Are you nuts? Planting a church for college students who: have no money, are flaky, and over committed; Who are only in school maybe 30 weeks a year; Who skip out on the weekends & Sunday worship, for trips home, to see friends, attend football games, etc. etc; Who, if they are Christ- followers, are involved in multiple ministries; And if they don't know Jesus yet, have no interest in our Jesus our our church...
What were we thinking???
Wrong question.. It's who were we thinking of???
Over 50,000 students at UT...
Over 5000 of those are international students..
90% who don't know Jesus..yet...
But take a passion for college students.. A committed staff.. Faithful adults.. A few college students crazy enough to jump on board with us...And the Holy Spirit...Jesus has showed up..
Read about our journey.. The good, bad, and ugly:
http://www.hcbcut.com/docs/HCBCUTCaseStudy_2009.pdf
I hope it inspires you and your church to partner with us.. or inspires you to reach your neighborhood college campus..
If we can help you reach your campus in anyway, just let us know!
Hill Country UT - A missional community of Christ- followers, committed to connecting students at The University of Texas, (and other surrounding campuses), with the life transforming power of Jesus.
http://www.hillcountryut.org
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Saturday, November 7, 2009
An outsider's perspective on Christians... Read this book!
What do people that don't go to church think about Christians, Christianity, and the church? What do folks from other parts of the country that are unfamiliar with evangelical Christianity think of those that call themselves born again Christians?
We call them non- Christians, unbelievers, people that don't know Jesus yet, and other names I don't care to use here.. We are always trying to get them to understand us and the gospel.. to speak their language so they will "taste and see that the Lord is good".
But would we be willing to leave behind the Christian culture and safe world (christian bubble) we are in and enter into their world, not to convert, but to truly understand their life, morals, faith or lack their of. To be honest learners.. and listeners.. and friends?
I recently finished the book "An Unlikely Disciple", by Kevin Roose. It is about a self- described non- christian who decides to enroll at Liberty University (a very conservative Christian University in Lynchburg, VA founded by the late Jerry Falwell) to learn about evangelical Christianity by totally immersing himself in the culture. He does this not to mock or slam or write the sequel to "Saved" (a great movie by the way). He does it to try to understand this foreign culture to learn and write about it.
Crazy right? This was my first response. (I think I said " Are you freaking kidding me??") My second was please Lord not Liberty!! Not Jerry Falwell! Not the university with the dress code, curfew, and fines for swearing, touching, and watching R rated movies!! Oh the horror! (now I did not go to Liberty so I apologize for my stereotypical views about the campus. I do however have many a friends who have gone to Liberty and also heard, like many of you all, Falwell's comments after 9-11)
Back to the book..
Kevin was a journalism student at Brown University (a very liberal 'pagan' place.. Christians beware!!! :). He grew up in PA not really going to church or with a solid faith. He was your typical college student. Partied, hooked up, wanted to save Darfur etc. etc. He did not have any folks around him that are like 'us'. Why?
There are just not many Christ-followers in New England. Better put, there are not many conservative evangelical Christians in the North East. And like 6 of the top ten non-religious states are in New England. It is a foreign land up there.. very different than the South.. or the country of Texas where I live.
When a journalism assignment brought him to Liberty one weekend, he encountered a few Liberty students in the lobby of Falwell's church, located on the Liberty campus. Not to give too much away, but the encounter freaked him out. Yes freaked him out.
But it also caused him to wonder who are these people ? It was like bumping into tourists from a foreign land... hearing a language you've never heard before. That encounter took him on a semester long journey away from the 'safety' of Brown University, away from his loving but non-christian parents and friends, into the lion's den of.... Christianville, USA. (His parents we're scared to death by the way of this idea and pleaded for him not to go!!)
The book is his account of going undercover as a student at Liberty. It is a fascinating, and I believe open and honest look at Christianity. It is hilarious and challenging. It should be read by all. Do I agree with everything he says??.. No.. Not at all. But it's his honest search for understanding that is so amazing, and refreshing to me..
And needing to be heard by Christ-followers.. no matter where you live.
FYI- I grew up in New England. Connecticut by the way.. I am a Yankee true and true! Loud, sarcastic, non-touchy feely, family loving, passionate NY Yankee, MY Giant, and UCONN fan, loyal to a fault, former nominal Catholic not really.
It wasn't until I was a sophomore in college, at James Madison University, a public school in Virginia, where I first encountered "born again Christians". Totally freaked me out by the way... but also made me curious as to who the hell are these people... :) (now there's a good story)
Read this book. It's at Barnes and Nobles.. I don't think its at Lifeway.. sorry.. you'll have to be brave and leave the bubble..
