today is our last day in charleston as the campus crusade for christ historic charleston summer project = CRU HCSP.
God has grown me so so so so much this summer.
the community of believers are the strongest christian relationships i've ever been apart of. our conversations were intimate and our friendships have been deep. this is honestly the closest i've felt to God my entire life, but its only the beginning. i cannot wait to dig deeper and continue sanctifying my relationship with Him for the rest of my life.
project was challenging. i worked 40 hours a week at McDonalds for the past 9.5 weeks. i'm physically exhausted and ready for some relaxation with my family before i head back to fayetteville for band camp august 14. but all of this is worth the feeling of being tired. not just working, but building relationships with our coworkers, random beach goers, inner city kids, the homeless community, etc. we tried to be a light in such a dark place.
now that we're finally comfortable here in charleston, its time to go. i still don't understand everything, but last night at a debriefing meeting our director said it best:
we're like christ's disciples... after JC started his ministry here on earth, he chose 12 disciples to teach and really pour into. this summer there were 45 of us that were poured into and really taught to trust the Lord with everything we have.. THEN when Jesus ascended into heaven, his disciples were left to go and make disciples of all nations. we have grown so much during these ten weeks, but now its time to head back to our spheres of influence(our hometowns and campuses). with our project, we cover over 20 states, and at least 27 campuses total. thats just the 45 of us that came to charleston! other christ followers were built up this summer and are being sent out as well.
today is bittersweet. i'm sad to leave my roommates abby and bailee; my dgroup of anna, courtneigh, and leslie, and my brothers here on project: hunter, chase, and richie. seriously other people have made an impact, but these people above had really truly poured into me!
BUT i am so excited to see my beautiful family. i cannot wait to see my daddy, my mommy, preston, and my beautiful little sister(who is not so little anymore seeing as she's fifteen and driving like a maniac in my car without my permission but its honestly no biggie). but seriouslyyyyy i can't wait to spend a week on the beach relaxing and just lovin on my familia!
unfortunately i'll only be back in richardson/dallas august 2(4pm is when my flight lands until august 3 at 7am) and august 11(flight gets in at 7am) until midday august 13.
but i'm hoping to see my wonderful dallas friends before heading up to fayetteville!
i am soooooo looking forward to going back to campus! i can't wait see my dear friends, meet new people, plug freshmen into CRU and begin our freshmen bible study with my sweet friend kelsey! seriously God is moving at the UofA and i just can't waittttt EKKKKKK!
okay so i don't want to be a hermit on this last day, but im going to stop blogging so i can fellowship with my project brothers and sisters one last ddayyyyy!
okay goodbye my dear friends who have kept with me this long! if you'd like more details than i wrote here on the blog, please call or skype or write me... i would LOVe to talk about my summer and just express even more of what God has taught and grown me! okay seriouslyy GOODBYE!
love, katie whitehurst :)
Monday, August 1, 2011
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
american idol overload
so i honestly thought american idol would NEVER affect my life.
boy was i wrong!
charleston is hosting auditions for american idol at the city's convention center. little did i realize until today, that the convention center is located approximately 0.3 miles from my mcdonalds!
it was crazy today! seriously our lobby was full, our tables and chairs were full and the drive thru was backed up. and from what i heard, all the other surrounding restaurants were in similar positions. of course, being a business, we don't turn away anyone! so we kept at it and eventually served those starving singers!
hunter and i began work at 6am and got off at 3pm... but today felt like it dragged on forever! not a bad drag on but just super busy and hectic!
during my break(which started at 9am, and i had to find shelter in hunter's expedition) i reread my devotional.
1 Peter 1:6-7 "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ"
basically the three reasons we can withstand anything that comes our way:
1.what we are looking forward to = our magnificent inheritance of life with God
2. remember that every trial is a test, and trials make our faith stronger and more resilient
3. at the end of our lives, when we're with Jesus, we'll receive our rewards from him and his praise and glory and honor
seriously God was speaking straight to me today! i had become so stressed because of all the orders and customers! but He really showed me again how that no matter what trials are sent, he has been through them all and conquered the world and one day I'll be with him! seriously i can't wait to join Him!!
but on a less serious note, one of my coworkers made a very good observation: one of our american idol contestant customers could be THE next american idol. after that comment, i began trying to memorize faces and truly turned on my creepin skills!
ANOTHER bit of good news: some of my family is staying nearby at hilton head island this week and since I have friday off, I'm going to the beach with the Barbers! they are my crazy cousins and my awesome aunt and uncle from Jonesboro and I can't wait to spend the day with them! my uncle went to Arkansas and worked at Kanakuk during the summer(**SIDE NOTE: I got accepted to work at K-Kountry but God called me here.. but possibly next summer?). But I can't wait to tell them what all God is doing here in the Charleston area and just love on all the boys!
my dear friend Lauren Swood is also in South Carolina! she's from houston, but chose to come to the best university(what a smart cookie!) I'm hoping to hang out with her this afternoon or tonight! she's just such an amazing girl and I can't wait to see what happens this next year as we both lead bible studies back at Arkansas through CRU!
its just been so amazing recently!
but again, i'm feeling a bit homesick.. just missing my family and friends. can't wait to see everyone in less than two weeks!!
please continue praying for my coworkers, the inner city kids i play with on saturdays, project members(the other 44 college students here), lives that are changing, hearts to open, questions to be asked, american idol contestants not to base all their hopes in dreams in a celebrity status/their talent but alone in JC!
also pray for my lovely sister anna as she attends pine cove these next two weeks in tyler, tx! so jealous of her doing overflow.. but i know she'll learn ALOT! i loved pine cove and i'm so happy my friends work there and that anna is still young enough to attend as a camper!! pray for their amazing ministry as well as other christian camps such as kanakuk, war eagle, and sky ranch etc!
please pray for my continued growth as well. satan is attacking me in different areas, which is obviously a sign i'm growing and he's trying to stop me. well BRING IT ON! i am relying on Christ's strength and the knowledge that He has already overcome the world! such content in that thought! i'd really appreciate for you to continue to pray for my sanctification in Christ alone!
