Simpon Update

Well, I've officially been in Redding for two weeks. I am loving it here. I am going through that overwhelming feeling whenever you begin new position. It will take me awhile until I fully grasp my responsibilities, but everyday seems to get better.
I was hired as the Director of Campus Ministries, but there have been some changes and my role is now Director of Spiritual Formation. I will oversee the Student Missions and Student Ministries areas, along with helping organize many of the chapels.
I love the students. They have been very welcoming to me and my family. This is what charges me up the most. I enjoy being a part of young lives and to pace with and lead as God directs their hearts. I am so encouraged and challenged by their faith. My role is NOT to organize things for the students, but to develop THEM as leaders. God has put a call upon THEIR lives, not just mine. I am so excited about this part of my role here. I met with two students today who have been praying and talking with friends about creating a night of student led ministry and worship together. It is contagious...their passion rubs off on me.
I'm tired, though. I haven't had much time to be with my family yet. That will change soon. I leave tomorrow after chapel for Southern California to officiate at Cory Ritzau's wedding. I am looking forward to this and am honored to be a part of this ceremony.
I miss my friends from Riverside and The Grove.
I also miss our friends in Santa Cruz from Vintage Faith Church. Today, I listened to some of Josh Fox's songs on my iPod. I am so blessed to have worked alongside him and Dan Kimball, Lee, Kristin, Sarah & Sara, Amy, and the rest of the team. So much of what I learned there at Vintage Faith is helping me here in Redding.
I have a few former Overflow students here with me at Simpson (Heather Calfee and Melissa Hart) along with some Vintage Faith friends, too.
I was able to teach at the New Student Chapel last Sunday. It was good for me to share with them, and I received some encouraging feedback. I also have to stop saying, "When I was your age" and change it to "When I was in college...".
Thanks for loving us so much. Our friends think so highly of us and are so supportive. Everyone needs a posse like ours to have in their corner. I have to admit that it sure gives us strength to know how much we are loved. We are blessed to have so many people that love us and want the best for us.

I'll be at The Grove this Sunday to see some of my peeps (I roll deep).