The Excitement of it all!

Another reason I love the beginning of a new year at Moody is the renewed passion for the Lord's work not only in my life and the lives of my friends, but His work in the city as well. Tonight we had a meeting for the Big Brother Big Sister program that reaches out to kids living in the local low-income housing projects known as Cabrini Green. Not only am I a Big Sister, I'm doing my Practical Christian Ministry in the after school program offered in Cabrini Green.

I've always loved working with kids who live in rough circumstances. Last year, the Lord ignited a passion in my heart for the kids of Cabrini Green. Tears come to my eyes any time I think of the girls and boys living in a way no one should have to live. I've been in "homes" where the guardians actually yell and hit the children in front of me. I've experienced the anger, violence, and hatred steeping inside the kids because this is what has been engraved into their mind. I've seen the horrible way young women are treated, even at the young age of 11. Love is rare so these kids become so attached to anyone who will show them any form of friendship or care....it tears me up inside thinking about what goes on the six days of the week I don't see my little sister. I wish I could live right in the community, forget about school, and devote every fiber of my being to showing the kids and their families the love of Christ and the freedom He brings to those who trust in Him.

Last year, I was having a huge battle in my heart about whether or not God wanted me at Moody. I love Moody, but I don't want to teach in any old Christian school. God gave me a fiery passion to work with those who can't afford an education like that - those who need the love of Christ more than they need anything else. When I brought this concern before the Lord, He answered me. I found an organization that has established a Christian school in Watts, the Los Angeles projects. At some point in my life, I would love to teach there.

Right now, God has me studying at Moody. While I'm here, I want to become heavily involved in Cabrini Green and show His love to the people. Though I don't know exactly what God has for my future, He has given me a passion for inner-city children and I will give everything I am to honor Him through this gift!

Patiently pursuing God's plan,
Briana

Beginning Anew

So my sophmore year of college started today...and I have to say I'm both excited and nervous. Excited because of the new classes, both old and new friends, and the anticipation of all God has for me this year! But nervous because graduation is looming closer and closer, meaning I have so much to do and learn in the next three years. My roommate and I are beginning to realize that college is not fairly represented by freshmen year...college is intense! Tack on a job I don't have yet and the Big Brother Big Sister program and you have an extremely intense yet exciting college career crammed into only three more short years!! But anytime I begin to worry, God's peace flows over me, reminding me that He is in control of EVERYTHING...and for good reason!

The theme of my year is trust. Over the past year God has drastically changed me! Now comes the time when I must put what I have learned into practice. For those of you who know me, I love to be in control! But that's not what God desires for me. He knows every detail of my life and is weaving them together to create a beautilful handiwork fit for His use. So I must surrender to His Hand and allow Him to complete His good work.

As I begin another year, I thank God for what He has already done in my life and the people He has placed in my path to walk alongside me! I look forward to all He has for me this year and the new people I will meet! God is great!

Patiently waiting on God's timing,
Briana