Since family night last Wednesday a lot has changed. Just as I got used to where we had what meetings and when, it changes. Finally when I'm getting comfortable with the relationships here, they change. Shortly after I open up to my discipler, things change.
Friday night we had the farewell banquet for the staff. Each discipleship group performed for their leader and gave them a photo album and other gifts thanking them for all that they have done. Bread was broken, pictures were taken, tears were shed. We finished off the night with worship on the beach...can't get much better than that! But this was the point in project we had all been waiting for (or dreading, depending on how you look at it). The staff were leaving Ocean City and the project was left to us.
I somehow felt extremely close to the staff after only 5 weeks with them. Seeing them go was sad because I knew I would never see some of them again. This also reminded me that my time in Ocean City is half way over. I have already been here for 5 weeks! I feel like there's so many challenges ahead that I can't comprehend how they could possibly fit into 5 weeks. I know it will be great and I am so excited for it, but for now I'm still trying to transition.
When the staff left we were given new schedules. Some activities have switched to different nights, some have been cut out, and some new ones have been added. I am looking forward to the new schedule because a lot of it involves quality time with Matt, Grace, and Blaine (the 3 other directors). They are 3 people that I haven't gotten to know extremely well thus far, so it's exciting that I'm going to get to know them well over the next 5 weeks.
I want to rewind for a second to share something exciting! Thursday night was the first women's time without the staff. We discussed community and unity, looking at relationships in scripture such as Naomi and Ruth. We also went over what it means to be the body of Christ and how we each play a role and have been given specific gifts. It was so great seeing the women start to shout things out and encourage one another. Everyone was suddenly pinpointing strengths and building each other up. So cool.
Tonight we have our first TNT (Teaching N Training) without the staff. The International team will be showing everyone what their ministry looks like and how everyone can be a part of reaching out to the international students. After that Matt, Grace, Blaine, and I meet with the ministry team leaders to discuss the plans for this week and how each of the teams are doing...basically just to have open communication between all of the teams. Then the 4 of us meet to go over the project as a whole. I'm used to having reflection time after TNT so it will definitely be a change.
The rest of project will be GREAT and I am SO excited for it. Oh and Saturday night 8 people accepted Christ. SO GOOD! Thanks for the prayers and support everyone :) Oh and Happy 4th of July!!!...one day late.
