CHRISTpower 2011: Takin' Him to the Street

Hey guys! Sorry it's been so long. There really is no good excuse for it. I just got back from CHRISTpower 2011. For those that don't know what that is, it's a week long retreat where you go out to different worksites each day and volunteer. This year our worksites included Cole County Residential, Villa Marie, Carmelite Monastery, Special Learning Center, Jefferson City Day Care, Salvation Army, Immaculate Conception, Capital Projects, Samaritan Center, and Helias High School. There are so many things I could tell you about the week from the people I met to watching them grow... But right now there is something else I want to tell you about. This past year at school has been very difficult for me. I was ready to transfer to another school. But even though I had no good, solid reason to stay, something was holding me back, though I didn't know what. This past week, I got my answer. First, my good friend Shannon Cerneka got the first-ever youth ministry position here at St. Peter's in Fulton. But also, one of the guys, Ben, from my group will be attending WWU this fall. We have a faith-based relationship which is something we both need. Especially me. College can make it very difficult to keep your faith alive. Having someone with the same beliefs as you who and with strong roots in them is vital. I am not always blessed enough to have those people close by. Now I will. I know that we will continue to support each other and share that love and joy that only Jesus can bring. I know that I stayed here so that I could help him through his struggles in life, but also so that he can help me through my senior year and all the difficulties I know are to come. God works in mysterious ways. I am so happy when I listen to Him. He sure does know what He is doing. I love you, Ben! Thank you for saying, "Yes!"