Every once in a while my boss at The King's Academy asks me to write an article for the local paper about my trips and experiences. I thought I'd share with you my latest draft...

After spending 8 weeks working at a summer camp in New Orleans, I've returned to East Tennessee with some amazing memories. It was a challenging summer of demolition, construction, Vacation Bible Schools, serious yard cleanup efforts, and beyond. But as I reflect on the many things I experienced, perhaps the most treasured moments were found in the lessons I learned from others.

The first comes from my own boss, Linda Jackson. Linda and her husband Bob were missionaries in Africa for 10 years. They moved back to New Orleans one month before Hurricane Katrina. Like most New Orleanians, they tried to weather through the storm only to find themselves trapped by the flood and literally had to swim from their house to the seminary campus. Not only are they managing the ministry, but during their downtime they are rebuilding their home with their own four hands. After living as missionaries in Africa and now through the trials of life in New Orleans, Linda taught me about sacrifice and faith. From her experiences she shared with us, "I don't think we ever sacrifice as Christians until we are willing to say that we are going to step out in obedience to the unknown. It only becomes a sacrifice when we say, 'You know, I'm going to step out in faith and I don't know what the future is going to hold.' And everyone thinks that being in the will of the Father means that everything's going to be great. I disagree with that. I think being in the will of the Father means that you are just going to have peace when the storms arise. It's not how you shine Jesus when everything is okay that matters, it's how you shine Jesus when everything is not okay."

The last lesson came from Robert "Commander" Clavier, a retiree from the New Orleans Sheriffs Department. Sleeping in a trailer outside his house, Commander spends each day not just rebuilding his own home, but trying to help his entire neighborhood get back up and running. If you drive down Verbena Street, you would see this as no easy task. Many homeowners have not returned since the storm. Yards have grown into jungles of weeds and debris with giant trees that have fallen on sheds and cars. Commander showed us what we could do to help, but it was his own initiative that left an impression on me above any of the work that we did. He could choose to concentrate solely on his own home and family, and yet he is going above and beyond to take care of everyone else even before himself. He even blessed us with delicious treats such as smoothies, red beans and rice, and stuffed bell peppers. And in all he does, he points up to Jesus and is thankful for his life in Christ. I wonder how many of us can even list three of our neighbors by name? I think its time for each of us to be the Commander of our own neighborhood and like Mrs. Jackson told us, "Shine Jesus like never before."

In less than 24 hours I will be home again in Maryville, TN after an amazing 8 weeks here in New Orleans. I will attempt to make some closing remarks at the end of this update, but first Ill briefly share some highlights of the past two weeks.

Week 7 was spent serving with Radnor Baptist Church from Nashville, TN. I had the privilege of spending the second-half of each day again at the daycare at Valence Street Baptist Church, while the mornings were spent cleaning up yards in a neighborhood near the seminary. Cleaning up yards in New Orleans post-Katrina is nothing like the weeding Ive done around the house in Maryville. There are sheds that have to be cleared out and knocked down, trees and bushes that must be uprooted, grass that must be weed-eated before you even think about mowing, and even cars that must be somehow moved to the street. It is HARD work!! I absolutely loved it for one because I enjoy seeing progress when I am working, and we were able to go from a complete jungle and junkyard to a clean-cut yard. But most importantly, we were serving a community of people who can use all the help they can get. One piece of trash we can remove from their yard is one less thing of many they must do on their own.

The greatest blessing during this week was our time spent with Commander, the retiree from the Sheriffs department. You talk about a servant this man has a heart of pure gold. He is always helping somebody. And he helped us to help an entire block of homes. And although were content to wait for our Heavenly reward, I must say that He provided us with some awesome instant rewards to fill our tummies! From stuff bell peppers to red beans and rice to the most amazing smoothies that have ever hit your mouth. He was an angel to us after each tough morning. Its people like that who really make life so much brighter. Absolutely unforgettable servanthood. I would be content to accomplish half of what he has done for other people in my own lifetime. But he would ask for me to strive to reach even more.

