One Semester In... and it's Christmas!

I'm sitting at my dear friend Peggy's house tonight for our weekly Glee watching party. It's something that she has been working to establish as a norm. As an event that will, without a doubt, happen every Tuesday night. It's a sweet time where our extremely varied group of friends get together, talk about our weeks, eat grilled cheese and eventually, watch Glee. As we're wrapping up our first semester of Young Life clubs and I'm thinking back on the past 3 months, that is my prayer for YL club here in Puerto Rico. That it will truly become part of the culture; an event that will, without a doubt, happen every Monday night at 7:27 p.m. An event where high school students from different backgrounds and different stories can come, have a blast and feel comfortable just being a kid. This past semester was a huge step in getting there, and the hope of what God is going to do through Young Life here is what drives me each day as we hang out with students or run campaigners and club.

Puerto Rico Young Life Club!!

Mario and Jaycob dressed as Christmas trees!

We had our final club of the semester last night, and I think it was my favorite so far. It was Christmas themed (obviously) and students had a blast getting high quality white elephant gifts (if by high quality you mean it cost 25 cents at Party City), dressing up their friends as Christmas trees and eating pizza!

The students also got to hear the story of Mary and Martha, and how Jesus just wants to be with them... no matter how many things they think they need to "clean up" first. I love that they heard that truth about Jesus last night. I love that I was reminded of it. And I love that my life is filled with opportunities to remind kids of that as well.

My reaction after Milton (our skit character) asks me on a date

Christmas season has finally started in Puerto Rico. Ok, that's a lie. Christmas season started before Halloween happened. Yes... hard to believe, but very true. Last year during this season, thoughts of how amazing and incredible it is that God actually put on human flesh and walked around, that he hung out with ordinary people, dominated my thoughts. Lately, those thoughts have resurfaced and I was reminded Monday at club how incredible it is that  after Jesus left earth and couldn't physically hang out with us anymore, he sent us as ambassadors in his place. We walk around with the Holy Spirit inside us; we get to go and be in the flesh with people, to share truth with them and be a physical picture of Christ's love for them. That is at the same time a huge responsibility and a huge honor. God loves us so deeply... so passionately that he didn't just stop with the incredible gift of his son Jesus, but gave us the ability to be his ambassadors because we are his beloved children. 

I'm going to be honest. The past couple of weeks it has been hard to live here. I miss my family. I miss my 1509 Enfield roommates. I miss Austin and the way the sunset looks on the city as you're crossing the bridge over Town Lake. I miss cold weather. I miss watching football all day on Saturday. I miss good barbeque and Mexican food. My life would be easier if I didn't have to worry about money, work at making new friends, or try to live life in another language. But, I get to walk in to high schools with the Holy Spirit in me and show students Christ's love in the flesh. I get to watch Glee with a mixed-up group of friends and learn how to live life with them. And knowing that I get to do that simply because I belong to the King... simply because I'm his beloved child... is enough to make all the hard things worth it. 

So as the first semester of Young Life is wrapping up, I just want to thank you for all your support and prayers. God has done and will continue to do incredible things here. So thank you for your love and prayers. 

And God... Daddy, thank you... for loving us enough to come in the flesh and be with us. 

Christmas Club!!!

Here is our event poster for our Christmas club happening this Monday! It's our last club of the semester... crazy!

Check back for a longer update next week- just wanted to let you guys know I was still alive and YL is still kickin' in PR! Thanks for your continued prayers.

It's Almost Thanksgiving... What?!

It's been a couple of weeks since my last post... Sorry about that. I've been really busy getting a tan at the beach... just kidding. Young Life has been continuing in full force down here! Matt and I have been spending the majority of our time visiting high schools, meeting new kids and building stronger relationships with the students we already know. It's been really fun for me to start the transition of "Hey, I'm this girl who hangs out at your school." to "Hey, let's hang out this weekend... can I have your number?" and see the girls' reactions when they realize I actually want to spend time with them and think they're cool. It's great.

