Our First Official Week of Chapel Programs!

Hey there, folks! Before I begin this blog, allow me to explain the typical Chapel structure. The Boardwalk Chapel Staff stays here all summer, and youth groups or school groups come weekly to contribute to the programs and to learn different skills involving evangelism, music, & drama. The church or school groups run the Chapel programs on Thursday nights, so the staff can have a day off. Though, from what I've heard, this doesn't always work out (esp. if the groups are smaller), typically most staff do get the Thursday day of rest, which helps since the only other true time off is Sunday before evening service at the Chapel. I must admit that though I love working here, I have been looking forward to this day off for quite a while now (Last Thursday, we still worked because we were in training week).

So, now that you've got the basics, here's the dish: We've had a few chapel programs by this point, and things are going great. We had programs on Saturday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday (last night). Tonight, a musician and the visiting school group (West Mont Christian) will cover the program, and the chapel staff will be off work. However, a good bit of us will still go watch; I will especially because Ben & I helped quite a bit with their skit prep for tonight (We went in from 12:30-1:45 this afternoon though we're technically off). I am excited to watch and will probably be in an even better mood by the time the program starts since Isaiah & I get to go on a date tonight before the program. (Oh, how I have missed time alone with my husband that doesn't involve sleeping or feeling sick!)

Sarah has done a great job with music and organizing the programs in general, and Ginni has definitely added her own spin to the music as well. Last night some of my favorite songs were "Proud & Humble" (because Ginni showcased her jazz and scatting skills & Charlie--our house dad--played the guitar) and "Build Your Kingdom" (because it consisted of Chapel Staff & the school group that's here for the week & because the Englishes and I sang it when we were here last year, so it holds sentimental value). These songs drew a lot of people from the Boardwalk in, esp. "Proud & Humble." Also, added note, the West Mont Group brought their own homemade instrument which consisted of a stick, bells, and beads in two pans; it was awesome! Oh, and Megan definitely kills (in a  good way) when she sings & plays the piano, esp. because the lighting and the fan that's back there make her look like a princess.

As far as Drama is concerned, Ben & I have brought back some skits like "Lost Sheep & Lost Coin" & "Transformed" and have revamped & rewritten some old goodies in order to make them great: like "The Bill" (which is totally legit now!) and "Great Leap" (although we may work on that one more). We've also added a new one called "The Greatest Treasure," which I wrote. Ben's skit which he wrote, "Parachute" will be coming soon, and we'll add two more new ones this week, including one called "Dorm Life" once Griff-Dawg returns from his bro-bro's wedding. We're really enjoying making the Drama Program here stronger and more professional and hope to leave it in a really good place at the end of the summer. Ben & I have been so lucky to get so many talented actors this summer. They really are making things a lot easier. Alexandra, Teresa, Jed, and Suz are fantastic!

In addition to the skits themselves, set design and prop making is coming along great. The Conrads got us off to a really great start as far as props & sets are concerned by making items for some skits Ben is writing and some pieces for "Cave Life" (one of mine), "Dorm Life," and an extra black box. They also made a wooden cross which we are planning on putting out near the boardwalk area for evangelism purposes. The cross itself will hold about 10 unique art pieces which all concentrate on different parts of the Gospel Story (Creation, Fall, The Flood, Sacrifice of Isaac, Jesus' Birth, Crucifixion, Resurrection, Pentecost, Gospel to the Nations, Final Judgement, and New Heaven & New Earth). People are being given different parts of the story to paint along with corresponding bible verses. If all works out, we'll have a visual outline to evangelize people with and to draw them into the chapel. I got the idea from my old dance ministry, CrossMovement, and I am pumped to see how all of these artistic talents can be used for Visual Ministry.

We've added something called "The Spoken Word" this week as well, which I learned about from my church in Colorado. I started West Mont out with one of my old ones Tuesday & Wednesday, and tonight one their own, Lydia, is picking up where I left off. I reviewed her piece with her today and made a few tweaks. And it is fantastic! Girl has a natural gift for writing and speaking in power and with Spirit! Her friend Amanda, one of the best actors on their team, is helping her with it. West Mont performed a Chapel Classic, "Surfer," last night and will do it again tonight (Of course, we put our own spin on it this summer!) and are also doing "Heart," one that they brought and that Ben & I put to the song "Need you Now" by Plumb.