ALSO. new food obsession. bojangles(a fast food chain here in sc) sells boberry biscuits. they are SO SO SO addictive! this past week, hunter and i have eaten at bojangles and ordered the beautifully created boberry biscuits for breakfast. i guess i could use the excuse that we don't have bojangles in arkansas or texas?! but seriously they are apart of my new favorite foods!
*its a blueberry biscuit drizzled with icing. OH i'm drooling just describing themmmmm!!
okay, i'm going to hang out with swood now, but i hope this update(obviously) updated y'all on things going on here in chas!
k byeeee :)
-katie
boy was i wrong!
charleston is hosting auditions for american idol at the city's convention center. little did i realize until today, that the convention center is located approximately 0.3 miles from my mcdonalds!
it was crazy today! seriously our lobby was full, our tables and chairs were full and the drive thru was backed up. and from what i heard, all the other surrounding restaurants were in similar positions. of course, being a business, we don't turn away anyone! so we kept at it and eventually served those starving singers!
hunter and i began work at 6am and got off at 3pm... but today felt like it dragged on forever! not a bad drag on but just super busy and hectic!
during my break(which started at 9am, and i had to find shelter in hunter's expedition) i reread my devotional.
1 Peter 1:6-7 "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ"
basically the three reasons we can withstand anything that comes our way:
1.what we are looking forward to = our magnificent inheritance of life with God
2. remember that every trial is a test, and trials make our faith stronger and more resilient
3. at the end of our lives, when we're with Jesus, we'll receive our rewards from him and his praise and glory and honor
seriously God was speaking straight to me today! i had become so stressed because of all the orders and customers! but He really showed me again how that no matter what trials are sent, he has been through them all and conquered the world and one day I'll be with him! seriously i can't wait to join Him!!
but on a less serious note, one of my coworkers made a very good observation: one of our american idol contestant customers could be THE next american idol. after that comment, i began trying to memorize faces and truly turned on my creepin skills!
ANOTHER bit of good news: some of my family is staying nearby at hilton head island this week and since I have friday off, I'm going to the beach with the Barbers! they are my crazy cousins and my awesome aunt and uncle from Jonesboro and I can't wait to spend the day with them! my uncle went to Arkansas and worked at Kanakuk during the summer(**SIDE NOTE: I got accepted to work at K-Kountry but God called me here.. but possibly next summer?). But I can't wait to tell them what all God is doing here in the Charleston area and just love on all the boys!
my dear friend Lauren Swood is also in South Carolina! she's from houston, but chose to come to the best university(what a smart cookie!) I'm hoping to hang out with her this afternoon or tonight! she's just such an amazing girl and I can't wait to see what happens this next year as we both lead bible studies back at Arkansas through CRU!
its just been so amazing recently!
but again, i'm feeling a bit homesick.. just missing my family and friends. can't wait to see everyone in less than two weeks!!
please continue praying for my coworkers, the inner city kids i play with on saturdays, project members(the other 44 college students here), lives that are changing, hearts to open, questions to be asked, american idol contestants not to base all their hopes in dreams in a celebrity status/their talent but alone in JC!
also pray for my lovely sister anna as she attends pine cove these next two weeks in tyler, tx! so jealous of her doing overflow.. but i know she'll learn ALOT! i loved pine cove and i'm so happy my friends work there and that anna is still young enough to attend as a camper!! pray for their amazing ministry as well as other christian camps such as kanakuk, war eagle, and sky ranch etc!
please pray for my continued growth as well. satan is attacking me in different areas, which is obviously a sign i'm growing and he's trying to stop me. well BRING IT ON! i am relying on Christ's strength and the knowledge that He has already overcome the world! such content in that thought! i'd really appreciate for you to continue to pray for my sanctification in Christ alone!
ALSO. new food obsession. bojangles(a fast food chain here in sc) sells boberry biscuits. they are SO SO SO addictive! this past week, hunter and i have eaten at bojangles and ordered the beautifully created boberry biscuits for breakfast. i guess i could use the excuse that we don't have bojangles in arkansas or texas?! but seriously they are apart of my new favorite foods!
*its a blueberry biscuit drizzled with icing. OH i'm drooling just describing themmmmm!!
okay, i'm going to hang out with swood now, but i hope this update(obviously) updated y'all on things going on here in chas!
k byeeee :)
-katie
Sunday, July 17, 2011
holy city holla
time here in charleston is coming to a close. i work two more weeks and then head home on august 2. i'm honestly already feeling a LOT of emotions.
work has been good. i've grown closer to a lot of my coworkers and heard some of their backgrounds. i've really enjoyed being a smiling face and a light in our workplace. this past friday night hunter and i were able to bring three of our coworkers to the movies to see harry potter! it was great to hang out with jessica, amanda, and kevin outside of work! :)
project has been really amazing. seriously i love my dgroup more and moreeeee! my discipler anna is just so wise and articulate. we had our first one on one since staff left and it was really eye opening.. we talked alot about relationships and guys - a favorite topic in all honesty! being the farthest from home, i do miss my dear family and friends soo i feel like that is a longing desire satan sometimes tries to take hold in my head. i've been worrying about a few random things like both of my grandfather's health and my sister as she continues to grow up this summer. i just love and miss everyone so much, that it can sometimes be a distraction.. but God is giving me strength to make it!
(PS if any of my friends are interested in picking me up at the airport.. i give y'all permission to call my parentals to get details! *i would LOVE to be welcomed back with some friend's faces seeing as within 8 hours of getting back to dallas, i'll be leaving with my family for a week long beach vacation!). but then again they may want to pick me up.. IDK it's all up in the air *LITERALLY :)
what elseeee?
this past saturday morning about 15 of us on project went to marion square(a local park that has vendors on the weekends) to talk with people about Christ and just really evangelize. my dgroup leader anna and i talked to vendor owners. we got some confused questions but also some awesome conversations. one lady was so happy to hear what we were doing that she gave us a free bag of her amazing lemon cookies(DELICIOUS). it was just really cool to talk with people who were busy but willing to talk, and just be in a hectic, somewhat time pressured situation all in order to get a quick get to know you/share the gospel!
seriously its been so good these past couple days!!!
but i have looked at a calendar, and i realize i only have two weeks left! CRAZY!
time really has flown! please pray i continue to take advantage of every opportunity, conversation, ability to fellowship, worship full out, etc. seriously please continue to pray for the charleston community, God is working here!!
