MONTANA! :D

For the past two summers I have toyed with the idea of going out west and finding some dude ranch to work for. Well, obviously God had something similar in mind all along...but He was preparing me to go where He is now leading me. All that time I spent searching for something bigger, bolder, and better. I worked for a well known Arabian trainer and owner of Blackwell Stables, Michele Betten. Helped out a friend who was running headlong into the Friesian business. And even tried to partner up with a friend and buy our OWN horse! haha! All of that came from the preconceived idea that I would indeed become a horse trainer. God had give me a vision, I turned from it and twisted it into what I thought would be best....did that work? nope.

Oh, I've learned so much since then! All those long, wearisome months spent chasing after the wind have finally payed off...not in any sort of materialistic way though....
God has taught me that NO amount of my own efforts can make me satisfied. Only HE can. It's almost like when Jesus spoke to Peter, "Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, 'why did you doubt?'" Matthew 14:31. He was waiting for me to be calm and listen to Him and trust His plan for my life :) In the vision He gave me, which was sometime last winter, I saw this scene played out in my mind: A grassy, wide open space with miles and miles of fencing. Inside that fencing was a herd of horses running. There were foals frolicking in the fields and a myriad of colorful horses painting a glorious picture. And then suddenly there were some young girls (anywhere from ages 7-12) standing in awe at the edge of the fencing. As I looked closer I could just FEEL the ecstasy radiating from their faces! And it was at that moment when I knew there are girls everywhere just expectantly waiting to experience something like this. There are lives that can be changed just by being caught in the whirlwind of a horses' mane, or feeling the warmth of a soft, fuzzy muzle on your cheek, and ultimately building a give and take relationship with such a powerful animal!
That is my mission, vision, and hope now :)

So, now that you have a little background of the story line, here's where I'm at now!
Last month I was reading my Bible and praying about God's will for a summer job. I must also give credit to Max Lucado's book, A Cure For the Common Life, which has greatly inspired me to take this step. And so, I was just sitting on the couch and all of a sudden a little thought popped into my head! I'm sure it was the still small voice of God :) And it said, "Remember that camp your best friend Nicole told you about in 8th grade?!" At that moment I knew exactly what to do, I hopped online, searched Facebook and found it!! Trail's End Ranch! AHA!
I was still a little unsure of all of the details and such, but I printed off the application and emailed them. A few days after they received my application the head wrangler called me about the job. And with heightened anticipation, the entire process is almost complete, two seperate applications and a background check have been filled out and filed, and I'm on my way! My summer will be filled with all sorts of new experiences and a chance to inspire and spiritually challenge my students :)

Here's a little information explaining the financial needs I will have this summer:

Since its beginning in 1978, TER has functioned as a home missionary work. It is not underwritten by any denomination or group of churches. The fees cover less than half of the cost of camp. And as the area cannot afford higher fees, we must trust the Lord to supply for the rest of the expenses.

How Do I Raise My Support?
As a staff member, you raise your support by securing partners that want to help you have a summer ministry for Christ. These may be churches or individuals. Trail’s End Ranch helps by sending out two letters on your behalf to the mailing list you supply. Also supplied are: Camp Brochures, Prayer Cards, Return Envelopes, Official tax-deductible Receipts

Here's they're website:
http://ter.org/2009_ter_website/home.htm :]