Young Life in Colorado


This summer- while my life is in transition, my blog is going to be more of a travel blog.  So here you go!

I arrived home from a Young Life camp in Colorado on Monday morning at 8am. After 2 days of feeling completely wiped out, I am finally feeling like a normal person. Crooked Creek was absolutely amazing! I have been pursuing this group of girls for 2 years and it feels like it was all worth it. The girls opened up at camp like never before. They asked really tough questions and finally started to grasp Gods love for them. It is definitely a journey, but a journey I am honored to take with them.

Last night, at 2am there were eight screaming girls dressed up in silly out fits busting in my room. Curry, the high school boy living with us let them inside. I was in a deep sleep, but overjoyed at their silliness and this is why:

1. One of the things I prayed for most is unity in my cabin. The fact that the girls got home two days ago and already wanted to have a sleepover is amazing.

2. I talked to a lot of the girls about finding ways to have fun with out partying- and whether they remember that conversation or not, they definitely were creative last night.

3. If you are a young life leader you will understand this one: When they came in my room, they told me they loved me and they wanted me to come with them. I am 28 years old and the high school girls who can be really snobby at times wanted me to come with them. I felt so honored. I decided I needed to go back to sleep, but this morning I went to wake them all up and take them to day starters. (This is what Greensboro does when kids get back from camp to teach them how to spend time with Jesus). They are now walking with me towards Jesus, and not resisting against me.

Being a Young Life leader is one on the hardest, most emotionally draining, and wonderful things I could ever do. There are many days I don’t know if I can go to the high school one more time, or be rejected by a 16 year old girl one more time. But When I see my high school friends start to get Jesus it is all worth it.  Watching someone decide to follow Jesus has to be the most beautiful thing in life. This is what we are created for.

Lord, please give me the perseverance to continue pursuing people when it is tough, to love people when I am rejected, and to keep showing up in the lives of people who need you.

Comments

  1. loved this post Ashley. You are the best young life leader a girl can ask for and having someone like you at the hard age of 16 is so great. I love you so much! You show us the right way and are always there for us and I could'nt be more thankful enough. Thanks for putting up with all of our silly selves and crazy problems. -xoxo

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