Fall Retreat & Summer Projects

In September, I went to Cru Fall Retreat at Falls Creek. I only knew about five people, so I was terrified. I had no idea what to expect. I am so thankful that I went. I had a great time and learned so much about Christ. I met new people and had fellowship with some amazing believers. I even learned that I like to dance! Who would of guessed?


One of the things we talked about at Fall Retreat was Summer Project. There are many types of projects that you can go on. One of my Bible study leaders went to Chicago last summer and worked in the inner-city. She absolutely loved it.

I have decided, with a shove from God, to go on Summer Project. I am going to apply to the Santa Cruz Summer Project once applications open. I am a little stressed about how I will pay for the project if I am accepted though. The cost is $3500. That's a lot of money. One of the things Cru does is help students raise money to go. I know that if I am truly meant to go on this project, He will provide. First, though, is the application process. I don't know what it entails. There is also the fact of gaining my family's support. I don't think I will go if my parents are not supportive.

As I make my way through this journey, I ask for prayers, for peace and the guidance of the Almighty God. I ask that you pray for Him to provide not only the funds (I mean, they are kinda important), but also a way for me to go without disobeying my parents.

Here are some pictures I found while researching the project:

This is the place I would be staying.

I would work on the Boardwalk!!! How awesome!

Blessings and Love,
Tabi

College: The Beginning

College: every high school student's dream and the source of parents' never ending debt.

I have been looking forward to college for a very long time. I counted down the days until graduation when I would finally be free. The lining up in alphabetical order, walking across the stage, delivering speeches, and pictures with friends came and went. Graduating high school didn't feel like such an accomplishment. To some, it's the ultimate goal. To me, it was just a rung in the ladder of my life. I was ready for bigger and better things.

The summer before college was full of camps and sleepovers as my friends and I tried to make as many memories as possible before we went our separate ways. The day for move-in came and I was afraid. Emily and Decembre rode to Stillwater with me to move me in and leave me behind. I think they had a harder time leaving than my parents did. I sat in my room alone for two hours because I knew no one. I ended up meeting a bunch of people when I finally decided to be social.

Welcome week was pretty fun. The fun and social aspects of college without class, but there weren't very many people here yet. Then class began.

There are so many options of what to do with your time. One thing I knew for sure I wanted to do was be involved in a campus ministry. BCM, Navigators, Cru, RUF, The Table, ect. were all available. I had no idea what to do! I saw a friend in the Union that first week who told me I should go to Cru. He said I could go try out the other ministries, but I never did. I stayed at Cru. I have made so many friends through Cru even in the first few weeks of class.

I go to a freshman girls Bible study in my residence hall on Tuesdays. It is led by Victoria and Kayla, two members of the Cru leadership team. I also go to Overflow, which is a large worship service, on Tuesday nights. Cru also has Freshman Leadership Council, where we meet with other freshman in Cru for fellowship and learning about the Bible. Cru meets on Thursday nights for fellowship, worship, and a message. I absolutely love it.

All of that is not to say that there is not work. Sometimes I can't see an end to all the homework and studying, but then a take a step back and think about how truly blessed I am to have the opportunity to be in college. I am blessed beyond what I will ever understand.

College is a humbling experience. I have learned that are things I can't do. There are people who are so much smarter than me, and there are people who struggle just to keep their heads above the water.I hope to be a light to each and every person I come into contact with. I want Jesus to shine through me as I trek through this crazy thing called college.

Many blessings and love to you all,
Tabi