Life Update SUMMER 2021

“Experiments are necessary for the experiences that create growth and new opportunities.”

What a year 2020 has been. 2019 ended with me stepping away from being the Griz Basketball manager to leading the UM Advocates as a Co-coordinator, which has been a joy! I was able to devote my time to the group that helped me find myself, push my boundaries, and expand my way of thinking! I was lucky enough to travel to Las Vegas for a conference the week before Covid shut everything down, and learned very quickly how hard it is to learn from home, stay involved in my observation with a local elementary school, and also how much I relied on social interaction in my life. I think I can speak for all of us when I say it was a hard adjustment that I am still learning to navigate. I was able to continue working and starting bussing tables at a local brewery throughout the summer as I stayed in Missoula. This past fall I was struggling with taking 21 credits, working three jobs, and I started observing at a High School and also did on online internship with Experience Mission. (the organization I went to Africa with) Yes, you probably read that and said wow how did you balance that all....and the answer is I don't know if I did....

I ended up quitting my job at the brewery in October, moved my observations at the high school to google classroom, and working a lot into the late hours of the day. I really struggled with a few classes and after three covid quarantines I was met with the reality that taking care of yourself and asking for help is needed, even if that meant my pride had to be knocked down. The blessing of my week was meeting with the EM staff over zoom and working through the ins and outs of a nonprofit. We talked about the three main programs they work or have as an organization and the Summer Internship caught my eye! Eventually I do want to spend an extended period of time in Africa, but I need to finish school first. 

I was able to spend my extended break back home working with my dad and spending the nights with the family, and boy did I miss that! Over break I found out that the last credits I needed could not be taken online, like they previously mentioned I could, which would push me back a semester. I went from being able to graduate May 1st to now having to wait till December 2021. I was discouraged at first, but as always God has a plan and sometimes....well most of the time it doesn't aline with what we have in mind. Soon I realized that this would be the first time for me to take it easy....is that even possible....and have more time to dedicate to me, my roommates, my work, and my school! 

So looking forward I have some exciting news! I will be spending this summer in another U.S. State as a short term missionary. I will be with two to three other young adults leading 1 week teams in the community I get sent to. The possible communities are: 

• Atlanta, GA
• Portland, Maine
• Pike County, Kentucky
• Webster Springs, West Virginia
• Navajo Reservation in Arizona & New Mexico

 I don't know where I am going to be sent yet, but that news is coming soon! Here is a short job description from their website: This internship functions more like a leadership position than an apprenticeship. EM Summer Staff members will fill 1 of 3 roles within an EM Missions Community: Trip Coordinator, Construction Coordinator, or Outreach Coordinator. Collectively, you and your Leadership team will be responsible for building and deepening community partnerships and relationships, preparing for and executing all practical aspects of running mission trips in your community, and handling administrative tasks for your community (managing weekly budgets, creating schedules, sharing blogs and photos, etc.).

I can't wait for this experience and all that it will bring! I appreciate your prayers and would love to talk with anyone that has questions or is looking to support me in more ways!!! You can find more information here if you want :) https://experiencemission.org/missions-internship

Mark 10:45: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”