I love sharing my life on this blog! If you’ve been following for a bit, you know that my life includes a ton of photography adventures and a lot of campus ministry. The last two weeks have been a lot more campus ministry heavy on the blog, and we’ll be back to your regularly scheduled pretty on the blog next week :] For now, I’m sharing a little bit more of what my other job has looked like recently.

One reason I love Cru at Radford is that we do things with heart and purpose. We don’t repeat activities just because it’s what we’ve done in the past. We challenge things, test them against our vision as a ministry, and go from there. Last year we did a Valentine’s dinner, and we decided to repeat it again this year. The purpose being that the students would feel loved and invited in by their community and by their Creator. This year was extra special because the men in Cru took charge! With the guidance of a couple staff men, they sang “Stand By Me” to the women at Cru inviting them out, cooked all the food, and served the women! It was wonderful! You could tell everyone there felt loved and cherished.

Also, it was so fun! Students invited each other out onto the dance floor and just had an awesome party all night. It was one of those moments where I was again SO thankful to work for Cru, to be a part of what He is doing here, and to see this little community thrive. Community is so worth it and there is so much joy in just “being together.”

Here’s a little peek into the evening.

Everyone was greeted at the door, their coats were taken (and coat checked :]), and they were escorted to their table.

Some of the men went around and took orders (!!!!) for the guests.

And my boss brought his whole family which was the cutest.

Jude knows how to make a meal interesting.

The Edwards kids were the first to break in the dance floor.

And Jake was the first to record it all.

And then the dance floor filled up and stayed full. Friends dancing with friends and guys manning up and asking ladies to dance.

Two of my coworkers :]

Annnnd my favorite part of the evening. Everyone just started to be themselves, get on the dance floor, and not care that people were watching!

Megan, in the stunning black dress, was the highlight of the evening. Just being herself and having a blast. The definition of carefree on the dance floor.

And my two funniest memories. On the left: Megan killing it and not giving a thought to who was watching her dominate. On the right: David photobombing what could’ve been an adorable moment between John and LeeAnn.

Hope your Valentines was spectacular friends!