*i'd love letters of encouragement, and you'd def get a snail mail response so write me at:
katie whitehurst
146 lockwood blvd.
charleston, sc 29403
goodnight everyone!
love, katie
work has been good. i've grown closer to a lot of my coworkers and heard some of their backgrounds. i've really enjoyed being a smiling face and a light in our workplace. this past friday night hunter and i were able to bring three of our coworkers to the movies to see harry potter! it was great to hang out with jessica, amanda, and kevin outside of work! :)
project has been really amazing. seriously i love my dgroup more and moreeeee! my discipler anna is just so wise and articulate. we had our first one on one since staff left and it was really eye opening.. we talked alot about relationships and guys - a favorite topic in all honesty! being the farthest from home, i do miss my dear family and friends soo i feel like that is a longing desire satan sometimes tries to take hold in my head. i've been worrying about a few random things like both of my grandfather's health and my sister as she continues to grow up this summer. i just love and miss everyone so much, that it can sometimes be a distraction.. but God is giving me strength to make it!
(PS if any of my friends are interested in picking me up at the airport.. i give y'all permission to call my parentals to get details! *i would LOVE to be welcomed back with some friend's faces seeing as within 8 hours of getting back to dallas, i'll be leaving with my family for a week long beach vacation!). but then again they may want to pick me up.. IDK it's all up in the air *LITERALLY :)
what elseeee?
this past saturday morning about 15 of us on project went to marion square(a local park that has vendors on the weekends) to talk with people about Christ and just really evangelize. my dgroup leader anna and i talked to vendor owners. we got some confused questions but also some awesome conversations. one lady was so happy to hear what we were doing that she gave us a free bag of her amazing lemon cookies(DELICIOUS). it was just really cool to talk with people who were busy but willing to talk, and just be in a hectic, somewhat time pressured situation all in order to get a quick get to know you/share the gospel!
seriously its been so good these past couple days!!!
but i have looked at a calendar, and i realize i only have two weeks left! CRAZY!
time really has flown! please pray i continue to take advantage of every opportunity, conversation, ability to fellowship, worship full out, etc. seriously please continue to pray for the charleston community, God is working here!!
*i'd love letters of encouragement, and you'd def get a snail mail response so write me at:
katie whitehurst
146 lockwood blvd.
charleston, sc 29403
goodnight everyone!
love, katie
Friday, July 1, 2011
sorry for the delay!
soo it's been a while since i've written here: i've just been SO busy! i absolutely LOVE project to death but there literally is not much free time to just get on the computer and update facebook, blog, tweet, or *GASP* online shop/browse!
God is continuing to smack me in the face. its good though! He's sweetly breaking me so that I can wholly surrender to Him and his will for my life(my new favorite song is sweetly broken duhhhh!)
soo since early june ALOT has happened! i went back to my journal for the month of june to convey any big happenings/events!
i am finally comfortable working at mcdonalds. i know most of the regular's orders and specifications which they obviously all appreciate!
since early june our location has hired six new crew members(bottom of the totem pole = like me). but its been awesome because i've had the opportunity to train one of them and really get to know her and just love on her as we work the front register.
God has been and will continue to teach me while I work fast food. It's SUCH a humbling experience and really teaches me the meaning of serving. **but i do not like rude customers obviously, but as its been drilled into my head "the customer is always right". but one of my friends here did say something to the effect that we are literally serving the charleston area every day.. which is really cool to think about!
my project coworker(hunter) and i have also been able to serve some of our mcdonalds coworkers by giving them rides home or on errands. this time away from work really provides a good opportunity for us to just love on them and really get to know their backgrounds and how we can bring up the love of Christ and what he did for them!
we've also been poured into by amazing staff members and older students. God really provided an amazing group of older christians to really set an example and give Godly advice to!!
whats really really REALLY cool though, is that on a stateside project, the staff only stays for half of the summer. so this tuesday, all of staff is leaving. so all that will be left are the 45 students. the staff prayerfully chose leaders among us to lead us for the rest of the summer. it's just been so awesome this past week as we've seen everyone really step up and become true followers of Christ and respectful of peers who will lead us! **all of the head leaders just so happen to be some of my close friends here on project, so i just think God reallly worked in my heart to provide those friendships this summer!
we've also been reading the book of galations. oh my goodness.. such an amazing book of the Bible! go read it NOW!
what elseeeeeeeeeeeee?!
we've had several socials:
barn dance, woman's night(self explanatory), battery game(local soccer game), mid project banquet, and tomorrow we're just hanging out at the beach!!!
on saturday mornings we've done outreach which has included beach evangelism, without walls, and dreamcenter.
*beach evangelism=talking to beach goers through perspective cards and other tools in order to start spiritual conversations
*without walls is a really cool outreach.. its several churches that every first and third saturday of the month, they get groups to go to project areas/lower income communities to play with kids, give free groceries and lunch! its been awesome to build relationships with those in the community my small group was assigned!
*dreamcenter is a modern church that uses rap music and basketball camps to reach those in lower income areas, and we volunteer to talk to those and invite the kids!!!!!!
this summer was totally ordained by God. i'm so glad i listened to him!!! and to my amazing bible study leader lauren davenport(HEY GIRL) who really encouraged me to really pray and listen but proactively realize that project is amazing. i'm already praying that my friends and future bible study girls will apply and go on a project next summer!
**one of my good friends courtneigh and i have already been scheming and hoping and praying that some of our future bible study girls will attend the same project next summer and become friends like we have YAY for Godly connections around the world!! hehehe she likes penguins...! LOVE HER!
one of the other things God is trying to teach me is stewardship and financial responsibility. which honestly is hard in my little dallas shopping community. i get constant emails from anthropologie and nikon, along with feelings of constant wants. but God is really teaching me to only purchase what i need and to live on a budget. i'm definitely still not perfect in this area, but he is slowly teaching me! please be praying for that!!!!!! thanksss :)
PRAISE THE LORD:
my grandpa(Poppa from De Leon, Texas) was in the hospital last week but was released to go home and recently was well enough to mow the lawn! its been such an encouragement to receive letters from my texas grandparents while here on project. they really have been consistently praying for their descendents and their love for the Lord is definitely showing fruit through some of my family members.
