My Last Sunday in Seattle

  Before I get into what is going down today, I just want to make a shout out to my awesome DNA leader, Kathleen. We had a really freeing conversation last night about the struggles we have with our faith. I said a lot of things to her that I hadn't even been able to completely admit to myself yet. It was such an incredible weight off of my shoulders, and I think it really puts me in a better direction with my relationship with God.

   I can't believe we are starting our last week here in Seattle. I can't even comprehend that I've almost been here for a month. I was strangers to these people 3 weeks ago, and such strong friendships have been established here. For church this morning we actually just had a service here. A few students on the project did worship for us, Jenn on the Piano and vocals, David on the viola, and Mark was there to do some vocals as well. Our Director, Tom, did the sermon. Before he went into his sermon, he opened the floor up to anyone who wanted to share their testimony. Tyler went up and gave his. I had already heard most of it during the homeless simulation, but there were some extra details that I didn't get before, and I have nothing but even more respect for him now. It is always amazing hearing where people have been before they decide to live for God. Tom's sermon was based around John 3:16 ^"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."Of course mostly everyone in this world has heard this verse, even those who aren't Christians. It seems cheezy, and over-used, but Tom says this is his favorite verse because it has his favorite message in it: That Jesus' one sacrifice, gives us eternal life. When we get into a relationship with Jesus it's forever. We don't have to try, and justify our sins. Jesus already paid for our past, present, and future sins. That's it. We don't have to do anything. It was a really good reminder of how free we are. He talked about the joy we as Christians should feel in knowing our debt is paid. The basic stuff like that is always good to hear again. I've recently started a bible app on my phone to read the bible chronologically, and a few different devotionals talking about Why God Loves Us, and Falling in Love With Your Savior Again. I really hope getting back into the Word will help me with my struggles.

    Tonight we are doing a special dinner for the boys, like they did for us, to thank them for everything they've done while we've been on project. Being that there's 8 guys, and 40 some girls, they are a little out numbered, but we'll make it work. We are serving them tacos, and fudge for dessert. We've divided our group of girls into teams such as, serving group, special activity (a poem or something along that long), "token" group (a present we wanna give them), and speech group. I'm on the speech group, and will just be thanking them for their chivalrous acts, and protection that they've given to all of us on the trip. I'm really excited to let them know that we truly do appreciate them, and the examples they are for all Christian men.

   Tomorrow we begin PRISON WEEK. We will be ministering at two different prisons. Our entire group has been separated by majors. One group will be doing prison ministry at a medium security prison, while my group (social work, sociology, psychology, and criminology majors) will be at a maximum security prison doing ministry (ahhhhhhhhh!!!!!!) I'm SOOOOO pumped. The staff wanted to appeal to people's interests by majors, which is why my group goes to the maximum security prison.  Both prisons are women's prisons, by the way. We are only allowed to go to the women's prisons because of the safety aspect, since this project is 95% females. In prisons women work with women, and men work with men. My bus leaves at 7, which isn't as bad as we thought!

   I'm super excited to serve our boys tonight, and to begin Prison Week!!!!! 

P.S. I'm updating this after we had our little dinner for the boys. I absolutely loved playing the "gentlewoman" role, instead of them always serving us. I actually felt pretty emotional about it because I don't think they actually get thanked enough for all they have done for us. They are really amazing men.