Sunday, October 21, 2012

So long, Moody, Hello...


Cool winds sweep strands of hair into my eyes as I blink in the bright sunlight. Moody bustles, nearly glowing with activity - students making their way to and from class or dinner, studying in the shade or basking in the late summer sun, employees quietly making sure everything flows as it should. A warm satisfaction and contentment stirs inside me as I survey this. The sounds of the city waft over me, muted in the cove created by Moody structures. Snippets of theological discussions float by, laughter drifts on the breeze.

I feared discontent on my arrival to Moody, feared a gut-wrenching longing to return to the life of a college student, a life that I loved. I was pleasantly surprised to find that not only was I not going through withdrawal, but I fondly enjoyed my visit, content with memories of the past and with my current place in life. Eager faces, tired shoulders, brisk strides - each pass by, mingling into a single entity that makes me smile. Yes, I was here, I lived this life, and it was life-changing. But now I have stepped toward something new.


So long, Moody, hello ICI.

God has clearly guided me to Inner City Impact. I am thrilled to join in ministry with them, to be part of the furthering of God's kingdom amidst the brokeness of the youth of inner city Chicago. When my internship at ICI ended with the close of summer 2011, I didn't want to leave. I felt as though I had just brushed the surface, had been given just a taste of what was possible for the kids and the community through Christ. In the fullness of his time, (which to me felt like finally!) God gave me the go-ahead to join the full-time missionary team as a Jr High Discipler this past summer. I am so excited to serve Him and make His name known in Logan Square!



I pray that they may become rooted and established in love, that they might have power together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, that they might know this love that surpasses knowledge, in order that they may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." ~ Ephesians 3:17-21


The person I used to be.

“We all change, when you think about it. We’re all different people all through our lives. And that’s OK, that’s good, you gotta keep movin...