One of those recent visible fruits is my cousin Will's acceptance of Jesus Christ. its been quite a journey from agnostic views to know worshiping the one true God. i've been praying for him for a while and i'm SOO SOO SOO HAPPY that he realized his need! please pray for his walk and for a christian community in austin, tx and where ever he attends college in the next two years! THANKS FRIENDS!
hmmmm what else should i mention??
on a sad note, my amazing roommate named Robin, had to leave project. her grandmother passed away earlier this summer, and she needed to grieve. and Robin is staffing part time for CRU at Kentucky this next year, therefore has to raise financial support and honestly its a stressful process. basically God called her home to rest, grieve, and prepare for this next year. i miss her terribly but i have to trust God and his perfect will.
I miss my family. my great parentals who really have poured into me and brought me up into the young woman i'm currently. i love getting texts throughout the week from my older brother preston and hearing about his internship in waco, tx and his amazing girlfriend heather(HI HEATHER!).
but honestly i've truly missed my little sister anna the most. im hoping she reads this but, if not thats okay too.. little things bring her to mind. i miss her finishing up my hair or fixing my makeup. or just chilling watching tv. or driving around going to braums and talking. just the little things.
i can't wait to go with my family to kauai the day after i get home though... it'll be great to just get away from home(hahah home = not home...) and just spend an entire week with my family on a beach!
BUT I also miss my dear friends. all my reid peeps, GO HOGS! seriously i miss our nightly hangouts and especially SMALLVILLE GANG OH MMMMM GEEEE! cannot wait for this next year!
and its been such a blessing to talk about my amazing bible study through cru this past year. our relationships seriously make me smile and i can't wait to all get together before school starts to talk about what God is doing... YAY!
i also miss my texas friends(HI GUYSSS); its been such an encouragement to get letters (cds from katie and amelia!) and just hear how yall are doing! sorry i haven;t been able to keep in contact, but know i love and pray for yall daily!
i miss working at fretz tennis center and seeing friends every night, but i know that this summer God wanted me here to serve and learn!!
okay i woke up at 5am this morning to leave for work at 5:30am, so im a little tired as i continue to type, but summary: God really is moving, providing opportunities to talk about a relationship with him, as well as continue to grow in relationships with my friends also on project, but i miss my family, friends, and cannot stop getting pumped about God's will and the future and his plan for everything.
but trusting him with so much this summer, i know he allows certain things to happen for certain reasons, and i've loved growing through the good and bad. thank you dear Lord for allowing me to come here to charleston!!
oh and i just ask for you to continue to pray for those in charleston, the united states, and the world as the Gospel of God is trying to be told EVERYWHERE, pray for followers of christ to step up and get out of their comfort zone in order to bring others to Christ!
OHHH i feel like i keep forgetting things but i started a journal/letters to my future husband(if God ordains it of course). basically another girl on project had the idea all in order to pray for that special someone and just write about how i can't wait to meet him espeically during whatever time i write him!! hahah it sounds silly but i think it will be a great present one day. im definitely not writing to one specific guy or anything but God will always satisfy my needs and even if he decides i will be single forever, this journal will be proof that i really did trust him
okay my eyes are about to close no joke. so tired. i LOVE project, the people, work, coworkers, outreach, socials, my growth in Christ, taking pictures of all the fun times, and just relying on his hope and will for my life. YAY okay please be praying for strength espeically as i work!!
thank you so much for sticking with me! sorry the topics jump around! okay its bedtime seriously! please look at pictures on facebook to get a visual!!!!!!!!!!!
LOVE YOU,
Katie Whitehurst
God is continuing to smack me in the face. its good though! He's sweetly breaking me so that I can wholly surrender to Him and his will for my life(my new favorite song is sweetly broken duhhhh!)
soo since early june ALOT has happened! i went back to my journal for the month of june to convey any big happenings/events!
i am finally comfortable working at mcdonalds. i know most of the regular's orders and specifications which they obviously all appreciate!
since early june our location has hired six new crew members(bottom of the totem pole = like me). but its been awesome because i've had the opportunity to train one of them and really get to know her and just love on her as we work the front register.
God has been and will continue to teach me while I work fast food. It's SUCH a humbling experience and really teaches me the meaning of serving. **but i do not like rude customers obviously, but as its been drilled into my head "the customer is always right". but one of my friends here did say something to the effect that we are literally serving the charleston area every day.. which is really cool to think about!
my project coworker(hunter) and i have also been able to serve some of our mcdonalds coworkers by giving them rides home or on errands. this time away from work really provides a good opportunity for us to just love on them and really get to know their backgrounds and how we can bring up the love of Christ and what he did for them!
we've also been poured into by amazing staff members and older students. God really provided an amazing group of older christians to really set an example and give Godly advice to!!
whats really really REALLY cool though, is that on a stateside project, the staff only stays for half of the summer. so this tuesday, all of staff is leaving. so all that will be left are the 45 students. the staff prayerfully chose leaders among us to lead us for the rest of the summer. it's just been so awesome this past week as we've seen everyone really step up and become true followers of Christ and respectful of peers who will lead us! **all of the head leaders just so happen to be some of my close friends here on project, so i just think God reallly worked in my heart to provide those friendships this summer!
we've also been reading the book of galations. oh my goodness.. such an amazing book of the Bible! go read it NOW!
what elseeeeeeeeeeeee?!
we've had several socials:
barn dance, woman's night(self explanatory), battery game(local soccer game), mid project banquet, and tomorrow we're just hanging out at the beach!!!
on saturday mornings we've done outreach which has included beach evangelism, without walls, and dreamcenter.
*beach evangelism=talking to beach goers through perspective cards and other tools in order to start spiritual conversations
*without walls is a really cool outreach.. its several churches that every first and third saturday of the month, they get groups to go to project areas/lower income communities to play with kids, give free groceries and lunch! its been awesome to build relationships with those in the community my small group was assigned!
