It's (gunna be) may

 

                               

RICHLAND COLLEGE PARK DAY 2021
Normally every year we will have a lil weekend retreat at the beginning of the school year to get the students away and bond but with COVID we were unable to do that. Now that things are opening up a bit more we had a park day in April. Park day is almost like an adult version of field day in elementary school but with worship and small group discussions. We had lunch together, played games, and shared how we saw God work through this community this past year. We got to spend time casting a vision for what finish  the semester well could look like for them.

Some of the girls I've gotten to spend time with this past year!
from left to right: Me, Bridgett (apprentice), Mari, Haylee, Sayuri, Erika, and Rensi!

This is Katelyn! Her mom helped start FOCUS and she's a freshman in the ministry this year. I have seen God work through Katelyn by making her face her emotions and choosing to mature in her faith. This summer she is doing an internship with the teen ministry at our church (which is kind of a mini 10 week apprenticeship). My prayer is that God use this time to enrich Katelyn and that she would push into deeper intimacy with our creator. Please be praying for her as the internship will begin at the end of this month.

We had a little girls day out to celebrate the end of the school year! We took them to the bishop arts district in Dallas, ate good food, and enjoyed each other's company. One of my favorite things about the Richland ministry is that they love spending time together. They could (and have) spend hours on end just sitting and talking to one another. They really value community and don't take it lightly. At the beginning of the year, they were just getting to know each other and wouldn't spend much time throughout the week with each other. Now they I have to kick them out of restaurants because they didn't realize it was almost closing time. God has been so faithful, even in this strange year, the students at Richland have a deep desire to be in community and love up on their people. 
Please pray they they would grow in their depth of relationships. I am starting to see them ask more spiritual questions and praying for one another, but I think there is so much to spiritual friendship they are trying to learn.


My co-fa Sayuri has been such an example to our community (pictured below).  Sayuri's friendship has meant the world to me. When I started Richland I was pretty nervous. I had no idea how I was going to get to do campus ministry at a college that was completely closed. I remember Sayuri running up to me on our Corefa prep day and being so kind and welcoming. I had been praying that we would have a good relationship and she surpassed my expectations. She loved our girls fiercely and was faithful with our ministry. I'm so proud of her.
Please be praying for her as she transitions to university. 

               

This is my buddy Mari. We have spent the past school year meeting weekly and studying scripture together. Spending time with Mari really reminded me to not say people's no's for them. God is teaching Mari to rest in him and to let him redeem her brokenness. Please pray that Mari would find a community of believers wherever she transfers. This past year a friend really pulled her in and I pray that there will be someone wherever she goes that will be faithful with inviting her into their lives. 

qt girls at lunch during our dallas outing! 

The 2020-2021 Richland Leader Team!! I'm so thankful that this group choose to do ministry is such a crazy year! 

ice cream d8 nite!!

This is Siena, we co-lead a small group at UTD last year she's graduating and going on staff in the fall. I'm so proud of her! 

PLEASE BE PRAYING!! My sweet friend Lailah and Renee are coming onto FOCUS staff through the FOCUS apprenticeship. Lailah came to know God a few years ago and her lift has had a radical 180. I am so excited for her to have the opportunity to do campus ministry and want to help her get fully funded!I am asking my current ministry partners to consider partnering with them next year since I am transitioning off staff. If you feel lead to continue to support campus missionaries, please feel free to reach out! 

This scene from the cheetah girls perfectly describes my current state. FOCUS has been such a huge part of my life the past 8 years. Getting to go on staff really was such a testament to God. Time and time again he gives me such good gifts. Going on staff was a good gift that I just saw as a big challenge. While this season has had a tremendous amount of growth, it has been such a sweet gift that I couldn't have anticipated. I'm so thankful to FOCUS for giving me the opportunity to serve, the students for allowing me to lead them, and you for making the way through your prayers and generous giving. 

THANK YOU!!!!