On top of that, we've now had 5 official Young Life clubs in Puerto Rico! God provided us with a new meeting location, so we're now meeting at a rotary club that is more centrally located in San Juan than our last location. It has a great parking lot for kids to hang out before club and for us to have an "after party" after club... complete with music, light up frisbees and even root beer floats! To give you a little insight to the madness that goes on in our clubs, I'd like to introduce you to Milton... a nerd who often comes in and interrupts everything while I'm attempting to give announcements. The kids love Milton... they often tell Matt that Milton looks just like him. This week we decided to make Milton a Facebook profile so the kids can interact with him even when they're not at club... check out his profile picture below!

Milton... being a nerd... typical. 

On another note: I actually did take a day off yesterday and went to El Morro... one of the old Spanish forts located in Old San Juan. It was a beautiful day (the weather is really nice here this time of year)... and was so great to just lay on the grass, relax and read books all day. If anyone wants to come visit me... you can see this in person! That kind of sounds like a bribe and well... it kind of is.

El Morro... aka my version of the South Mall on UT campus

Love you guys so much! Thanks for keeping me and YLPR in your prayers... more updates soon!
-Linds

3 clubs down... and some refreshing insight

One of the things I love most about my life post-graduation is the time I have to read. Don't get me wrong- I don't have boatloads of free time... but I also don't have textbooks about effective public relations to read anymore. Growing up, I spent all my time reading (Nerd... I know). But since high school, when English teachers decide to assign 100 pages a night of a certain novel that the school board feels necessary for American teenagers to read... let's just say I haven't had a whole lot of reading-for-enjoyment-time. So forgive me for writing about what I've read....

... So I've been reading this book, "Back to the Basics of Young Life," by John Miller. It was a want-to/ had-to read mandated by my brother and boss, Matt Golley. It is incredible. What I read last night was by far my favorite part of the book so far. It was the chapter about contact work, which for those of you not as familiar with Young Life, is when we go to where kids are and hang out with them. This could be in the lunchroom at their high school, basketball games, their houses, etc. For many YL leaders, including myself, contact work is something you have to psych yourself up for. Put bluntly... it's awkward. Yes, I'm 22. Yes, I have a college degree. Yes, I'm on average 5 years older than any of the students I'm talking to. And on any given day this is my routine before going in to the school: I sit in the car... pray... and then act like I'm my own self-help book with thoughts something like, "I'm cool...I'm cool," or "I have my own friends," or "Remember... they're in high school." Miller's chapter on contact work reminded me why we go to where kids are. When Jesus was on earth, he went to people who were in need, sick, dying. When Jesus died on the cross and cried, "It is finished," his work here on earth was just that- finished. Now, we as the body of Christ are called to go in his place. That was an incredible reminder to me last night, tired after a full day of hanging out with kids. Jesus would like to go to lunch. Jesus would like to go to that volleyball game. Jesus would like to have coffee with that girl. But, in his love and grace, he allows me to go in his place, to be his ambassador. Wow. I think my pre-going to the school thoughts just changed.

Aidy and Michael showing off their tropies! 

Jettie, a volunteer leader and Nalani showing
off their costumes

On Monday, we had our 3rd club, which was a Costume Party. This might seem like a weird transition, but hang with me. Half of our club didn't speak any english and it was their first time coming to Young Life. This is a result of Matt's faithfulness the past year in coaching a football team in San Juan.

Everyone had a blast showing off their costumes, playing games and competing in a Thriller dance-off! The best part is that at the end Matt got to talk a little bit about this guy named Jesus. The fact that kids came, had fun and heard about Jesus is a miracle... and God let us be a part of it!

Matt and his football boys rocking out 

On Tuesday, as we went to high schools to hang out, we met new kids, talked with ones we knew and built relationships. We're doing our best to show up, to be consistent in the kids' lives that God has allowed us to meet because... well... He sent us here in His place. That is exciting and really really cool.

Ricky, the penguin... walking the red carpet! 

So, thanks to John Miller, his wisdom and my post-grad time to read for refreshing my view on why we GO.

Sidenote: If you're wondering why Matt chose to hire me... check out this link for reason #1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=raGuaXxKzyo

Something Extraordinary

If you've never read any of Shauna Niequist's books... you need to. Seriously. I want to write like she does one day. 

