Some of my friends and supporters know that my job is hard. I find out all the time how they pray for me before I even ask. This is the type of week that I really needed it. So if that was you, thank you.

I have recently moved back to Tucson to work with students at the University of Arizona, my alma mater. For the past three years, I lived in Boulder, Colorado and then Flagstaff- in the cool weather. I have long anticipated the days I would be walking onto campus in Tucson to do ministry- to bring the Kingdom of God near, to meet God’s people and his present and future world-changers.

Now here I am!

And it’s hot. And it’s hard.

I am a woman of transition. I figure that while I’m young, I might as well say yes to all the opportunities I can- to travel, to see new places, to meet new people. I have been around the world and back again a couple times in the last several years of my life. I have friends on top of friends piled on more friends from these experiences. I have seen God’s goodness on both a grand level and a very intimate level in many many ways over the past several years.

But this move to Tucson, this new life and new setting is taking some adjustment! I knew it would, but I wasn’t quite sure of the specifics.
First of all, I have yet to re-adapt to August in the Sonoran Desert. I sweat from head to toe, normal walking leaves me sore because I think the heat forces me to exert more energy than in a more temperate climate.  I got more of a tan in a week’s worth of ministry out on campus than I did all summer- and I was outside plenty!
Secondly, all we do in these first few weeks is something called New Student Outreach. We spend all our time trying to meet freshmen, build relationship with them, and invite them into a Jesus-loving, God-serving community! It’s loads and loads of fun. Exhausting, but worth it every time. This year in particular though, since I’m still feeling out my student leaders and relearning the culture here at UA, I feel like ministry is moving sluggishly.

Clearly, my new life in Tucson is a complete 180 from the life I just left in Flagstaff.

So. While I go back and forth from campus to my new home (one that I am in constant “fixing-up-and-settling-in” mode), I struggle. I struggle to see the Big Picture of it all. The vision for my life and ministry slips through my metaphorical grasp daily. I have been on quite the rollercoaster of emotions- and only in the first week! I’m feeling all the feelings there are to feel.

I very often feel like the disciples in Mark 6 when they row so hard against the wind, trying to make headway on their journey across the Sea. Then Jesus walks by and reminds them who He is (the Great I AM). Still, their hardened hearts struggle to recognize their God who gets in the boat with them and calms the storm. Instead of responding in worship, they are confused. And maybe I’ve been in sixteen cycles of that just this past week!

But maybe this is normal. For me, at least.

In my deep need and deep dependence on God, I draw so close to Him. I drove home last night from one of my dearest friend’s, having had a wonderful, Jesus-filled time, telling God, “All I need is You. As long as I can have you fully, that you are my Treasure and my Strength and my Fount forever, I’m more than fine, Lord.” I have felt so lacking, so thirsty, so anxious and ready for freedom and revival that I have over and over run to Him. I feel like my prayers are more “unceasing” than ever before, and they are more full of real, true belief in what He is capable of- because I am not capable!

And my God is faithful!

He’s given me connections with some really great students who make me come home happy to be exhausted from good work that is worth it. They help me believe in the eternal value of what I get to do with InterVarsity. Two students got saved this week at our Thursday night meeting! THAT IS AMAZING. God has been faithful to me in providing me with extra chances to make money- in ways that doesn’t take away from my time in ministry. All the time my friends here in Tucson say to me, “Bridget, I’m just so glad you’re back, I know God is going to do something amazing through you on campus.” And I take that as prophesy!

I am so covered by the King of all Kings! I am so in need of Him!

And although after the first week I am tired and unsure of the future, being in need of my Savior is the BEST place to be!

Guaranteed.