Summer 2009

The last three months of my life is such a blur. It feels like a dream that didn't really happen. While in the midst of it, it seemed like it was going so slowly and I would never survive it physically. Now that it is over, and everyone is gone, and I am wrapping things up in Marseille, it was as though I laid down for a nap in May and woke up in August and dreamt everything in between.

It was hard. I learned so much and I think I grew up alot. Spending so much time with early 20-somethings made me realize that I am a full ten years older than them--and so glad that I am! Leading and teaching all summer made me realize that I do not like being one of the forefront leaders, and would much rather assist someone else. And can I just say--grace is a beautiful thing? It's beautiful to give it and it's beautiful to receive it and I think Christians ought to try it out more often.

It was FUN. It does a heart good to laugh that much that often. What started out as one small practical joke turned into a summer of "dumpster diving," and some great gifts for my friends. (A post about that to come.) I finally got to see the sunflower fields and spent some time among the lavender that I love so much. I returned to the Gorgeous Gorges of Verdon, which is probably one of my favorite places in all of France. I judged cooking contests, threw crepe parties for 30+ people, and ate out more than I care to admit. I saw the Tour de France. I had cherry-seed spitting contests. I made up songs about big white boats. I played bocce ball on an island in the Mediterranean. Oh, the list goes on. It was a fun summer.

It was enriching. Last summer, I began to invest in a young lady, Barney, in a way that some might call discipleship. We stayed in touch throughout the year, and she returned this summer. We intentionally began discipleship the minute she arrived and oh.my.word. How we were blessed. Pouring into her was the very best part of my summer.

It was spiritually deeper than I realized. Once it was over, and I had this past week of rest and solitude to recuperate, the Lord has shown me all that He was doing throughout the summer. Oh man! During the summer, I was in survival mode and just clinging to Jesus to stay above water and focused. I didn't know though, that all the circumstances were building up to lessons He would reveal this week once life had slowed back down. And they are some GREAT lessons. I am humbled and joyful and thankful and just amazed at how good our God is.

The photos and the peaceful status of my heart are proof that it wasn't a dream. Otherwise, I would truly wonder.