Yosemite-Bound

So as tradition continues, SCSP travels to Yosemite National Park during the last week of project.  We are all very excited to hike Half-Dome, be able to relax, and get away for 3 days.  Yet, all of this brings the worst news of all-we have to leave and return home in a week.

There are so many mixed feelings that I could share about this, in the way that I know this Christian community cannot always last and I am ready to let my cup overflow onto others lives.  But there is also the feelings of sadness and grief as we are all about to leave the people that we have lived with for over 10 weeks.  I don't know how I feel right now, but I know I will be frustrated with all the feelings that I will have in a few days.  This is the time where the Devil works the hardest, trying to get us to be short with others and cause anger and strife between the group.  We as a project have to remain strong and know that God is going to carry us through all the way to the end.

Thinking back on this summer is hard because I still remember the first day that I got here! Summer is coming to a close, and I feel as if it hasn't even happened yet! That's Santa Cruz weather for you :) Anyways, the first day that I was here I had no idea what kind of impact that the Lord was going to have on me.  I was trying too hard and the Lord worked into those cracks to get me to be open and honest about things that were and are weighing on my heart that I need to deal with.  I am indeed a different person, I still struggle, but I am looking forward to how God will use me and my new knowledge.  I do not want to fall back into a cycle of who I was, and not push myself to what I have already achieved.

I praise God for who He is and how He has placed me in this place.  I praise God that He has used you as an individual to place me here in financial need, as well as prayer! Thank you :)

Some Prayer Requests:

1. Help the team continue to remain strong, even through the last week of cleaning
2.  Safety as we travel 5 hours to Yosemite and back again
3.  For those hiking to Half Dome, that we will remain safe and healthy
4.  For God's power to move, even in the last week here in Santa Cruz
5.  To have a lasting impact on Santa Cruz-even after we leave for the summer!

God Bless,
Melinda