It has been entirely too long. I know that. You know that. I apologise. At some point we can talk about what went on during the past seven months, but for now, let's move on :-)
From time to time this summer, I've headed over to the Davidson Student Union, which, during the school year, is where I spend most of my time - meeting with students, hanging out, reading, making myself available... The Student Union is a buzz of activity, the place where students come through between classes to grab a bite to eat, or where they come to pretend to study, in the hopes of meeting up with friends and having the excuse to procrastinate, or where they sit for a few minutes to watch the most current sporting events, or where they anxiously hover around the mailboxes, looking for the next good package from home. Since Davidson doesn't offer summer classes though, it's a totally different place in the summer, devoid of almost all life, except for a small lunch crowd of student researchers.
That's why the excited buzz in the Union this morning struck me as odd. Students. Young students. Clustered together. Talking excitedly. Sleeping bags and over-stuffed back-packs in hand. Learning names. Looking nervous. Catching glances of their excited but perhaps over-protective parents hovering in the background. It's time for Odyssey, a week of extreme backpacking and/or service adventures for the incoming freshmen - an opportunity to make friends and get excited about the four years of Davidson experience coming up, before the work sets in.
Who are these people? What has made them decide that Davidson College is the place where they want to spend their next four years? What are they feeling right now? What are they afraid of? What are they looking forward to? What are they wanting to learn and accomplish in college? These are the questions racing through my mind as I watch them.
These are the people I get to meet this fall! These are the students whose lives I might get to learn about, and with whom I will be able to build relationships. I'm excited. So many opportunities. So many different stories. It's such a privilege to be able to get to know them, even as I've gotten to know so many students this past year, to have the chance to see where God is at work in their lives, and to be able to listen to them, and to be able to share the beautiful Gospel message with them. Like them, I'm excited. I'm scared. And I think this is where I'm supposed to be.
Please continue praying for me this summer as I'm prepping for this fall - planning Bible studies, brainstorming about different outreach opportunities, thinking through and praying for relationships that I've already built this year.
And please continue to pray for my finances. God is gracious in providing for me here, but over this summer, I'm still trying to raise about $10,000. I'd love to meet with you, talk with you in person, and share more about this ministry with you. And please pray about continuing your support, or supporting me for the first time! At the risk of being a broken record, I'm constantly reminded that I'm not alone here - that I can't be here without your prayers and support!
Sincerely,
Anna