*dreamcenter is a modern church that uses rap music and basketball camps to reach those in lower income areas, and we volunteer to talk to those and invite the kids!!!!!!
this summer was totally ordained by God. i'm so glad i listened to him!!! and to my amazing bible study leader lauren davenport(HEY GIRL) who really encouraged me to really pray and listen but proactively realize that project is amazing. i'm already praying that my friends and future bible study girls will apply and go on a project next summer!
**one of my good friends courtneigh and i have already been scheming and hoping and praying that some of our future bible study girls will attend the same project next summer and become friends like we have YAY for Godly connections around the world!! hehehe she likes penguins...! LOVE HER!
one of the other things God is trying to teach me is stewardship and financial responsibility. which honestly is hard in my little dallas shopping community. i get constant emails from anthropologie and nikon, along with feelings of constant wants. but God is really teaching me to only purchase what i need and to live on a budget. i'm definitely still not perfect in this area, but he is slowly teaching me! please be praying for that!!!!!! thanksss :)
PRAISE THE LORD:
my grandpa(Poppa from De Leon, Texas) was in the hospital last week but was released to go home and recently was well enough to mow the lawn! its been such an encouragement to receive letters from my texas grandparents while here on project. they really have been consistently praying for their descendents and their love for the Lord is definitely showing fruit through some of my family members.
One of those recent visible fruits is my cousin Will's acceptance of Jesus Christ. its been quite a journey from agnostic views to know worshiping the one true God. i've been praying for him for a while and i'm SOO SOO SOO HAPPY that he realized his need! please pray for his walk and for a christian community in austin, tx and where ever he attends college in the next two years! THANKS FRIENDS!
hmmmm what else should i mention??
on a sad note, my amazing roommate named Robin, had to leave project. her grandmother passed away earlier this summer, and she needed to grieve. and Robin is staffing part time for CRU at Kentucky this next year, therefore has to raise financial support and honestly its a stressful process. basically God called her home to rest, grieve, and prepare for this next year. i miss her terribly but i have to trust God and his perfect will.
I miss my family. my great parentals who really have poured into me and brought me up into the young woman i'm currently. i love getting texts throughout the week from my older brother preston and hearing about his internship in waco, tx and his amazing girlfriend heather(HI HEATHER!).
but honestly i've truly missed my little sister anna the most. im hoping she reads this but, if not thats okay too.. little things bring her to mind. i miss her finishing up my hair or fixing my makeup. or just chilling watching tv. or driving around going to braums and talking. just the little things.
i can't wait to go with my family to kauai the day after i get home though... it'll be great to just get away from home(hahah home = not home...) and just spend an entire week with my family on a beach!
BUT I also miss my dear friends. all my reid peeps, GO HOGS! seriously i miss our nightly hangouts and especially SMALLVILLE GANG OH MMMMM GEEEE! cannot wait for this next year!
and its been such a blessing to talk about my amazing bible study through cru this past year. our relationships seriously make me smile and i can't wait to all get together before school starts to talk about what God is doing... YAY!
i also miss my texas friends(HI GUYSSS); its been such an encouragement to get letters (cds from katie and amelia!) and just hear how yall are doing! sorry i haven;t been able to keep in contact, but know i love and pray for yall daily!
i miss working at fretz tennis center and seeing friends every night, but i know that this summer God wanted me here to serve and learn!!
okay i woke up at 5am this morning to leave for work at 5:30am, so im a little tired as i continue to type, but summary: God really is moving, providing opportunities to talk about a relationship with him, as well as continue to grow in relationships with my friends also on project, but i miss my family, friends, and cannot stop getting pumped about God's will and the future and his plan for everything.
but trusting him with so much this summer, i know he allows certain things to happen for certain reasons, and i've loved growing through the good and bad. thank you dear Lord for allowing me to come here to charleston!!
oh and i just ask for you to continue to pray for those in charleston, the united states, and the world as the Gospel of God is trying to be told EVERYWHERE, pray for followers of christ to step up and get out of their comfort zone in order to bring others to Christ!
OHHH i feel like i keep forgetting things but i started a journal/letters to my future husband(if God ordains it of course). basically another girl on project had the idea all in order to pray for that special someone and just write about how i can't wait to meet him espeically during whatever time i write him!! hahah it sounds silly but i think it will be a great present one day. im definitely not writing to one specific guy or anything but God will always satisfy my needs and even if he decides i will be single forever, this journal will be proof that i really did trust him
okay my eyes are about to close no joke. so tired. i LOVE project, the people, work, coworkers, outreach, socials, my growth in Christ, taking pictures of all the fun times, and just relying on his hope and will for my life. YAY okay please be praying for strength espeically as i work!!
thank you so much for sticking with me! sorry the topics jump around! okay its bedtime seriously! please look at pictures on facebook to get a visual!!!!!!!!!!!
LOVE YOU,
Katie Whitehurst
Thursday, June 9, 2011
i'm lovin it!
offically been on project 16 days!!
its been CRAZY AWESOME!
the community within project has grown closer and im still really getting to know some people here! everyone really has a servant heart and i absolutely love being around all the other men and women!!
our staff has been amazing as well! i absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE my small group leader Cayli! she's just plain stinkin awesome!!!
working at mcdonalds is definitely been better! i finally know exactly what im supposed to do and am not in any one's way or causing problems. i feel like im part of the team! its been great to finally be "free" sometimes to talk with my coworkers about totally random stuff but recently i've had three really good spiritual conversations with some coworkers! its been incredible to hear their background and current religious standing.
one big praise, is that one of my coworkers is a strong christian. today i invited her to come to our cru meeting(praise and worship and speaker) and she said she was already involved with a bible study thursday night, women's night wednesday nights, and church on sundays. i'm planning on asking more questions soon but its comforting to know other coworker other than hunter and i that is pursuing christ as well!!!
these past couple of days i've really been praying over my friends back home(texas), from school(arkansas) and those ive randomly met elsewhere! seriously its been cool to look back over the amazing community God put in my life and how some of them are really living out their lives for christ!!
i still miss my family alot, but i know they know i'm hear to serve the Lord so honestly its not too bad because i really am spending time and growing with my eternal father!!
totally random awesome moments this week:
i got a bunch of letters (and an amazing mix cd from amelia!!) which were all such encouragements on the particular days they arrived. i cried after reading almost everyone.. you know me, im a softy!!
