We It has been an AMAZING five and a half years with Greater Vancouver YFC, and I have had so much fun, met so many amazing people (both kids and adults) and learned a LOT. In the fall I will be beginning a new chapter of my life and ending my working role with YFC. I hope to remain connected to Youth Unlimited, as I have created some very meaningful relationships with my coworkers and the kids I work with, and I am still passionately in support of ALL the wonderful work that YFC does.While I’ll tell you a bit more about what I am moving on to in the fall later (school - which I am SUPER excited about!), I would like to take this space to reflect on some of the most pertinent things that God has taught me, and the meaningful memories that I’ve made in my time with YFC.
Pre-Teens... What can I say? Well, to start, I wasn’t totally overjoyed when I found out I would be working mostly with pre-teens in Langley, but two years later and I LOVE PRE-TEENS!!!!!!
When I began working with the kids at Langley Meadows, I wasn’t sure how to connect with them - they were screechy, hyper, irrational, and you can’t just take them out for coffee like you can older teens!
Over the last 2 years running Art: After School, I have grown to love my energetic pre-teens. Their personalities are just starting to solidify, and they are on the cusp of becoming “their own person.” Working with them provides ample opportunity to give direction as they head
towards the huge changes that the teenage years bring.Whether it’s personality clashes in the group, rebellious spirits, or just learning to cooperate, all of it provides ample learning opportunities. I actually got to the point where I enjoyed the days when there was conflict because it always turned in to such a great teachable moment!
Opportunities to travel have also created very meaningful memories. I have been able to travel to Mexico, Reno (not so far away, but a different culture none the less!), Scotland twice, and now Rwanda. All of these travel experiences have taught me so much. From, to navigating rush hour Tacoma traffic in a 15 passenger van full of teenagers, to leading a group of teens, to learning how to operate, adapt and be flexible in a foreign country - God has used all of these experiences to clarify and direct me in the path that He has for me, as well as build things in to my character that wouldn’t otherwise be there.
God has also used the other staff, volunteers and Lifeteams students to bless my life so much. I cannot even express to you the privilege it has been to work with such amazing people. YFC is a beautiful family of truly incredible people, and I am glad that family ties don’t break as move on to something new. Even though I will not be working for YFC any more, I know that the friendships that I have made will continue and the wonderful people in my YFC family will continue to be blessings in my life.God is good... and He has truly used my time with YFC to not only mold and shape me in to more of the person He created me to be, but He has also truly and madly blessed me more than I ever imagined He would when I began my time with YFC.
As I move with confidence in to a new phase of my life, it is not without a great deal of sadness that I leave my work with YFC behind. I would like to thank you so much for being a part my experience here at YFC, and I would like to ask you to continue to keep the work of YFC in your thoughts and prayers. The work that is being done by this organization is invaluable. The difference our staff make in the lives of young people is immeasurable. And the support of people like you is irreplaceable.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Baptism
Another of the highlights of my work with YFC has come this year through my role as a mentor to D., one of our Student Leaders in Langley. It has been wonderful to get to know D. and to watch her navigate her way through high school, trying to be a faithful follower of Christ. D. has also been a huge help to me this year at Art: After School, and so when she invited me to her baptism, I was thrilled.
Baptisms are always moving, but even more so when you’ve had the opportunity to walk alongside someone for part of their faith journey.
It was really great to watch D. up there, with her family in the crowd, proclaiming her faith in Jesus. She is an amazing young woman, with a supportive family, and I am excited to see what God has in store for her life.
What’s Next??
Starting September 2nd, I will be a student again! I will be studying International Studies at Simon Fraser University. I love traveling, and desire to work more on an international/cross-cultural level. I have long had an interest in empowering those in situations of powerlessness, and am passionate about helping people be who they were created to be - beautiful, wonderful creations of a loving God. At SFU, I am specializing in International Security and Conflict, and am interested in working to end slavery and human trafficking, as well as in the rehabilitation of those who have been involved in such situations.
Come September (after one more letter with YFC to update everyone on my Rwanda trip!) I will no longer be required to send out updates as a part of my job. Despite this, I have really come to appreciate you as a support team, and I believe there is much value in sharing stories, so I have decided to continue sending out updates twice a year. Please let me know if you would rather not receive these letters, and I will take you off the list.