We call them non- Christians, unbelievers, people that don't know Jesus yet, and other names I don't care to use here.. We are always trying to get them to understand us and the gospel.. to speak their language so they will "taste and see that the Lord is good".
But would we be willing to leave behind the Christian culture and safe world (christian bubble) we are in and enter into their world, not to convert, but to truly understand their life, morals, faith or lack their of. To be honest learners.. and listeners.. and friends?
I recently finished the book "An Unlikely Disciple", by Kevin Roose. It is about a self- described non- christian who decides to enroll at Liberty University (a very conservative Christian University in Lynchburg, VA founded by the late Jerry Falwell) to learn about evangelical Christianity by totally immersing himself in the culture. He does this not to mock or slam or write the sequel to "Saved" (a great movie by the way). He does it to try to understand this foreign culture to learn and write about it.
Crazy right? This was my first response. (I think I said " Are you freaking kidding me??") My second was please Lord not Liberty!! Not Jerry Falwell! Not the university with the dress code, curfew, and fines for swearing, touching, and watching R rated movies!! Oh the horror! (now I did not go to Liberty so I apologize for my stereotypical views about the campus. I do however have many a friends who have gone to Liberty and also heard, like many of you all, Falwell's comments after 9-11)
Back to the book..
Kevin was a journalism student at Brown University (a very liberal 'pagan' place.. Christians beware!!! :). He grew up in PA not really going to church or with a solid faith. He was your typical college student. Partied, hooked up, wanted to save Darfur etc. etc. He did not have any folks around him that are like 'us'. Why?
There are just not many Christ-followers in New England. Better put, there are not many conservative evangelical Christians in the North East. And like 6 of the top ten non-religious states are in New England. It is a foreign land up there.. very different than the South.. or the country of Texas where I live.
When a journalism assignment brought him to Liberty one weekend, he encountered a few Liberty students in the lobby of Falwell's church, located on the Liberty campus. Not to give too much away, but the encounter freaked him out. Yes freaked him out.
But it also caused him to wonder who are these people ? It was like bumping into tourists from a foreign land... hearing a language you've never heard before. That encounter took him on a semester long journey away from the 'safety' of Brown University, away from his loving but non-christian parents and friends, into the lion's den of.... Christianville, USA. (His parents we're scared to death by the way of this idea and pleaded for him not to go!!)
The book is his account of going undercover as a student at Liberty. It is a fascinating, and I believe open and honest look at Christianity. It is hilarious and challenging. It should be read by all. Do I agree with everything he says??.. No.. Not at all. But it's his honest search for understanding that is so amazing, and refreshing to me..
And needing to be heard by Christ-followers.. no matter where you live.
FYI- I grew up in New England. Connecticut by the way.. I am a Yankee true and true! Loud, sarcastic, non-touchy feely, family loving, passionate NY Yankee, MY Giant, and UCONN fan, loyal to a fault, former nominal Catholic not really.
It wasn't until I was a sophomore in college, at James Madison University, a public school in Virginia, where I first encountered "born again Christians". Totally freaked me out by the way... but also made me curious as to who the hell are these people... :) (now there's a good story)
Read this book. It's at Barnes and Nobles.. I don't think its at Lifeway.. sorry.. you'll have to be brave and leave the bubble..
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Seniors... don't waste your year.. or you're life!
It's your senior year.. where did all the time go? Just yesterday you were a wide eyed freshman wondering where your classes were, shopping for a church and ministry; making friends and finding your way.
As a freshman you ran around getting involved in all sorts of activities.. ate way to much mac and cheese and went to every football game.. yeah! You were poured into by upperclassman and adults who cared about your spiritual health. You saw godly people of the opposite sex and got giddy but decided to just be with Jesus..
As a sophomore you dove (or were pushed) into leadership, led folks and served and got overwhelmed but leaned on Jesus.. and still ate way to much mac and cheese in that kitchen you loved in your off campus apartment. You held parties for way to many occasions,and had a blast. You wondered who your future spouse would be..
Junior year you got your rhythm, felt much older and wiser, and began to think, huh.. holy crap I'm a junior! You wished you were a wide eyed freshman who could just sit and soak and listen but knew you had so much to give back so you tried to balance the two. You were asked about summers and internships and jobs and loss some sleep over that.. You think or thought you found your spouse.. and wondered why it was so easy/hard.
