If you’ve been around the blog for awhile, you’ve heard a lot about our job with Cru and probably about the conference we go to every New Years. This year was our ninth Winter Conference (formerly Radiate) with Cru and we truly don’t know how to do NYE any other way. What we would do if we couldn’t start the year with worship and praise and over 1000 college students? There’s just nothing that comes close to beating it. I went for the first time in 2008 as a freshman in college and I just can’t get enough. I always head into it knowing that the Lord will make Himself known, but still, I’m always surprised.
This year was especially emotional because I was very, very pregnant last year at the conference. I remember waddling around and taking many, many naps. It was emotional because last year I was in a constant state of being terrified. I couldn’t believe that in a few short weeks we’d have a baby to care for. I was so scared that I wouldn’t enjoy being a mom, that I would be an unrecognizable version of myself. And this year, I got to cradle Ollie close, and worship, praising God because He knew. He knew what was better. I was challenged by the speakers, reminded of how small I am (in a wonderful way), and embrace discipline and grace. Not just because it was a new year and a fresh slate, but because every morning, every moment, is a new beginning with Jesus.
Over and over again, I’m thankful that we have the jobs we have. We have the rare privilege of dedicating our lives to things we’re passionate about. The more and more I talk to people, I realize just how special that is. My friend recently asked me how I could speak so surely about my relationship with God and how could I know that He was speaking to me. I’m not sure I have a direct answer to that, but I know a lot of it comes from this job. Even if I didn’t want to put forth any effort, I have to be in places where I can be challenged and hear from God’s word. And I’m thankful for that. Crazy thankful. I know it’s not normal to get to retreat every few months and just focus on Jesus and the people immediately around you. It’s bonkers. And we are so lucky.
The last few years, we’ve been on the photography team at the conference and it’s one of my favorite things. Yes, it’s hard work, but we get a front row seat to seeing what God is doing. When students are lost in singing praises, we get to walk up and down the aisles, witnessing how they’re being affected. We have to be observant to joy, brokenness, truth, reunion, redemption. We get to capture it. Here’s a glimpse into what we got to be a part of.
The students are so crazy excited to get there on day one!
And they always rush in the doors to the main sessions.
Love all the friendships and laughter that take place.
We got to participate in a service project through the Global Aid Network, GAIN.
The best part is always the last night. There’s a huge dance party leading up to midnight! This year’s theme was 80s :]
Impromptu (most of our) campus picture right before New Years. Yep, Ollie woke up just in time for midnight!
We start the new year with worship and it’s just the most jaw dropping sight. Over 1200 people celebrating who He is.
The best sight there is :]