This week I worked with Westside Baptist Church from Simpsonville, SC. They were a rowdy crowd, just what I like!! :) We worked the first half of the week on a gutted house removing any remaining sheetrock, demolishing a bathroom, tearing down the ceiling, cleaning up the mess we made, and cleaning up the yard. Lots of sweat and muscles went into it. Thursday we went to the house that I was at during Week 4. This was the house that previously had not been touched since the National Guard searched it in September. The guys tore down the ceiling; the girls removed the nails from the wooden beams. And I had a yard crew that uprooted, I kid you not, at least 15 either large bushes or small trees that had been covered in some thick, tough, and stinky ivy. It took us at least 4 hours in the hot Louisiana sun. I loved every single minute of it. My supernatural motivation made what was seemingly impossible become a realistic task. With my motivation came the energy to fulfill the task. God equipped us in a mighty way that day. Nick, one of the guys, told me of him going to get water, sitting on the cooler, and praying that God would give him the strength and energy to pull up the rest of those trees. He came back with a fire in his eyes and single-handedly pulled a couple out of the ground with hardly any problem. First thing he did was praise God for the strength from that answered prayer. And that is what its all aboutyes were serving others, but we desire most of all to bring the praise and glory back to God.

So as I return to Tennessee, Im taking more back with me than I have the time to describe here. But its been amazing and Ive experienced God like never before. Ill end with a lesson I learned through a devotional I read on July 9th. Ive been praying about where God is leading me after New Orleans. God lifted that burden as I was reading through my devotional for that Sunday. So where is God leading me? He is leading me to HIMSELF! Not Africa or China, not New Orleans, not The Kings Academybut first and foremost, Priority One, most importantlyto HIMSELF! Oswald Chambers writes, You have no business to find out where God is leading, the only thing God will explain to you is Himself. Now just because a well-trust mortal man utters these words does not mean they are Gospel-truth. So I reflected for a moment on that statement. As I did, I felt something deep within myself rising up to release a burden that Ive had to know where God wants me after this summer. Once again the Holy Spirit desires to refine and purify my faith to strip away the impurities of unnecessary burdens that I have placed on my own life. God has sent me on an amazing ride this past year and a half, and I now believe that all of it was His plan and purpose for my life to be drawn closer to Him in a way I never have been before. The resultI will know Him. And by knowing Him and keeping my eyes fixed on Him, He will grant me His vision for the ways in which He desires to proclaim His glory, love and grace to all nations. SO as I return home and begin making decisions for my next assignment, I will change my prayers from asking God where He wants me to go to God, reveal yourself to me. And by His revelation of Himself in and to my life, I will know Him, I will see where He is at work and I will be ready to get up each day and join Him.

I just wanted to post a quick update of the past week. With the 4th of July and all, everything seemed a bit different. It went by quickly, but all of the groups accomplished a tremendous amount in terms of ministry projects. We had groups refinishing wood flooring in a public school, cleaning up yards, gutting homes, organizing Vacation Bible Schools, and witnessing on the streets. I worked with Parkwood Baptist Church from Jacksonville, FL. They were a lively crew and blessed my heart with their enthusiasm, spunk, and incredible work ethic. It's always great to work alongside people who know how to have a good time and laugh, and yet have no problem settling down to get the job done while still making hardwork seem fun!

We started out the week working at Hope Haven. I was there the first week in June. It was the home for young people with behavioral problems. It was great to see some of the friends I'd made there. They all remembered me and were excited to visit with me once again. I came away this week with some new penpals. So I hope God continues to bless my relationship with those special girls. It's been a rainy week and on Wednesday we were sent to work on cleaning up around a house of a retired local Sherriff who himself is constantly pouring his life into helping others. Eventually we were all soaked to the bone as we hauled out junk to the dump pile in the street. I can mark that day down as the first day I've been cold while outside in New Orleans! Thursday we did a similar job of clearing out around some homes. Much like the gutting out I did last week, it was pretty gross and stinky digging through things that had just been sitting around to rot and mold since last August. The boys disconnect and hauled a hot tub from the back yard to the front. We also dug up and broke down several dead trees and bushes. That was a challenge, yet an incredible release of aggression or whatever you want to call it!