Senior year.. yessssss you've arrived. You are legal. You are the leaders of the school, church, life etc. You are tired, yet giddy for this year. You wonder what your place is at church or ministry. You are busy interviewing for jobs, trying to get motivated for classes, trying to not get overwhelmed with future stuff. You feel burned out. but have learned so much and have so much to give.. But don't know how best to balance it all. Did I mention your legal now too :) and planning how to date long distance or get engaged or how you can meet someone before the real world begins..
I hear you! I understand!! I've been there! I came to know the Lord in college.. sat and soaked.. led small groups.. was put in leadership.. felt overwhelmed and burnt out.. then went into ministry full time!!!! I saw all 8 of my roommates get married within their senior year and 2 years after college. I went to more weddings my first 5 years out of college then in my entire life time combined!!! Ha!
Here this:
I want you to have a great senior year!
I want you to love Jesus more!
I want you to find great jobs!
I want you to find a godly spouse and have an amazing marriage!
I want to see Jesus move and transform you and those around you!
But you have been through so much! You do have so much to give to those bright eyed underclassman! But you do need to think through what happens in the next season. You do.
So I have a few nuggets of wisdom for you. For this your senior year.. And the next season of your life! You may disagree with some things.. super.. Just ask the holy spirit what you should hear or not. Holy Spirit on 3!!
Senior Year Nuggets of wisdom:
- Be with Jesus.. However you do your relationship with your savior thing.. do it.. make time for it. Or you just won't.. and you will suffer for it.
- Be careful with your new found freedom. You got wisdom, life experience, time and the law behind you. Just be wise. Don't peak to soon :) Pace yourself with your fun zones ok?
- Give back to those younger than you. Take some freshman through scripture; go on a weekend mission trip and spring break trip; Take some underclassman to HEB or Walmart.
- Serve in the church. Don't be the guy too cool for school. Be a greeter, help plan events, hand out bulletins.. Don't ask to lead, just be a servant!
- Begin to Live missionally in your neighborhood and at your job (if you have one) - this is where your future missional community will be! Get some practice investing in these places!
-Join a community group.. You're not too cool for school. Meet in a small group with other believers each week. After graduation, when all the weekly ministry meetings pass away, this is where your spiritual community will be.. a small group through your church
- Get more involved in your local church. If you've been a para church ministry person during your four years.. fantastic.. but there aren't many para church ministries for folks after college.. Your local church is where the action will be. Get a taste of it now!
Future planning- Life after college.. a few things to think about...
- Find a church and THEN find a job... there is not a good church everywhere.. the salary, insurance, benefits.. its not enough.. your spiritual life is the most important thing... it is.. so before you sign the dotted line.. do a church search.. please please please...
- Before you move somewhere new for a job, grab some friends to go with you. Starting somewhere new is hard.. especially after college where you had great community and were known. How about taking your community with you to that new city.. and start over together?
- Do your homework before you sign up.. Make sure the company is one you want to work for.. one you want to tell others you work for. Are they shady?? Don't be shady :(.
- Make sure you have a life. Work is not life, but a part of your life. Your weekends, hobbies, vacations etc. are important. Make sure this new job allows you to be you.. and not consume you.
- Don't start that new job until July/Aug. Give yourself time to sleep, play, recover, travel, etc before you start a job that gives you two weeks vacation a year. Take a break. You have the rest of your life to work.
- Establish some credit. Get a credit card.. Start buying gum with it. Pay it off every month. It will help you later (car loan, rent, mortgage etc).
- Start saving a bit. Start giving a bit.
- Spend a year volunteering and giving back.. to your campus church or ministry. :) Get a job that pays the bills and be a volunteer campus minister. We need you.
Seniors.. have ONE of the best years of your life!
As a freshman you ran around getting involved in all sorts of activities.. ate way to much mac and cheese and went to every football game.. yeah! You were poured into by upperclassman and adults who cared about your spiritual health. You saw godly people of the opposite sex and got giddy but decided to just be with Jesus..
As a sophomore you dove (or were pushed) into leadership, led folks and served and got overwhelmed but leaned on Jesus.. and still ate way to much mac and cheese in that kitchen you loved in your off campus apartment. You held parties for way to many occasions,and had a blast. You wondered who your future spouse would be..
Junior year you got your rhythm, felt much older and wiser, and began to think, huh.. holy crap I'm a junior! You wished you were a wide eyed freshman who could just sit and soak and listen but knew you had so much to give back so you tried to balance the two. You were asked about summers and internships and jobs and loss some sleep over that.. You think or thought you found your spouse.. and wondered why it was so easy/hard.
