Hang On and Enjoy the Ride {JSSP-Week 1}

Greetings friends! I have officially been in Jersey Shore for 9 days. What a journey it has already been as I adjust to life on the shore with my brothers and sisters in Christ. I just want to share a little recap of what my time has looked like.

First of all, the road trip here was a blast. It all started with a huge frap from Starbucks and four college students. I got to experience tolls for the first time and see various states. After 28 hours, we finally arrived at the shore! The first day was filled with a lot of activities, people, and new experiences. I had the opportunity to go to the boardwalk on the first day. This was the point where it hit me that I am no longer in the Midwest and way out of my comfort zone. Speaking of new experiences, I have learned a few things since being here:

1. If a guy approaches your car at a gas station, don’t worry, it’s normal. Apparently it is against the law to pump your own gas. 
2. Left turns are almost non existent in this state. To turn left, you first have to turn right. 
3. Sand dunes. These Jersey people really love em. It’s a $1500 fine if you are caught walking on them. During Hurricane Sandy, the sand dunes took the brunt of the storm and prevented a lot of damage in Seaside Heights/Park.
4. It is against the law not to recycle. On top of that, they are very picky about what you can and cannot recycle. I am still trying to distinguish what to recycle.
5. NJ has scary birds on the beach and boardwalk. They will try to get your food. Frankly, I do not like them and am scared of these birds. I am hoping to overcome this fear in the near future.
6. Pop is non existent in this state. It is soda.
7. Some people do not know where the midwest is (confused it with another country)/ know that North Dakota is a state in the United States.
8. Opening your mouth to speak will result in people asking where you are from and comment about the accent. 
9. It is “wa-ta” not water. I’ve been practicing ;)
10. People are lost and looking for answers. We have spent a lot of time on the boardwalk talking to people about the Gospel. 

Down by the bay

The Boardwalk

Green house ladies before church. I am blessed to be living with these ladies and enjoy all the laughter we share!

Breathtaking.

Some of the damage from Ortley Beach. This place got hit really bad from Hurricane Sandy.

My first cannoli!

The first 5 days consisted of a lot of training/sessions/community building. We have spent time digging into the Word, worshipping, and praying. We have also had the opportunity to go to the boardwalk and share with people. So far, 8 people have come to Christ! This has already been a stretching experience and I have seen growth in myself and so many others.

Project has been very exciting and fun, but it has not been the easiest transition. I’ve been missing home a lot lately-just really not wanting to be here and questioning why I am here. Other times I am so glad I am on Project. It’s been very back and forth. It’s been hard to be away from my 1st graders at work and to be in a completely new environment. There was a time at the beginning of training week where we had worship. I remember just sitting there and (literally) crying out to God. I did not know why He placed me here. I still do not know why. But one thing I know is that I am here for a purpose. A purpose much higher than my own understanding. A purpose I might not ever know. At this point, I just need to hang on and enjoy the ride. I am going to be pushed out of my comfort zone (even more) and change as a person. This summer is going to impact me for the rest of my life. Throughout the past 9 days, I felt myself “dragging my feet” as God continues to shape and pull me even more out of my comfort zone. I feel myself sometimes resisting that growth and need to grow. I am not sure how to sum up the past 9 days. There have been good and bad times, scary and exciting times, and times of uncertainty. I guess I just have to hang on and enjoy the ride. 

Prayer requests:
-Pray for the community of Seaside Heights and the opportunities we will have to love and share within the community

-Pray that I continue to trust God as I work toward gaining full support along with the other students who are working on support raising

-Pray that as students we can impact each other, our coworkers, and people back on campus as we return to school

-Pray for a desire to learn and grow as we become busy with jobs and other project events

With Blessings,

Heather