This summer has just been amazing. How awesome it is to get to serve God in so many different ways!! And He's filled me with a joy through all of it! Through putting babies to sleep, to talking to a teen about her intense life, to digging up roots, scraping paint off ceilings, tearing down walls, and building relationships with AIDS patients. The list could go on and on. What an amazing experience. But more than an experience, I want to take away from this summer that the greatest experience of all was seeing God at work through everything here and drawing closer to Him amidst it all.

As always, when I get to the end of the week and reflect on all that happened, Im reminded of how different each week is from the ones before. That is one of the sweetest blessings of this summer getting to see God work in so many different ways and places and getting to meet and work alongside youth and leaders from churches from all over the U.S.

This week I was assigned to the Bethlehem Baptist Church group from Ocilla, GA. They were some down-home country folk and I loved it! Im talking Wranglers, belt buckles, cowboy boots, and girls who hunt, fish and drink the Vienna sausage juice straight from the can! One of the guys from the group accepted Christ at the beginning of the week, so that was a wonderful praise!

Once again, my group teamed up with the Bethel Mens Ministry. We split up between two houses that had both been purchased as homes for the men to live in after they graduate from the 90-day rehabilitation program. At the first house, we treated and scrubbed off the mold of a previously gutted home. We also began putting up and painting the exterior siding. The second house was our greatest challenge. This residence had not been touched since it was searched by the National Guard 10 months ago. Neighbors had begun filing complaints because the smell was traveling beyond its own yard. I was excited to get to work on gutting this home, but I quickly questioned my excitement upon entering it and being confronted with the most pungent odor Ive ever encountered! We spent the first day moving furniture, soiled carpet, rotten food, and sour clothing out to a pile by the road. Eventually we got the green light for ripping out the sheetrock. I can honestly say that was some of the most fun Ive ever had! We were punching, kicking, pulling and sledge hammering our way through those walls. I made quite a name for myself going at those walls like I did! :) We also straightened up the yard and began uprooting the dead trees and bushes.

During our last day of the week we worked at a local daycare. I have never seen so many babies and toddlers in one place at one time. There were easily 50 kids there and the majority of them were under 3 or 4 years old. There were not enough hands to hold them. Many were falling asleep in uncomfortable positions in their highchairs or with their heads resting on a table. I wanted to rock every one of them to sleep. But I never found one rocking chair. My heart is telling me I should find a way to supply them with rocking chairs. So I will have to pray and see what God wants to do with that idea. Theres no way to know the stories behind all of these children, but I can imagine that their parents are working like never before to try to build back up what Katrina destroyed. But it still breaks my heart to see so many children getting such limited attention. It takes me back to my time at the orphanage in Mexico. Looking into the eyes of children in need makes my heart want to explode as I desire so much for them to get the love they deserve at such a tender and innocent age.

Our weekend was great. We got rested up for the groups that are arriving today. There was a campus cookout last night and the attendees included everyone from seminary students, to workers and volunteers like myself, to the men from Bethel, to the Mexican construction workers. We had a great time of unique fellowship followed by an intense game of soccer. I probably enjoyed it more than anyone because I could almost taste the dirt fields of Mexico as I looked around and got to speak Spanish with the Mexican workers.

Hello friends! This week has been yet another blessing in my life!!

An awesome praise of the week: out of the youth groups that came, we had at least 9 accept Christ. And there were many others who were reported to have accepted Christ at the various sites this week. God is good, all the time!