I'm excited for things starting to come together because one Ben & I are off and running, we can give each other breaks more often, taking turns teaching Staff & Youth Group throughout the week. As per now, we've both been doing everything, which is pretty tiring though totally worth it and good for our team building. Ben & I are pretty different people, but more and more I am seeing how we work together well and also simply how adorable & fantastic he is. After all, he loves Jesus & Dr. Who & writes for "Faking Star Wars," pretty nerdtastic and fabulous! What more could a partner ask for? And I mean that.

On a different note, Isaiah, the pastor's kid here: Claire Brooks, and I went night evangelizing Tuesday night (my first night out doing it since last summer), and it was wonderful. I'm pretty sure I'm addicted. We got the full gamut of experiences (flat out rejection, slight interest, and those willing to listen), and at the end of it, we visited our new friend & Japanese contact, Akira, at his tattoo shop "Oxygen." It was a great visit because we got to talk about Japanese culture, specifically suicide rates and how the Japanese often respond to Westerners (in a positive way).

Now, to get personal, I am happy to finally be in a good place again. After Saturday's program, during which I gave my testimony about lies, shame, guilt, sin & confession, I started being spiritually attacked in a way that I hadn't been in months. satan was really adamant about trying to make me feel that I don't fit here, am unwanted by Jay-Z and the rest of staff, and can't even minister here much less in Japan. he was really trying to get me.

But thankfully, with the help of my wonderful husband, caring and powerful texts from Isaiah's family and my mom, and Sarah & Susie Buckley, I am feeling better. I know that I am meant to be here. That God has me here with my husband to do His good work in Drama and in Evangelism and in Discipleship of the gals here in the Dunn House. I know that I am God's, a child of light & not of darkness! I pray that God would continue to help me fight & to fight for me because, honestly, the past few days were really rough. At one point, I really just wanted to go home to my mom & let Isaiah stay here and minister alone. I knew, after I had that thought, that satan was trying to thwart what was happening here in Wildwood. That was really the first time I realized that it was satan trying to attack me because that is so not a natural Calli thought. I want to  be around my husband always and minister with him. So satan screwed up there....Thank God! Please continue to pray that I speak my testimony and evangelize in boldness and that when satan comes to try to vanquish my light spirit and full heart, God would WIPE him OUT.

Looking forward to what tomorrow brings. Continue to be blessed, dear readers. And pray for ministry here. Not only that satan would stay away from God's children who dwell in this Dunn House. But also for general health, a lot folks are getting sick. And for Wildwood, New Jersey to hear the word of God and believe its Truth. All our love here at the Boardwalk. Until next time. :)

Japanese Contacts

So, Dr. Krabbendam arrived last night. Isaiah picked him up from the airport, and he has already told Isaiah & I go for Uganda rather than Japan. "Half the money and twice the converts," he told Isaiah. Wow! This man loves the people he's called to, and he'll stop at nothing to continue the revival that has started there. It is my constant prayer that Isaiah & I feel this passionate about Japan even when we get into our 80's. I love Dr. K's constant fervor and zeal for his people. I hope that we will one day be recruiting as fervently for our country....for Japan. Because honestly, we long to be in Japan. Uganda may lend more conversions, but we long to work in the hard soil of the Japanese. I think of this country and its people more everyday.

In addition to getting our first supporter this past week (a friend in prayer and one ready to give financially even before Isaiah & I are officially accepted to minister in Japan), we also gained a contact here in Wildwood! He's a tattoo artist on the Boardwalk who is a Missionary Kid from Japan. He still lives in Tokyo and moved here for the summer to minister to the people of New Jersey much like Isaiah & I did. Only, let's get real, this guy is way cooler than us. Like I sort of wish I was him. He's a tattoo artist ministering to his boss, telling him how believing in the talking snake of the Garden is no crazier than holding to the fact that a monkey moved a mountain, and his dad is Canadian and Japanese, and he's just awesome.