Senior year.. yessssss you've arrived. You are legal. You are the leaders of the school, church, life etc. You are tired, yet giddy for this year. You wonder what your place is at church or ministry. You are busy interviewing for jobs, trying to get motivated for classes, trying to not get overwhelmed with future stuff. You feel burned out. but have learned so much and have so much to give.. But don't know how best to balance it all. Did I mention your legal now too :) and planning how to date long distance or get engaged or how you can meet someone before the real world begins..
I hear you! I understand!! I've been there! I came to know the Lord in college.. sat and soaked.. led small groups.. was put in leadership.. felt overwhelmed and burnt out.. then went into ministry full time!!!! I saw all 8 of my roommates get married within their senior year and 2 years after college. I went to more weddings my first 5 years out of college then in my entire life time combined!!! Ha!
Here this:
I want you to have a great senior year!
I want you to love Jesus more!
I want you to find great jobs!
I want you to find a godly spouse and have an amazing marriage!
I want to see Jesus move and transform you and those around you!
But you have been through so much! You do have so much to give to those bright eyed underclassman! But you do need to think through what happens in the next season. You do.
So I have a few nuggets of wisdom for you. For this your senior year.. And the next season of your life! You may disagree with some things.. super.. Just ask the holy spirit what you should hear or not. Holy Spirit on 3!!
Senior Year Nuggets of wisdom:
- Be with Jesus.. However you do your relationship with your savior thing.. do it.. make time for it. Or you just won't.. and you will suffer for it.
- Be careful with your new found freedom. You got wisdom, life experience, time and the law behind you. Just be wise. Don't peak to soon :) Pace yourself with your fun zones ok?
- Give back to those younger than you. Take some freshman through scripture; go on a weekend mission trip and spring break trip; Take some underclassman to HEB or Walmart.
- Serve in the church. Don't be the guy too cool for school. Be a greeter, help plan events, hand out bulletins.. Don't ask to lead, just be a servant!
- Begin to Live missionally in your neighborhood and at your job (if you have one) - this is where your future missional community will be! Get some practice investing in these places!
-Join a community group.. You're not too cool for school. Meet in a small group with other believers each week. After graduation, when all the weekly ministry meetings pass away, this is where your spiritual community will be.. a small group through your church
- Get more involved in your local church. If you've been a para church ministry person during your four years.. fantastic.. but there aren't many para church ministries for folks after college.. Your local church is where the action will be. Get a taste of it now!
Future planning- Life after college.. a few things to think about...
- Find a church and THEN find a job... there is not a good church everywhere.. the salary, insurance, benefits.. its not enough.. your spiritual life is the most important thing... it is.. so before you sign the dotted line.. do a church search.. please please please...
- Before you move somewhere new for a job, grab some friends to go with you. Starting somewhere new is hard.. especially after college where you had great community and were known. How about taking your community with you to that new city.. and start over together?
- Do your homework before you sign up.. Make sure the company is one you want to work for.. one you want to tell others you work for. Are they shady?? Don't be shady :(.
- Make sure you have a life. Work is not life, but a part of your life. Your weekends, hobbies, vacations etc. are important. Make sure this new job allows you to be you.. and not consume you.
- Don't start that new job until July/Aug. Give yourself time to sleep, play, recover, travel, etc before you start a job that gives you two weeks vacation a year. Take a break. You have the rest of your life to work.
- Establish some credit. Get a credit card.. Start buying gum with it. Pay it off every month. It will help you later (car loan, rent, mortgage etc).
- Start saving a bit. Start giving a bit.
- Spend a year volunteering and giving back.. to your campus church or ministry. :) Get a job that pays the bills and be a volunteer campus minister. We need you.
Seniors.. have ONE of the best years of your life!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Is one church and/or one ministry enough? a college students question....
are you a believer on a campus? then you're probably in the midst of church/ ministry shopping right now.. which i applaud you for. you need a community of believers around you; you need to be taught the word; have people praying and care for your soul; using your gifts to build up the body; being help accountable; yes yes yes.. if you're not seeking out a church to call home while you're at school.. please check your spiritual pulse.. and preach the gospel to yourself.. holy spirit on 3 :)
but, alas, some of you have your shopping cart full of churches and ministries, and are ready to jump in and be a part of multiple ministries on a weekly basis. 2 churches on sunday; 2-3 different bible studies; serving here and there and everyone; multiple social circles in multiple communities..
yeah no beuno.. while i appreciate your zealousness for heaven points.. and your desire to find community and not miss out on any opportunities.. it is not wise to be a part of multiple ministries and multiple churches at once.. yes i said it. committing to less is better.. for you and for them.
why? you just want to know god more.. you just want to worship more.. you just have so many interests and gifting.. you'll be missing out.. they'll be missing out on you :) i know i know.. how can you just pick one church or one ministry and go all in.. why should you?
well giddee up..
