A debrief

So last week was quite a doozy. I didn't get to be the Site Director last week, Jonathan took over and my boss, Rhonda, flew in for the week to transition the team. It was rough on me. Jonathan is great and in real life (meaning, outside of our YouthWorks lives) we would be great friends. And we are good friends. But it has been really difficult for me to hand over my team to him. The team that I've built up from the beginning. From day one. I've seen them through it all and now...that's not my role anymore. Even the site, as difficult as it has been, it's been hard to hand it all off to Jonathan. It's like I'm grieving losses that I'm still a part of. Still in the midst of. I came to a point last week where I realized that I was no longer needed and I didn't have a crucial role in running this mission site anymore. That hit me like a ton of bricks. But there are a couple of things I've learned (or am STILL learning from all of this)...

• You have to be well to lead well. The reason that YouthWorks pulled me from being Site Director is because I'm not healthy enough. I can't do my best if I don't rest. It's just not possible. I feel like God has been trying to teach me a little bit of that this summer (it's a reoccurring lesson though it seems). I've never really learned to "take care" of myself. Yeah, I've gotten by, I figured out ways to get my stuff together...but that doesn't mean I've learned to take care of myself.

•  Ministry is fun, worth it, and all of those good things that people talk about in church. But it's also tough. It's not always fun. It doesn't always feel worth it. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't do it. 

• It's not about me. It's been tough to let go of the "harvest" and the time that we are in right now as a team is "harvest" time. I don't get to harvest what I've sown. Jonathan does. As much as that sucks, it's not about me. I have to step back and remind myself that it's not about me. Who cares who gets to harvest as long as there IS a harvest? When did I make myself such a big deal? I should never be the big deal, it's not supposed to be about me in the first place. It's supposed to be about Jesus in every place. Right?

This summer has been one of the most difficult summers that I can remember. But difficult in a different way. Difficult as far as my personal growth and faith goes. I'm learning what it means to read the bible and soak it in. I'm learning that what I listen to can affect my thoughts and actions in everyday life. I'm learning that my speech can tear down or build up and have long term affects on people. I'm learning about who I need to look to (Psalm 121). I'm asking a lot of questions and not getting a lot of answers. It's frustrating. It feel grueling at times, trying to figure out this faith stuff. But I guess that means I'm headed in the right direction...

This summer has also been difficult health-wise. As you all know, I've been in and out of the doctors office and hospitals, more this summer than I have been in my entire life. I'm not joking. I've never felt this unhealthy. Not sure what to draw from that one yet, other than I am now thankful for the days when I feel healthy. I guess being ill makes you appreciate being well.


There is still so much to process and I plan on continuing this blog even after I'm home, using it as a tool to debrief and continue processing lessons from this crazy summer. So stay tuned...

Long story short

Last week, glad it's over. Had great youth and adult leaders last week but I was sick with intestinal stuff on Monday and Tuesday, started feeling better on Wednesday and Thursday. BUT, Thursday I was in a car accident that put me in an ambulance and in the hospital. Joy to the world. Only minor injuries, thank God. So, I've been trying to recoup from that as well as the intestinal stuff. Jimmy, my staff member was in the passenger seat and smashed his knees on the dashboard so he left the hospital in a leg splint and crutches. I was forced to give up my position as Site Director on Friday for the week (at least) so I can rest and get better. Jimmy is resting as much as he can. We're both trying to make doctors appointments for today. I need to see a chiropractor and Jimmy needs an MRI done.

All that to say, continued prayers are appreciated! Also, there is talk of me having to leave San Diego early to get medical treatment back in Michigan. Please help pray me through this decision and all that needs to happen in the next few days.

Here are a couple pictures from last week...

Always a good time with youth!

 

 

 

The five staff! Our newest member, Jonathan!

Jane, an amazing adult leader who played "mom" for me this week!

Painted beards, Boston and a new staff member...OH MY!

Last week turned out to be a pretty good week! We had a group from Boston, MA., Colorado, Oregon and Texas which (as you can imagine) made for an interesting mix of youth and adult leaders. The Boston group didn't start off as my favorite, but quickly took first place by the end of the week! By Friday, everyone was so attached that goodbyes took f-o-r-e-v-e-r. All that to say, the week was somewhat difficult with the dynamics of the groups, but overall turned out great! 

This week we made a bet for Youth Enterprize! The particpants won!

The whole gang in front of the church on Friday morning.

The usual Friday morning photo-op!