Over the past 1 1/2 months I've lived in San Juan, her most recent book, "Bittersweet," has been a true companion for me. Two nights ago, I opened the book to start reading and to my delight, the next story was titled, "San Juan." The whole story was encouraging, convicting and life-giving to read about her experiences in the city I'm calling home for the next year. But, there was one paragraph that sums up my heart, soul and time in San Juan so far. I'd like to share it with you. 

"It's so easy, when your own world feels a little dark and fragmented, to become increasingly self-focused, only able to see the frustration and pain of your own life. I brought my frustrated, wound-up self to San Juan and realized all at once that I was in the middle of something extraordinary." 

I might as well have written that paragraph. It sums up my life for the past month. It sums up why I love Niequist so much. She goes straight to the heart. If I'm going to be honest, I came to San Juan in a daze. The past 2 years have been incredibly difficult, challenging and growing for me, and it's been easy for me to have tunnel vision. To only see the battle that's being fought in my heart and mind. Since I've been here, God has, in many different ways and through many different people, reminded me that there is a whole world out there. That it's not all about me. He's reminded me of the big picture. To open my eyes and look around once in a while. It's become more and more clear to me, as Young Life has really gotten started, that I'm in the midst of something extraordinary. Now, it's a daily fight to get out of my own head and soak in the moments that are happening around me. 

Here are a couple moments of extraordinary that happened over the past week: 

Sophomore girls dressed to their Greek Parthenon theme

1. Baldwin Spirit Week: The only thing I can remotely compare this to is Homecoming Week in Texas high schools. It's a huge deal. Each grade is responsible for decorating a hallway with a certain theme, and then each day of the week has a different costume theme. For example, today the theme is video games.... so the sophomores are dressing up as Pac Man and the juniors as Super Mario characters. The whole week is a competition between classes, and the kids are all about it. Students were at the school until 9 p.m. each night last week, and all day on Saturday and Sunday working to finish their hallways. Matt and I got to go and help them decorate their hallways and it was an awesome time to hang out with kids. I helped out the sophomores, which is basically a class of 30 girls... got to know all their names and spend hours having a shared experience with them. Looking back on it.... that is extraordinary. That God would allow me to spend time with them, to give me conversations with them and a chance to help them with something important. If you don't believe me that this is a huge deal... check out the pictures from the week!

Sophomore girls in their finished hallway! 

Baldwin Juniors dressed as Mayans

Matt and I hanging out during Spirit Week

2. Our 2nd Young Life club: Hands down one of the most fun clubs I've ever been a part of. We met in the San Juan Beach Hotel and kids had a blast rocking out to songs, human bowling, winning prizes and having random dance parties. The whole night was sweet, but during Matt's talk it dawned on me that this could be the first time these kids begin to understand who this man Jesus really is. That was overwhelming to me. That reminded me that I'm in the midst of something extraordinary. 

Practicing songs before our 2nd club! 

Human bowling!! 

Robot dance party!!

God is doing huge things here in San Juan. When I stop to think about it, I'm in awe that God would allow me to be a part of this. That He would trust me enough, think me worthy enough, adequate enough to be doing this. I don't deserve it... to be in the presence of extraordinary... but while I have the chance, I'm going to enjoy every single moment of it. 

Thanks for caring. Thanks for praying. More updates soon! 

Love,

Lindsay 

One month in...

One month and a few days in to my life in San Juan. It's a little incredible... and by incredible I mean unbelievable, ridiculous and life-giving.

Sitting in Starbucks thinking about the reality of me being here, helping out Matt Golley with Young Life, I'm overwhelmed with everything that God orchestrated for this to happen. Some would say this story began for me 10 months ago when Matt first presented me with the idea of moving to San Juan. Some would say it started a 2 1/2 years ago when Matt was hired to start YL in Puerto Rico. But for me, as I look back, it started during the fall of my freshman year in college when I first met Matt. Our paths crossed while I was training to be a YL leader and Matt was helping out with the program. God blessed me with a new brother that first semester, and continued to bless me with him as our friendship grew throughout my time in college.

So, for me... that's when this story started. With a seemingly random friendship that God allowed to stay in my life the past 4 years. Matt and I talked about doing ministry together one day... back in the day. And the fact that God brought it to fruition is mind-blowing for me.

