challenged.

the word for this post is challenged

God did some amazing working in my heart the past week. He stretched me to step way outside of my comfort zone and forced me into a completely new environment. I went on Amplify with First Baptist over Spring Break and it was probably one of the most challenging things I've ever done! 

For the last 6 years, I've always gone to Mexico for spring break. It's where my heart is. It's the place that I've grown up and watched the kids grow up! It absolutely broke my heart to find out that college had a different spring break this year than high school. I will be completely honest, I was angry and upset. I didn't understand why God would take that trip away from me. The trip that I counted down until every year. Literally. I couldn't wait... and now I couldn't go. Not to sound dramatic, but how was I supposed to survive without seeing my kids this year and being in the place that I loved more than anything else?

When spring break plans started being talked about, I found myself not thinking about anything but Mexico. I was dwelling on something that was completely out of my hands and something that I couldn't control. So what was it that the Lord wanted me to do for spring break? It was all revealed to me one Sunday at church when they started talking about Amplify which was a mission trip to Port St. Joe, Florida. No this was not Mexico, but maybe this is where I was supposed to be this year. Maybe He has put this on my heart for a reason. So I went with it. Not only that, but so did my friends. There were so many of us that went to this lost city and bring the news of Jesus Christ to this dying place.

Let me preface this by saying that whenever I went to Mexico, there was that language barrier so it was more of showing them the love of Christ instead of telling. It came easy. Play with the kids, laugh with them, take pictures, tell a short Bible story, and really focus on how I am making a difference in these kids lives. I was so selfish in doing this because I felt like I was often doing it to make myself feel good. I was so wrong in this. When I signed up for Amplify, I put myself on community outreach- thinking I would be doing the EXACT same thing, playing with the kids. I kept telling myself "Oh, well I'll just make it Mexico." What I quickly realized once I got down there was that it wasn't just about the kids. I was challenged to go into houses and share the Gospel with adults. I've always been one that can talk to both kids and adults about anything, but what about those things that not all of them want to hear? This was probably one of the hardest things I've ever done because some of the people of Port St. Joe just don't want to hear it. I didn't have the language barrier as an excuse anymore and I was expected to walk into these people's houses and share with them my faith and why I knew that after I died, I was going to Heaven. Yes, I still got to hang out with kids a lot, but it wasn't hanging out with them 24/7 like I had done in Mexico. 

So yes, this was such a challenging week, but there was so much growth this week that it was incredible. No, it wasn't Mexico, but I really do feel like I was supposed to go there this year. The Lord was sovereign throughout and I was able to do far more than I ever thought possible. I have learned that everything happens for a reason. Sure I didn't get to go to Mexico this year, but I went to Port St. Joe and it was awesome! Plus, I got to send off the Mexico team on Saturday and it was great....sad, but I know that they are having an awesome time!!!

 My sweet friend George who accepted Christ during the week!

 so thankful for these precious friends and their love for the Lord!

 you're incredible emily!

 sugamomma!

unspeakable joy!!

I guess my biggest thing is that I always thought of mission trips as going out of the country to serve, but what I failed to see is how much our country needs our help too! I came back from the trip ready to serve with such a grateful heart for everything I have.

have a wonderful week :)

Is it really almost over?!

Is it really almost the end of freshman year? What the heck? I was just moving in and starting classes YESTERDAY. How have I already been here for 7 months?? This semester has been so exciting and I've been able to participate in so many different activities! One of my most favorite and memorable experiences was being a part of Dance Marathon. For those that don't know, dance marathon was a day where people on Auburn's campus came together to raise money for Children's Miracle Network. We spent the ENTIRE day dancing which, of course, I enjoyed every second of! Not just that, but we got to help those kids who so desperately need our help. This was Auburn's first year to have a Dance Marathon and we were able to raise almost $66,000!!!!!!! There were tears. It's just so amazing to see that God is moving here and it's so apparent when so many people come together to reach one common goal...helping those in need. 

God is doing incredible things at Auburn! 

This is Trace, one of the Children's Miracle Network children that we got to hang out with for the day!

And the Baby Pandas bring home the Miracle Cup!!!

I've gotten to interact with SOOO many different people this semester! I was given the opportunity to work DNow at Hunter Street. I was given 8th grade girls who were on fire for the Lord! It was such a blessing to see girls at such a young age who were living out an example of Christ everyday! I learned so much from them that weekend and came back to Auburn renewed and ready to serve wherever needed. Even though I was their leader, I feel like they taught me more throughout the weekend about loving others and serving. They stretched me outside of my comfort zone. They challenged me. What an AMAZING thing when girls that are just hitting the hardest years of their lives can teach a new college student so much about loving the way Christ loved us! I didn't know them, but they welcomed me with open arms and we became a family throughout the weekend! I'm so incredibly excited to see how they grow and continue to follow Christ!   

I continue to stand in awe of all God has allowed me to do so far this year! To think that I was ever worried or doubting how He would work through me in college baffles me! He is doing beyond incredible things at Auburn and I know that as long as the people on this campus continue to love on each other and share God's love, nothing will be able to stop us. I have no words to describe what is going on but God is SO PRESENT!