We hope he comes back often and that we can talk with him more. He says he has many contacts he wishes to give us. He also said he believes the Spirit meant us to meet each other. We also did already have this great talk about the shame & guilt within the Japanese culture. And let me tell you something, friends, the shame that I had felt throughout my life ain't got nothin' on the weight of shame in Japan. I weep for the weight these people feel. No wonder the suicide rate is so high. When you commit a wrong there, you have disgraced yourself, your family, your community, and your entire culture & country by giving it a bad name. That's what I call weight of sin, shame, and guilt! The people in this culture really need to feel the freedom of being God's Children and the utter joy of receiving the Holy Spirit. They need to be infused with light--light that can conquer the dark clouds reigning over the heads and the shame hanging on their backs.

Isaiah & I continue to pray for ministry here in Wildwood and for Missions in Japan. I am currently reading a book called "The Unseen Face of Japan" and am learning so very much that I didn't know about this culture we feel drawn but do not yet understand.

Keep us in your prayers for Japan and also for this summer. The folks on staff are beautiful but broken (much like all of God's favorite things!), and they need love and grace spoken by the Spirit into their lives. Pray that I will continue to have the emotional strength to minister & love well and that when the going get's rough I will depend on God & my husband rather than on myself. We love you all and shall update you more soon.

The Gang's All Here: 21 in the Dunn House!!!

A lot has been happening here at the Dunn House. The full crew has finally arrived; all 21 people are here (They've been arriving the last 3 days). The extroverts are rejoicing, and the introverts are internally freaking out; however, all of us are pumped about all that God is going to do this summer!

But before I catch you up on the last few days, allow me to show you what our room here looks like (or at least give you an idea). Our room is becoming increasingly important due to so many people being around, so I become more and more grateful every day that we got here early and created such a special space where we (Isaiah & I) can escape into each other's arms and prayers when things get rough or when our spirits get tired. So...here's our space:

This is what the entrance to the room on the left side looks like. We brought three categories of books for our bookshelf (we have another bookshelf next to our bed): items for staff devotions and reference, personal books, and books we can give to folks on the Boardwalk. Also pictured here are our record player and letter-writing station.

This is my special writing chair. I am incredibly social, so I knew I would need a special place to sit and write skits, blog, letter write, and simply "be" in general. The neat little shelf allows me to store folders and skits, and the small bird picture reminds me of my mommy when I miss her (because in her spirit, she is a bird: totally free from all that tries to hold her down).

Here are a few other items found in our room including our wedding shadow box (with cake toppers made by Londa on top and Geneva's picture of us inside), a St. Valentine icon from my friends the Mitchells & Megan Prahl in Colorado Springs, and there are calligraphy quotes from my friend Kim all over the room. 

This is our most special place and the spot that takes up most of the room. You can see our bed, the entrance to the bathroom, and our other bookshelf (Isaiah made it of Black Walnut). And we have a painting from my best friend Jocelin hanging because seeing it every morning reminds me of the joy of remaining utterly loved.

Isaiah also added a lot of shelves to the bathroom (mostly for practicality), and he did such a wonderful job! I love that I married such a Carpenter. You know who else was one? ...Jesus! So, basically my husband is the best by default. #Logic. Here are a few of his creations:

Now, to the business of Wildwood! Thursday was fairly chill. Isaiah & I spent most of the day at Starbucks working on our Japan applications. We made a lot of headway! We knew that we needed to leave to Dunn House to work this day because a lot of people were arriving, and this was one of our last chances to get the application finished before all "heaven broke loose." :) 

We returned to greet Griff-Dawg (Isaiah & I's friend) and Jed (Isaiah's brother). They're arrival made us both so incredibly happy! Having them here has simply created even more of a family dynamic and has made me feel a lot more at home and more loved than ever. They also came bearing gifts in the form of some awesome letters with a picture of Isaiah & I on the beach and many coconut nuts included! 

