I know I shouldn't reveal this, but since you're reading my blog I think I can trust you. My mild-mannered alter ego, Carolyn Boatsman, is just a facade. I'm trying to launch my career as a super hero. I'm really the Curly Q. I can curl anything - my hair, ribbons, the patterns on fabric. I even have slinkies for weapons!
We always have White Elephant Musical Chairs. My staff partner, Jeff, who works with Asian American IV, is fighting it out with Jon, who staffs an Asian American fellowship over at that other school (University of Texas for those of you who aren't familiar with the rivalry).
Jeff won. By taking it to the ground. That's dedication.
Every year we also have very intense competitions between our areas. Here, Heidi, our regional administrator, is competing in Jenga, at the last table standing.
Besides the awesome party, we also rested, caught up with each other, and learned our new regional vision: Missio Dei: Going with the God of Mission. Pretty cool. We'll focus on growth (more Small Groups and chapters), development (making disciples and developing staff), and mission (changing a city, a nation, and our worldview).
Some of our regional leadership team trained us on "apprentices" as a new way of discipling students and raising up leaders. We usually meet with a student for an hour every week, talking about life and praying or studying Scripture. This new way has students seeing what it's like to prepare and lead a Small Group and then having the leader challenge the apprentice to some action step - sharing the gospel, reading some Scripture, leading Small Group the next week. It ends up being the same time commitment for the leader, but hopefully will grow fruit a little quicker or more consistently in the apprentice. We'll see!
