Love's Redeeming Work Is Done

Love's redeeming work is done,

Fought the fight, the battle won.

Death in vain forbids Him rise;

Christ has opened paradise.

(Refrain)

Alleluia, Alleluia!

Alleluia!

Lives again our glorious King;

Where, O death, is now thy sting?

Once He died our souls to save,

Where thy victory, O grave?

Soar we now where Christ has led,

Following our exalted Head;

Made like Him, like Him we rise,

Ours the cross, the grave, the skies.

(an old hymn)

Level One Internship -

Strengths:

• grace-filled community of our leadership team and their attractive fellowship
• openness to what God would do with me (by God's grace) - I was desperate!
• constant attention given in prayer to what God was doing in the lives of the students
• strong teaching program (morning and evening talks from Colossians, small group bible studies on Exodus)
• good weather

Highlights:

• early-morning devotion given on FREEDOM
• Prayer Day (at Great Rock Bight)
• Hunt the Spy (there were some amazing disguises!)
• day-off with Caitlin and Audrey
• hearing students' testimonies
  

Having attended various FOCUS camps in Martha's Vineyard since Middle School, I had never attended an Internship One until this past July. This camp helps students delve further into the faith, learning the basics of "putting off the old self" and putting on the new. Students learn to articulate their faith and learn what it means to live as a Christian. All of the 55 students on this camp came from private schools from Boston to Richmond.

Acquina Cliffs

Crazy morning (getting ready for a game)

Great Rock Bight

Hunt the Spy - A brillant game in which leaders disguise themselves around Edgartown and must be found by students. I'm the "pregnant woman" in the center.

Hanging out on the lodge porch

PURPLE CABIN!!

Sunset Reflections (students take Bible and journal and pan out along beach..)

While watching students' lives transform cannot compare to much else, the most profound memory from this camp included the gentle, solid leanings of the Lord to go on staff with this organization. I'd never seriously considered it before this camp, but found myself enjoying my fellowship with the staff so much, connecting with the students' need for the Gospel, and realizing how this "job" right before me matched beautifully with this season in life.

All that to say, at the end of this month, I will be moving to New Haven, Connecticut and will serve in FOCUS' boarding school ministry. I will be raising support, helping lead fellowship meetings at a couple boarding schools during the month, make connections with faculty and staff at these schools, and building relationships at a church that my other two roommates attend in the city.

Rob, my new boss, and his son Andrew

Michelle, a student at Hotchkiss in CT, and Jen, going on staff in Boston area

Anne, far right, is a student at Deerfield in Mass. She memorized the entire book of Colossians!!

Sarah (far left) is a student at Emma Willard in NY - i'll be connecting with her!

Liz (the one with the hat), my new roommate! and Audrey, going on staff in NYC