"Sometimes you don't see what's going on under the surface until it appears." -Sam Meadors

It makes sense when you think about it. I am spending my summer working and it feels like a vacation because it's the ideal job, with the ideal people, in my ideal place. Then, when I leave this wonderful place for a "holiday weekend getaway," it would make sense that the time away would be even nicer than the time spent in Dallas. But all I can think is; how is that possible?! 


"Early in the morning, I will celebrate the light, and as I stumble through the darkness, I will call Your name by night." -Chris Tomlin


Friday morning, after all 100 interns gathered on the large beautiful steps of a building on SMU's campus for a group photo, we each parted our ways to our chosen Friday Experience locations. This week, I took a field trip to Oak Cliff UMC to learn more about Non-Profit Management and Careers. This was led by Eric Lindh, the Executive Director of Project Transformation (which was so cool to not only learn about non-profits, but to learn about the one I've been working for!!). Eric mentioned that he preferred not to refer to them as "non-profits," because that's defining us by something that we're NOT. He prefers the term, "not-for-profit."

Can I also say that looking at all of these interns, dressed the same, standing together, it amazes me how a group of so many different, diverse, creative, inspiring, and blessed college students can come from all over the country to make up one body.

Friday afternoon...I got to live the life or luxury that I spoke of in the beginning. I flew to Horseshoe Bay for the extended holiday weekend with my aunt, uncle and cousin who live in Fort Worth. And if I do say so myself, any day in Horseshoe Bay is a great day.

I work with kids in urban areas of Dallas all day long, and not only do I live on a campus with the most beautiful architecture I've ever seen, but on the weekends I fly in a privately owned plane to a condo on a lake. Paradise? I think yes. Not only that, but we spent our days out on the boat, jet-skiing, wake-boarding, tanning, and dining at high end wine vineyards. I'm living the most privileged life I can imagine and I feel like a complete poser. I wish I could have brought one (if not all!) of the youth with me so they could appreciate other areas and ends of life. I wish I could let the kids experience this instead of me. I've been here before. I've walked in these pricy shoes, and I've eaten these exotic meals. I've done this all before. I wish I could switch lives with them. They deserve so much more, I just wish I could give them the world. 

I am so glad that I'm in Dallas this summer. My family is here, and conveniently on this July 4th weekend, I got to not only see my Texas relatives, but my mom and brother as well...on my baby brother's birthday! Sunday night we watched fireworks from a gorgeous resort that was a mix of a yacht club and a country club, while eating delicious quesadillas! The fireworks were shot up from a peninsula in the middle of the lake and the view was beautiful.

It's funny to me though, as Sam Meadors mentioned tonight at worship, that things can't always be seen that are happening underneath until they break the surface. It's crazy how true that is with people. There's so much that goes on within each of us, it's startling to learn that it happens to everyone. To each of your friends, and each of your family members. Although they may just be your friendly, role-model cousin or sibling, they are fighting battles of their own and they need love and sometimes, the most important thing you can give them... hope. 

Upon returning to SMU on Monday evening, a large group of us interns re-united and took the dart (largest fail of the summer so far!) to watch more fireworks that were closer to downtown Dallas. Even though it was a struggle and a ball full of wrong turns, scary elevator rides, and impatient people, we made it there and had a wonderful time bonding and relaxing before going back to work the next morning. 

And let me tell you...the first day back after the holiday, was one for the books! Today we had a girl fall off her bike and cut up her leg pretty bad. I wasn't here at the time, but she opted out of cleaning it immediately, which resulted in dirt clotting up the (pretty deep) wound. When we returned to site, I had her sit down and wash it off so I could make sure she was alright. The dirt was so deep in her cut that it took three of us, tweezers, hydrogen peroxide, lots of paper towels, and countless tears to get it looking remotely clean. I was the designated hand holder, as this girl clenched my hand, used it to wipe her tears, hid her eyes from watching this happening, squeezed all of pain away, in order to make it through the process. I was so proud of her for making it through this. She's so strong, and I've gained so much more respect for her. 


Did I mention that I got to hang out with my favorite person on the entire earth this weekend? My mother. :) She has such a true heart and I love her to death. She's the most beautiful and inspiring woman I know. Thanks for everything Mom!

Listen to this --> City on Our Knees by TobyMac :)