Dana's-Day-Trip

I just got back to the cabin after an awesome day working at Mercy.

I got to tag a long with our Director of Development to a conference on social media for Pastors and church leaders. The conference was in Birmingham, Alabama, and we all know I love a good road trip. And to say the least, this was a very good road trip!

Whitney and I started the day (very early) with a strong cup of coffee and a car loaded FULL of books to give away at the conference. The thing that made the conference so awesome was that the type of church represented was exactly the type that would be interested in learning about Mercy. The people there were learning how to use social media to reach a young generation immersed (and enmeshed?) in technology. This young generation needs a church that is willing to meet them where they are and use new techniques to teach the timeless truths about who Christ is. So exciting to see a group of leaders with hearts for Christ engaging the culture!

So many people came up to our booth today wanting to know how a program with our level of results could operate without accepting government money... or how girls with such extreme experiences could really be healed and redeemed... or how THEY could get involved. The fact that every person there represented a new, thriving, growing church was so exciting. It was great to share the vision and mission of Mercy with so many people, eager to learn. We gave out dozens of books based on the counseling model used at Mercy. The books will be used at churches around the U.S. to counsel girls who struggle with eating disorders, self harm, addictions and sexual abuse. I know that God is going to move in some amazing ways through the resources shared today.

And plus, it was a total blast to network with church leaders from all over who have such a passion to see the church really come together and be the body of Christ. Wow!

It was also great for me to get to spend a ton of time talking with and learning from Whitney. I value so much her (and everyone at Mercy's) willingness to teach me things... I mean, from the basics of, "How many scoops of coffee should I put in the coffee maker?" (Thanks, Deena!) to, "What do I wear to a professional luncheon?" to, "What can I expect from grad school?". The list goes on and on of the things I have learned this summer... and its not over yet.

I really have learned a ton. But even if I hadn't learned anything else, I would say that this summer has taught me to trust God for the next steps. I have come to see that God really has equipped me for this stage in life, and He is absolutely going to put me where He wants me next. I just have to try to sit back and enjoy the ride. Of course, that doesn't mean I won't have to work for it. But I know He is opening the right doors in His timing.

All that being said, I would like to add that I cannot wait to see all of my friends and family in less than three weeks! What a blessing you all are to me! Thanks for all of your prayers and letters and messages and phone calls. I am so blessed to have friends and family like you all!

One more thing: Check out some of these links about the ministries responsible for the conference...

http://www.relatedchurches.com/

www.churchofthehighlands.com/welcome

and as soon as I can figure out how to link a picture that Whitney took of us, I'll post that too!