Danielle's Summer Update

I'm currently sitting in my new apartment trying to wrap my head around how quickly the summer is passing. Just this past weekend I moved two miles down the road from my previous residence (thanks to a bunch of college students that helped me out). The week before that, I was on vacation with my family in Alaska. Getting to see some of God's beautiful creation so far from home was refreshing and just what I needed. The pictures certainly don't do it justice, but here's a peek:

Skagway, Alaska

Now that I'm back home and settled, Garrett and I have been working hard at gathering student leaders for the upcoming school year. This is probably the most exciting part of the summer for me because I can begin to get a vision of how God's Spirit will work in and through our community through future leaders. Please pray for our decision making process and that the Spirit would guide us to students that he wants to lead.

Summer FOCUS is another highlight because all 8 of our campuses meet together every Thursday night for worship and fellowship. It has been really great to reconnect with students at UNT that I mentored last year, as well as meet new students in our community. The sermons this summer have been challenging and extremely relevant to our community's needs including: emotional regulation, battling depression, controlling your thoughts, and body stewardship. If you're interested in hearing those, you can access all our of media here. I think these topics are not only relevant for college students but for any person who is trying to look more like Jesus.

Summer FOCUS

Finally I want to thank all of you that I have spoken to this summer while I've been raising support for my next few years in ministry. Summer is a great time for me to catch up with people and let you know how our ministry is doing. Thank you for being so supportive of the work that God is doing through FOCUS and for allowing me to be involved in it. Your financial support and prayers have been incredible! I know God is planning some great things for the coming school year and I'm excited that you get to partner with us in that!

Next time you hear from me I'll be gearing up for the beginning of school! August 1st is when our first year internship starts for the new interns (there are 14 of them!) and shortly after that we will be retreating as a staff to bond with each other and plan for the year. I'm so pumped! I hope you all have a fun--and safe--4th of July!

Much love <3