We began the month by flying across the country from Newark, New Jersey to Los Angeles, California. A long six hour flight.... However, I was finally able to see the movie Les Miserable.
The start of our Cali trip was spent in Huntington Beach for a birthday celebration for me, and just a fun getaway for us. We were blessed by a friend, able to stay at a stunning resort, and able to relax before our busy busy summer. During our stay, we got quality time together and experienced for the first time the Pacific Ocean! I was also blessed and spoiled by my sweet husband for my twenty fifth birthday! It was a memorable experience, to say the least.
From there, we headed back to Los Angeles for Athletes in Action's Urban Project - Los Angeles. There, we spent four weeks in community with AIA staff and students. It was a month full of eye opening lessons and events. I was exposed to things I'd only ever read or heard about. God worked in my life in ways I never could have dreamed. And I was stretched to levels of discomfort I had never known before, which ultimately led to growth. I can't possibly sum it up without writing a novel. The best I can do is share with you stories from throughout, written by those on the Urban Project. Without further adieu, the Urban Project blog.
One of the most impactful elements of the Urban Project for me, personally, was the S.P.E.C.I.A.L. (a 20 hour athletic competition put on by Athletes in Action as an opportunity to apply the AIA Principles). That being said, going into it, I felt more out of shape than I have in a good while. Through the S.P.E.C.I.A.L. God spoke intimately to my heart. I was reminded that I am adequate and approved, no matter my performance or ability. "Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God." - 2 Corinthians 3:5 was the Truth I clung to throughout the S.P.E.C.I.A.L. I was on a team with 4 others, all of whom were males. And poor guys... they had to put up with my crying mess throughout almost every event. But they were true gentlemen and such strong teammates! I wouldn't have traded my team or the experience for anything!!
We have now wrapped up the Urban Project with the other staff and the Stowell's have made it to Orange County. For the next week-ish, we will visit with friends before heading north, to Sacramento, to visit friends and family! The craziness of #StowellSummer2013 continues..... [follow me on Instagram (@afstowell) for photos throughout our trip!]
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