Testimonies

6/5/13

Well initially I was going to write today about all these great points Joni and James had given on our Beyond Suffering series on healing, but after the night I just had ill have to get back to that. I along with 6 other girls (Jennie, Anna, Becca, Rachel, Jessica, and Lindsay) began the night in the hot tub. We made a group decision that we wanted conversation that was more than surface level and decided to see if each one of us would share our testimony. Honestly, at first it had me think that I can't remember the last time someone asked me to share, and all the events that have happened in my lifetime since then began racing through my head. I volunteered to go first because I tend to always be the one in the group who is not afraid to break the ice. This was only the beginning of a night that taught me so much, but allowed our friendships to grow to another level. I have only known these girls for three days and they are already able to share with each other some of the deepest secrets of their life. Throughout each testimony I sat back speechless listening to the things these girls had gone through, but carried through with God.  I had been smiling and laughing with them not knowing what they had gone through to get that smile on their face or that joy in their heart that allowed them to smile. (I honestly have so much to say about this experience that I can barely type fast enough to keep up with my thoughts.) Things like depression, molestation, thoughts of suicide, abuse, and being disowned from family were things that I have heard about but have not actually known people that have been through it. I sat very humbled at how blessed I am and thankful for my testimony of growing up in strong Christian household. Not only did this allow me to learn more about these girls but also made me think that with my friends back home we have never really discussed each others testimonies. I am excited to come back and allow relationships at home to grow in these ways and to share all of my many stories that have already occurred. 

From left to right, Jennie Smith, Becca Parker, Rachel Wilhelm, Anna Heffner, me, Jessica Willey, and Lindsay Cooley.