THAT'S A WRAP!

My time on staff with CGA has come to an end… Here are some final updates, reflections, and a glimpse into what's next!

HOW THIS SEMESTER ENDED

        First of all, excuse my tardiness with this update… The holidays sure did keep me busy! The last few weeks of the fall semester were so bittersweet. I think it's safe to say that this class holds a special place in my heart. I don't think I'll ever get over how kind the Lord is to allow me to share this season with them! Before everyone went their separate ways, we took a trip to the mountains for what we call Goodbye Week! This final week together was spent reflecting on what the Lord has done, worshipping together, and exploring some sweet little mountain towns! I truly had so much fun with these people celebrating the end of their time in CGA, and Goodbye Week will be remembered by sounds of laughter and praise echoing off our cabin walls. 

        After returning back to Gainesville, we sent the class off with a graduation party! We ate Mellow Mushroom (only the best pizza there is), handed out some farewell gifts, took tons of sweet pictures, and gave each apprentice a chance to share a few words with their peers. Tears were shed over the growth these men and women have stepped into and the bonds they formed in the process. Cheers to a really special five months!

REFLECTIONS ON MY TIME WITH CGA

        Man oh man… Where do I even start!? This program has blessed me beyond measure. When I began this internship in August of 2022, I was eager and hungry for the opportunities that lay ahead, AND terrified of the influence and responsibility I now carried. Not a single day of this past year and half was easy, and dang am I thankful for that. 

       I have learned to lead boldly. I have learned just how much I bring to the table. I have learned how to have hard conversations with grace and understanding. I have sharpened my gift of teaching (and not only that – I've really learned to LOVE using it). I have learned how to steward my natural gifts for the growth of the Kingdom of God! I've learned through hard feedback how to look more like Jesus in my everyday life, and I've learned to desire and receive that feedback with arms wide open. I have learned how to work alongside people with different value sets, different giftings, and different vision, all for the same purpose of raising up Kingdom leaders to make disciples of all nations. I fell in love with giving away what the Lord has taught me to other young believers… all while getting to call it “work.” 

        There are just about a million things I could say as this season draws to an end, but since I don't think I'll ever find adequate words to sum it up, I'll leave you with this instead: Here are pictures of some of the men and women who have touched my life thanks to CGA. Getting to love these people has been the greatest honor, and I am forever indebted to this program for the gift of knowing them.

SO WHAT'S NEXT?

        2024 is going to look a bit different in my world! While I am deeply grieved to say goodbye to this job, I am going to be spending this spring semester focusing on my studies in order to graduate with my Bachelors in Psych by summer! I'll be sticking around Gainesville living in my lovely house of CGA alumni, and hope to continue involvement with Adventures in Missions in whatever capacity I can while I'm still here!

        I feel a deep pull from the Lord to spend more time overseas once I graduate… so stay tuned to see where He takes me next! Woohoo!!! :)

TO ALL MY READERS:

       Y'all have been the MOST important part of this journey! Whether you have supported me in this role financially, in prayer, or simply through following along with these silly little updates I write, I am deeply grateful for you. It's a humbling thing to work a job that isn't possible on my own, and it has been my honor to invite each one of you into this opportunity. Knowing I have the support of people who believe in what I do makes ALL the difference.

       That's all for now, friends! I'll be putting these newsletters on pause for a bit while I focus on finishing school… but don't worry, I'll be back before you know it. You can't get rid of me that easily, haha!! In the meantime, I'd love to stay in touch! Feel free to reach out by phone call, text, or email, and I'll get back to you as soon as possible :)

THANKS FOR BEING HERE, I'M GRATEFUL FOR YOU!!!