The past month has been filled with everything you could expect when moving to a new place. I've gotten lost my share of times figuring out my way around San Juan. I've eaten mofongo, a classic Puerto Rican dish. High school kids have made fun of my attempts to speak Spanish. I've made friends... Puerto Rican and American. I found a church. Worshipping and listening to the Bible being read in Spanish is really growing on me. I've spent time on the beach. I've missed my family and friends... some days more than others. I miss cold weather. I've had days where I love being on my own and days where I want to live in a house with 10 girls again. But life is happening. It's actually happening at a speed comparable to NASCAR... or rockets... or light. And each day it happens a little bit more. I meet a man who works at Subway and he helps me with my Spanish. I meet a few more high school girls. I find my way to the high school without getting lost. I get to watch beautiful sunsets over the ocean. So life is happening here. In my mind, in my heart, in my soul, on my skin.

But... as if all that life wasn't enough to keep me busy, Young Life has also been happening here. We've been continuing with weekly campaigners and had our very first Young Life club ever on Monday. High school kids from all over San Juan came, had a blast and got to hear about how God created them in his image. Unique. Special. They heard about how they belong to Someone. Club wasn't perfect. We're working out kinks and learning how to do ministry in this culture... but it happened. And that's more than a little incredible. It's huge.

Those kids getting to hear that they were created, that they belonged to someone is a sweet thing. It's been a sweet thing for me to know that, too. That in a place where I often feel I don't have a place... I belong. I belong to my Father, my Abba. As Young Life really kicks off here for the fall, one of the things I'm most looking forward to is sharing that truth with kids. That no matter how your life looks or what the world thinks of it... you belong.

Thanks so much for sharing with me in this! I promise to do a way better job of writing more frequently. Love you all dearly.
-Linds

Young Life Night at the Movies!

Two days ago, the first ever Young Life event went down on the island of Puerto Rico. We invited high school students from all over the San Juan area to come out to a night of Young Life madness. We rented out an entire theatre, watched a movie, had random dance parties, played hilarious games and took part in the usual YL craziness! Kids from over 8 different high schools came and everyone had a blast! It was really cool to see these kids who so often struggle under the pressure to perform and achieve just get to have fun and be kids. For a couple of hours, they didn't have to worry about anything.... except finding a way to win a free YLPR t-shirt! We've had nothing but positive responses from parents and kids about the night. Matt and I, along with our volunteers, can't wait to see how this builds momentum for us heading in to our first real club- which will happen in a couple of weeks.

Other exciting news.... Young Life Puerto Rico tank tops and t-shirts are here! They look sweet... and I guess this means we're pretty official now. Want to wear one? Ask me how...

Thanks so much for all your prayers for Monday and just in general! More stories to come soon!

Love,
Lindsay

I have arrived... I think!

I have been living in San Juan for almost a week now, and it still hasn't really set in. It probably won't really sink in for a couple months (or at least that's what people tell me), but reality is that I live on an island now. The first 5 days here have been wonderful, tiring and busy. I arrived on Friday afternoon, went to my apartment in an area on the island called Isla Verde and then had dinner with an incredible couple who pastor a church in San Juan called La Travesia. It's really been a blessing to come in to such great community right away. Matt and I had dinner at their house again last night to watch the season premiere of Glee... a little piece of home... however ridiculous that might be!

Besides meeting great people, our days are full of meetings, hanging out at high schools and working on our first real YLPR event happening on Monday! We are doing a movie night at a local movie theatre who allowed us to rent out an entire theatre for the night! We're praying that we max the place out with about 200 high school students from all over San Juan. The event will be a great opportunity to meet students, tell them about who we are and what Young Life is and will set us up for our clubs the rest of the semester.

Matt and I at our "office" (aka Starbucks) planning our first event

Matt leaves today to go back to Texas for the weekend, so the next  couple of days will be my first real adventure finding my way around and being on my own. I'm excited/ nervous/ I still can't believe this is my life. I'll be keeping you updated on how everything is going! Love you all and thank you so much for the support!

Check out the poster for our movie night!