BUT that being said, i'm going to try writing back soon but i can't promise lol! very busy... but i'm gonna try!!!!!!
BUTTTTT if you'd like to send me a letter, i would absolutely LOVE it!! seriously!
again my address is as follows:
146 Lockwood Blvd.
Charleston, SC 29403
YAY! this week has been great! praise God for everything he's doing!!
first offical CRU meeting at our usual location(college of charleston) so it'll be EXCITING tonight!
PLEASE PRAY FOR....
-McDonalds coworkers
-Project participants(us students)
-time management(myself)
-outreach on saturday(serving the lower income inner city kids)
-a tender heart for those in need(like half of charleston is below the poverty level)
-patience at work for customers
-safety from weather(its hurricane season here.. nothing approaching, but just please be praying)
SO those are my prayer requests, WHAT ARE YOURs? please text me, facebook me, or write me with specific prayer requests you'd like me to be praying for!
I LOVE YOU WHOEVER IS READING THIS :)
hope you have a wonderful week!!
OHH AND GOOOOO DALLAS MAVERICKS!! WOOPPPPP they're totally awesome!
everyone on project is rooting for Heat just to spite me and my love for dtown!! WHATEVE, we'll show them!!
OKAY I GOTTA GO! LOVE YOU :)
its been CRAZY AWESOME!
the community within project has grown closer and im still really getting to know some people here! everyone really has a servant heart and i absolutely love being around all the other men and women!!
our staff has been amazing as well! i absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE my small group leader Cayli! she's just plain stinkin awesome!!!
working at mcdonalds is definitely been better! i finally know exactly what im supposed to do and am not in any one's way or causing problems. i feel like im part of the team! its been great to finally be "free" sometimes to talk with my coworkers about totally random stuff but recently i've had three really good spiritual conversations with some coworkers! its been incredible to hear their background and current religious standing.
one big praise, is that one of my coworkers is a strong christian. today i invited her to come to our cru meeting(praise and worship and speaker) and she said she was already involved with a bible study thursday night, women's night wednesday nights, and church on sundays. i'm planning on asking more questions soon but its comforting to know other coworker other than hunter and i that is pursuing christ as well!!!
these past couple of days i've really been praying over my friends back home(texas), from school(arkansas) and those ive randomly met elsewhere! seriously its been cool to look back over the amazing community God put in my life and how some of them are really living out their lives for christ!!
i still miss my family alot, but i know they know i'm hear to serve the Lord so honestly its not too bad because i really am spending time and growing with my eternal father!!
totally random awesome moments this week:
i got a bunch of letters (and an amazing mix cd from amelia!!) which were all such encouragements on the particular days they arrived. i cried after reading almost everyone.. you know me, im a softy!!
BUT that being said, i'm going to try writing back soon but i can't promise lol! very busy... but i'm gonna try!!!!!!
BUTTTTT if you'd like to send me a letter, i would absolutely LOVE it!! seriously!
again my address is as follows:
146 Lockwood Blvd.
Charleston, SC 29403
YAY! this week has been great! praise God for everything he's doing!!
first offical CRU meeting at our usual location(college of charleston) so it'll be EXCITING tonight!
PLEASE PRAY FOR....
-McDonalds coworkers
-Project participants(us students)
-time management(myself)
-outreach on saturday(serving the lower income inner city kids)
-a tender heart for those in need(like half of charleston is below the poverty level)
-patience at work for customers
-safety from weather(its hurricane season here.. nothing approaching, but just please be praying)
SO those are my prayer requests, WHAT ARE YOURs? please text me, facebook me, or write me with specific prayer requests you'd like me to be praying for!
I LOVE YOU WHOEVER IS READING THIS :)
hope you have a wonderful week!!
OHH AND GOOOOO DALLAS MAVERICKS!! WOOPPPPP they're totally awesome!
everyone on project is rooting for Heat just to spite me and my love for dtown!! WHATEVE, we'll show them!!
OKAY I GOTTA GO! LOVE YOU :)
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
first full week on project
time has FLOWN by!!
i've now been on project for officially a week and God has taught me soooooo much!!
lets start off with the basics. God has been planning everything for a reason and for a while. the people on project are amazing. the directors(HEAD PEEPS IN CHARGE) are legit. their names are chad and mk. then there are some staff and student staff that lead our small groups and really help us in our personal walks with the lord(leading our small group bible studies along with one on one discipleship). my discipler and leader is named cayli. she is soooo precious and wise. she is 25, currently on staff as a women's leader at the university of tennessee.
then there are the actual students on project. everyone is sooooo nice and just willing to be friendly all the time. idk, i just love everyone already. we've done alot of get to know you games/activities like a scavenger hunt in downtown charleston, ice cream social, hanging out by the pool, eating in the hospitality suite(basically a room devoted to food/appliances/storage etc), prayer walking/evangelizing on the beach, participating(TEAM #1**AKA MY TEAM** WON) in a field day challenge/events, and just hanging out like all the time!
its been a blast getting to know everyone, especially my roommates robin, bailee, and abby. i just love spending time in our room; talking, laughing, dancing, singing ay bay bay(BAILEE'S NICKNAME/SONG), snacking, decorating our room, cuddling, sharing what the Lord is doing, learning weird habits, and just being together in such a small space.
i've also become pretty close with my discipleship group led by cayli, which members include robin(also my roommate/bed buddy), anna, courtneigh, and leslie. we all have such good conversations about what God brought us through in the past, what God is teaching us in our present, and what we want to do for God in our future. seriously, our dgroup is LEGIT and i love having dinner with them once a week!!
the community being built is amazing. God has been constructing these friendships, connections, and other crazy bits for a while, and its sooo much fun to see how he has coordinated/accomplished all of it towards this summer project.
i've currently worked at mcdonalds for a total of 3 days.
