Weeks of Welcome
Welcoming freshmen as they move into their dorms!
In the first couple of weeks, my fellow apprentices and I completed halfway through the Old Testament! It truly helped deepen my understanding and love for God in the weeks that followed.
From August 17th to August 30th, we had Weeks of Welcome at UT Dallas. We held consecutive Move-In Events to meet and greet the freshmen. We met over HALF of the new freshman class together as staff and student leaders!
It has truly been an honor meeting people from all walks of life, embarking on a journey to grow with 10-15 gals through core and 300+ people through FOCUS as a whole!
Carpooling Students to Lunch after Church
Events to Get to Know the Students Personally
Though it truly stretched me to work long hours and meet a copious number of students, hearing their stories and getting to know them on a personal level is truly worth all the hard work!
FOCUS got to organize UTD Olympics #OrangeTeam
Fun, exciting events have transformed into bonding moments where camaraderie allowed for vulnerability and growth in Christ as we questioned and wondered about the truth behind our presumptions.
First Grove (fellowship) Kickoff
My fellow Co-Fa (small group facilitator) and I gathered with 11 girls for the Grove (fellowship night) kickoff. We had 330 students attend our first fellowship night! This is the largest number of students to ever attend a fellowship night with FOCUS!
Devereaux and I welcomed students to their first grove!
Lesson
Lesson From God Learned This Month
What does it mean to be a child of God while being a disciple? This has been a question that has been on my mind since I started the apprenticeship. The shift from student to staff has not only stretched me in the understanding of what it means to be an example but also in valuing the works that Jesus has allowed us to partake with Him.
King Mindset: “I might not be able to parasail ever again; however, in a place where we live with God, I can parasail with Him and His people for eternity.” A mindset of lack shifted once I realized that every opportunity I have is a gift from God. When I focus on what I have, it is through the lens of lack due to my imperfect self. When focusing on God, what I have been given is His, which is far beyond abundant. Suddenly, I have more than enough to give!
Giving: I used to think that giving was only acceptable in monetary terms. Especially with my salary being on an apprentice scale, it has been difficult to give the usual 20-25% that I was contributing from a corporate salary. However, I can give by being vulnerable, spending time with people, and providing for others in simple ways. This has not only enriched my life with deeper relationships but has also somehow made each dollar stretch further now that it is in His hands!
I want to thank everyone for being a supporter and for partaking in this journey! I am truly grateful to have y’all by my side!
I would also love prayers for my Co-Fa and I as we begin our small groups, getting to know each the 10-15 girls as we grow together.
Please feel free to contact me for a longer text or chat over call!
Until next time,
Shree Shankar