Chapter 1

Well, I'm starting a blog! I was inspired by a good friend to write down all of the good stuff! :)

So this summer was the best summer of my life! I met some of the most amazing people, and grew in Christ so much! God taught me so many lessons this summer through the kids I was with and through the staff members I became really close friends with! I worked at THAWK! of course, my home away from home! Working on conservatory staff was pretty much the biggest blessing I have ever recieved, from the first summer I worked until this past summer God has shown me so much! One of the biggest lessons I learned this summer is that everything that I go through, whether good or bad will be used by Christ to bless other people. I was able to share some of the hardest times of my life with campers this summer, and through that God spoke to them! Best feeling ever! I learned that friendships in Christ are the best friendships around. The most encouraging, the most supportive, the most beneficial. The friends that I have in Christ are my closest and best friends! God is always there. What's crazy is, even in the bad times He's there working and using it for His good. He will never leave us or forsake us, that promise has become such a reality to me this summer!

After conservatory I went to TMI (Territorial Music Institute) in TX! The Salvation Army has some of the best opportunities for youth around. I mean, what kind of kids get to go to texas, pretty much for free and grow in their musical skills and grow in their relationship with Christ, while spending time with friends and having a ton of fun? Yeah, I feel so lucky! I had an amazing opportunity to play with the top band and learned so much about Christ, and about music through our leader and the people around me. The talents God gives us are amazing. I never thought I would be where I am today musically and spiritually, but because of a few leaders and the Holy Spirit I've come this far and I've been able to grow and to minister! It's aweomse how God has used my gifts to bless other people. TMI was a really humbling experience all around.

Next step...COLLEGE! I'm so excited to take this huge leap into the next phase of my life. I'm super nervous to be on my own, but it's the good nervous! I'm so ready! As of now, I have no idea what I will be studying, but I have faith that in His time, I'll know! Keep me in your prayers!

In Him,
Rachel