Service Trip Day 4: Morning

Sadly this morning, I've been feeling sick with my health problems taking away any energy I've had. So instead of joining the students for breakfast, I spent the morning on my bed praying then joined them for the short morning meeting. As they all left to go to their service locations, I stayed behind on the couch with my computer. I was energized as I read a few emails from various InterVarsity staff and caught up with what the Student Life ministry is doing in Australia through some of my friends. Since I'm very passionate about building leaders, I was excited to see that Tim Elmore has both daily updates and is putting out a new Habitudes books soon. I also prayed for the e-board as they were meeting this morning and I will join them later to share some of the information I learned. Near the end of the morning, the group of students returned from Fredonia Place. It's one of the 6-8 new service locations students are going to this year as we needed to add to the regular locations due to our size. Three girls all entered the common room separately and discussed how hysterical the ladies were. As I watched a video of one of the ladies playing kazoo, I could see why. It's a blessing to learn how the students are impacting lives. Lastly, I've been encouraged as I've challenged specific members to take on additional responsibilities this semester. Someone has agreed to organize bowling with the International Students, another is putting together the newsletter after the service trip that will be shared with all donors and organizations we worked with this week, and another is going to make a video of the service trip that we can share with the rest of the chapter and churches as well. Every specific need we've announced, God has provided a new leader to do it. Tonight, a few of the students who attended Urbana will be speaking to help motivate others to be involved in their big project this semester, not to mention those students are going to begin a small group for older students this semester. Prayer Requests: My health and the health of other students who are getting colds or are just sleep deprived (even though we are typically all in bed this year by 2am). And continued prayers for safe travel as we visit new locations. Praises: A wonderful morning, despite having to lay down (for me) and happy faces on the students as they share Christ's love with those in the area. Plus we all had a wonderful dinner last night and are looking forward to a potluck tonight.