Where did June go??

So summer program started....

And there was a LOT to do....

And we've been VERY busy....

Now that I have my excuses out of the way, let me tell you about the joys of June.  I can't believe the month is almost over, but it has been an exciting one.

I went home to Oklahoma to kick off the month, celebrated my friend's wedding, a 5-year high school reunion, and a family reunion.  My boyfriend Matt was able to accompany me on the trip (his first to the Okie state) and it was extremely memorable.  Only a week after the tornadoes in Moore, Matt was scheduled to arrive at Will Rogers Airport, only to be interrupted by another tornado, delaying him another day.  We were happy to get him there safely, so we could join in some of our little adventures.

Pre-Matt, I went to the Oklahoma Annual Conference.  For the non-Methodists, it's basically a gathering of pastors, laity, and guests to discuss and celebrate what's happening within the conference.  Conferences are different sizes, but Oklahoma's includes the whole state.  It was my first annual conference ever, and the experience was very enjoyable, especially since my best friend Erica is a youth pastor and was also in attendance.  We had time to catch up and make some interesting connections.  I've enjoyed seeing how all these mission folks are somehow binded together.

Interesting connection of the week:  Erica's church just started Project Transformation this summer, which my fellow missionary Elisabeth works at in Dallas.  Click on her name to learn more!  Since I had heard so much about the program from Elisabeth (who I visited Spring Break), I was super pumped to hear that Wesley UMC in El Reno would be using this program at their church.

My relaxing trip back home did involve some down time, but I got to spend a lovely evening (heavy thunderstorms) with a few close friends at Cheyenne Valley UMC and speak to the Congregation at my home church in Fairview.  Whew!  The week closed out with a beautiful golf outing and friendly competition between my parents and Matt and me.

On our way back to Georgia, we went "Walking in Memphis" from Beale Street to Graceland to Rendezvous Barbecue to the roof of the Peabody.  Even though we work together and see each other pretty much 7 days a week, it was nice to have some time to enjoy each other's company without all the other distractions.

Summer program started when we returned, and it hasn't slowed down.  We start at 8am every day and finish around 5pm.  I've been inside doing themed activities from Sports Week to Superhero Week to Animal Week.  I've also spent a lot of time lifeguarding, helping with swim lessons, and enjoying the kids' company.  There is so much joy in seeing a child accomplish something like learning to swim and I've already seen five kids master the skill in the first three weeks!

I've had some time to cool off, but two weeks ago, I was just looking for some light at the end of the tunnel.  When it rains, it pours, and it poured all week long!  Tuesday, we had bible study.  Wednesday, I spoke to the North Georgia UMW at their annual conference breakfast.  Thursday, I preached at chapel.  And Sunday, I preached at my new home Anna Kresge UMC.  Between all that and working 8 hours/day, I was exhausted.

It ended on Father's Day though, and I got to enjoy a little celebration with Matt's family followed by some much needed R&R at the pool (not the one where I lifeguard with the kids).

We dove into summer and are still swimming to the top.  I'm sure there's so much more to come with the Youth in Mission conference next week at Lake Junaluska and another trip home for two more weddings.  I look forward to what July has to offer, but I'm hoping to hold on to the next few days as long as I can.