2 More Weeks!

The weather is getting warmer, and classes getting shorter, which could only mean that summer is approaching. Everyone keeps telling themselves “2 more weeks!” as an attempt at motivation to push through what seems like the slowest 2 weeks ever. However, for me, the tune is a little different. Time seems to be moving 100x faster than I could have imagined. You see, instead of counting down the days until school is over, I am counting down the days (34 to be exact) until I step on a plane headed to Nairobi, Kenya!

You may be asking what makes me crazy enough to want to spend my summer in Africa-of all places. Shouldn’t a college student be laying out on the beach somewhere? Well, as nice as that may sound, for as long as I can remember, I have always had a weird connection with the culture that covers Africa, and have always wanted to go there. So when I heard about CMF’s Reach internship from a student here, I looked into it, and applied the same day. Once I got accepted, things got real. I felt ill-equipped to do the job I had been given, but through some prayer and encouragement, began to really step into the job and prepare myself.

While in Kenya, I will be working in the Mathare Valley Slum, a 1-square mile slum with over 800,000 people living in it. We will be doing CHE (community health evangelism) as well as working alongside social workers, doctors, and missionaries to better assist them. I will be traveling with 12 other people who I have never met before, and I will be staying in Kenya for 8 weeks! Although I am nervous about the huge responsibility God has given me through this ministry, I am incredibly blessed and excited to see how He will use me to further His global kingdom!

 

“I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you.” 

John 14:18

 

-Kelsy 

The end is near.

As those who have read any of my previous posts may be aware, I am a Senior graduating in a few short weeks. People ask me constantly, "are you excited about graduation?" "what are you going to do after? big plans?" I don't blame them for asking, but if I'm being honest, it's difficult to think that far ahead. Am I excited? Sure. But it's all more surreal than anything else. More than anything, I think Senioritis has already settled in and my mind finds it difficult to focus on getting these last few assignments completed.

That's the real story about being a Senior so close to graduation. It doesn't feel real.

More than excitement, nervousness, and anticipation, I feel a strong sense of nostalgia. I keep reflecting on all the incredible memories made -- even in the last week -- as well as in the last four years, and I feel my heart swell up with thankfulness, and my smile and eyes break out in laughter. Before the start of this last semester a friend from back home asked me if College was everything I had hoped it would be, and it really hasn't. I didn't anticipate going to College after High School. It just wasn't in my agenda. But I did go, and once I had gone I had no idea what to expect.

Being at Point University has far exceeded all and any expectations in every way. I don't want to seem dramatic when I say it has significantly changed my life, but it really has. Every choice made impacts our lives in some small way, but this one has made all the difference.

My classes, professors, friends, and all the activities and opportunities... the extremely fun and trying times have all served to shape me into what I am leaving as.

So yes, when I think about it, I am excited. Because I was able to take part in such a great part of the school's history, and I'm excited about where it's going. Last year we kept saying that Point was on the move, and now that we're here - we are still on the move. On the move to bigger things. It's drawing close to the end for me, but it's just the first chapter of the school's history. And that is exciting.

- Rebecca

Spring is Finally Here!

Spring is finally here! You want to know what that means? SPRING FORMAL!! Callaway Gardens may have been the best place possible to teach people how to dougie! The atmosphere there was so awesome! It was outside on a cool night, so it felt fantastic for us guys in suits, but a little chilly for those girls. There was great scenery there inside and outside of the building. The food and drinks were located inside the building just a short walk from the dance floor where people are popping, locking, and dropping! The dance floor was on a type of patio, so it was a great place to do the cupid shuffle. They had some delicious chicken fingers and mini-cheeseburgers, but the desserts there were to die for. They had some miniature éclairs that had a delicious explosion of cream in the middle of them!  What were especially good were the chocolate covered strawberries. SO GOOD! Whenever there is a chocolate fountain, or anything chocolate covered, you better believe that I will be there! When I was younger, I was at a wedding with a chocolate fountain, and by the end of the reception, my face was covered in chocolate! I can’t get enough of chocolate! It was strange to say the least to see some of the professors showing off their dance moves, but the fun of formal is being able to be yourself and just have fun! We all knew that we were there to be with friends and just have a good time no matter how good your dance moves are. We were just wobblin’ the night away!

-Donovan

Spring is Here, and Summer is Near!!

Hey yall! The last time I blogged, I talked about the relocation of Point University and was bragging about all the upgrades. Most recently, I wrote about my awesome Winter break. I need to catch you up on everything!

               
There is less than a month of school left in the spring semester!! Time really flies when you are having fun. In January, I met some really cool new people.  In addition, two students that were a part of City of Refuge now attend Point University. I am so excited that they chose to go to college at Point University. I hope that they really enjoy Point and gain lasting memories and friendships.

This is what is going at the school!! Point University had its first Black History Month Celebration in February. Next, we heard the news that Tuition and Fees are not increasing for the 2013-2014 academic year. Also, the annual Spring Formal is approaching. Personally, I believe that this academic year has been the most fun because there are a lot more activities and opportunities for students to get involved in on campus. I also believe that finally students have stopped complaining about  there being nothing to do and they are now starting to come up with different events to attend or plan. Why wait for someone else to develop a club, organization, or event when you can simply walk down to Student Life and ask them to help you with creating your own on campus activities. But enough about this semester let’s talk about summer!!

    
Since school is going to be ending soon many students will have already scheduled activities for the summer.  I believe that summer is the greatest opportunity to explore your different areas of careers and callings. One way you can explore your calling is to try to volunteer or find an internship. You may ask internship? Volunteer? Is it paid? Not all of them!! To be honest internships and volunteering are not all about the money. I found that out when I gave up my summer of soaking in the sun in order to help at risk youth at City of Refuge.  Believe me I would not exchange the real world experiences and the lives I have impacted for any money in the world. This summer I plan on giving up this summer for the same purpose. I am not trying to condemn anyone who would rather work than do an intern or volunteer, I am just trying to have you consider opportunities that can stretch you beyond yourself. So what are you doing this summer?

Summer 2012. The youth from the City of Refuge. I am the one with the purse!! I look like a teen, right?

-Shani P