Also, bonus: Jed and Griff are our neighbors! Their room is directly across the hall from ours. We have already been taking advantage of this. Here are Jed & Griff in a nut shell: We have Griff's shelf of Russian, Catholic, and Doctrinal Literature along with mate' items and Jed's shelf of paints, journals, and water bottle. 

Thursday night, after celebrating the arrival of Jed and Griff (as well as many others), we headed to Jay Z's (the Boardwalk Chapel Director) house for a movie night. We communed with each other over conversation, ice cream and the movie "School of Rock." I learned that: my new friend Timothy knows tutting and is going to teach me, riding in a trunk with my husband is awesome, and that Jack Black scares the living daylights out of Susanna. 

On Friday, Isaiah & I officially finished our Japan applications and learned that we are still on track time wise, which is awesome! 

#JAPAN APPLICATIONS ARE COMPLETE! 

We also prepared for the Saturday picnic with The Boardwalk Chapel staff and folks from some of the local Presbyterian Churches (which includes Jay Z's Church--Calvary). I made a killer Southern salad, and Elizabeth basically did everything else. Yay! I'm helpful? lol. We also, as a larger staff, had family dinner which was way fun because Elizabeth was feeling under the weather (not fun), which meant everyone (and I do mean everyone) had to pull together to complete a meal for all of the bellies present. Isaiah said the thrown-together, cool but weird dinner of tacos, random toppings, rice, and veggies reminded him of dinner at the Tim English's. This means he liked it. And I just liked seeing the body of Christ on display in our Dunn House. It was beautiful to watch every single staff member interacting, loving, preparing, and cleaning all together. It is my prayer that should we ever forget our love for one another, we recall this dinner. 

Around 9pm, we headed down to the Chapel for Prayer as a staff. Tim Cummings, a passionate man of God and friend of the Chapel, Chris Byrd, and my baby led the night. We enjoyed singing together and praying long into the night. Isaiah, Griff, Jed, Chris Byrd, Tim Cummings, Susie, Nate, and Timothy, and I stayed until close to 4 in the morning lifting up prayers for the summer. It was a glorious time! Isaiah and I loved hearing the different voices and getting to see the gifts and talents and hearts we have here on staff displayed so openly. I believe maybe the coolest part of the evening was when a lady named Susan called in to leave a message for the Chapel, and Chris answered (since we were actually there at 2am!).  She was calling to ask and talk about how to love her friend who was pretty unlovely and unloving at the moment....And get this: Love and how to do it out of not ourselves but God was exactly what we'd JUST be praying and reading scripture about. Our God truly is an AWESOME GOD! He is working already! Even though we lost tons of sleep, I hope we have a trillion more of these prayer nights! I can't even explain the power and presence I felt in that freezing Chapel. 

This morning we woke up late (for obvious reasons), I had some prayer time with some of the girls, and we enjoyed fellowshipping with our new house parents! I am going to have to dedicate an entire post to how amazing the Farrells are....I mean seriously. But for now, suffice it to say #1. Zach English should be jealous of us having them. I can't wait for him to meet them especially! and #2. They gave us ALL the coolest gifts: mason jars with mini-chalkboards for our names! Now I get to match Judi! 

After getting to know our house parents better, we headed to the Zoo Park for our staff picnic around 4pm (It started later due to the rain which is still present here in Wildwood). We got to meet lots of great people from the local churches, play some volleyball and corn hole, grill out (Rich & Isaiah were bosses cooking up those burgers), and praise and read the word before departing. It was a sweet, sweet time. We returned home to Elizabeth and Jay-Z laying out the rules and chores of the house and the Boardwalk. Afterwards, we ate Special Ramen from Nate, and Isaiah, Nate, Timothy and I ate some spicy noodles with our wedding chopsticks! 

I can't believe how fast these last 3 days have gone, and I have a feeling that the rest of the summer is going to go about at these speed (maybe even a bit faster!) which is both terrifying & exciting. Tomorrow, Ben, Susie & I will spend some time printing and writing at the Chapel for Drama, and on Monday training starts, which in Jay Z's words (with a little of my own) means a water hose of information, doctrine, and evangelism training (some of which will be from Dr. K!), music & drama practice super speed, and tons of cray. 

