In some ways it is sad that the Global Student Program has ended, especially since we don't know when we might be able to see our new friends again. But in many ways, it is a joy to reflect on all that God did this summer and that we got to be a part of it. I am having a really hard time deciding what to write or what story to share that will best capture the summer, our experiences, what we did, what we learned, and how all of us are walking away different in some way. I think that the best I can do for now is share some pictures and a few stories and hope that in some way this will give a glimpse of what this summer was like for us. Get ready for several pics!
We spent most of this summer in the book of Philippians- studying, memorizing and applying it. I was really impacted by this study, and I know that I wasn't alone in that. Constantly I heard students and staff referring to the things they were learning and how they were growing through their study. I can definitely relate to Paul when he says in Philippians "I thank my God in all my remembrance of you..." I am so thankful for these people that we got to work with this summer!
We learned so much this summer from some amazing speakers. Pictured above is us with Jim Downing, the oldest living Navigator and definitely one of the most wise. One of the goals of the summer was to train and develop staff and students in heart, vision, and skill so they could go back to their home countries more equipped to labor.
Of course, we did lots of fun stuff together. One of my favorite things to do is to host people in our home. One night I had all the ladies over to have some quality girl time and it was so much fun! I had plans for swimming and games but of course we just ended up talking and sharing life the whole time. I grew to love these women so much this summer! Pictured above is Naitu (Kenya), Tisa (Canada), Kavee (Kenya), Lindsay (Colorado), me, Mary (Colorado) and Zhetu (South Africa).
By far one of the best fun days was our trip to see the Colorado Sky Sox. I've never had more fun at a baseball game in my life! (Now remember, this was most of GSP's first time to go to a baseball game ever). To start, we all got free baseball gloves. Since it was Navigator Night at the stadium, we also had a box we could go up and watch from and get free drinks. Plus it was 50 cent hot dog day! All that was good, but the best part was that for some reason our group singled out Charlie Blackmon as their favorite and cheered for him the whole game. Now, when I say cheer I don't just mean a little "Go Charlie" here and there. I mean loud, continuous hollering and African chanting like baseball has never seen before. I couldn't tell if Charlie liked it or not, but at the end he scored the winning run and had us all on the field to celebrate and get signed baseballs and take pictures.
Pictured above, looking at the camera and holding our free baseball gloves- me, Tisa (Canada), Lydia (Alabama), Jemimah (Kenya). These women are amazing and I loved every moment that I got to spend with them this summer!
You know who we are!
I love this picture! Pictured above is Xiaosong (China), Lazzy (South Africa), and Winda (Indonesia).
Pictured above is Princess (Ghana) and me with Sox the Fox! Princess and I spent a lot of time together this summer and she is a joy to be with. Her name is a perfect fit for her too!
This is Andy and Ben (Scotland). They spent a ton of time together this summer and grew very close. I think we were able to be a blessing in Ben's life over the summer and he definitely was in ours.
And here we are with the famous Charlie!!
Another highlight this summer was international dinners where each country represented had an opportunity to share food, culture, and ministry stories. We learned so much about each other and grew in our understanding and awe of what God is doing all over the world. It is so easy to forget that He is bigger than what is going on in our individual lives. Pictured above is some of the women from Africa Night, Kedi (South Africa), Thato (South Africa), Jemimah (Kenya), Mercy (Kenya) - aren't they beautiful?!
Luke (Australia) and Andy. These guys played a ton of chess this summer! Not only that, but they connected deeply on a spiritual level and grew very close. Luke starts University soon and we can't wait to visit him when we get to the South Pacific, and we are excited to see how God uses his life!
Nii Ayi (Ghana), Efrian (Mexico) and Lazzy (South Africa) on the way to the top of Pikes Peak. Such cool guys who grew so much this summer!
Sami (Jordan), Ben (Scotland), Sam (Wisconsin), Andy, Pete (Colorado), and Xiaosong (China).
Andy and Lazzy (South Africa), who Andy so enjoyed spending time with this summer and driving all around Colorado Springs!
Rebeca (Mexico) and me. I love this girl! She is beautiful inside and out and God did some huge things in her life this summer and she will never be the same! It was a joy to be a part of her life.
Yep, that's us again :)
Winda (Indonesia), Mary (Colorado), Zhetu (South Africa), and me. Each of these women hold a special place in my heart!
Below, our final banquet... tears...
Us with Mike and Chris Treneer. Mike, the international president of The Navigators, shared with us at our final banquet about our calling to make disciples of all nations. It was an amazing way for us to be sent back home, inspired and enabled by what God has called us to do. One of mine and Andy's highlights this summer was that we got to live with the Treneers for 5 days- what an amazing couple! We feel like we learned so much from them just observing how they lived life and loved each other. We wouldn't trade that time for anything.
And that's all for now. Thanks for taking the time to learn a little more about our summer!