I had the privilege of being assigned to work alongside First Baptist Church of Umatilla, FL. And as I share with their group last night, they were an amazing encouragement to me. Ive been praying and waiting on God to reveal to me where He wants me after this summer, and this week, God just reminded me to serve Him and love others now. He WILL tell me His plans at His timing, meanwhile I should follow the example of Umatilla as they serve Him by serving others everywhere they go. FBC Umatilla was not afraid to dive in and get dirty, sweaty, and silly for Jesus! We spent most of the week at Belle Reve, an AIDS hospice here in New Orleans. Residents spend anywhere from 12 months to 11 years or more at Belle Reve. As one of their staff puts it, these men (and women) do not go there to die. But rather, they go there in hopes to learn what is necessary for them to get better and to learn how to better take care of themselves independently. Our ministry there this week was wide-ranged. There was a gigantic warehouse at the back of the residence that needed to begin being cleaned out. They have received numerous donations, which are all well and good, but when you dont have the manpower to sift through them, they can be a burden. Hopefully we were able to lift a chunk of that burden. There was a pantry that needed to be cleaned up and organized. A couple of our guys tackled that small space. The garden that Umatilla had worked on during a previous summer camp had been destroyed during the Hurricane. Two large trees had been demolished leaving two large and rooted stumps in the ground. The boys and men worked tirelessly to remove them. They succeeded with one, which was again a huge help to Belle Reve. We worked to clean up the floors of this late 19th century home. Walls had been painted with no dropcloth laid on the floor, so you can imagine the mess. One day I spent a few hours on a 10 foot ladder scraping chipped paint on the ceiling. That was a fun workout. And the last day, most of us had time to kick back make hemp Jesus loves _____ necklaces for the men, watch Rush Hour 2, and play Dominoes. Harry was the Dominoes champion and a complete sweetheart. He was hard to understand because of some speech problems related to his illnesses. But he was a blessing. He was working alongside us as best we could and applauding us for our work. Working in Belle Reve reminded me of Jesus ministering to the lepers, the weak, the poor and needy. It was awesome to see this group of young people rush in to do whatever task was needed no matter how great or how mundane. Not once did I hear a complaint. This group had requested to work in the AIDS hospice. And unfortunately, they will probably be the only group to work there this summer. It is suggested to most the groups as they sign up for Mission Lab. But for whatever reason their answer is always no. I thank God for giving me a heart to help those who so many others refuse to help. I pray everyday that God will give me His eyes and His heart for the people in this world. Without Gods vision, we will be hindered by our own blindness.

Lord, open our eyes.

To sum up this week, I'd have to say that the Lord is taking me further and further away from myself -- which is exactly what I want to happen. Random thought, but what a legacy to leave in this world to have a headstone that reads:

"It's not about me."

...because that is a sincere desire for my life. And it's getting my hands dirty in work like we're doing here in New Orleans that constantly brings that phrase to mind. If I didn't have a big God who has set me apart for a mission such as this, it would be easy for me to get frustrated and discouraged. And that's not to say that I don't have to continually pray and ask God to help me get through another day, another stressful situation, another hectic schedule... but it's good to keep it fresh and clear to me that nothing I do here and nothing I do in this life is about me. That's why life's little and big blessings are just that... blessings. We serve a God who doesn't promise us that life will be easy and happy... but He has seemed to provide me with grace and has showered me with blessings at every turn. I can't thank Him enough for that.

I teamed up with a church plant from Florida called Doctor's Inlet Baptist Church. They had a group of 10--three of them were adults. In the mornings, we helped out with a Vacation Bible School at First Baptist Church of Belle Chasse. I was assigned to be a helper with the 3 year olds. I was excited about that, because often I really enjoy working with younger kids around that age. They were a blessing, but they were also little terrors at times and quite a bit of work! I was excited to see them each morning, and it was sad to leave them as the week ended. Overall, it seemed that VBS was a hit with over 200 kids. And Belle Chasse was very appreciative of the help of the Dr.'s Inlet crew, so that made us all feel like we were doing something worthwhile.