This girl (Aiza) was awesome, we connected right from the beginning :-)

Sorry this post has come late! I have some more exciting news to share! We have gotten a new staff member as of Sunday. His name is Jonathan and this is his 3rd summer with youthworks. He started off this summer as a Site Director in Chatanooga, TN but had to resign on medical leave (ironic?). He received the clear from the doctors and wanted to come back as a utility staff so YouthWorks sent him here to help us out. We aren't sure how long we will have him with us, but he has served as a great blessing and encouragement to our team. Just what we need right about now!

So far this week is going pretty well. We have smaller numbers this week which is kind of refreshing but weird because we aren't used to it. I have been feeling pretty awful since Sunday night and have been laid up in bed which is NOT fun. Still not sure what to do at this point...head home early and get the care I need, or stick it out for 2 and a half more weeks. I'm so torn! So continued prayer in that area would be greatly appreciated!

The 4th and more

Pedi's!

So I went up to Northern California this past week to rest and spend some quality time with Michelle's couch (we became very attached). I flew up on Monday afternoon and came back to San Diego on Thursday night. It was a really good trip and my intestines were thanking me until Wednesday night when the pain started coming back strong. Ugh. Besides that, we also went to get pedicures (my first time ever) which was fun. Michelle's parents (yes, her mom AND dad) went with us. Her dad was incredibly uncomfortable the entire time which was hilarious to watch. Good entertainment. I got to see my ranch family and spend the 4th of July celebrating with them at the Campbell's house at Lake of the Pines. It was fun and relaxing to be with everyone and have some quality time catching up. My showing up was definitely a great surprise to the ranch students and it was absolutely priceless to see their faces when I walked in the main lodge. I don't remember the last time I watched fireworks on the 4th so that was a bonus too!

Kayla and I getting our pedi's

Ashlee, Michelle, Kayla and I

Torreigh, Ashlee and Alexa - my favorites

Although I didn't really miss my San Diego team (sorry, just being honest) it felt good to come back and know that they missed me and wanted me back. I was greeted in the parking lot by an adult leader who had been praying for me all week and his group wanted to wash my feet as part of their foot washing experience. We do a foot washing service every Thursday night which is really powerful for the youth and they wanted to wash mine and Rhonda's feet. So they did, it was cool. Then another adult leader had invited us to go to a Padre's game with them on Friday night...how cool is that!? So last night the boys and I (Murphy is with her boyfriend this weekend) went to the Padre's v. Reds game. Of course the Reds won, the Padre's suck. But it was free and it was fun! A pretty good way to be welcomed back to this city.

Thank you (whoever you are) for your prayers. Here are some more specific things you can be praying for (feel free to print this list off and stick it on your fridge or comment to let me know that people actually read this...hint hint):

• My intestines - they hurt and I don't know why. Pray for healing and strength. 
• My team - we are hitting our "mid point" of the summer (even though we've been gone for 8 weeks already...only 4 left). Pray for endurance and patience. 
• YW leadership - Rhonda and Jason (area director and regional director) were here this week while I was gone and some decisions about this site have yet to be made. Pray for a clear resolution to some problems we have here as well as quick decision-making. 
• Stress - this job alone is stressful and there are other big things outside of this job that are on my mind and heart. Pray for peace and a calm spirit. 

Thanks! Signing off until next time...

Happy new month day! (Its JULY!)

Overall, this last week was great! Pain and health issues aside, I really enjoyed the week. We had 3 church groups here and a total of 40 participants on site. The groups were from Minnesota, Wyoming (my FAVORITE group) San Jose, CA. There were only a couple of glitches on Monday, but some hard work and conflict resolution did the trick and really turned our week around. Last week we had 90% middle schoolers and this week we had 95% high schoolers. Quite the shift. I can enjoy doing middle school youth ministry, but I like high school SO much more.

This weeks highlights:

Mission Bay beach night

Staff had a good time at the beach too!

• Adult leaders - 9 out of 11 of my adult leaders were superb this week! At the end of Wednesday mornings meeting, an adult leader named Kenny said that at their church they lay hands on and pray for people and he asked if he could lead in a time of prayer for me and this illness that I've had. I was so blessed by their leadership and care and the prayers meant a lot to me!
• The Weese family - There was a family that came as a part of the Wyoming group (mom, dad, daughter and son) and I felt a special connection with them from the beginning of the week. I was very encouraged by watching this loving Christian family interact with each other this week and Cathy (the mom) was very sweet to me all week, making sure I was feeling okay and she was always willing to jump in and help us out. DJ, the son, was 11 and he was the sweetest thing. He has a heart of gold and his love for Christ was so strong. His prayers were heartfelt and sincere. I was so encouraged by his faith in God that at times, I teared up!