Continue to pray, our friends! We love you.

Rainy Days & Wednesdays Never Get Us Down!

The past few days have been rather rainy & gross which means plenty of films, nail painting, deep talks, and letter writing. We have also gotten quite a bit done though, which is helpful for a personality like mine. If I don't feel like I've done something productive in the spiritual/relational realm as well as in the professional realm, I go to bed slightly depressed and wake up feeling pointless. I am sort of addicted to getting everything possible done before things get hectic--result of spastic teacher syndrome slash a Southern concept of "get her done."

On Monday during breakfast, Isaiah & I discovered that we have counterparts on staff. Sarah is very like me, and Susie is extremely similar to Isaiah (despite her extrovertedness). I think it will be quite fun to continue to discover how Isaiah & I's interactions are similar to others. I have been praying that everything we've learned so far as a couple about how to interact would end up being helpful to others. I hope this is only the beginning of that, for learning and teaching from our relationship has quickly become one of my favorite aspects of marriage.

After a good morning, afternoon hit, and I started to feel pretty icky. Due to this, Isaiah & I had a lot of alone time for the rest of the day mostly because I was in a pretty awful mood & did not wish to leak sin on innocent friends who have already grown so dear to me. So Isaiah & I went down to the Chapel, and he worked on the tracks/books section (which was full of dust and torn-up hymnals) while I cleaned out the props closet. This task made me feel a lot better about things in general because looking at all of the superfluous items and crazy stuffs everywhere was driving me nuts.

After storing the items Ben & I wouldn't need, throwing out a few highly-dated items, and making lists of what to buy and what to email Sandy Fenton (friend of the Chapel drama dept) about, Isaiah & I stopped out work and headed to the Old City Irish Pub for some wings. Sitting there chowing down on 4 different kinds of awesome and not caring about how I looked when eating said awesomeness was grand after some hard work. After filling our very hungry bellies, we went to Wal-Mart to pick up a few items for prop making and returned home to catch the end of "Captain America" & the whole of "Leap Year" with the rest of the crew. I keep telling myself that one of these days, we shall head to bed early (the hubby & I), but I have a feeling that just isn't in the cards this summer. There is always way to much awesome going on to try & sleep.

On Tuesday, Susie & Ben came with Isaiah & I to look a the prop room, paint some cardboard, make costume items, and discuss skits. Ben & I finished a skit called "Dorm Life" that we're excited about, and we were happy to drink coffee from the newly formed coffee/snack bar area at the Chapel. We came back to the Dunn House and enjoyed homemade pizza (broccoli was the best) made by the great Elizabeth (known as Mama E). After we ate, Ben, Susie, Sarah, Isaiah & I took a night stroll on the Boardwalk. It was rainy and dark and nothing was open, but we still had fun and Susie acquired a coloring book form Rite Aid she'd been craving. We had a dose of night ice cream (Cookie Dough & Mint Choco Chip) when we came back....Ah, the benefits of Sarah grocery shopping with Elizabeth! And we watched "Monte Carlo" (that chick flick with Selena Gomez in it)....at least Alexandra & I enjoyed it. Haha!

This morning, I had my first shower in four days (Don't worry, it takes a long time for me to smell like anything other that deliciously attractive!), and Isaiah & I cleaned up our room. It's amazing how much mess two folks can accumulate over two weeks time. We then made chocolate chip pancakes, and those in the Dunn House enjoyed some breakfast goodness (except for Ben, who had already made delicious bagels whilst clad in his Mr. Rodger's-like sweater....very Ben. Love it). The rest of the day has been pretty chill. Sarah did a lot of our nails. My nails are magical because there's this magnetic stuff on them that creates miracle designs on your nails; I am pleased to be donning magical appendages.

Isaiah and a few others helped Elizabeth rearrange the furniture downstairs, and we are currently eating incredible chocolate chip muffins made by Sarah. Soon Isaiah & I (and whoever else wants to come) are heading back to the chapel to finish up some projects. We may visit the Sea Wall later. A lot of the staff hasn't seen it still. And soon, Ginni is due to arrive. We are all really excited to see her again (I met her at Chris & Ross's Goodbye House party). She seems incredibly sweet.

