Moving Forward

Bible studies have begun, and events are in full swing here at ASU. Next week will mark the fourth week of my Bible studies. Currently I am leading three studies: two within the Barrett Honors College and one FOCUS Greek study. To make the girls feel special, I made them all little notebooks to use as a prayer journal. On the front inside cover I placed directions of how to pray the rosary, complete with a listing of all the mysteries. On the back inside cover I placed a quote from Pope Francis on World Youth Day in Brazil, and the Gospel presentation. 

The weekend of September 20th the FOCUS team and I served on the All Saints Catholic Newman Center's Freshman Retreat in Payson, Arizona. I LOVED spending the weekend up north on a mountain top, surrounded by fragrant pine trees and pleasant temperatures. It was the first time that I was able to cozy up in sweatshirt in months! (Never thought that would be something I would miss.) I led a small group and gave a talk about authentic freedom. Overall, the retreat was a great success, and we had the opportunity to get to know several new students.

Bus leaders/AKA Super heroes

Some of my Bible Study girls

My small group

Enjoying a hike

Nothing like roasting s'mores!

My cabin

My roommates-minus Lesley

The whole group

I was blessed to have a brief visit from my dear friend, Ali, last weekend. Ali is my Delta Gamma "daughter," and it meant the world to have her take the time to visit me all the way from Nebraska. Ali tagged along to my bible studies and our student missionary's Upper Room event. We also had the chance to do some hiking and exploration of the Tempe area. My heart is so grateful for such great friends the Lord has given me, and it was good to have a little taste of home through Ali. :)

At the top of Camelback Mountain

Enjoying some slickables!

At our monthly Upper Room event for student missionaries

At the ASU Newman Center tailgate

On Wednesday we celebrated our very first ASU FOCUS Missions fiesta. The event included, a FOCUS Missions promo video (which you can watch here), four testimonies of how a FOCUS Mission trip transformed one's spiritual life, horchata, snow cones, fajitas, piñatas, a ¡Three Amigos¡ photobooth, and LOTS of salsa dancing! We also had quite a bit of fun with fiesta promotional materials.

In the midst of meetings with students and Bible studies, the team and I have been preparing for several more big events coming up, one of which includes our very own FOCUS founder, Curtis Martin! He will be speaking to the students of the ASU Catholic Newman Center on Wednesday, October 16th, to "Spark the Faith" here on campus. We will be welcoming him with lots of love, as you can see. 

Things here have been busy as ever, but I feel so blessed to work with such incredible students. Please keep us in your prayers as we continue the mission of Christ here on ASU's campus! God bless.