Today I got to hang out for six-ish hours with some of my friends from Work Crew. We were at Lake Champion way back in June of 2004, so it has been almost four years since we spent a whole month together.
Dana Sherry, one of my great elementary and high school friends was in attendance as well as Selma Nunes and Tony Pyle, both with whom I now share a lot of my college memories with. Then our friend Russ Brasher, from Toledo was able to make the drive to Ann Arbor to see us too!
Now here's the deal. For most of you who know my work crew experience, you will know that I didn't really enjoy it quite as much as the average person does. I was homesick the entire time and wanted to be back in my sheltered unchanging world, where I was cross country captain and on top of the world :] So needless to say, I never spoke highly of my experience except for the fact that it was sweet to get to see another YL camp.
Looking back on the past four years of my life, that month has set me up for an eternity of love. Selma and Tony both have this incredible ability to make me laugh for hours on end...but there is even more to it then that. They challenge me, call me out, tell me how it is, and force me to think outside the box. They have shown me what it means to lead a ministry, what it looks like to sacrifice and persevere. They are just a phenomenal part of my life, especially in the past year.
I got to hang out with Dana for the first time in WAY too long of a time today/tonight too. She is beautiful. I can't believe how long we've been friends, but what really gets me is that we have become completely different women in this world who are united because of a bond that God has eternally tied between us. She teaches me confidence, patience, and calmness...she lives a stress free life and let's God take care of things...it's great.
Russ is great too. I love that he came and I love that he is about to become a bigger part of my life. We didn't really talk much at work crew...and not for any bad reasons...really just because there was no reason for us to associate that much. But because of God, and because He loves us so freakin' much, He brings old acquaintances and makes them into new friends.
I am eternally grateful for work crew. If you ever get the chance to do it, just do it. I'll send you mail :]
Love you all. Thanks for being a part of my walk with Jesus.
