First blog alert !!!
Here we go! I’m officially a month into Raleigh fellows. It is more than anything I could ever imagine. I’m already grateful for the love, joy, tears, challenges, lessons, and new opportunities. Let’s start with some general updates about what happened in September.
I started my journey down to Raleigh quite a mess. I cried the entire drive from Richmond, VA to Raleigh, NC. I think I was processing a lot of emotions from graduation and leaving my childhood home. But so quickly I was welcomed into a warm and inviting home at the Patel’s house! Living with the Patel’s has been such a blessing so far. Even though their mini labradoodle is quite literally obsessed with me, we’ve all been getting along so well. On my first night, I used my tool kit (thx for that dad) and felt so settled and grounded in my new space. Since arriving in Raleigh, I’ve really been trying to authentically be myself.
At our orientation lake retreat, I spent most mornings sitting by the lake enjoying the water. I also really enjoyed taking people out on the jet skis for rides on the lake. So excited to have 9 new best friends. Raleigh Fellows doesn’t joke around with friendships! These people will literally be your new best friends within the first week of knowing them.
September was also full of a lot of firsts. First youth group (aka the deal), first day of work (thanks for all the prayers btw, I’m officially working as the communications and marketing coordinator at Mission Triangle), first retreat, first young adult ministry, and first girls night (mmgpn: iykyk). I have loved adjusting to the new rhythm and schedule of the fellows program. I also love having the freedom to add in my own interests. I’ve been running around the neighborhood recently, to get a better feel for my surroundings and just to move my body! Speaking of movement please ask me how hard I boogied at our hoedown throw down line dancing night at fall camp (hint: I was REALLY sweaty).
So I wanted to try this whole writing thing but truthfully I’m a BIG list person, so buckle up we are changing gears!
What has God been teaching me?
Be slow to speak, quick to listen
What does it mean to make roots? Being present, being all in, giving my attention and time to those around me
Why Raleigh? What if He takes away the comfort of familiarity, will I still trust in how He’s called me here? Still working through this, I think God will slowly reveal things to me as I continue to discern and listen. Familiarity and comfortability is an easy appeal, but I can already tell the Lord is leaning me off of what I know and what is easy to me.
How to be a leader? At my job at Mission Triangle, we’ve been doing a staff devotional where we discuss how to lead like Jesus. I’ve learned so much about humility and grace.
Okay now some fun facts I just couldn’t end this blog post without:
Things to know:
You can kill cockroaches
Caroline Simas is the Raleigh Fellows mascot
Daisy (the mini labradoodle) is literally obsessed with me
Linda May is a rat (but the good kind)
Don’t take your shoes off or they will be gift wrapped
I fell in love with pit vipers
LAST THING! I decided I wanted to end each blog post with a REPORT from that month:
Guidelines on the REPORT:
R- what I’m reading (scripture/ book)
E- something fun I’m eating
P- what music I’ve been playing
O- something I’m obsessed with
R- recommendation on something to try/do
T- how I’m treating myself
September REPORT:
R- I’m reading Generous Justice by Tim Keller & Philippians
E- I’m eating Trader Joe's chicken chow mein
P- I’m playing Coast to Coast by Houndmouth
O- I’m obsessed with the golf range (dragging fellows there one by one)
R- I recommend calling your college best friends
T- I’m treating myself by running to move my body
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:6-7
With all the love, Maddie Roberts
