Follow Up & Highlight Video

When we flew back from Costa Rica over a month ago, we had no idea what we’d be coming back to. We knew that the stores were out of toilet paper and that school would be closed for a week, but to be honest, most of us were excited about an extra week of spring break! None of us could have anticipated that we would still be sitting at home, waiting for this global pandemic to subside and for the stay at home orders to be lifted!

If we knew then that we would not be returning to campus for the rest of the year, that our spring sports seasons would be cancelled, and that our seniors would be cheated out of the best parts of their senior year, I’m sure that last day of our trip would have felt a little bit different and we would have savored those last moments together just a little bit more! 

As much as my heart breaks for all of you students and what you are missing out on right now, I am reminded that even in the midst of uncertainty and uncomfortable situations God is still in control and can use times like these in our lives to develop our character. 

“...We rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.” —Romans 5:2b-4

After collectively going through this strange time in life, I just want to continue to encourage you guys to live your lives ALL IN! Who cares if it feels uncomfortable and who cares what people around you think about you—take advantage of the opportunities set before you! Life is short & time goes by quickly & something like Coronavirus can happen—NO REGRETS. Live your life to the fullest for the glory of God! When I watch our recap video that’s the thing I’m most proud of you from this trip—so many of you were ALL IN and I loved it! 

And like we talked about on the trip, pay attention to what’s going on around you and the people in your life and let them know what you love or respect about them! We want to be life-givers—the kind of people who build others up instead of tearing them down! Call out the good in others and if you can’t see it, pay less attention to self and more attention to others! 

I love and miss you guys and am so thankful that we had an amazing trip together this year! Yes, things were cancelled and plans were changed along the way, but relationships were built and memories were made and our faith was deepened and THAT made the trip a success!! Enjoy the highlight video, Pura Vida! 


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