T R A N S I T I O N I N G
Where to even start?
I lived in Denton for 6 years! Those years comprised of College at TWU, following Christ, Denton North Church, and sweet friendships that developed over the years. After graduating in 2017, I interned with The Michaels Company Corporate which led me to the beginning of my “dream job". Although those were 3 great years, doing the apprenticeship with F.O.C.U.S. had always been in my thoughts and prayers. It was clear I was at a point in my life and career where I could hit pause and go back to college, but this time for campus ministry! And off I went!
Although it's been a season of transitioning, I have been able to experience God's faithfulness, grace and patience. How, you may ask? Well, we can first start with YOU (my donor). Seeing and hearing YOU go out of your way to adjust your time and budget to join my support team financially and prayerfully, has been not only encouraging but a reminder of God's faithfulness!
It has also been challenging. Leaving my stable and consistent community of 6 years in Denton hasn't been easy! I am constantly having to remind myself to be purposeful with my free time; when I am walking into the grocery store, going on a run, or meal prepping, I remember to shoot a text or call one of my sweet Denton friends.
This is Andrea. During my time in Denton, we went from complete strangers to rooming with 4 other girls, developing one of the deepest and sweetest friendships I’ve known. Those other roommates/friends (not pictured) started getting married left and right! Well, the guy next to her is Sam, the boyfriend! When I first moved in, these two took a trip to Richardson on a weekday to surprise me! Since then, they have both been so thoughtful, constant and encouraging! God has definitely been so gracious to let me be part of this season of their lives!
New roommates: Chiazo, Sarah, Rachel, and Elizabeth. They have made home something to look forward to at the end of the day. With our busy schedules we haven't been able to take a group picture but know that our time is spent laughing and watching movies together.
This is our Collin Team at our 3 day staff retreat! I remember going into this retreat feeling overwhelmed, insecure and out of place, BUT man was I wrong! It was such a purposeful time of bonding! In a chapter of In the Name of Jesus by Henri Nouwen, he walks us through the challenges of Christian leaders such as being fixated on relevancy with others. My biggest takeaway from his book was the following: “...the Christian leader of the future is called to be completely irrelevant and to stand in this world with nothing to offer but his or her own vulnerable self.”
This is my supervisor, Cody. We had our one on one this past Wednesday and I left feeling encouraged!
This is Jacy; we are both doing the apprenticeship at Collin! Within the first week of the apprenticeship, we have seen each other at our highest and lowest points. She’s been such sweet company in this process; once again, God’s faithfulness never leaves us alone.
Fundraising hasn’t stopped. I am currently 60% fundraised and through this process, I have been able to see strangers and my family believe in the work God is doing within campus ministry! This summer, I met Crystal and Amy through SOOT, Summer One-on-One Training. Within a week of our short interaction, Crystal reached out to me because her and her family wanted to host a fundraiser for me. I have my mom and uncle in Houston reaching out to friends and family to host another fundraiser for me this month. What a faithful God!
Join me in prayer!
I lived in Denton for 6 years! Those years comprised of College at TWU, following Christ, Denton North Church, and sweet friendships that developed over the years. After graduating in 2017, I interned with The Michaels Company Corporate which led me to the beginning of my “dream job". Although those were 3 great years, doing the apprenticeship with F.O.C.U.S. had always been in my thoughts and prayers. It was clear I was at a point in my life and career where I could hit pause and go back to college, but this time for campus ministry! And off I went!
Although it's been a season of transitioning, I have been able to experience God's faithfulness, grace and patience. How, you may ask? Well, we can first start with YOU (my donor). Seeing and hearing YOU go out of your way to adjust your time and budget to join my support team financially and prayerfully, has been not only encouraging but a reminder of God's faithfulness!
It has also been challenging. Leaving my stable and consistent community of 6 years in Denton hasn't been easy! I am constantly having to remind myself to be purposeful with my free time; when I am walking into the grocery store, going on a run, or meal prepping, I remember to shoot a text or call one of my sweet Denton friends.
This is Andrea. During my time in Denton, we went from complete strangers to rooming with 4 other girls, developing one of the deepest and sweetest friendships I’ve known. Those other roommates/friends (not pictured) started getting married left and right! Well, the guy next to her is Sam, the boyfriend! When I first moved in, these two took a trip to Richardson on a weekday to surprise me! Since then, they have both been so thoughtful, constant and encouraging! God has definitely been so gracious to let me be part of this season of their lives!
New roommates: Chiazo, Sarah, Rachel, and Elizabeth. They have made home something to look forward to at the end of the day. With our busy schedules we haven't been able to take a group picture but know that our time is spent laughing and watching movies together.
This is our Collin Team at our 3 day staff retreat! I remember going into this retreat feeling overwhelmed, insecure and out of place, BUT man was I wrong! It was such a purposeful time of bonding! In a chapter of In the Name of Jesus by Henri Nouwen, he walks us through the challenges of Christian leaders such as being fixated on relevancy with others. My biggest takeaway from his book was the following: “...the Christian leader of the future is called to be completely irrelevant and to stand in this world with nothing to offer but his or her own vulnerable self.”
This is my supervisor, Cody. We had our one on one this past Wednesday and I left feeling encouraged!
This is Jacy; we are both doing the apprenticeship at Collin! Within the first week of the apprenticeship, we have seen each other at our highest and lowest points. She’s been such sweet company in this process; once again, God’s faithfulness never leaves us alone.
Fundraising hasn’t stopped. I am currently 60% fundraised and through this process, I have been able to see strangers and my family believe in the work God is doing within campus ministry! This summer, I met Crystal and Amy through SOOT, Summer One-on-One Training. Within a week of our short interaction, Crystal reached out to me because her and her family wanted to host a fundraiser for me. I have my mom and uncle in Houston reaching out to friends and family to host another fundraiser for me this month. What a faithful God!
Join me in prayer!
- I am having two fundraisers, August 11th and 17th, to help me reach my goal for the year. Pray that the people attending these events are able to see the value in campus ministry!
- Pray for wisdom, energy and critical thinking as the apprentices and I continue to dive in the Old Testament and prepare for the school year.
- August 24 is a BIG day: Corefa Prep Day! We have 23 Corefas, or student volunteers, that have committed a year to leading their peers in small group discussions. On this day, we have all of our Corefas gather to prepare for the school year at Collin! Pray that the Lord would cast out any fear, anxiety and insecurities and rather fills their hearts with joy!
Thank you so much for investing in the lives of young students, they are the current and future leaders of our church!
ADRIANA GONZALEZ
I love this!!! Prayers for you and fundraising!!! Keep on keeping onnnnnnn. <3 I love you.
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