Pray that these Rainy Days will only serve to bond us as a staff & make us feel invigorated rather than depressed/bored.

Talk to you next time!

My Prayer for This Summer…

By: The Husband

When my family gathered together to pray for us the last Sunday before we left for Wildwood, New Jersey for the summer, we prayed for many things. We prayed for many important things like the staff learning to love one another, for us to encourage other believers, for all to learn to love the gospel much deeper, to use and further our talents to the delight in and of God, and to really know God much better. All of these things are dear to my heart.

As we were praying there was one prayer that came welling up from somewhere even beyond my heart and finally made me break down with weeping. I managed to stammer out the words, "God, please save some people from hell this summer." Ever since I was quite young I have been quite burdened by the knowledge that people do not know that they could be saved and that burden has only increased over the years.

This summer as I thought over all my ambitions to draw closer to God over the summer myself and teach the other staff members things He has taught me about sharing my faith, I realized all I really want is for people to be saved from hell this summer.

Last summer we had the amazing privilege of seeing a handful of people come to know Jesus for the first time and it was the absolute highlight of our summer. Christ was given much glory over the course of our summer here last year because He powerfully used us to delight in Him and spread His fame abroad to others. Our Father's heart was greatly delighted last summer by our asking Him for things and Him providing gloriously for us.

Despite the fact that last summer was a major blessing, we didn't lead many to Christ, and Jesus tells us that there is MORE joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99 righteous persons who need no repentance.

If there is more joy over in heaven over one sinner who repents, what is the sorrow in heaven over each one who refuses to repent?

It is my greatest hope and prayer this summer that we may see as many sinners as possible take advantage of the blood of God offered for the forgiveness of their sins and securing theirs and God's greatest joy imaginable!

Please join me in this hope and prayer!

Ask our Father to do what He finds greatest joy in…saving sinners who repent!

By God's grace, your prayers, and our witness, you will meet many new brothers and sisters in heaven which you would otherwise not.

House of 8

Our group of four here at the Dunn House has grown to eight. Sarah, Susie, and Alexandra arrived together, and Teri arrived a bit later. Sarah is our music coordinator this summer, and the three other gals are drama folks. It has been so great to get to know the ones I'll work with most so soon! We christened the Dunn House together with a new door, two new fridges, two new stoves, and Shakespeare--Isaiah & I brought a box of Shakespeare magnet words, and we all had a blast forming ridiculous, nerdy, and awkward sentences on the new fridges.

I have already learned a bit about my other Chapel staff cohorts, though there are still many mysteries yet to be revealed. Sarah loves relationship & psychology books about as much as me (we sat at Hooked on Books in the Relationship section for a good half hour), enjoys taking great pictures, and loves painting nails. I shall be visiting her salon A La Her Room very soon. In addition, I find her humor to be incredibly similar to mine & her sound effects and honesty about struggles to be glorious. Alexandra has this sense of childhood joy that I love very much! I was watching her at the beach the other day as she gloried in watching dolphins for longer than anyone else and almost squealed with joy when she spotted a crab returning to its hole in the ground. She ends up clapping her hands in excitement a lot and she eats ice cream despite the frigid winds of reality. I could get used to hanging out with such a ray of light and adorableness. Susie is a wonderful extrovert who I can't wait to evangelize with, and Isaiah and I start running with her tomorrow morning, which I am simultaneously jazzed about (Susie has tons of energy and will probably make me happier about the process) and a bit scared of (since I am indeed a horrible runner).

Ben is incredibly passionate about war veterans and honoring those lost. I learn more about how to be respectful & silent in the midst of tragedy and loss every day from him. He doesn't talk a ton, but even simply watching his facial expressions sometimes shows one how to act in situations. I get a sense of what growing up with no small sense of decorum would have been like from him. Elizabeth is this entity that most find very quiet and forever sensibly normal, but rooming with Bonnie McCoy taught me a lot, and from the time I first met Elizabeth, I knew she had tons of spice, energy, and life. Watching her complete an entire Shakespeare dialog made of magnets & wrap herself burka-style in a blanket on the beach have only confirmed my suspicions that she is cray-cray and that I love it. Teri is still a mystery to me though I know I will get to know her little by little. I am excited to do so.

