Hello everyone and welcome back to my blog!! I decided to stick to the questions I asked myself last month because they kind of just cover all the bases and are good reflection questions in general. So here we go!!
What have you loved this month?
I have loved a lot of things this month… I could probably go on and on and on about all of the loveliness of this month. But of all the things, I have loved my host family! The Youngs have opened up their home to me so well and have made me feel part of the family so quickly. They are warm, kind, funny, and in many ways remind me of my own family. Family dinners on Tuesday nights are always a highlight of the week! I never know what exactly the topic of conversation will be, but I know it will be good and I know I will laugh a lot! I have loved getting to know Tucker, Hannah, and Virginia because they rock and are so cool!!! I’m just loving doing life with all of them <3 Also I’m obsessed with their dogs, Moses and Boaz 🥺🥺
I have loved my sixth grade small group that I’m leading!! They are the sweetest group of girls! Every Sunday night, the whole youth group comes together for worship and afterwards we all split into our small group time. We get to talk about the Lord and His love for them and we also get to be silly and laugh a lot! It’s been a really sweet time and I’m enjoying getting to know them.
What are you learning?
This month, I think the Lord has been teaching me about His heart for justice and for the vulnerable and oppressed. This semester, we’re in a class called Just Leadership, and we are learning about social justice through a biblical lens. I am learning that as believers, as recipients of grace, our calling is to serve the poor and seek justice for the oppressed. Caring for the underserved and underrepresented is not optional; it is an intricate part of the life of a believer. Such a good class!! It’s so cool to be able to carry what I’m learning in class into my job as well. At Refugee Hope Partners, I get to work and interact with people from all over the world. I’m learning what it looks like to serve those who come from very different backgrounds than me, and I’m realizing the importance of empowering and encouraging them as they navigate how to live in a foreign country.
I am also learning so much about myself! This month I took the Myers-Briggs personality test and learned my personality type (any other ENFJs out there?!). It’s neat to learn about how I best relate with others and how I operate internally! We also are taking a couple classes on the Enneagram and I’m in the process of figuring out which Enneagram type I am. I have loved reflecting and processing about myself, how I think, and what truly motivates me. I think it’s important that we know ourselves well because God is reflected in each one of us! Knowing myself better means knowing Him better and I think that’s really cool.
What is a favorite memory that you are taking into the next month?
There are lots of good memories this month!
The NC State Fair!!! The fair was so fun, overwhelming, disgusting, and chaotic all at the same time!! Unfortunately, we were hit with a torrential downpour on the night we went.. BUT it made for a great memory because we all were running through the fair, soaking wet, laughing and being silly, and it was the best. Good memory for sure.
All the fellows found this really cool cider/brewery with a really neat outdoor area! One Friday night we all hung out, grabbed some cider, and sat around this cool bonfire. So fun!!!
ROUNDTABLE!!! I could write a whole essay on why I love Roundtable. I mean, what’s not to like? We eat together, hang out, and talk about important things. I love love love it!
October was just the loveliest and I am loving it down here in THE Raleigh, North Carolina. Thank you Jesus for this month!
Peace and Blessings 😙✌️🎃🎃,
Emily Kagey