Running Start

The days have been long awaited, and now they’re here! I’ve moved into my new season at CGA and let me tell you, there’s already so much happening in these first few days. 

Move-in day started at 3AM in Denver, Colorado, and ended finally at 11:30PM in Gainesville, Georgia. I live in a very charming place called The Cabin, with the Swan family, whom you may or may not have heard of depending on your relative knowledge of all things World Race. The Swans are 1 of 3 families who own and operate the World Race and Adventures In Missions, of which CGA is under. They are very kind to let us live here without rent or expectation of what a normal time is to be home at, because last night I came home at literally midnight and Mrs. Swan said it was totally fine. 

But after an initial concern of whether I should live in the room with four people or two people, I chose the smaller room and have settled in. My bed has a window right next to it, so I get to see that early in the morning. My bed has Spider-Man sheets on it because I am an Adult and can spend my money on things I think are worthwhile. My solo roommate is Delanie Bonefield, a girl from D Squad and who is also a self-described introvert so I’m honestly thriving. I live with her and four other girls as pictured below: 

At the Cabin there is an incredible amount of wildlife. Deer, hawks, eagles, snapping turtles, butterflies, bats- all sorts of things and probably stuff we haven’t even been told about. There’s a waterfall about 50 feet away from the back door that the snapping turtles like to hang out at, but so do we, to swim in. It’s like a watering hole, and is absolutely a treasure to have. 

The gravel driveway is 0.9 miles long. The entire thing takes 3.5 minutes to drive up, which is also the entirety of the song I’m Gonna Be by the Proclaimers. If you walk the entire thing, it may not actually be 500 miles but it sure feels like it. 

The Swans have three children- Max, Ruby, and Violet. They are all adorable and look exactly like their father. I am usually awakened around 6AM to the patter of small feet on the floor above me. And then I go back to sleep.

Even though we haven’t really done much as a CGA class yet, we had one meeting to say hi to everyone and also to learn that we’re going to Tennessee on Monday-Thursday for Welcome Week. It’s unclear what we’ll actually be doing there other than swimming and having fun, but I’ve recently found that previously unknown road trips are a great bonding experience. 

Last night, one of the members of my house, Esther Marques, threw a fundraising worship night, which was really cool and also her mom makes literally the best cheesecake I have ever tasted in my life. My brother, cheesecake connoisseur, would have lost it if he’d tasted this cheesecake. It was incredible. Think of the best cheesecake you’ve ever had in your life. This was better. 

Anyway. The worship night was incredible, and I think it was a great way to start the semester. Even though we were all just on the World Race, I only have one other person who was on Gap F with me, and everyone else knows each other. It’s hard in that sense, but it was good to go and worship with all of them because that’s something we can all do together. 

During the worship night, we had a few people ask for prayer, and it was unlike anything I’ve experienced before- not flashy, but still very important and it stuck out to me. 

Esther’s dad, from Portugal, asked us to pray for him. He said he felt the Holy Spirit telling him to ask. “In my heart,” he said, “I judge people. I don’t want to have that in me. Please pray that my heart changes.” 

So of course we agreed. His obedience and willingness to admit that about himself stood out to me. Not many people do that, and even less do that in front of an audience of twenty-year-olds. He’s in his sixties. 

We told him, “Come here so we can pray for you,” and he fell to his knees as we came up to him, and he was crying. The Lord wrecked him in a way that is both familiar and unfamiliar to all of us. 

We finished praying, and he stood, smile outshining the sun. “I felt something come out of me,” he said, making a motion over his heart to signify it. ”I am changed, I know it! I am different!”

That in itself was amazing. The Father will always forgive us when we are willing to admit that we need his help to change. It’s not ever too late for anyone. 

We went back to worship, prayed over a few more people. And Esther’s dad stands up again, and says, “I have something to share!” 

So we turn our attention to him once more. He is bouncing like an excited child. 

He said, “A long time ago I got into a car accident. I hurt my shoulder- the doctor said I needed surgery. But look! Look what I can do!!” 

And he excitedly swung his arm around in every which direction, showing that he had no limits.

”And I hurt my back- I couldn’t twist- but look!” And he performed some twists for us, showcasing the abilities he had now. “I couldn’t touch my toes either but-“ and he bent over, and touched his toes. “Thank you! Thank you!” 

And he went back to praise and worship. It struck me that he did the hard thing and admitted he’d sinned, but that he repented, and asked God to help him turn from his ways, and got more than he asked for. Above and beyond, exceeding all that we ask or need or want, the Bible says, and I got to witness a prime example of it last night. 

It was really really cool to see. He’s a very energetic man, and likes to watch the Olympics, particularly anything involving Brazil because he is from there. 

Man in question:

But that’s the reason I ended up getting to sleep at 1am; but it was totally for the best. 

What a great way to start a season. I hope every day is better and better, above and beyond all that we ask or think.