It Begins...

Last week was the beginning of a great adventure in my life called the Internship at the INN University Ministries here in Bellingham.  On day one we were instructed to report to the INN Office to head out on a staff retreat.  Stead and I decided to go together, and as we approached the double doors of the office he glanced back at me and said in perfect Stead fashion, "well, there's no turning back now."  And he was right.  In that brief moment before entering the building it felt like it was our last chance to change our minds.  Even if I had wanted to, I don't think I could.  There is a powerful pull towards the INN.  Something has happened to me there, and that something is not done with me, or the INN, yet.

Needless to say, the retreat was awesome (we INNterns even beat the Sr. Staff in a rousing game of Trivial Pursuit, a feat only one other INNtern crew has done in the past).  This week we have begun our work in the office.  Most of the day is spent on the new carpet that lines the floor of the newly remodeled office talking about student leaders, welcome back activities, the first INN of the year, and expectations of one another.  Each morning we sip coffee, read scripture, pray, and begin focusing on the mission of ministry that has been set before us.  Moments of laughter and sarcasm are far from rare in our discussions and there is plenty of creativity and encouragement from one another as the ten of us work together to try and nurture and develop our crazy little community.  

I have officially been an INNtern for one week as of today.  And I really do love it.  I love the tension of myself and my faith that exists in a ministry so focused on others and all the different paths of life they come from.  I love ridiculous gmail chats from Stead and Sarah that pop up on my computer screen as they sit directly behind me in the INNtern section of the office.  I love sitting on Seth's little couch and talking about videos and music and spiritual tension.  I love the encouragement Jim gives us as he leaves for the day.  I love how Lindsay and Lisa laugh about everything.  I love Christine and Ty's cool headedness.  I love Laura's willingness to be upfront and creative.  I find myself in this truly awesome group of people and wonder how and why I am the one sitting in the circle with them.  It's just so ridiculously cool!

Please pray for all the beginnings that will be happening over the course of the next few weeks.  Students come home to WWU soon and that means there is a lot to do!  Please pray for us as we prepare the INN.  Until next time, peace!