The Weese Family

• Minnesotens - The group from Minnesota was ALL girls, except one male adult leader. These girls were a lot of fun to be around this week and we shared a lot of laughs! The leaders of this group were brand new to YouthWorks and brought me Starbucks coffee one morning in hopes of cheering me up (I couldn't drink it because of whatever illness I have) but it was the thought that counted!

There are several other highlights to the week, but to keep this blog post shorter I'll update you on something else...

My health. So the last week and a half or so has been rough and my intestines and I are NOT friends. I am now waiting for a CT scan to be ordered through workmans comp, and that is, IF they decide to pay for it. This week, my boss Rhonda is here to cover my role as Site Director and I have the week off as a "sick leave" week. I will be going up to Northern California (Roseville/Grass Valley) tomorrow through Thursday night. I am hoping to get a lot of rest and relaxation this week to recover from whatever is going on inside my body. By the end of this coming week, I have to decide if I am physically able to finish the summer here in San Diego or if I need to go home and get this medical thing straightened out. My desire is to finish out the summer here, I do not want to go home. As much as I miss my family and being home, I did not come out here to turn around and leave prematurely. Please pray that this week will be restful and helpful in the healing process.

Wyoming group = the BEST!

The Minnesotans

The group from San Jose

Thank you for your continued prayers for San Diego, my staff and the teenagers we get to serve with this summer!

Oh my oh my...

I don't really know how to describe this past week, but I'll do my best to fill you in (whoever you are)...

Started w/7 flatbeds...combined to 5!

Last Friday began our real set-up of our site since the Head Start program didn't have school and could get out of our way! So we began setting up bright and early, leaning, making signs, cleaning dishes, etc. My boss, Rhonda, flew in on Friday night and was able to help us set things up. We worked for 14 hours straight and were exhausted! Along with setting up, we had to do our first shopping trip. We spent over 3 hours in Sams Club and Walmart and spent over $1,200 just on food alone! That's how Youthworks summers go, feeding teenagers is expensive!

Longest.receipt.ever.

Saturday we kept working and by Sunday we were pretty well set-up for groups to come. We were all so excited when they arrived! And they all arrived on time to boot! The night went really well and our club service was great. The meeting that I am in charge of with the Adult Leaders went well and it was nice to have my boss there to help for the first one since there is so much information to get from them and to give them. Monday went well up until the evening....

Dinner fell apart because one of my staff couldn't cook noodles and his crew (group of teenagers with an adult leader) was so small that it was hard to put dinner on the table on time. In the midst of all that chaos and trying to help him manage the kitchen to feed 52 people, a girl came up to me freaking out, telling me that the toilet in the girls bathroom was flooding and going into the sanctuary.

Awesome.

So I run over to the church to see the bathroom floor flooded and poop is everywhere. Lovely. I passed off my apron and grabbed one of my staff and we went to work trying to stop the flood and clean up the mess. Dinner was running late, meaning the rest of the evening schedule would be late...yadah yadah. My staff were falling apart under the pressure and everyone was getting agitated. It was a rough night to say the least.

Tuesday was alright until I got a call that one of the youth was acting up at a service site and the leaders were thinking about flying him home. Trying to fenaggle that mess was fun. Wednesday was fine until the evening when I started experiencing severe abdominal pain. I was doubled over in pain for the night and on Thursday I went to a clinic to get checked out. The doctor there told me that I had an abdominal mass on my lower left side and I needed to go to the ER right away. I was in a lot of pain and hearing that news definitely didn't help. I called my family and they were praying for me. Luckily my boss was with me the entire time or I would have really lost it.

We spent a good 6 and a half hours in the ER and they did some tests. Long story short, it's an intestinal issue that if it doesn't get better or it gets drastically worse in 24-48 hours, then I need to go back to the ER and order a CT scan. So right now, I'm on a strictly liquid diet until Sunday morning to try to rest my intestines. I'm still in a lot of pain and it doesn't seem like the motrin or tylenol is helping much. Yesterday the groups left in the morning and it was a work day for the rest of us. All I had to do was paperwork and it was difficult to keep the pain at bay enough to complete it.

Anyway, thank you for your prayers and please continue to pray for us and the youth that we have coming this Sunday. This coming week is another "low" numbers week and we will only have another 41 people on site. My boss left this morning to head back to Denver so we won't have her to help us this week :-( Please be praying for this medical issue that I've been dealing with. I'm not sure how to handle it and it is hard without my family or friends here.

Here are a couple "bonus" pictures for your viewing pleasure...

City lights at night, this is the best pic I could get.

Memorial at Point Loma

Foggy city view.

Quick post

I need to post some pictures, but that will have to come later. It's late here and our first real day of programming and running the show is tomorrow. Our youth arrive between 4:30 and 6:00 p.m. pacific time so please be praying!

