East Lansing, MI - As a resident mentor in Wonders Hall at Michigan State University, some fellow mentors challenge me in my faith, and through the fellowship and encouragement of men of Spartan Christian Fellowship and University Reformed Church, I find true faith in Christ. My four-year involvement with the Michigan State Women's Basketball team leads me to Marshall University.
Huntington, WV - Before ever visiting Huntington, I accept a graduate assistant coaching position with the Marshall University Women's Basketball team. I found fellowship among others in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and River Cities Community Church. My time, and the encouragement and camaraderie of this crew, in Huntington strengthened my faith unimaginably. No other town has a spot in my heart like Huntington.
Williamsburg, VA - My basketball experience allowed me to be hired as the Director of Basketball Operations for the College of William and Mary Women's Basketball team. It's here I realize I no longer desired to pursue collegiate coaching as a profession, even though I love the sport, and have been blessed greatly through it.
Looking back on these past five years, I can
see how the Lord has continued to reveal himself to me, and how he has
allowed my circumstances and relationships to increase my dependence on him,
and increase my faith in his reign. It is a testament to how limited of a view we have in this present time of the orchestration of the events in our lives, and that the Lord is faithful
to work things out for our good and our joy.
With that background, here’s a little rundown of the past few months:
April – A position in the Planning and Development
Department for the City of Houston opens. I apply.
May – I am notified that I have been selected for an interview
with the City of Houston. I am also told I have interviews with Howard
County, Maryland and the City of Cincinnati, Ohio planning departments. I participate
in an interview over Skype with the City of Houston. I'd say I nailed it.
June – Knowing I may not be in Harrisonburg much longer, I soak up the Shenandoah Valley, hiking as much as possible in Shenandoah National Park, finding bears on the trails, swimming in waterfalls, and picking as many wild blackberries and raspberries as possible.
July – To add to the confusion, I learn that the City of
Norfolk, Virginia would like to interview me for a position in their Planning
Department. I made sure to enjoy Harrisonburg, Rockingham County, the State of
Virginia and my coworkers and friends as much as possible.
August – I found myself trying to navigate Houston, learning
more about the city I work for and the residents that I serve. I worked in a long weekend trip back to Michigan for a family wedding and managed to take in a Tigers game. I was glad to enjoy an exceptional Michigan summer for a few days.
September – I was able to
finally find a comfortable and modest living situation, and became a covenant
member at Sojourn.
October / November – Fall in Houston proved to be beautiful,
and I made a trip to San Antonio to see my girls from the William and Mary Women’s
Basketball team playing in a Thanksgiving classic at the University of Texas San Antonio. I miss those girls. I also had the chance to take in an Oakland University Basketball game, as the Golden Grizzlies traveled down to Houston to take on Texas Southern. It was great to see my Michigan State roommate and fellow scout player James, as well as the Grizz get a win. Having family that teaches and attends Oakland, as well as having worked their basketball camps for many summers, I enjoy supporting Oakland any way I can.
December – Christmas in a warm climate just did not feel the
same, so I made sure to be at home with the family for Christmas. Michigan had a white Christmas, and it was great to get feel some cold weather!
Now that spring is right around the corner, it won’t be long
until I will be reflecting on having spent a year in Houston. The Lord has
blessed me richly in finding a community of brothers and sisters in Christ at
Sojourn Houston committed to sharing the gospel and building each other up in righteousness.
My roots are continuing to be planted, and I am thankful for the friendships
that have been cultivated through my time here, and I look forward to the
continued partnership of the gospel that lies ahead. There have been times of
personal disappointment and difficulty, but these pains pale in comparison to
the joy that has been gained as the Lord continues to reveal his plan for my
life, and for the ministry of Sojourn in Houston.
I was comfortable in Virginia,
soaking in the agrarian lifestyle of Harrisonburg, hiking with the black bears
and deer in the mountains or the meadow, swimming in waterfalls, eating wild berries and hanging out at the farmers market; but I was also ready for a new
challenge. My move to Houston was made
with some trepidation, but it has been most sanctifying, and I thank the Lord
for that.
