A Whirlwind Two Months!

Is it really October? It's been a while since I have posted, for a very good reason and I am excited to share. In the words from Jurassic Park the movie, "Hold on to your butts!"

In August, I had the privilege of leading a group of young campers to the beautiful Malibu Club in Canada. While my primary responsibility lies within the Mountain West Region, I hold a deep commitment to serving the teens in my community as a dedicated volunteer. Just as I ask people to be leaders from the cities we collaborate with, it's imperative that we do the same. Furthermore, apart from our camp activities, monthly Shawn and I open our home to a large gathering of high school students. Here, we engaged in meaningful discipleship and training sessions which empower them as they support and invite their fellow students to Young Life.

After camp, I embarked on a journey to Anaconda Montana, where I had the privilege of assisting in hosting Area Leadership.

This dinner brought together a dedicated group of volunteer committee members and leaders, uniting to engage in prayer, strategic planning, and preparation for the upcoming year.

After Anaconda, I zipped over to Alberton Montana to pray and plan for our staff retreat in October. This regional team is prayerfully centered and a joy to spend time with.

Then back to Snoqualmie Washington where one of our Young Life seniors, whom I previously took to Malibu, asked if I would assist in her baptism at a local church! What a privilege it was to be asked to jump in the tank with her. Praise God for all that He has done.

We then helped pack up our daughter Grace's things and took her to her first year at college in Phoenix Arizona at Grand Canyon University! She has met a lot of new people, loves her classes, and her independence. She is doing great!

They have an awesome Young Life Club there she says.

After returning home, we jumped in the car to CleElum for the region's annual golf tournament, Swiftwater dinner auction, and pickleball tournament. (say that 5 times fast)

This weekend-long event not only supports the region but also the local Young Life area of CleElum (Upper Kittitas County). After co-building this area with Bill Dooley and Katie Blincoe, they are well on their way with a new Area Director who started September 1st, Claire Faucher. She brings a ton of experience to the area. My time with CleElum is now finished as I move on to other projects. I don't plan on being a stranger though, these dedicated folks hold a place in my heart!

During that very same weekend, I embarked on a journey to Chelan, Washington, to attend their annual Young Life Banquet at the Rio Vista Winery. It was an absolute delight to witness the Chelan Valley team coming together to celebrate their accomplishments and visions for the future in reaching the next kid for Jesus!

On September 13th, I had the honor of leading 8 ladies to Women's Weekend at Malibu Club in Canada! This has been a long-awaited dream of mine to take the moms of the kids we serve to camp. This was an impactful week for these ladies who said, "I didn't know I needed this, but I really needed this!" Praise God for this opportunity!

After all of that fun, it was back to work....

I then headed to Kalispell for a JumpStart Interest Meeting. Kalispell lost its Area Director in July, and I have been tasked with overseeing and rebuilding the area. So far we have a team of 8 meeting via Zoom weekly to pray and rebuild Kalispell Young Life! The vision for the area is that they'll hire an Area Director in 6-8 months. We want to give a staff person something strong to build upon. Please pray for Kalispell Montana!

A year ago my Young Life leader Sue Watson asked myself and my husband Shawn to be Work Crew Bosses for an 80's camp in September. This camp was the brainchild of Rob Starr who was given a vision to bring everyone who served at Malibu Club in the 80's back to camp but more importantly, back to Jesus! Shawn and I spent most of our time in the dining hall serving campers with a large work crew. What a pleasure it was to serve these people, many of them legends from the back in the day. *Why is Shawn an 80's pirate? Long story.

Finally, I had the privilege of participating in the Mountain West Region's annual staff retreat in picturesque Missoula, Montana. It was an absolute delight to immerse myself in the company of these remarkable individuals, all of whom selflessly dedicate themselves to their communities with unwavering humility, grace, and a shared passion for introducing teenagers to Jesus.

In the midst of our time together we got to celebrate my 10 years on Young Life staff! I began on October 22, 2012 (with a 10-month break in there). How fun to receive such kind and encouraging words from Katie Blincoe, Sarah Cooper, and Keith Dow. Plus a little axe throwing. (note to self: I suck at it.)

Thank you all for continuing to walk with me on this journey to reach kids in the areas I serve. I could not do this without your support and prayers. I mean, going to Malibu three times in two months is a bit crazy with a bunch of Montana in between, but I am just crazy enough to do it.

Please let me know if you would like more information about where I go and what I do.

God Bless!

PS - Please pray for the following:

- Deer Park, WA is still recovering from devastating fires in the area. Deer Park had its first WyldLife for the year on September 29th. Their next club is on October 27th. Deer Park would like to expand to the Riverside community, add high school, and is planning a spring fundraiser.

- Anaconda MT has its first WyldLife of the year at a Bowling Alley this Sunday, October 8th.

- Kalispell has 2 leaders who continue to be dedicated to kids. They had a hang-out recently with a small group. Pray for more leaders and committee.

- Chelan Valley had a WyldLife Clubble on September 15th - what is Clubble? It's CLUB in a BUBBLE! Chelan is in need or more leaders and committee too.

Join me in praying for these areas!!