Nearing the 6 month mark in Wisco.


 I am fast approaching the 6 month mark of the two year program I am in, in Wisconsin. I wanted to give you all a little glimpse into what my life here has looked like -- kind of like those family newsletters you used to receive before social media was a bigger thing.

I am a resident at Alliance Church in Appleton and I specifically work with the Young Adults ministry (18-26ish), Alliance PM. I spend about 20 hours a week preparing for a given Thursday night by being in meetings, working on my own, and learning from others. On top of that, I am also working towards my masters degree online through the University of Northwestern St. Paul. I've completed one class so far and there is a long road ahead in sight. At the end of it, I will have earned an MA in Ministry Leadership with an emphasis in Counseling (human services). 

There are so many times thus far where I have said "wow" as I spend time recapping with the Lord. He's just so clearly made this a place for me. I spent a long period after graduating Moody.... waiting. I would walk through the doors He would open and try to glean from those times but I always knew He would call me elsewhere, I just didn't know when or where. I had actually found this program I am in now, back in 2018 and had reached out but He redirected my steps. Then in 2019 I reached out again - Again, He redirected before I even applied. Then finally in 2020 (a wonderful year), it was time. I officially applied and began the process of applications, interviews, and oh... get this, more waiting. Throughout my life, I so desperately want to be where God asks me to be but I know that I have to wait until it's time. Even though waiting was tough, and in some ways I still am in a season of waiting, I am grateful that He didn't call me here 3 years ago because I wouldn't have been ready; emotionally, mentally, and relationally. 

When I first rolled into Appleton I was like "where the heck is walmart?" I drove around after church that morning just trying to get the lay of the land. The downtown strip was cute but I didn't know how it was as "up and coming" as I had heard because whatever I drove past seemed a bit run down. I was mistaken though, this place is vibrant and full of things to do, if you know about them.

In my first few months here, I have learned a ton and I've also gotten to do some really cool things in life and ministry. 

- I spoke at a women's ministry event called "Soul Food" about forgiveness to a room of about 230 women (I think that's the right number).

- I helped prep and execute baptisms at our main campus one Sunday (not the actual baptizing part but the giving the nod that it's the next person's turn part)

- I helped plan and run a retreat for 40 young adults

- I have begun to put some serious mileage on Ellie (my rogue) as she and I go places and check out different parts of Wisconsin (cabin up near Crivitz, Door County for a race, Milwaukee, Fond Du Lac)

- I've taken on more responsibilities within the ministry I am apart of. 

- I have taken pictures with a several thousand $$ camera for our comm. team at Awana on a Tuesday

- I've got an Appleton family that's allowed me to take part in their lives and invited me to so many things

- I have some incredible friends who have shown up for me in big and small ways and who have already impacted me for a lifetime. 

- I've learned so much about myself and how to be a better leader (and follower) and how churches operate

- I was able to lead a small group of young women through a Spiritual Disciplines series that the Lord ultimately gave me the idea and words for. And it was so fun to come up with and implement

- The team of residents I work with (there are 4 of us) are great people. We are all pretty different individually but we work well together and can appreciate each others differences and I love that the Lord decided the 4 of us needed to be together during this season. 

There are a lot of "I" statements but really, it's what the Lord has set out before me. 

There are probably more overarching things that have impacted me in great ways that are just escaping me at the moment but it's been so stinking good, even when some moments or days have been difficult. I appreciate that when the Lord calls you somewhere, He tends to make it abundantly clear, even if it's after you get there. Appleton has become a home and a place I could see sticking around for a bit (at least for 2 years). I'll update you at a year as well. The new and shiny "Honeymoon phase" ended about 1-2 months in and being here is still something I know is good. 


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