pro shop, restaurant and bar, very nice gym, and miles of walking/running trails! This place is perfect for me!
I have an awesome roommate named Meghan, who graduated from LSU. She is also teaching at Peak, but she is a 3rd grade teacher in the primary academy. We have a lot in common, including the fact that our little brothers are a great deal younger than us. :) We lucked out with our apartment, because it overlooks the country club AND they completely renovated it for no extra charge. In addition, mom and dad came when we moved in and decked the place out with the perfect homey feel. I am so lucky to have parents with great taste, because it sure did make my transition a whole lot easier!
Most importantly, I am in a spiritually thriving community. There are encouraging believers surrounding me both within TFA and at Peak. I have been able to visit numerous churches, both in Houston and Dallas that have welcomed me with open arms and that have continuously challenged me to refine my walk with the Lord. I am still visiting around to see which one will be my church home, which is difficult because they are all so great! After all that the Lord has provided so far, I know that He will continue to light my path and give me direction for the future.

What?..She's a teacher?!?

So, you might be wondering why I am currently a teacher in Dallas, when I graduated with a business degree just last May...Well, let me start by saying that educational inequity is our nation's greatest injustice. An AmeriCorps organization known as Teach for America has awakened me to the shocking statistics, which prove that the achievement gap is real and is affecting children from minority and low-income families on a daily basis. I believe that education is the way to make a better life for yourself, no matter what circumstances you are born into. We must provide EVERY child the opportunity to attain an excellent education, despite which neighborhood they come from. Therefore, Teach for America recruits energetic and passionate college graduates to teach in inner-city schools around the nation, with dreams of bringing an end to this blatant problem. My commitment to the program is two years, but I am not sure that I will ever leave this calling behind until the achievement gap is closed. Please visit the TFA website (www.teachforamerica.org) to learn more about this incredible movement.