Fall Changes

This fall has brought some most welcome changes to my schedule.

I have changed position at ICYA - I am no longer the director of children and youth ministry, and am now, quite simply, a youth worker. I have been pleading for this change for some time now, and although it seems counterintuitive to take a demotion, it is exactly what I want. I was doing so much administrative work as a director, that there was no longer any time for young people. With my new role, I am down to a 1/2 time position, but almost all of that time is spent working with youth. I am delighted and absolutely THRIVING in my new role!

With the other 1/2 time (I have to of course be busy!) I've gone back to college to keep working on a BA in youth leadership. I am only taking three courses this semester, at Providence College, but I find I have a lot to learn and am enjoying the intellectual stimulation.

So when you pray, please keep me in mind: for balance of life, for our involvement in church and thank God for these new changes!

Also, now that I am working with youth again, I once again find my heart breaking for the lives of these teenagers. Please keep 14 year old "Rene" in your prayers - she has made some poor choices in her life and is now living with the consequences as she lives in fear of gang retaliation and watches her 16 year old sister cope with her second pregnancy and her parents with substance abuse. She is beginning to decide she does not want to live the same life her family does, but has not yet begun to make changes in her own. Pray that she will have the courage to make better decisions, and to take responsibility for her own choices. Pray also that God would be merciful to her and put her in places where she can flourish.