Lindsay in Africa: More about This To Come

I have a lot to get done before I leave tomorrow, but really want to tell you how I med Nelson Mendala's Grandson and Cheif and how we are going to have a meal upon my arrival in South Africa. This connection is just too huge. I want to put time into sharing this one with you, so bear with me and I will have more for you soon.

About Me

I am a 22 year old graduate of the University of Southern California as a student athlete with a B.S. in Kinesiology. Having grown up in suburban Chicago it was an incredible move to the west coast that taught me a lot about grace, understanding, and how people can have a serious fear of rain.

Spiritually, my faith became my life after an interesting series of events that led to my working three summers with my church youth group. I was called out of the blue and asked to fill in on a high school summer trip with my church in 2006 to increase the numbers of female staff. I never realized how much that single week would change my life and how much my church's youth group did for me after I was no longer considered part of it. I was offered and took up a more permanent position with the youth group under the Director of Student Ministries and High School Pastor for the following summer (and returned again in 2008). My eyes were slowly, and shockingly, opened to what had been placed on my heart. Scared, unprepared, inexperienced, and with more excitement that I knew what to do with, I decided I wanted to work in youth ministry full-time.

What weighed on me so heavily was an unshakable feeling of inadequacy. I never had any formal bible training, I (unlike any of my friends interested in ministry) had gone to a secular university, and I was constantly reminded of my humanity and imperfection by living in Los Angeles and living college life. And honestly, that hasn't changed much. All I can attest to is that the last few months have been the deepest and hardest and scariest and most telling moments of my life. I have been torn apart by theology I am learning at my church in LA (RealityLA), I struggle with sin on a daily basis, but I am becoming increasingly aware that I am being prepared. I believe in my heart of hearts that God is grooming me (as He is all of us seeking Him) and pushing me to choose the life He has set for me. It hasn't been easy, but it is beyond wonderful. I can't explain how much I love Jesus and want for everyone to experience the sheer joy I have in my heart solely, uniquely, and exclusively because of him.

Some randomness about me: I am defined by my crazy family and how much I love them- 2 parents, 2 brothers, 2 sisters, 4 nephews, 5 nieces, and a dog. My favorite time of day is a few minutes after 5 am. Nothing is better than live music, no matter what genre. Toilet paper must roll out from the top. I don't believe in playing video games of activities you can perform in your daily life. I would rather be cold than hot. One of my struggles is swearing (getting better!). I once zipped my little sister in a suitcase and sent it sliding down the stairs. I love the smell of fire and charcoal on clothes. Some of my life goals are to have enough courage to rip the tag off my mattress, to own a cow named Norman, and to swim with a Great White shark. My next skydiving jump will be solo. I have more empathy than I can handle. Art supplies are my vice. I have never finished an entire chapstick (but I have one in my wallet that is very promising). "Moist" is my least favorite word and makes me slightly nauseous. I am the best parallel parker in history.

If there is anything that I have left out or that you would like to know about me please ask, I would love to get to know you also.

Lindsay in Africa

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More about This To Come

>> Saturday, February 7, 2009

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