I really feel that because of the prayers of the world, and God’s goodness and graciousness, He is granting me an extra measure of grace, energy, compassion, and hope. I am having a good day, probably the first in the past week. I feel very hopeful and thankful to God, and even a little happy. This year has been…well…crazy I guess. We only reported to campus a little over a year ago, and it has definitely been a trying year. The beginning of the semester started with tragedy, as the escaped convict was loose on our campus and killed two people (not students). This threw off our first big outreach of the year, which I was in charge of, but the Lord was amazing through that, and really proved to us how much He doesn’t need us to accomplish His will, though he graciously uses us. I have also been extremely worn out this year as its been my first full year of ministry. I have discipled 8 women, and honestly i’ve really had to push myself to keep going, just being very tired from pouring out. Now this. But its amazing because for the first time all year, I have needed to do ministry, needed to call my girls and greatly desiring to invest in them and spend time with them. I more than want to; I need to, and I have been thankful to get to process with them these past few days. It’s been helpful for me as well to process with them. I’ve been so encouraged many times by girls sharing scripture that has ministered to them, and that ministering to me as well. I’m honestly not afraid of the week to come, knowing that a lot of students may want to talk to me. I am very hopeful in the Lord and what He is doing, and in the measure of grace He will give me to do what I need to here.

We have had two women from our regional team here who are trained counselors who have been a fantastic resource for our students, and the team as well. They’ve met with several students who were interested, and several of the staff team as well, and I think that was really helpful for all of us. I appreciate them because I, as well as the rest of the team, are not trained counselors, so we can’t really counsel the students, only listen, pray and encourage really. That may be all some of the students need, but there are definitely some who need more, so I am very thankful for them. I am sure I’ll be calling them for advice and more counseling as we continue to process and grieve.