Amherst Massachusetts

We arrived after a 3 day road trip rested and ready for Acquire the Fire. It's now in its second day and we've already had amazing things happen. All I can say is that you learn a lot while serving. Having an amazing time here and I'm already looking forward to Toronto! We'll be heading out late tonight/early tomorrow morning. Enjoying every moment.

Road Trip!!!

We're off! We are leaving for Amherst soon and our whole team is excited and ready to go!

One Week Away!

We are officially one week away from leaving for Amherst Massachusetts to kick off Acquire the Fire!!! 

Mode of Transportation: Bus

Approx. Drive Time: 27 hours 

This is going to be a great chance to bond with my CCM brothers and sisters although the bus ride is going to be a tad long. We leave on the 25th of September and get back on the 1st of October. I've never been to Massachusetts before and I'm hoping we'll get a chance to explore a little bit of the city. I am so excited and grateful to be part of this event. Hopefully I won't forget anything. 

Texas Thunderstorms

Yesterday we had an amazing thunderstorm. The rain was warm and refreshing and several of my friends from CCM (Center for Creative Media) and I ran around the campus just relishing how amazing it felt. We splashed in puddles on the basketball courts, ran around the loop, and practiced our Step Up dance steps. God is so faithful in bringing refreshment to us no matter what stage of life we're in. This morning as I was walking to CCM I kept stopping and marveling at how amazing God is. He created the storm that came through, which washed away the dirt and left behind something beautiful. Whenever I think of how awesome God is I remember Psalms 8. If you have the time, look it up and read it the chapter is pretty short but very powerful!

I love that I get to connect with you all this way and if you ever need prayer for something don't hesitate to ask. :) My roommates are all feeling better, praise God and I havent gotten sick yet, so thank you for your prayers. I am absolutely loving the time I'm spending here and I'm praying that God will provide a way for me to stay for a second year.

In Christ's Love,
Lauren


P.S.
The next time it rains step outside, God is waiting to breathe new life into you. <3

One Big Family

        Well I've made it to September. This has been crazy but amazing. My core mates (all of the new girls in CCM) and I have quickly become close friends. After church last week we spent all day hanging out with each other singing loudly, taking personality quizzes, and just having fun. Later our core leader, Emily, blindfolded us all and led us around campus. We were seated, still blindfolded, and then were surprised to find our new brother core sitting with us at several picnic tables. There were several pots of top raman innocently sitting on the picnic tables...which quickly escalated into a food fight, including top raman soup being thrown in my face. =P It was great!
        Afterwords we spent time playing games and watching movies. We had an amazing time and I'm super glad that we got to meet our brother core. Our familiy core (the girls and guys cores put together) has so many awesome people in it, I'm super excited to get to hang out with them more.
        My roommates are sick right now so healing prayer for them, and that I wouldn't get sick, would be very appreciated. I am very thankful that you guys are continuing to lift me up in prayer and keep me in your thoughts. Til next time. :)

Lauren



Our family core chose this verse to represent our theme of Crazy Love. :)
"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends." John 15:13