give me your eyes.

i can't believe my junior year is over. i am so far from who i was when i first got back from camden. i have grown and learned so much about myself. i came back from my time on the east coast feeling completely alone and hopeless. i have since found a new passion and calling for my life. i can hardly contain the excitement of going back again this summer, but i know it is going to be different this time around.

the more i talk about camden, the more joy my heart feels. i know God is calling me to this city. He has been so faithful in providing what i need to make it back to the east coast. i have a family there. there have been many who are concerned with the fact that i will not be making money this summer. however, i know that God is so much greater than any financial situation i will face. last summer, i had no idea how i was going to pay for another year at APU, but He provided what i needed.

more than anything, i am beginning to get emotional about the end of the school year. God did so much work on my heart. i will always be hesitant to ask God to "break my heart for what breaks His" because, to be honest, it hurts! i never thought i could feel this many emotions for so many different people. granted, a great deal of these sentiments stemmed from putting myself completely out of my comfort zone, but that is where God works the most. i am so thankful for the people He put in my life this semester. i have the most amazing group of friends i could ever ask for. they are beyond patient with me, provide consistent encouragement, and love me regardless of my shortcomings. i have gone through a painful but beautiful process of discovering who i truly am. i have found my worth and value in God alone; i recognize that He is truly all i need. i believe that He will get me through another summer and provide, once again, for my last year at APU. i cannot grasp His faithfulness and compassion. i know He has equipped me with tools to continue to empower and encourage those who need it most. however, i also pray for humility, as i by no means will ever understand anything completely.

because of His goodness, i survived this semester.
because of His love, i can love others.
because of His grace, i can forgive.

currently, i have $100 for my trip to camden. though i still need more, i know God will bring it when the time is right. i have a good month before i head to the east coast. this money doesn't go to my pocket; it goes directly to the organization. i know God will provide.

my current challenge for myself: see people through Christ's eyes. a song that has recently been on my heart is "give me Your eyes" by brandon heath. i'd encourage you to listen to it and try to do the same. God is good and so are His children. ALL of them.

to listen to the song and see the video click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5AkNqLuVgY

you are loved. never, ever forget that.