Development

I feel like I have learned exponentially since my last blog post. God is shaping me and molding me as clay in His hands. It's been an exciting couple weeks. Here are a few snapshots:

• Leadership Coaching

Understanding Context - I am a passionate and assertive person. I have lots of ideas, dreams, goals, tweaks, and comments. However, as a new young guy, I have to earn/gain respect and trust in order to have a voice at the table. My co-workers/supervisors don't always know from what knowledge or experience I am coming from when I spout out my plan. Additionally, I need to fully understand the context into which I am inserting myself, before inserting myself and my ideas. This advice surfaced from a one-on-one coaching session with the Leadership Development Pastor - Josh Dix (formerly the head of the Worship Leadership Department). I'm excited to be learning more about managing myself and others.

• Design/Branding/User-Interface

I have been reading a lot about web design mostly from an art director's perspective and less from a web designers perspective. I've learned about what makes a good website-blog. For example: the importance of spacing, lists, consistency, using subtle changes to make a point (without distracting from the content). I'm going to attempt to apply my newly discovered awareness and continue to build on my taste for efficient and excellent designs.

• Entrepreneurial

Small businesses vs. Church planting vs. Non-profit exploration - I'm learning a lot about how this church operates in many ways like a business. And, there are three 501c3 organizations that have spawned from this church: an arts space, an empowering mercy ministry, and an affordable/free counseling center. There are several "business" tools that The Journey employs to operate smoothly. For example, we use Basecamp to manage projects; we use Google Apps as a database/server to house documents and communicate about collaborative projects and manage calendars; and we use Planning Center Online as a tool to organize volunteer scheduling. In addition to these tools, I'm also learning how to lead and care for people as well as how to communicate with "clients" (i.e. across campuses or departments or from staff to volunteers to congregates).

It's really exciting to see how God is using this internship to shape me for His plan for my life. From event production to business management, I'm learning many things that will spur me on as a laborer for the Kingdom, whether I work for a church someday or I start a Christian, theatre arts organization.

Please pray for Rachel and I as we wait to hear from the Lord what's next. With about seven months left in this internship, the real need for direction and next steps is beginning to surface. Pray that I will patiently rely on Him as He determines my steps, in spite of (or resulting from) my dreams and aspirations.

Hope: Fully

Adam

Life Update (sorry I'm late)

This update is a long time coming and I sincerely apologize.

A ton has happened in the month of November. Shortly after my last post, Rachel and I attended a Weekend to Remember with Family Life. The conference was a generous gift from some supporters helping to equip Rachel and me for our new married life. We grew closer together and learned some shared vocabulary for us to better communicate.

The following weekend Rachel was in Philadelphia, PA where she had the opportunity to attend an English Teacher's conference (paid for by her high school). Since Rachel's difficulty teaching, and her questioning whether or not she can persevere in her present situation, we entered into this conference as a test and for her to gain insight. When she returned, neither of us were convinced she needed to leave or staty neither of us felt God's specific direction for our next steps.

The following weekend, Rachel and I traveled to Pittsburgh to be with our families. Her family came down to PA and my parents hosted all of us. It was a delightful and restful trip. We were able to process a lot of information with our parents and listen to their advice.

We're still unsure what God is asking of Rachel. It is possible that her hardship is a storm that she must withstand, by relying on the Protector. It is also possible that He may deliver her from the wreckage. So please pray that God's path for us be revealed soon.

In the mean time we are being obedient in both directions: planning daily lesson plans and assessments for her student(s) at Vashon High School and turning in job applications at other institutions.

Fun Fact: Rachel inadvertently walked into a christian school yesterday (their website didn't have any positions available). After looking at her resume, and finding out that both she and the interviewer attend The Journey, she was given a tour of the school and invited to apply for a position in the spring. There are perhaps two positions opening up in March at Central Christian School, a presbyterian christian school that Rachel fell in love with and saw Jesus in the classrooms and hallways. Please intercede for us inviting God to place Rachel in that spiritually healthy environment.