i work with one other student on project: his name is hunter. he's the class clown/loud kid everyone is friends with! its pretty fun driving with him to work everyday, and there are always good stories to tell!!
my manager and coworkers are sooooo patient. i love them already!
the last three days i was placed on the front register. i was basically fed to the wolves if you will.. but finally understand how to take someone's order, make any dessert, drink, or serve a meal to the customer's content.
my first day was really hard. it was difficult adjusting to taking people's orders and learning how to use their system. but currently on my third day(today) i got it!!!!
again i cannot say how patient and sweet my coworkers and manager are... God really is looking out for me as i learn new skills in order to glorify him in my workplace.
as for details in working mcdonalds, i honestly don't know what to say. its a humbling experiance but such a good mission field, that i feel honored God opened a position for me to take at such a good establishment(im not just saying that!!)
soooo basically my weekly schedule is like this if you really want some good solid details:
every week day is as follows:
7:30am wakeup, breakfast, quiet time with the Lord, get ready for work
10:30am leave for work with hunter
11am-5pm working at mcdonalds(usually lunch break is at 2pm after lunch rush)
5ish pm head back to hotel and relax for a bit
monday nights = project dinner(everyone on summer project gets together for dinner at our hotel's conference room)
tuesday nights = d-group dinner and bible study
wednesday nights = dinner on our on(usually a pb&j or microwaveable meal), team meetings(i am on the community team and help plan social events etc = help bring community) and THEN reflection time(time with God reflecting)
thursday nights = weekly cru meeting at college of charleston(praise&worship and a speaker)
friday nights = off(FREE TIMEEEEEEEE)
saturdays we have outreach in the morning and afternoons
outreach is usually beach evangelism or dream center(local church outreach with a clinic, air conditioned area to play games, bball, etc to underprivileged inner city kids)
sat night = social events(im on the community team, where we plan certain activities such as rollerblading with crazy clothing, dance parties, banquets, scavenger hunts etc)
sunday
attend redeemer presb. church in downtown charleston
afternoons are "off"/free time but another student named Chase and I were "adopted" by the pastor's family for the summer. sooo we basically go over to their house in the afternoon to do laundry, hang out with their family, and just spend time with them! the bailey family is soooo sweet and nice and i love the parents already. they are just so welcoming :) i they're like my family away from my family. and chase is a pretty cool bro.. he's teaching me how to drive his stick shift truck named jenny(FORREST GUMP).
anywaysssssssss i know that was long, but i hope i was able to give y'all a glimpse of what i've been up to in charleston so farrrr. God is moving here. I've been slowly growing closer to a few coworkers along with evangelizing on the beach this past saturday and God is really showing me how to talk to others about Christ(relationally and intentionally).
I can't wait to see what he's got in store for the rest of the summer, the rest of my life, and the lives of those that are radically changed because of their realization of God's undying and never ceasing love for them. seriously, i CANNOT WAIT to see what God's will is one day and look back and say Lord, you were amazing back there, and you're amazing now, and you will continue to be AMAZING(oranother GREAT adjective) forever and ever and ever and ever into the future!
some scripture i'd really love to share includes:
1 peter 1:13
philippians 2:4
1 thessaloninans 2:8
AND philippians 4:12-13
THANKS again for reading and come again :))))
ANDDDDDD if you're in charleston at all this summer, please call me and we can try and meet up or you can come visit me at my mcdonalds (on montague in North Charleston near the airport and interstate 26!) I WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOUUUUUUUU!
OKAY i need to go to bed like now.. so tired :(
please continue to pray for God to work in lives specifically those i am working with! i already love them so much and want them to know our creator, Lord and Savior!!
okay i love you for stickin' with me! GOODNIGHT
-kwhite
i've now been on project for officially a week and God has taught me soooooo much!!
lets start off with the basics. God has been planning everything for a reason and for a while. the people on project are amazing. the directors(HEAD PEEPS IN CHARGE) are legit. their names are chad and mk. then there are some staff and student staff that lead our small groups and really help us in our personal walks with the lord(leading our small group bible studies along with one on one discipleship). my discipler and leader is named cayli. she is soooo precious and wise. she is 25, currently on staff as a women's leader at the university of tennessee.
then there are the actual students on project. everyone is sooooo nice and just willing to be friendly all the time. idk, i just love everyone already. we've done alot of get to know you games/activities like a scavenger hunt in downtown charleston, ice cream social, hanging out by the pool, eating in the hospitality suite(basically a room devoted to food/appliances/storage etc), prayer walking/evangelizing on the beach, participating(TEAM #1**AKA MY TEAM** WON) in a field day challenge/events, and just hanging out like all the time!
its been a blast getting to know everyone, especially my roommates robin, bailee, and abby. i just love spending time in our room; talking, laughing, dancing, singing ay bay bay(BAILEE'S NICKNAME/SONG), snacking, decorating our room, cuddling, sharing what the Lord is doing, learning weird habits, and just being together in such a small space.
i've also become pretty close with my discipleship group led by cayli, which members include robin(also my roommate/bed buddy), anna, courtneigh, and leslie. we all have such good conversations about what God brought us through in the past, what God is teaching us in our present, and what we want to do for God in our future. seriously, our dgroup is LEGIT and i love having dinner with them once a week!!
the community being built is amazing. God has been constructing these friendships, connections, and other crazy bits for a while, and its sooo much fun to see how he has coordinated/accomplished all of it towards this summer project.
i've currently worked at mcdonalds for a total of 3 days.
i work with one other student on project: his name is hunter. he's the class clown/loud kid everyone is friends with! its pretty fun driving with him to work everyday, and there are always good stories to tell!!
my manager and coworkers are sooooo patient. i love them already!
the last three days i was placed on the front register. i was basically fed to the wolves if you will.. but finally understand how to take someone's order, make any dessert, drink, or serve a meal to the customer's content.
my first day was really hard. it was difficult adjusting to taking people's orders and learning how to use their system. but currently on my third day(today) i got it!!!!
again i cannot say how patient and sweet my coworkers and manager are... God really is looking out for me as i learn new skills in order to glorify him in my workplace.