1- consumerism..bad- the more churches and ministries you're in.. the more you consume.. yes.. but as you take take take.. how much do you give back- with your time, talent, $$, etc.. you sit at the table and eat.. and then get up and go somewhere else for another course.. leaving your dishes behind.. leaving other people to serve you.. but you're not serving or investing there..
2- relational quota- how many relationships can you maintain..well? the more communities, bible studies, groups, etc that your in, the more relationships youll try to maintain, how deep can you go with so many folks vying for your time? will you really be known, or just be the guy who comes, says hey, and then leaves.. to run to the next group.. dont be that guy :)
3- serving- yeah, see # 1, are you giving back? are you using your gifts to serve the body? or just taking?
4- do you leave room for margins in your life? are you so busy running to and from different christian activities, that you don't have time to stop, reflect, pray and see god at work around you? hamster wheel life? just keep running.. noooooooooo
5- how many people that don't know jesus yet do you know.. like really know??.. and how many know you? the more churches and ministries you are involved in.. the less ministry you're doing.. yeah.. not what jesus taught. investing in peoples lives takes time... time
so one church.. one ministry is enough. and best. one small group. one serving team.
don't be a consumer.. go all in.. be taught, be cared for, be known, be trained and equipped, be sent out, be called to worship... one church!- one stop shopping!!!!
but, alas, some of you have your shopping cart full of churches and ministries, and are ready to jump in and be a part of multiple ministries on a weekly basis. 2 churches on sunday; 2-3 different bible studies; serving here and there and everyone; multiple social circles in multiple communities..
yeah no beuno.. while i appreciate your zealousness for heaven points.. and your desire to find community and not miss out on any opportunities.. it is not wise to be a part of multiple ministries and multiple churches at once.. yes i said it. committing to less is better.. for you and for them.
why? you just want to know god more.. you just want to worship more.. you just have so many interests and gifting.. you'll be missing out.. they'll be missing out on you :) i know i know.. how can you just pick one church or one ministry and go all in.. why should you?
well giddee up..
1- consumerism..bad- the more churches and ministries you're in.. the more you consume.. yes.. but as you take take take.. how much do you give back- with your time, talent, $$, etc.. you sit at the table and eat.. and then get up and go somewhere else for another course.. leaving your dishes behind.. leaving other people to serve you.. but you're not serving or investing there..
2- relational quota- how many relationships can you maintain..well? the more communities, bible studies, groups, etc that your in, the more relationships youll try to maintain, how deep can you go with so many folks vying for your time? will you really be known, or just be the guy who comes, says hey, and then leaves.. to run to the next group.. dont be that guy :)
3- serving- yeah, see # 1, are you giving back? are you using your gifts to serve the body? or just taking?
4- do you leave room for margins in your life? are you so busy running to and from different christian activities, that you don't have time to stop, reflect, pray and see god at work around you? hamster wheel life? just keep running.. noooooooooo
5- how many people that don't know jesus yet do you know.. like really know??.. and how many know you? the more churches and ministries you are involved in.. the less ministry you're doing.. yeah.. not what jesus taught. investing in peoples lives takes time... time
so one church.. one ministry is enough. and best. one small group. one serving team.
don't be a consumer.. go all in.. be taught, be cared for, be known, be trained and equipped, be sent out, be called to worship... one church!- one stop shopping!!!!
Friday, September 11, 2009
College students- pick a church and go all in
New campus, new city, new friends, new church ?? I have met with a ton of college students these past few weeks, all shopping for a church to atend while at UT. I welcome thoughtful shopping.. I do. But there comes a time to commit.. Yes the word all students love to hear..
Here are a few suggestions on how to find a church that's your flavor:
1- you hear about Jesus alot-
gospel, gospel, gospel
2- you like the worship-
if you don't like the music.. Or it's too loud.. Or whatever.. Stop moaning and go somewhere else.
3- the teaching helps you know Jesus better...
Do you leave church thinking wow.. God spoke to me? Again if your complaining or comparing.. Leave
4- getting connected and involved is a simple process..
Simple.
