The group is preparing for the staff to leave at the end of this week. This is definitely a bittersweet time as the group has bonded and grown close to their servant leadership. It's also a greatly strengthening time though as the students further bond together and step up to the responsibilities assigned with the departure of the staff. I know it's also a bittersweet time for the staff as they look forward to hearing of the students further growth but would very much like to be with them.
I enjoyed hearing from the staff and students of how they've served and grown since arriving in the lowcountry about a month ago. I was there during their family weekend so they were very excited to share their experiences so far with family and friends. This was so encouragingly evident as they introduced themselves to me. The team has been serving migrant camps, holding free car washes and ice cream socials, as well as building relationships in their workplaces and helping with the weekly operations of the church plant, Crosspoint Bluffton.
I wondered (and was asked) what it would be like to return to such a different group from last year. I discovered that although I do love my group and miss being together with them as we were last summer, things felt as though they were exactly as they should be. It is truly exciting to see SummerLink continue knowing especially with a young class, the future of Crosspoints college program (and its leadership) are being trained and envigorated to serve the campus, community and wherever God leads them in the future with excitement and awe of His plan. It's such a great blessing and privilege to have been a part of this program and to return to see its future.
I enjoyed hearing from the staff and students of how they've served and grown since arriving in the lowcountry about a month ago. I was there during their family weekend so they were very excited to share their experiences so far with family and friends. This was so encouragingly evident as they introduced themselves to me. The team has been serving migrant camps, holding free car washes and ice cream socials, as well as building relationships in their workplaces and helping with the weekly operations of the church plant, Crosspoint Bluffton.
I wondered (and was asked) what it would be like to return to such a different group from last year. I discovered that although I do love my group and miss being together with them as we were last summer, things felt as though they were exactly as they should be. It is truly exciting to see SummerLink continue knowing especially with a young class, the future of Crosspoints college program (and its leadership) are being trained and envigorated to serve the campus, community and wherever God leads them in the future with excitement and awe of His plan. It's such a great blessing and privilege to have been a part of this program and to return to see its future.
Here are a few pictures of my short but sweet time with SummerLINK 09
One of the things I enjoyed most about the visit was getting to see some familiar sites from last summer. First Baptist graciously allowed us to use their Student Center for our weekly group Celebration meetings which included a meal, games, praise and worship and a message. This year's group does this as well but their weekly schedule is a bit different.
Families were invited to gather at Driessen Beach for lunch at the park before BlufFest that evening. It was Matt Stephens' Birthday so some of the staff surprised him with a cake complete with a Batman mask (he's a big Dark Knight fan) and a matching costume as a gift.
It was a lot of fun seeing him and Jason as they returned for their second year as student linkers (three of the girls returned as staff). They are a true encouragement as they've grown in leadership and are serving the Lord whole-heartedly. Jason will be serving as the student director and Matt is very talented with media and leading worship.
I loved spending time with Clemson friends I don't get to see nearly as often as I'd like! Lyndsey is such a sweet sister. She's one of the oldest of the group and I'm sure doing a wonderful job encouraging and shepherding younger sisters.
Most of the female staff:Meredyth, Tara and Jenna (just April and the directors' wives, Liz and Brandy, missing). I thought it was fun to see how many of the alums wore our S'link 08 shirts.
Another familiar (and funny!) site. This is a restaurant in Bluffton just around the corner from Brenden Woods, the habitat neighborhood where we did block parties. Heath talked Meredith and I into a Bluffton Interns lunch one day. They make an excellent Gyro! (though, its more of a southern cookin' place than a greek....)
The trip was quick (as always with any visit to dear friends!) but very refreshing and fun! I'm looking forward to continuing to hear of how the Lord works in and through this group in the weeks (and prayerfully, years with coming groups!) to come!!
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