as for details in working mcdonalds, i honestly don't know what to say. its a humbling experiance but such a good mission field, that i feel honored God opened a position for me to take at such a good establishment(im not just saying that!!)
soooo basically my weekly schedule is like this if you really want some good solid details:
every week day is as follows:
7:30am wakeup, breakfast, quiet time with the Lord, get ready for work
10:30am leave for work with hunter
11am-5pm working at mcdonalds(usually lunch break is at 2pm after lunch rush)
5ish pm head back to hotel and relax for a bit
monday nights = project dinner(everyone on summer project gets together for dinner at our hotel's conference room)
tuesday nights = d-group dinner and bible study
wednesday nights = dinner on our on(usually a pb&j or microwaveable meal), team meetings(i am on the community team and help plan social events etc = help bring community) and THEN reflection time(time with God reflecting)
thursday nights = weekly cru meeting at college of charleston(praise&worship and a speaker)
friday nights = off(FREE TIMEEEEEEEE)
saturdays we have outreach in the morning and afternoons
outreach is usually beach evangelism or dream center(local church outreach with a clinic, air conditioned area to play games, bball, etc to underprivileged inner city kids)
sat night = social events(im on the community team, where we plan certain activities such as rollerblading with crazy clothing, dance parties, banquets, scavenger hunts etc)
sunday
attend redeemer presb. church in downtown charleston
afternoons are "off"/free time but another student named Chase and I were "adopted" by the pastor's family for the summer. sooo we basically go over to their house in the afternoon to do laundry, hang out with their family, and just spend time with them! the bailey family is soooo sweet and nice and i love the parents already. they are just so welcoming :) i they're like my family away from my family. and chase is a pretty cool bro.. he's teaching me how to drive his stick shift truck named jenny(FORREST GUMP).
anywaysssssssss i know that was long, but i hope i was able to give y'all a glimpse of what i've been up to in charleston so farrrr. God is moving here. I've been slowly growing closer to a few coworkers along with evangelizing on the beach this past saturday and God is really showing me how to talk to others about Christ(relationally and intentionally).
I can't wait to see what he's got in store for the rest of the summer, the rest of my life, and the lives of those that are radically changed because of their realization of God's undying and never ceasing love for them. seriously, i CANNOT WAIT to see what God's will is one day and look back and say Lord, you were amazing back there, and you're amazing now, and you will continue to be AMAZING(oranother GREAT adjective) forever and ever and ever and ever into the future!
some scripture i'd really love to share includes:
1 peter 1:13
philippians 2:4
1 thessaloninans 2:8
AND philippians 4:12-13
THANKS again for reading and come again :))))
ANDDDDDD if you're in charleston at all this summer, please call me and we can try and meet up or you can come visit me at my mcdonalds (on montague in North Charleston near the airport and interstate 26!) I WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOUUUUUUUU!
OKAY i need to go to bed like now.. so tired :(
please continue to pray for God to work in lives specifically those i am working with! i already love them so much and want them to know our creator, Lord and Savior!!
okay i love you for stickin' with me! GOODNIGHT
-kwhite
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
charming charleston
finally project has started! im continuously meeting and getting to know the other 49 students who are in the same boat i am. friendships are definitely forming, and all due to the Lord!!
only two days in and my roommates and my discipleship group have grown amazingly close.
yesterday and today we've done orientation type meetings along with get to know you games, dinners, and scavenger hunts around the city!!
it has been so funnnnnnnnn
God really is teaching me a lot so far, and really helping me let go of certain aspects of my life.
today i also found out the location of the mcdonalds i'll be working at and my future cru coworker. he might read this later on.. nothing bad to say, but boy God will need to help me out! just from the few conversations and interactions of meeting hunter, he is one crazy, upbeat guy! his good friend is my roommate so she can't stop talking about how great and funny he is. so thats comforting.
-he just seems very extroverted, which i can be too, but def in a different way. can't wait to see how God teaches us both at the mcdonalds we work at together!!
its honestly just mind blowing how our days are packed, yet God allows everything to happen in perfect timing!!
anyways i wanted to give y'all a brief update of my first two days!
its honestly been nerve racking because i didnt know anyone just yesterday morning, but now i know a good majority of the people here and recognize every face!! its crazy to see how God has brought us all together!!!!!!!
anywayyyyys please keep praying for the influence we have in charleston, in our homes/friends, influences around the world, and just God's will in everything!!
tomorrow 30 of us will be going to mcdonalds orientation and then begin work on friday! AHH so excited and nervous and so many other emotions!!
again i absolutely love my roommates robin, bailee, and abby!! seriously they are sooo sweet and filled up with God's love!!!! yay! :)
GOODNIGHT ALL !!!
only two days in and my roommates and my discipleship group have grown amazingly close.
yesterday and today we've done orientation type meetings along with get to know you games, dinners, and scavenger hunts around the city!!
it has been so funnnnnnnnn
God really is teaching me a lot so far, and really helping me let go of certain aspects of my life.
today i also found out the location of the mcdonalds i'll be working at and my future cru coworker. he might read this later on.. nothing bad to say, but boy God will need to help me out! just from the few conversations and interactions of meeting hunter, he is one crazy, upbeat guy! his good friend is my roommate so she can't stop talking about how great and funny he is. so thats comforting.
-he just seems very extroverted, which i can be too, but def in a different way. can't wait to see how God teaches us both at the mcdonalds we work at together!!
its honestly just mind blowing how our days are packed, yet God allows everything to happen in perfect timing!!
anyways i wanted to give y'all a brief update of my first two days!
its honestly been nerve racking because i didnt know anyone just yesterday morning, but now i know a good majority of the people here and recognize every face!! its crazy to see how God has brought us all together!!!!!!!
anywayyyyys please keep praying for the influence we have in charleston, in our homes/friends, influences around the world, and just God's will in everything!!
tomorrow 30 of us will be going to mcdonalds orientation and then begin work on friday! AHH so excited and nervous and so many other emotions!!
again i absolutely love my roommates robin, bailee, and abby!! seriously they are sooo sweet and filled up with God's love!!!! yay! :)
GOODNIGHT ALL !!!
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