After we christened the Dunn House, this new group of eight which I am growing to love more & more everyday, visited Sunset Beach with our new friend Tom, who spent the weekend painting the Chapel. Sunset Beach is beautiful. We watched dolphins play near a war memorial wreck as the sun slowly sank into the sky, and as we watched I thought about how very blessed I am to be here: a newly married, Chapel newbie who already feels very accepted and valued by everyone here. Isaiah & I got some couple time acting like children in the sand, and Elizabeth paid a huge compliment by saying that as far as couples were concerned, we were pretty cool. I suppose she thought the fact that I was playing massage parlor and covering Isaiah's belly with stones whilst speaking in an Iranian accent was cute; I supposed this would look weird, but odder things have been endearing. A stranger also snapped a pic of us while we did our couple thing on the beach; she though we were cute too (score one for the Englishes!) The picture is below. She sent it to my phone. Isaiah is laying in my lap (as per usual).

After feeling like we were all cute at the beach, Isaiah & I hopped in the car and rode home with Sarah & Tom, which was a way cool time because Tom popped in his church choir CD, and we were all confronted with the most glorious music which sounded like it came from heaven itself. The music was so good and affected me so much in a spiritual sense, that when we returned home to the Dunn House, we kept listening whilst drinking some tea and preparing our minds for sleep. The music, including the pieces that Tom wrote, was similar to the Gregorian Chants I used to hear at Agia Sophia's Orthodox Coffee House in Colorado. It was so wonderful to be reminded of such wonderful times.

On Saturday, We all went to Chris Byrd's (Evangelism Coordinator with Isaiah this summer) and Ross's (last year's Drama Coordinator & friend of the chapel) for a Goodbye House Party since they are both moving soon. I enjoyed talking to strangers and getting shown off by my husband. His favorite line is, "And this is my new wife..." He is very proud to be married to me, and this makes me happy. I also love the fact that Chris Byrd understands my rants; I had a major fangirl moment over his writing desk and kept talking about how my favorite things are mixtures of antiquated beauty & glory and practical application, and how writing desks and Jesus are both like this. And he understood everything I said! Awesome Sauce! We returned to Douglass Fudge bought by Tom and enjoyed eating amazingness until bedtime.

On Sunday, Isaiah & I went to Lighthouse Church, and I must say we are fans of it. I loved the environment in general. There was a girl with Down's who danced in the aisle and paced back and forth at the front, a youth group member led the worship, and the pastor was very bold & zealous. There were also really cool wood depictions of Christ's Crucifixion around the room, and I liked the way they did communion. It reminded me of the way Suzan & Cope's Episcopal Church did it. It felt more like a communal body rather than an individual thing, and I am a big fan of this because the Church as One is huge to me. We gave the pastor an invite to Dr. Krabbendam's School of Evangelism at the Boardwalk, and I hope some people from there come since I believe that the church in general is full of people who are already great evangelists. They could become even more bold under crazy, radical Dr. K.

After church, we went to the Secret Beach and filled ourselves with sun, laughter, and conversation. Sarah and I later visited a book store before going to Night Chapel and hearing Tim Cummings preach. He is another man of God who is full of boldness. He also has a lot of experience in the scriptures which seeps through his pores when he speaks. I hope to one day be like this. Me thinks Isaiah is closer than I to being this way. Perhaps he can teach me how to be more dedicated to studying the Word, though I must say reading Acts together has already started refueling the fire I once had in high school for the reading of the Word. This makes me hopeful.

We returned to the house to care for the wounded (those with sunburns, namely Susie & Sarah), play Apples to Apples, and eat jelly beans (provided by Teri) and brownies (made by Susie). It was a grand evening, full enough to shorten the morning...since everyone is still not awake. Pray for us as more staff arrives. Pray that the unit we have already formed will continue to grow in relational connection and in Spirit and Prayer!