1 Week Under My Belt!

Hello faithful blog readers!

Well, I have one week of school under my belt here at OURUF. It was quite a week with lots of activities. Our first large group was great (we are doing a relationship series this semester). It was supposed to be outside, but a huge storm blew into Norman, so we moved inside at the last minute.

I am learning more and more about campus. My favorite place to meet students thus far is outside of the union at some nice wood tables. One thing I really like about OU is the landscaping and attention to nice seating areas. I really think that everywhere you look there are nice tables, cozy chairs, and lovely benches to sit on. This comes in handy for a job where sitting and talking is pivotal! There are pictures to come (in a future post- so stay tuned!) of me next to the "Sooner Schooner" wagon in the union :)

This Thursday I am hosting an event called "Woman's World" for all of the girls in RUF. We will have dinner and hopefully it will be a good time to meet new people and fellowship.

Please continue to be in prayer for the freshmen on campus and my interactions with them. Pray that they recognize God's sovereignty in their lives and that they would desire to seek out community here at OU.

Well, this will be my last post for August. Tomorrow September will be here, which means that college football is about to be underway!!! Go Gators!! I did, by the way, get trash talked twice in the cafeteria this week for wearing a Gator shirt. If that is not persecution, then I don't know what is :)

First Day of School

Today is the first day of classes here at the University of Oklahoma, as well as for my Florida friends. In preparation for the beginning of classes, there have been two "New Sooner Kickoffs" in the last week. These are just big activities fairs where students come to seek out organizations they might be interested in. For my UF readers, this is in replacement of tabling in Turlington. They have gone fairly well, but I have to say I am always very hot and tired after the end of these things.

I have made several freshmen connections and am excited about getting to know these girls more. We have our first RUF on Wednesday at nine. We are doing a series on Relationships this semester. You can learn more about it at ouruf.org. I will also be putting together a girls event called "Woman's World" for everyone to come and eat and fellowship. Yes, I did take this idea from UF RUF, but it was such a hit there, that I felt I could not pass it up! Please be in prayer for the freshmen girls that I am talking with. Even if I am unclear, presumptuous, or boring, please pray that they would seek RUF to hear about Jesus.

Adjusting here is continuing to go well. My second roommate arrived back from here summer mission trip on Saturday, so our house is now complete. God is continuing to provide friends and fellowship, which is making this adjustment easier than I anticipated. Thank you for your prayers and support!

Live from Norman, it's Blog Post Monday!!!

God is Faithful!!!

In the last week I have experienced God's faithfulness in putting me exactly where He wants me. The community here has been overwhelmingly welcoming. There are women who have already reached out to me and invited me into their homes. My roommate situation is wonderful, I really could not have asked for a better place to live. My campus minister and his family have also been extremely welcoming. I literally broke down into tears the first day as I was welcomed into this community, especially being so far from my family and friends.

This week I will begin meeting with and interacting with students. I cannot express how excited I am about this. Yesterday I attended a chapel service for the girls going through rush. As I worshiped with them and got to speak with them afterword I became overwhelmed with excitement to minister to the students of OU. It has been a long period of preparation to get to this point, and I am excited to begin applying all of the ideas and theories that I have about what ministry is.

Please be in prayer for the students that will be coming to RUF. We have 3 events on campus in which we will be handing out information and speaking with students. Please pray that these events will be fruitful and that God will draw who He has planned to us. OUr (hehe) first large group is one week from Wednesday, please be in prayer for all of the preparation that will go into this first meeting. I am so appreciative of everyone's support of me here at OU. Thank you!

I Have Arrived!!!

After an exhausting 32-hour drive, I have arrived in Norman, Oklahoma. My dad and I were welcomed by a group of OU RUF students that helped us unload our UHAUL. We were done in 15 minutes! The students stayed for pizza after and I got to meet them. It was wonderful to feel so welcomed on my first night.




My view for the 1500 mile trip: Disclaimer: It turns out it is not very safe to take pictures and drive at the same time. Do not try this at home!!!






These were some of my first views of Oklahoma and Norman!



These were some of the students, the campus minister (Doug Serven) and his family, and me standing in my kitchen. I am living in a house with 2 other girls. It was such a warm welcome! Stay tuned for more adventures from the Sooner state!

RUF Week Ahead!!!

I have exciting news everyone!!! Due to God's unfailing provisions, I only need $220 to get to campus! I am aware of several donations on the way, so I know that I am able to move to campus. It is very encouraging to know that God has provided and that I will be able to begin work at OU.

In the last week He has also provided answers to two other big prayers. I have decided to bring my horse (Chance) to Oklahoma, and there is a barn just ten minutes away from my house and campus. This will be a great opportunity for me to both have something from home as well as minister to students.

I also have a new and working car to drive to Oklahoma. Since my Accord had 166,000 miles on it, Mom and Dad felt it might not be the best choice to drive 1400 miles away. I am now the owner of a '09 CR-V! God has been faithful in bringing all of these little details together, and for that I am very thankful.

I am heading out to Oklahoma very early Saturday morning (August 8th). In order for this to happen I have a bunch of little chores to do and people to say good-bye to. I am so excited to arrive in Norman, but am nostalgic about leaving my Floridian friends and family.

Please be in prayer for me as I leave for the Sooner-state, that the move will go smoothly and that I will be prepared as school starts on August 24th.

Stay tuned for updates on the move and OU RUF activities!!!