Finally Here!!

Well, as the title reveals, I am finally in Ocean City, New Jersey. Actually, to be honest, I am writing this blog while flying back home for my sister’s graduation in Kenosha. Anyways, this gives me time to reflect on the first few days of project.

On Wednesday morning we left Columbus, Ohio at about 8:30 in the morning. Around 1:00 p.m. We met three other cars in Pennsylvania who were also headed to project. This gave me a chance to get to know some people before we even got to Ocean City (OC). It was also lots of fun to travel with four other cars through Philadelphia traffic.

We arrived at the place we are staying in at about 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday. The place I am staying at is called the Ambassadors Inn. About 80 students will live here. The Ambassadors Inn is the central location for things that go on at project. Many of the activities we do occur here and also dinner every night. There are also two other places were people live which are on the same block. They are called Grandma’s and The Mansion. The Ambassador Inn is just gigantic with four floors. Also, there is a huge deck area that is covered where we all 110 of us have dinner each night. (As a side note, only about 60 students have arrived so far. There are other colleges which are in quarter terms who will arrive this coming Saturday.)

As I started moving my stuff into the Ambassador, the director of the project (who is also the director at the University of Minnesota) comes up and asks if I would want to be emcee for the first meeting tomorrow. I was pretty surprised and honored to be asked. With so many other people who are probably more qualified, I was humbled to be offered the task.

On Thursday morning, we had our first meeting. It was fun to emcee the event, but at the same time a bit intimidating because I did not know most of the people. At the same time, it was a blast because people were into it and accepting of my weird and quirky personality and style of emceeing. All the Glory goes to God for that (and everything else)!

On Thursday afternoon, a group of us went out to the Boardwalk to look for jobs. It was the first time I have been to the Boardwalk, and let me tell you, it is unbelievable. The Boardwalk is basically a two-mile strip of stores, restaurants, etc right off the ocean. Between the stores and the ocean is this really wide-open area where people can walk, bike, run, etc. It is unbelievable. So I applied for a few jobs. I was not able to find a coffee shop with any openings so I went around town just randomly applying at places. So far I have applied at Ben and Jerry’s (which would be sweet), City Hall, and an electronics store. We will see what God has in store.

Thursday night was the last meeting I emceed. That also went quick and well. After the meeting, all of us went down to the boardwalk to watch a fireworks show and go to this really cheap carnival.


Friday was mostly a workday to clean up the three places were people live. While this may sound like an easy thing, you must imagine that these places are not used except only in the summer. So some dirt, grime, mold, etc starts building up. To add to the day, it was raining and cold. But the cleaning went well, and afterwards a bunch of us went and played in the huge puddles.

Friday night, many shared their story on how they ended up in OC this summer. It was truly amazing how different paths people took in getting to OC.

Reflecting on the first few days I have realized a few things. I already like the people so much. People are real and open with servant hearts. They are not afraid to reveal their weaknesses or shortcomings. I have heard a few testimonies, and people have shared their darkest part of their lives along with things they were not proud off. I cannot wait to see what God has in store for the summer. It has been great to have deep conversations with numerous people too!

Alright, this has been a super long posting, so I will be done for now…Please continue to pray for me to find the job God wants me to be at…