It is only Thursday and I cannot believe how much has already happened! It blows me away to think that a week ago I was sitting in the library at Point Loma, cramming for my last final of spring semester.
I'm not sure where to begin. I have played soccer, met Reba Mcentire (well a life size cut-out of her), shot a gun (at paper plates of course), started a garden, met the owners of almost every store in downtown Waxhaw, and fed baby cows! I am living with a host family with one other girl, Jessie, who is amazing and we hit it off right away. There was a point where we could not believe how much we had in common that we had a "Step-Brothers" moment:
My host family has been so awesome and have made both Jessie and I feel so at home.
The team atmosphere is unreal. The competition is so good and the level of play is really high. I am so excited to grow as a player by playing with all of these amazing girls. Tonight we broke off into small groups of 5, which we will have for the rest of the summer just to share life with and read the bible together. For the next few weeks we will have sports ministry training several days, learning many things, like how to use soccer is a tool to further the gospel. Later in the summer we will be working a few kid soccer camps in the Charlotte area, which is one way to apply the sports ministry training. Another way we will get to live out the things we are learning is every time we step out on a soccer field! Our first game is on Saturday night and everything is happening so fast!
I have already learned so much being here. I have already had a horrible practice that brought up all of my insecurities and issues with self criticism. Yet God was faithful and he brought me back to reality. He reminded me that I'm not here because of my abilities, but I am here because He loves me, has a plan for me here, and honors the fact that I just love to play soccer. I have already been in uncomfortable situations, meeting new people and not knowing how deep and open to be. I have chosen to be open and it has already blessed so many situations and brought about great conversation. There have already been many moments where I had to pray desperate prayers for strength and for grace for myself. God has provided every single time. He is so real and so good!!
I'm not sure why God has me here yet. I am already experiencing fellowship, growing as a player and a child of God. I think God is shaping me and guiding me towards where he wants me to go with my life. I'm just having such a blast as God unravels this amazing adventure!!!
God loves us so much!!
Natalie
Jessie and I with the daughter of our host family at her soccer game
So. Much. Green.
Reba!
I don't even know if I hit the target because I yelped and laughed as soon as I shot it
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Feeding the baby cows at Aunt Judy's farm!!
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