My apologies for the time that has passed since my last update. To put it mildly—I have been busy! Since June 1st, we have seen over 1100 volunteers come through our summer program. I wish I could say that I’ve had the opportunity to sit back and watch the amazing God things that are happening throughout the city as these young people come to serve. Quite the opposite—I have been behind the scenes, at all hours of the day and night, doing my best to make sure that these young people continue to have opportunities to serve. My top priority here is organizing where each of these 300-400 youth and adults work and do ministry each week. As much as I’d love to go love on some community kids, prepare a meal for the homeless, gut a house, or prayer walk around the neighborhood—the majority of my time is spent in the office on the phone or at my computer. But in the midst of this organized chaos—God reminded me of a powerful truth. If I don’t take time to stop and thank God for this incredible opportunity to serve Him, it’s my own fault. If I don’t take time to sit down with the campers or my staff at dinner to hear about the events of the day, the people they encountered, the miracles performed by God, it’s my own fault. Truth is, despite my crazy and intense schedule, my being here and serving here in New Orleans is a phenomenal gift from God! Absolutely nothing less. And if I don’t take time—make time—to thank God for exactly that, it’s no one’s fault but my own. God is challenging me to daily be in a state of thanksgiving, recognizing all of His blessings, yes, even the blessing of this assignment—as tired and overwhelmed as I may be at times. A phrase I read recently has been echoing within my mind, “Complaining is a sign of an ungrateful heart.” Lord, help me to always be grateful for every blessing!