We have had a TON to do over the last 2 days since the Head Start program has moved out of our space, FINALLY! My boss flew in on Friday night and we have been setting up everything for our site. Shopping on Friday was pretty intense, I forgot what it was like since I did my last summer w/YW in '09. Craziness. Pictures of that to come later.

Anyway, please be praying for...

• my team as we're already exhausted and have to be "on" all week this week.
• the youth and adult leaders that are coming
• ministry partners and sites that we will be working with this week
• safety!
• rest (whenever we can find it)

Will write more later....

Draggin'...

Seems like this week took FOREVER! I'm not joking. It's hard for me to believe that we've only been here for 2 weeks, feels like it's been SO much longer than that. The days pass by so slowly, it's starting to get to me. I've already started a countdown until I get home...59 days. To some it seems short, to me it feels like it's an eternity away.

A few people have told me that this summer will fly by and be gone before I know it. Maybe true. Easier to say when you're not IN it. And for as much as I want to wish it away and pray that it goes by in the blink of an eye...part of me feels guilty for thinking that way. I'm not sure what part, but it's there. The excitement has definitely worn off (about 3 days into getting here) and the pressure is building. As we get closer to having youth come the more anxious I get and the pressure feels more intense. My boss will be flying in next weekend for an entire week which will be our first week of programming and running the mission trip (the youth arrive on the 17th). We have 50 youth coming with their adult leaders and although that is not our sites maximum capacity number (72 is), it's going to be PACKED. Our site is rather small (to give you a better idea: we have to build our sink outside this week because the kitchen is too small) so it will be interesting to pack everyone in here. They will definitely bring some life into this place!

Watching the sunset = my most favorite thing

All that being said, I have gotten to see some pretty cool places. Once the "June gloom" goes away it will be nice to go back to some of those places when it's sunny and warm. Recently, it's been cloudy and pretty chilly (most days have been in lower-mid 60s). Here are a couple of pictures from La Jolla Cove. It was a chilly night but at least the sky was clear for the sunset...

La Jolla Cove

Kickin' back

Chillin' (literally!)

Getting some air at Coronado Beach!

I don't really know where to begin with this post to be honest. Seems like SO much has happened in the last week or so! Last week was our first "prep week" and we had a lot to accomplish. Everything from setting up the places where the youth will serve, to making signs for our site, to building maintenance, to driving directions all around the city, to practicing worship, skits and games, to cleaning...we did it all!

My service coordinators (Jimmy and Murphy) have been working hard to meet with all of our service partners to coordinate scheduling and specific needs of the ministries that we can cater to with the youth that will be coming to our site. Josh, my program staff, has been working diligently to plan our evening activities and "club" services. We have had a fun time practicing our "clubs" and making sure that things line up so we don't look dumb in front of the youth when they come. My fingers are officially calloused from playing the guitar which is a good sign!

I'm realizing the my role is much more behind-the-scenes and administrative. It's not a terrible thing, but I know I will miss interacting with the youth and getting to serve hands-on this summer. I've also realized that I'm the "main man" that is running the show. Kinda scary. My staff looks to me for every ounce of leadership I've got and I'm not gonna lie...I'm feeling the pressure! It's all on my shoulders and I can feel it! I'm sure I'll be able to feel it even more when the youth and adult leaders come and they are all looking to me to have the answers to all of their questions, to be able to solve the problems and to alleviate any and all issues that might come up. Yikes! Not sure I was ready for this, but hey...here I am!

The "solid six" intern team reunited!

Aside from Youthworks stuff...I got to go up North this past weekend to the ranch (CEM) to watch my kids graduate. What a HUGE blessing! It was really great to be back at the ranch and see people that I know, love and care about. It felt like I was going home, and really, it's probably the closest thing to home for me. My heart was so full, hearing my kids' speeches and seeing them so happy and feeling accomplished. For them, it was a huge feat to get their high school diploma and I can't explain to you the excitement that was felt by all who were there. I was sad to come back on Sunday. I flew stand-by and didn't make the first flight that I was supposed to be on. So my good friend Emily and I got to travel together because she missed her flight too! That was a fun surprise to see her in the airport in Sacramento after she was supposed to be back in Georgia!

Travel buddies!

Anyway, I will have another update soon. This week (meaning June 4 - now) has been a little more relaxed since I was a "slave driver" last week. And yes, my staff did allude to me being a slave driver last week, I worked 'em hard! At any rate, we've carved out some time to hit up some really cool sights that I'll have to post about later! Until next time...

From MI to CA...

