One word: Amazing.

Project has only just started, but I can already tell that it will be a life-changing experience. The people I've met here are some of the most genuine people I've ever met. They love Jesus, and are devoted to growing in and through Him this summer. The community is more than I could've ever asked for!

Let me start by talking a little bit about what I've done so far this week. On Saturday night I went with my action group to the beach and we all got to share testimonies. It was great to be vulnerable with people I never met before because now I know we will build friendships that will last. We did happen to get a parking ticket because we stayed too long at the beach (the parking lot closes at 10 and we left at 10:06), but nothing could bring us down when project was just beginning!

Sunday we went to Trinity Baptist Church in the morning for service and spent the afternoon being trained in street evangelism. I went out for the first time Sunday afternoon and shared the gospel of Jesus Christ to three people that day. It was probably one of the scariest things I've ever done, but God is teaching me so much through this experience! I didn't realize how many people have never heard the gospel before or just simply don't understand what it's about. My heart hurts for the city of Santa Monica and I'm so excited to spend the summer trying to turn these people in the right direction. 

Monday we spent the morning doing some teambuilding activities, and split up into pairs to evangelize again in the afternoon. This time I got to share the gospel with a boy who just graduated eighth grade and has never heard the gospel before. If you have time or ever think about it, please pray for the people who are being reached this summer that they would keep an open mind and that they would understand how much God loves them and is pursuing them. 

Yesterday was my first day of work! Needless to say, it was exhausting to work for eight hours and then come back to find myself in community with 80 other college students. I've learned how important it is to find free time to spend with myself and with God and to just recuperate from the events of the day.

Last but not least, I want to tell you guys about my day today! Work was a little better the second round through and I know that it will continue to get better throughout the summer. I'm excited to build relationships with my coworkers and see how God can work through me this summer to share the gospel with them. After work, I grabbed a bagged dinner from the church to take with me for a date night with me and Jesus. I biked to the beach and parked my bike at a bench overlooking the ocean and the pier. While eating dinner, a man approached me and talked to me for a little while. I asked him to complete a worldview survey that all of us are doing it for our Bible study, and I got the opportunity to invite him to church this Sunday! God is teaching me how to listen to Him and spread His Word. I am beyond thrilled!!!!!

Thank you for all your prayers and support so far. It means a lot to me!

Until next time...

God bless. 

Day 1

I got to project yesterday but today is the first full day here! Unfortunately, I have missed some team building activities because of job training but all is good in the neighborhood.

My thoughts and observations thus far:

• My roommates are the greatest! They are so sweet and I know we will get along well. Janee goes to Chico State and Alex goes to UCLA.
• I thought I was good at remembering names but it is harder than I thought. I have around 80 people's names from summer project to remember as well as the 100 staff members that I work with daily.
• Everyone seems so sweet and genuine. I especially love the girls in my action group!*
• This summer is going to be the bomb.com

That's all I have for right now. Tonight I am going to meet the members of my impact group**, and it should be great. 

Have a blessed weekend!

*6 girls and a leader that makes up a Bible study

**girls action groups are paired with boys action groups to create an impact group

2 days...wait...1 DAY!

Hello friends!

I am lying here not asleep with so little time until project! I just received an email from Summer Project staff informing us of  their past week of preparation on project. They have already gone out sharing a few times and so far one person has prayed to receive Christ. Praise the LORD!

Other things to report: As you probably already know, there was a shooting at Santa Monica City College earlier this week. Obviously I have already heard about concerns with living in this type of environment, but in my opinion, we are needed more here than anywhere else.

"It is the sick that need a doctor...not the healthy"

I am confident that God will protect us this summer. The people and culture in Santa Monica is broken and I feel blessed to be a part of its restoration.

These past few weeks have had a lot of ups and downs regarding seeing friends but wanting so badly for project to start. I have had conversations recently with friends that are already at summer projects in other parts of the nation, and they seem to be loving it. I can't wait to be a part of a new community -- a community that loves Jesus and exists for my growth in Christ as well as their own.

Prayer Requests

1) Safe travel for everyone to Santa Monica on Friday afternoon

2) financial support for me as well as others who haven't raised enough yet either

3) that people would be receptive to the Gospel

4) for all summer projects around the nation -- that sharing would happen through the Holy Spirit

Thank you for your prayers and support. I can't believe this will be a reality in just 36 hours!