Goodbye Vintage

I wanted to write this post earlier, i just didn't know how to place it all into words. Still don't, but I will try.

Exactly one year ago today I was working at Camp Bayouca and packing up my few belongings into a rusty old car to travel out to the unknown world of North West Arkansas. So that i could be apart of a church that i knew little about but wanted to help build and grow.

It wasn't an easy decision to make, one of the hardest ones that i had to make, because i loved where i lived, i loved the ministry that i was in, and i loved the people around me. I also had my intuition telling me that a "certain man" was more closely pursuing me and i knew that if i left it would make it hard for me to have to say goodbye all the more... So i did what i knew to do and i just prayed.

Sure, enough the right events unfolded or the other events did not opening the way up to North West Arkansas where i could join my friends, my family, my 'people' in building up a new church.

A church that was focused on Jesus, on love, on meeting the real needs of real people. A church where no one has it 'all together' and no one has all the answers. A church that humbly reminds a young adult that life is messy, no matter the circumstances...life is messy, love is messy, ministry can and is at times messy.

I think that would accurately describe my stay at Vintage, love, life, ministry, and messy. It was definitely not flawless...and I my stay was definitely NOT flawless yet despite all my short comings God used me...even in areas where i did not think he would...aka Children's' ministry. Many tears were spent in that area alone...leave it to children and mentoring them to show us how incredibly fearful and messed up we really are as adults.

But i also think that God used me to encourage others that worked at Vintage...at least i hope he did.

There were times in this ministry where i have prayed and asked God "why did you bring me here again? What am i doing again? Why am i doing this?" but i do not regret the decision, i do not think it was wrong, and i am certainly glad that i learned a little more about doing whatever it takes to help further the kingdom.

I will always carry apart of Vintage with me, and i will always remember those smiles on those children's faces....I will miss them and i will miss the others that had a tremendous influence on my character growth.

I will miss Amber and Daniel, Jason, and Candace. I will miss Alley, Soul, Ivy, Derik, Hausley, Sadie, Rosie, David, Mattylne, and those 3 Ryerse kids. I will also miss the infamous Gabe and Jordon. And i'm sure i've forgotten a few other kids. I will miss Aaron and JayeT, Robb and Vanessa, Robin and Kim, and all the other wonderful people at Vintage.

Thanks for letting me serve you all...thanks for having an influence on me...thanks for letting me be apart of a life, together.

I love you Vintage, until we meet again...

goodbye...