For the last 11 weeks, I’ve been working again for Youthworks. This summer I was an area director, supervising three sites in Tennesse, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. During my summer the theme was onward. We need to move onward in our relationship with God. It was a very special and fabulous summer filled with its own unique challenges and highs.
During my summer stay one week in Oklahoma, a group of vans pulled up and immediately jumped out of the van yelling- “Whitney from West Virginia”. This church group had met tiny Whitney in 2015 when she was on her first job with Youthworks. 4 years earlier. Including an adult leader who had spoken the truth of God to me and God’s plan for my life only four years before.
A little while after that I boarded a plane and met my very own youth group in Montana. Youthworks asked me to assist the site while my church was there. I was nervous, I was suddenly inviting my church, my parents, my mentors, into my own little Youthworks world. Once I got to site though I quickly realized there was a purpose for my presence there. There was a purpose behind all these little coincidences that I’ve been shown this summer.
This summer God reminded me to look back. To look back at where I started and gave me a joyful full circle ending for my time at Youthworks. As I sat in Oklahoma with an adult leader who fostered me all those years ago during my first summer as a staff I was recalling my lack of relationship with Christ. I was remembering the fear, and insecurities I faced. When I sat with my parents in Montana and my church I was recalling where I came from. A church that isn’t always perfect, but that supports me no matter what. A family that built a foundation for me to stand, run, and dance on. A community that held me up as I grew, and made mistakes.
God reminded me this summer of how far I’ve come. It’s a solid reminder of the confidence that I need as I headed into my next adventure with the World Race. I am ready for this adventure, and even if I’m not just like years ago God will hold me when I fall. God will mold me and build me into someone with fire in her soul and grace in her heart.
I’m so very grateful for the lessons that God has given me. So grateful for the 12 people I was able to giggle alongside throughout ministries. Heres to the next adventure- 11 months of blind trust. I can’t wait.
