January

I brought in the New Year with some old WDA students and the Satterfield’s in Athens—it was very special to worship and catch up—the highlight of my winter break! My sister got married to the most hilarious and loving man and my brother had his third baby! I turned 26 and I started my second semester at a very snowy Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.

February

I joined a new church! Lawndale Community Church is on the Westside of Chicago, located in an underprivileged, African American and Latino neighborhood. Being there has been a fun adjustment and has provided some unique learning opportunities.

I have been helping the church’s Singles’ leaders think strategically about discipleship. In the spring of ’09, the Singles class studied WDA’s Knowing God series and are currently reading through Colossians. The singles who attend LCC are from all walks of life and very hungry to grow. Praise God!

March

I started dating my friend, Jon. The Lord has been shifting my thoughts, feelings, and beliefs regarding dating, attraction, and sexuality. Pray these lessons would continue. Jon and I dated just for a few months and are now friends, but the process taught me much about myself and stretched my faith in God’s goodness and sovereignty. I am thankful for the experience and for a friend who was patient and understanding as I stumbled, albeit, dragged myself, forward in exploring this area of my life.

April

In April, I served with the Gospel Coalition’s executive administrative team for the
2009 conference. That’s right—I edited announcements with D.A. Carson, was Mark Driscoll’s neighbor at the Hyatt, and rubbed shoulders with John Piper C.J. Mahaney! What a dream! Ha—really, we just ran their errands, directed thousands of men, and served so much that we got to attend few sessions ourselves. It was completely exhausting—as are most rewarding experiences. I was honored and filled with joy to serve over 3,500 pastors as they drank in the wisdom from today’s prophetic voices, learning how to better minister to their local church congregations. Those of us that helped, left praising God for his grace, which allowed a small, young, and inexperienced group of adults to pull off such a large and kingdom-significant conference.

May

I finished my first year of graduate school—with good friends and great grades, I might add! Trinity has been a blessing to me, but I miss Athens, my family and friends, and working with WDA. Sometimes I question if I should have gone so far away to get my Masters—but I trust in God’s leading more than my own homesick heart, and know I’m there for a reason. Pray for continued faith and endurance to finish well. One and a half years to go!