The spring semester at MTSU was really busy — much busier than I anticipated. We were so blessed to have a solid group of freshmen (mainly boys!), and it was such a joy to watch them grow to know and love one another. By the end of the semester, they were hanging out all the time — grabbing wings or BBQ, eating lunch together in the cafeteria, going to Nashville for Predators games, and coming to Bible study. I know all of this is the Lord, and I'm so thankful for how He has brought them together. It was wonderful to be in freshman Bible study with many of them this semester and to hear them asking questions. We went through Tim Keller's "The Reason for God," and they really seemed to enjoy it and get a lot out of it.
Paul preached through Daniel this semester at large group, and we moved our large group time up an hour and a half (from 8:30 to 7 p.m.) — big difference! It was great to have more time to hang out afterwards, and we look forward to doing it again this semester.
We took a great crew to winter conference in February at Fall Creek Falls. Over 500 students from about 15 schools came, and it was a great time of teaching and community. We enjoyed hiking, great seminars and music, and lots of time with each other!
Our group at Fall Creek Falls
Our spring break missions trip was to New York City. We took 12 students (along with the staff of 3), and joined with Wake Forest's RUF. The trip was an incredible blessing. We spent our mornings meeting with leaders from around the city, and got to attend Redeemer Presbyterian (aka Tim Keller's church) as well as City Campus (New York's RUF), where Michael Keller is the campus minister. I loved seeing how RUF works in New York, and loved seeing its diversity. During the afternoons, we worked with a church in an after school tutoring program. We loved being with the kids, and hated to leave at the end of the week! Additionally, we had free time at night, and that meant lots of exploring one of my favorite cities — Rockefeller Plaza, Times Square, Broadway, and food ... lots of food!
Ashley, Aubra, & Matt at Sylvia's for lunch in Harlem before tutoring
Got to revisit Rockefeller Plaza — first time I've been back since 2008!
Loved taking students to Rockefeller Center during a free night!
Right after New York, I drove home for the wedding of one of my dearest friends — I've known Rebekah Davis since we were little through Riveroaks. She moved away in sixth grade, and although we saw each other some in high school, we really got to know each other when we attended Mississippi State together. She married John (met through RUF at State!) at Riveroaks, and I was glad to be part of their wedding! I got to see a lot of friends who I haven't seen in a while, including my sweet roommates:
Aubra, Amy, Rebekah G, and Annalissa at the reception. Love y'all!
John & Rebekah left to ringing cowbells. Hail State!
Some of y'all know I'm a country music fan (as one of the freshman guys commented, "Your car radio is ALWAYS on a country station!"). Stephen and I got to go hear Brad Paisley (and Darius Rucker) in Nashville in February, and it was SO fun! I highly recommend going to see him live. :)
Waiting for Brad Paisley to start!
In March, I had the privilege of speaking at the Life Choices banquet. I am so thankful for any opportunity to share my testimony, and am SO thankful for the ministry of Life Choices. God was gracious enough to raise $190,000 that night!
Hannah and Gloria were so sweet to come!
That's pretty much the spring semester — got lots to report on for the summer (I know, summer technically just started, but "summer" to me means anything after school ends), so that will be another blog post. Again, thank you for your prayers and support of RUF at MTSU!
