3 weeks in....and what an adventure it has been!

Whether it is trying pumpkin pie gellato, going to a Fall retreat with 150 amazing college students, or taking a step of faith to live in a city filled with CRAZY D-1 football fans I have found myself in awe of all the world has yet to show me. It began on September 13th, this new adventure that I took on here in Iowa City. As my close friends Jena and Michelle said "see you soon, you will be fine" I knew that I was in for a challenge. They drove off and as I got into my car tears began to stream down my cheeks. Why? Why am I here in this city all alone? I decided to drive somewhere, anywhere, I just wanted to find something comforting and something I knew. I ended up walking around downtown and as I did I was AMAZED (to say the least) at what was before my eyes. I look to the left and then to the right...all I see is Yellow, Black, and Red. Yes, the day I moved to Iowa was the biggest game of the year. It was the "Beat State" game. It was Iowa State vs. the University of Iowa. I was just looking....that is all I could do...I knew no one and was viewing a city looked as if the Super Bowl was just around the corner! It was my first day in what I knew was going to be an interesting journey!

We have our weekly staff meetings at a coffee shop downtown. They use to have them in the Union but because of the flood the building is closed temporarily. We meet on Monday mornings and discuss what the week will look like and what our priorities and tasks are. Not only do we have our staff meetings at this coffee shop but I have also planned many of my meetings with students, and training groups here as well. The other day I met with a Freshman girl and I treated her to Gelato. (Italian ice cream made from a liquid, milk or water; a solid, sugar, fats or sweeteners). I chose the pumpkin pie flavored gelato. To my surprise is was REALLY AMAZING! I got to know this student and hear how she has been adjusting to college and how she has been having a hard time adjusting. I was blessed to be able to share with her my personal feelings of how transitioning has been a challenge for me as well, but also how in the midst of this challenge I am really trying to seek God. It was a really good talk and we will be meeting again next week. I am praying for her and for her heart to feel comfort here at college while she is away from home.

Fall Gettaway was October 3-5th!! It was a rock-your-socks off weekend. Here is a little recap of what went on:
-Faith Hope and Love was the theme
-we believed God and saw150 people attend
-I spoke at Women's time for 65 girls, I gave my testimony and spoke how Faith, Hope and Love has molded my life
-The campus wide I've Never game
-Talent Show - 2 freshman girls and myself got up and did a cool stomp routine
-worship was A-MAZING!
-saw students connect with the Lord and be open about where they are in their struggles
-Met and was able to connect with students from CRU in a sweet fall, breezy and sunny atmosphere!

I am currently loving my Sophomore girls who I have in a training group each week. I actually have three groups of girls and we are going through the book, The Master Plan of Evangelism.

I am excited to see the Prayer Group (a group I am a staff liaison for) put on a Prayer and Praise night this upcoming Saturday night. I know they have put some dedicated time into preparing for the evening and I just pray that the Lord moves throughout the student's hearts.

That about sums it up. I am doing well despite some homesickness here and there. I am looking forward to our CRU meeting tomorrow night and next week we have a campus wide event happening. I am busy meeting with students and still figuring out this new city! I am getting super excited about Intern conference coming up and Women's Conference, and Twin Cities Experience conference. This should keep me busy until next time!