This past month has been very busy and chaotic with many due dates and spontaneous requests. It's been such a difficult process juggling work, summer planning for work, volunteering hours, regular church necessities, my personal life, finding a house to move into, packing my belongings, and of course, CHALLENGE.
Challenge. Oh, Challenge.
Every year I've been to Challenge, I've been called to serve. I remember the first time I went (Challenge 2008), I had no idea what to expect because I was the girl that's at EMC every chance, but never at a retreat. The first night there, my bed was given away to a youth girl at my church. So instead of sleeping, I made rounds with a youth pastor and ended up sharing a bed with his younger sister - who turned out to my student in small groups. Funny how God works, huh?
The second year at Challenge (2009), I was placed in Administration. On the day of. I had no idea what to do and had to figure everything out whilst people were coming in and requesting information.
Last year (2010), I was able to work with an older woman and a pastor in Administration. It was pretty cool and not too stressful. Until the day of Challenge when people started to register and demanding personal requests.
This year (2011), it was just me. Registration, rooming, editing small groups, finances, EMC rides, EMC finances, promotions, meetings, t-shirts, keys, etc. Every time I thought I would LOSE it, God kept me together. I wouldn't let myself go down because I knew how discouraging it would be. And also because of my best friend and a close male friend who helped me out. If it were not for them the night before and the first day, everything would have been a crazy mess.
As Challenge went on, I wasn't able to attend many of the messages or small group sessions because I was the default person and go-to person for everything. Did I enjoy it? Definitely. Was I stressed? Beyond belief. Was it worth it? Every second.
Seeing my girls and all the students pray renews me. It's God whispering to me, "I knew you could handle it. Look, they are all worth it." With those words, I am able to keep walking and keep running.
Now, I understand what God means when He says that He would have sent Jesus even if only one soul will be saved.
All those sleepless nights and angst could have been doubled or tripled and I still would have done it because each soul is that important.
A special thanks to my absolutely fantastic boyfriend, my best friend, a close male brother, and my little brother for helping me out this year. <3 You guys all encourage me. More than words could say.
And a personal thanks to a giraffe in my life - thanks for holding me that night. It was like that the first April retreat I went on and it's been like that all these years. Love you, babe.
And another thanks to my pastor. I know he's stressed and burdened as well. I completely understand where you're coming from. I think we're friends again. And even better friends because of this mutual understanding.
God, thank You so much for my Challenge girls. I pray that You'll make them Your princesses. Let them shine!
Awaiting Challenge 2012! =D