In the afternoons, we headed across the street from the seminary to Bethel Men's Ministry. This place has a 90-day program for men trying to overcome addictions. It's the only program of its type in the area. Most other programs are longer and more institutionalized. This place has an open door in and an open door out. God is doing some amazing things through the lives of these men. One of their mottos is, "If you don't work, you don't eat." So they are sent out each day to work around the city to have money to support the ministry. By talking to any of these men, they seem like normal, down-to-earth, gentle sprits. But many of these men have been through more than we could ever imagine. Frank, our project leader for the week, has spent 21 years in prison. I haven't heard his full testimony, so I won't try to give many details. But he's lived an intense life with a violent past. One man who touches my heart just by looking at him is Leroy. I don't know his story yet, but I hope to learn it. He looks like a giant teddy bear and there is a kindness in his eyes and smile like I've never seen before. My heart breaks just to think of the pain he's probably been through. He seems slower than the rest of them, and I am burdened for people of all ages, race, and gender who have had to suffer because of the cruelty of this world and the harsh treatment many have received without merit simply because they are different, mentally challenged, impoverished, a minority, etc. I think of those children from the orphanage in Matamoros and pray to God that they won't end up fighting tooth and nail through life, but I am afraid that the love they've missed out on could hinder them in life. And I think of the young boys I met at the Youth Detention Center in Mexico and the kids at Hope Haven last week and worry that it may already be too late for them. But I thank God for ministries like Bethel Men's Ministry. And I pray that these men do succeed and are given a second, third, fourth--whatever chance they need to get their life on track... and possibly, find a new life altogether by putting their faith in Christ and trusting in God for all their needs.

As for what we did at Bethel. Most of our time was spent putting together 2 metal storage sheds to house their refrigerators and food. Currently they have a make-shift tent area, but it is being overrun by squirrels and rats. It was awesome to have a task like this one where we could monitor our progress and really feel like we were accomplishing something for a great and practical purpose. It was pretty hard labor for me for two reasons... one was simply just being out in this Louisiana sun in the heat of the day. But we kept hydrated and managed just fine. Two was the strength needed to get the screws screwed tightly in their place. I consider myself to be pretty darn tough for a girl, but I'll admit, it took all I had to get those screws in. And I'm talking hundred of them, so by the end of the week, I was beat, my muscles were exhausted and my hands were sore and calloused. But I actually loved it!!! We didn't finish... we needed about 4 more helpers each day, but we got one pretty much completed and the other lacking only a roof, so we felt good about our accomplishment and Frank assured us they could finish it up themselves. We ended the week in prayer with our group and several of the Bethel men after singing a round of their favorite song. The simple words repeat, "I've got my mind made up, and my heart is set, and I'm going with Jesus all the way!"

Ok, I know this update is quite long enough already, but I couldn't send this without adding one more story... you will definitely agree!!!

My construction partner's name was Aubrey from Doctor's Inlet. On Friday before the evening service she talked to me vaguely about some of what she's been going through. During the last time of worship/invitation, I could see her sitting across the aisle and I could almost feel her burdens within my own heart. I just felt she was unsettled. I began to pray, "God, if you want me to talk to her, send her to me." I kept watching her and I saw her rise and walk towards the back, I followed and took her by the hand and we went outside. She asked how I knew she was coming to me, and I told her about my prayer. She smiled. We talked for a while and one of the first things I asked her was to tell me about her salvation experience. She dodged the question enough and I felt in my heart she was not saved. I asked if she were to die that day, was she certain beyond a doubt that she'd go to Heaven, and she said no. We talked longer and it was a challenge. She's a seeing is believing kind of girl and here I am trying to define "faith". Later that night we were able to talk again. I was praying the whole time, feeling so inadequate and I told her immediately that I didn't have much to offer her. So I shared with her about my experience and what God has been teaching me. And somehow, in a crazy roundabout way, at 10pm that night, Aubrey asked Jesus into her heart! Praise the Lord!! It was a great learning experience for me, a humbling experience, and Aubrey was a complete blessing. Her words of appreciation for me working with her group gives me tons of motivation to continue what I'm doing here. And it's once again a reminder that none of this is about me. It's all about bringing glory to God, and I'm excited to help bring Him that glory by being used to lead yet another child into His Kingdom! Hallelujah! (James 5:19) <-- I had come across and underlined this verse in my Bible during that very service...

THE KIDS ARRIVE!!

Hey everyone! I thought I'd take a moment to share with you all a rundown of the past week. Tomorrow will roll in week 3 for me here in New Orleans. Last week was our first week of camp, so we had our first 4 groups arrive and sent them out on the town to clean up the city and share God's love. Everyone had a great time!! I will report on a fraction of what was done this past week by telling some of what my group was involved in. And then keep in mind that there were other groups doing other things like construction, setting up for VBS for next week, and working in a children's home.