5- you can use your gifts and serve
- you should be able to serve where your gifted, not just where there are needs
6- you are known there..
The shepherd knows his sheep- the church should know and care for it's flock. Which means they should know who walks in and out of there doors.. If your church doesn't know it's people... If someone doesn't know you, your joys and your struggles, leave.
7- they don't just let you sit there
- you come on Sundays, sing, pray, learn, then leave and return next Sunday... Yeah no bueno.. You should get involved.. And the church should pursue you to get involved. If your just sitting there.. And the church let's you do that.. Bad news bears
8- they are reaching folks that don't know Jesus..
And training you to do the same..
9- they don't fill your life with Christian activities-
if it's a Christian country club - that fills your schedule with Christians , there not listening to Jesus
10- they acknowledge they are jacked up and in need of the gospel too
So shop yes, ask questions, but then, pick a church, commit, and go all in.
Side note- being involved in multiple churches and ministries is not wise. Yes I said it. That'll be my next blog.. :)
Heather Lodovico
College Director
www.hcbcut.com
... if we ever leave a legacy, let it be that we loved eachother well...
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
33 and counting...
Today is my birthday :) 33 years ago today the lord decided it was time to introduce me to everyone. 13 years ago in Jan. he decided to introduce me to himself.
Now I do the best I can introducing others to himself .. And live like a child of the king.. I often fail miserably.
Jesus lived 33 or so years.. 30 years behind the scenes, not drawing a crowd.. Then he went public. 3 years he made such an impact that the world is forever changed.. And will continue to be changed. And I will continue to be changed
Now the 3 birthday questions..
1- favorite birthday memory? Last year- my Uw team sang the song "hero" to me.. I haven't laughed that hard in so long. It was fantastic!
2- good, and not so good of this past year?
Oh gosh- July to July... It's been a really tough one... The good? Time with family; uconn winning and seeing them win; Nicole getting saved ; the village - Nicole, k.t., shiner, Oliver and me; spring break selection process; mass. Camps; px 90; Disney and beach trip; driving my jeep; going to dog park with shiner; leading entreps; meeting with Krissy; shape week during 35 days; alot of good ole fun!!
Not so good?
Job stress; Satan attacks; seeing people I love go down; seeing my family in pain; feeling not able to bounce back from it all; griffins struggles; battles with sin
3- what am I most looking forward to in my 34th year??
Clarity; more time with family; more life transformation;
Birthdays... A reminder of gods love and faithfulness.. :)
Heather Lodovico
College Director
www.hcbcut.com
... if we ever leave a legacy, let it be that we loved eachother well...
Friday, July 17, 2009
Family time in conn.
I am spending the week in Connecticut.. Where I was born and raised.. And spent most of my days.. Ha. My family still lives there. Mom, dad, sister, nephew, aunts, uncles, cousins.. I'm here to see them and also run two sports camps for Uw sports ministries. A great ministry by the way...
New England needs the gospel.. So here Is my attempt to be a useful vessel in a very hard area. And I love little kids. I get them and they understand me.. It's an outlet for me to use my gifts with kids. I don't have that in Austin. I did when I was teaching, but I haven't found it yet working full time for Hcbcut. So Uw allows me to play with kids.. And reach out to new England. A win win eh?
I love reading the paper here. There are uconn and Yankee stories every day :) .
I love being with my family. I love watching the Yankees with my dad. I enjoy watching movies with my sister . I love talking about mj or the latest news with my cousin. I love hanging with my nephew.
However, my heart also aches. My family wants me home. They always have. I've been living away since my junior year of college. Now going on.. 11-12 years. They have been asking to move back ever since.
Instead I've moved farther away.. From long island, ny to Harrisonburg, va to Vienna, va to fort myers, fl to Austin, tx. I've been searching for home.. A place to serve, a community to be on mission with.. Warm weather :)
However today :
My 7 yr old nephew asked me why I live in Texas. I told him I like my job and my friends. He asked if I like my friends more than family. :(
He has asked me things like this before. He doesn't understand why I don't live with the family. He doesn't understand.
He also has autism. He is brilliant. But struggles socially. He is struggling. The family is struggling. It's been a very hard semester for them. And for me.
Ugggg.
I hope the trip is great. I hope time with the family is good and fun. I hope the lord uses the camp to bring many to him and encouragement to all. I hope taurasi gets to play in the wnba all star game and the Yankees win.
And I hope He sustains my head and heart .
Heather Lodovico
College Director
... if we ever leave a legacy, let it be that we loved eachother well...
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