Whew! I finally made it to San Diego! Training was really intense and we usually went 15-16 hours each day. Early up, late down...soon to be my summer motto :-) I don't think I've ever sat for that long in my LIFE. I'm glad training is over but I can't believe I'm here! Here's are a few photos of the journey from home sweet home to beautiful Southern California...

"Say CHEESE!" - Wisconsin

GREAT roadtrip! Sadly, had to come to an end :-(

Up and at 'em to catch our 7 a.m. flight out of Minneapolis!

We made it!

Skyscrapers and palm trees were waiting to welcome us :-)

T-minus 5 days

Only a few days left until I head to RAMP training in Minneapolis where I will meet my team face to face. I have been in contact with each of them and I think they will be great! It really hasn't hit me yet that I'll be leaving so soon. People ask me if I'm getting excited and it's hard to say because it seems so far off. But it's not! I'll be packing up my things to move on Friday, have the weekend at home and then I'm off!

Travel plans are in place and we'll be hitting the road (I'm guessing) sometime on Sunday. It's about a 10 hour drive which isn't so bad. I'll  be road tripping with Gma and Gpa Remer! It'll be great to have quality time with them and I'm so thankful for the way that it all worked out. They will visit relatives for a few days after dropping me off at training and then they will head home. All transportation has been worked out (except for my way home, still need to buy my ticket) and all finances have come in for me to make it just fine!

Thank you for your continued prayers as I prepare to transition for the summer. It'll be here before I know it!

Bullet-point prayers

I got an email today with the names of my staff members! How exciting. I will be calling the 3 of them tomorrow to fill them in on some details and answer any questions they may have. I already received an email with a ton of questions from one very eager member of the team!

Anyway, thanks for praying (whoever you are) for my staff and the community we will be serving in San Diego.
Here's how you can pray more specifically:

• You can pray for my team specifically by name: Josh, Murphy and Jimmy. 
• Pray that I get the financial support I need to buy my plane ticket. I'm starting to get nervous about it :-/ 
• I've been feeling anxious about having to leave the people that I love...again. Please pray that I would soak in all the support and affirmation that I need to head into this summer with a sense of confidence and peace.
• Pray that I would be able to memorize at least 15 songs on guitar within the next week and a half!
• All of the preparations for RAMP training in Minneapolis, both on my end and on the end of those who are doing everything behind the scenes.

If you have any questions or comments, leave 'em here! Let me know you're out there :-)

"Area 22" - Deuces: We're from the West anyway

Here are a couple of pictures from my weekend in Minneapolis at Site Director training. In this picture, to the right of me (counter clockwise) is my Area Director (AD) Rhonda. Then there's Andy who is the SD of the San Fransisco site, and then Tait who is the SD for the Denver site. I enjoyed getting to know my AD, she seems like a lot of fun!

Together, the 4 of us make up Area 22! As a fun exercise during our training weekend we had to come up with a word and slogan to go with our area number. We came up with "Deuces - We're from the West anyway" because we are Area 22 and although we are technically a part of the Mid-States Region for YouthWorks, our sites were previously in the Western region. The four of us will be together again at RAMP training (with our teams) on the 21st and then go our separate ways for the summer! Rhonda will get her fair share of traveling in for the summer as she goes between our 3 sites.

Let the adventure begin!

On May 21st I will head to Minneapolis, MN for a week of training (RAMP - Regional and Area Mission Preparation) before being flown to San Diego, CA where I will spend the summer as a Site Director for YouthWorks. Aaahh!

I spent the weekend in Minneapolis at Site Director (SD) training where I got to meet my Area Director (AD) as well as other SD's who will be serving in different communities this summer. It was a packed weekend and I left feeling pretty overwhelmed but excited about what is ahead of me. I got to learn a little bit about the community I will be serving in as well as many of my job responsibilities, including (but definitely NOT limited to); managing staff (3 others), filing paperwork, managing a budget of over 15K, reporting to headquarters, leading adult leaders and youth, maintaining relationships with over 12 ministry sites and leading worship.

We will be staying at New Life Assembly in San Diego and working with several ministries in the city; the San Diego rescue mission, senior nutrition, San Diego food bank, hope leadership, special delivery, cloisters, etc. I don't know a ton about these ministries at this point but I am excited to come alongside them and serve this summer. I will only be 5 miles from the border at Tijuana and will definitely be spending some time at Coronado beach!

I wish I had more energy to write about how I'm feeling and processing this whole thing, but I'm still worn out from the weekend. I'll do my best to keep this thing up and running throughout the summer! I'll post more later for sure. Until next time...

P.S. My mailing address for the summer is:
766 28th St. San Diego, CA 92102