I was assigned with part of the First Baptist Church of Prattville group. They were our largest group with 50. Prattville split into 3 groups. My group's main assignment was to Hope Haven--a Catholic institution for "troubled teens/kids". All of the children living there have some type of psychiatric diagnosis. All of them are in state custody where parental rights have been terminated due to physical, emotional or sexual abuse. They have social problems, difficulty with relationships on all levels, and don't know what is appropriate behavior for most situations. They do not have mature coping skills. For example, if someone makes them mad, they may process the situation as having 3--and only 3--solutions. 1) run away 2) kill the other person 3) kill themselves. Currently Hope Haven houses 55 children ages 11-17. The average age is 14-15 with more girls than boys. Children as young as 5 and as old as the day before their 17th birthday can stay there. There are 6 dorms total--3 for guys and 3 for girls. They participate in daily group therapy sessions and each dorm has a masters' level therapist on staff. They go to school when in session and have recreational activities throughout the week. Kids stay as short as 2-4 months and as long as 3 years. Hope Haven is the highest restraint residence facility with 3 levels based on each child's profile. There are basically three circumstances in which a child would leave. 1) they step down to a less restrictive facility. 2) they are admitted into a psychiatric hospital. 3) they leave successfully... but unfortunately, the success is temporary as they are unable to maintain normal behavior/lifestyles and end up coming back. There is not a high success rate. These are definitely the highest need kids in the area, where the majority have little hope of having a "normal" life and they know it--which probably attributes to their behavioral problems if it leads them to an "I don't care, what's it matter anyways?" attitude. To sum up their behavior in one word, these kids are extreme. They don't have good family models and don't have independent living skills. One of the directors describes her work there as a humbling experience saying that her problems pale in comparison to the problems these kids face everyday: "These kids profess Christ. They are fabulous little believers despite all that has happened to them."

During the week, Prattville led the groups in Bible studies and crafts. Many were attentive and receptive. We had a block party where the Prattville group (also a youth choir) sang some songs. In the middle of one song, a fist fight broke out among two of the Hope Haven girls. It took 4 adults for each girl to restrain them, which consisted of basically SITTING on each of them for about 15 minutes. To me, the place just had a veil of sadness. I was blessed by one girl inparticular named Karla. After the story of Daniel and the lions' den, she restated every detail of the story. I was filled with hope and excitement over Karla because all I'd heard previously were negative and hopeless comments about these kids. And yet Karla had goals, determination and faith. I was happy to come alongside her and encourage her to keep those goals, to pray for strength to accomplish them, and to keep the faith that God can move mountains in and through her life.

We were not allowed to take pictures there, but the campus is filled with beautiful Italianate architecture. Catholic charities support this home, and apparently they support it well based on the beauty of those buildings!! It was awesome that we were able to go in there and share the Gospel with those children. Many of the staff were sitting around while we shared with the children, so I do pray that seeds were planted and that the message of truth was heard that FAITH in Christ and not WORKS gets you into Heaven.

Pics below: My first casuality... my big toe. I stubbed it really bad the first week carrying part of the stage. I went to the nurse to get it cleaned out. It's healing finally, but it looks pretty bad. Man that hurt!!!!

Small sampling of the beautiful campus of Hope Haven.

St. Louis Cathedral is the oldest continuously active Catholic church in the United States. General Andrew Jackson placed his sword on the St. Louis altar after his victory against the British in the Mississippi River in 1815.

"Me & Jenny" Self-explanatory... my best bud... my partner in crime :) I love this girl and I'm so glad she's working with me this summer.

"Crab" This was taken today. We were invited to go eat at a family's house that the band knew from a previous visit here. I almost feel guilty eating from these people who have lost nearly everything. But they are Christians who wanted to give back to others who are giving their time and service for the Lord's work. I guess that's how it is with God's work... it's a circle of life and hope that gives and comes back around. We had the New Orleans traditional red beans and rice. And that was followed by a lesson in crab eating. I'd never eaten crab starting from a full crab with eyes and everything. That was interesting. Pretty tasty though! I snapped this shot so you could have proof! We had shrimp the same way... I tried not to look at their eyes as I pulled them apart...