NIDA.

         I praise God for busy weeks, for showing me my purpose, and then using me. I praise Him when I am exhausted at the end of a full 7 days with nothing but a week of gratitude to look back on. This was one of those weeks. Right as I got back from my beautifully slow vacation in England I was thrown back into work. We had so many fun and exciting things planned for this week, I just wasn't sure how I was going to do them all. Thankfully I work with incredible people who are always willing to help out. Together we pulled off a full week of activities, meetings, big events, conflict mediation, and a retreat! 

In the midst of a fast paced week I made time for a few sabbath moments and I am pretty sure that is what got me to this point in one piece. I am juggling a few books right now that are all teaching me how to better understand the heart of God. Quiet time spend alone, waiting for God to speak is so valuable to me. I am learning that these times can be found, or created anywhere, anytime. 

On Thursday night my RA's threw an All Hall event. It was a 007 themed Casino Game Night. We had many different card games going, a Photo Booth, fancy refreshments, and people dressed up for the occasion! It was a hit, I had so much fun seeing the creativity of my team and the way they worked together to pull it off. 

Friday afternoon we had a Professional Development lunch for all 12 of the RA's on campus. We do this once a month, it is a lunch that the RD's take turns making for the RA's and after they eat together I get the opportunity to speak to them about Student Development Theory. I love researching these different theories, and then turning them into lessons that can help the RA's in their jobs, and interactions with their residents.  This week we studied Moral Development theory and the different stages of decision making that all humans go through. 

This weekend was our semester RA retreat! I took my people to Nida which is 2 bus rides and a ferry away from campus for the night. Nida is a quaint little town on the Curonian Spit surrounded by the Baltic Sea. We rented an apartment for the night, had a lot of team bonding time, shared meals together, and took a hike to a lighthouse! I have added tons of pictures of our time together below. Having a team that works together so well is a huge blessing. We all learn from each other, and appreciate the gift and talents that each one brings to the group. It was nice to treat these people that I care about so deeply to a little adventure. 

One of our team activities for the retreat was an affirmation board. I was blown away by the comments left by my name. One in particular read, 

"Your faith is fascinating even for the non-believers." 

That was an Amen moment for me. Ever since coming to LCC and realizing that is isn't like the small Christian school I left in San Diego where everyone is on a similar page in the religion category, it has been my goal to share my faith through my actions and care for people, rather than my words. I have wanted to share Christ's love with people who don't believe without making them uncomfortable or imposing anything on them. This comment was the bit of encouragement I needed to realize that I can touch people with God's love by just being me. Practicing affirmation with my teams has made me want to be braver, and more intentional in affirming people in my everyday life. 

  

 007 Casino Game Night Event!