Week 2 and 3

I cannot believe tomorrow will be the 3 week mark for my time here in Santa Cruz. It seriously feels like I have been here for months with people I have known my whole life. Life in Santa Cruz has completely exceeded any hopes of what I thought it would be.  I love this city and the people I live with at the Peter Pan Motel.

               

Home Four Five

I reside in room 45, with four other amazing girls who have been such a pivotal part of my life while on summer project, and I am so thankful to be sharing bunk beds as well as discipleship time with them. Each one of them encourage me with my relationship with the Lord as well as keep me laughing non-stop. I (lil KB) am SO thankful to be rooming with Lauren (DJ Lala), Savannah (Vonnie), Leslie (Mama LeLe), and Hannah (Hannah Banana).

                

 Hannah, Savannah, me, Leslie, Lauren

Outreach.  

Last Saturday night, we walked downtown the streets of Santa Cruz and used different evangelism tools to try and start conversations with people. As we made our way downtown, I was sharing with my roommate Leslie how nervous I get whenever we do outreach and how I struggle having confidence in approaching and sharing the gospel with strangers.  She then encouraged me with a passage in 1 Corinthians that completely changed my focus for the rest of the evening.

“ When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling.  My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.”   1 Corinthians 2:1-5

Paul, an apostle of Christ, shares in his letter to the church in Corinth that it is not him who is doing the work, but the Holy Spirit which lives in Him. He is merely a vessel that God uses to proclaim the gospel.  Paul didn’t focus on what words he would use or how he might try to impress the people with his knowledge of God, but instead he took his eyes of himself and instead focused on Christ. Nothing that I say or do can change the heart of a person. It is solely Christ who works in me by the power of the Holy Spirit. That night, Leslie and I had a powerful conversation with Diana, a lady seeking to get her life back on track and rekindle her broken relationship with her mom. We talked her through the Knowing God Personally booklet and were able to share what Christ had done in our lives. After praying for Dianna and leaving her with the booklet as well as our phone numbers, I broke down and cried. My heart was breaking for these people and the darkness in this city. I was completely overwhelmed with the conversation we had with Dianna and how God took away my fear and worry. Instead, He softened my heart to listen to her story and encourage her with how I had found the true meaning of love and what it meant to follow Christ. I will never forget that night.

“For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” 

Philippians 2:13

Barn Party

This past Saturday was our first theme party, and I was so happy because it was Barn Party!! All of us students got all dressed up, decorated the Peter Pan, and enjoyed an evening of barbeque, sweet tea, and line dancing. We had such a wonderful turnout of all the co-workers that came and joined us. Two of the students on summer project shared their testimonies at dinner, and it was awesome to let our friends and visitors hear the gospel being shared through their own personal experience with Jesus. Barn Party was a true success! What a great reminder of how much I love being a southern gal.

 

San Francisco

Last Thursday, about 12 of us had the day off work, so we decided to pile into 3 rental cars and take a road trip to San Francisco! It was such a fun day of exploring such a beautiful city full of gorgeous sceneries. We drove on the Golden Gate Bridge, got lost a couple times, walked through Chinatown, and ended the day at Fisherman’s Wharf with an In n Out Burger for dinner. It was a perfect way to spend my day off!

Work

I love being able to work on the boardwalk and look out the door to the store and see a breathtaking view of the pacific ocean. What a perfect way to spend long 8 hour shifts. :) I really love my job though, and I am enjoying getting to know my co-workers more. The people at Miller's are so nice and friendly and have made me feel very welcome. There are so many people that work at the surf shops and because there are 7 different stores on the boardwalk, I rarely work with the same people. However, it is nice to get to know so many new faces and hear about everyone's life in Santa Cruz. My prayer is that I really begin to be intentional with my conversations and my time with each person I work with from here on out. 

one of the stores I work at

I have been stretched beyond limits by God these past three weeks. I never thought I would grow to love a city or a body of believers as much as I have grown to love Santa Cruz and my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ on summer project. God has given me a deeper love and earnestness for the heart of those who do not know Him, and He has continually shown me His power and the confidence that I can only find in Him. I have learned how to dive deeper and learn more from scripture as well as understand the power of prayer and how it is one of the most important ministry strategies. I am surrounded by students that have a genuine love and desire to grow in the Lord and to share that with their co-workers and the people in this city. I praise God for the opportunities He has already placed me in to love on the people in Santa Cruz, and I pray that this city will see the beauty of living for Jesus through us as we remain faithful to what He has called us.

"Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; 

   I have summoned you by name; you are mine. 

When you pass through the waters, 

   I will be with you; 

and when you pass through the rivers, 

   they will not sweep over you. 

When you walk through the fire, 

   you will not be burned; 

   the flames will not set you ablaze. 

For I am the LORD your God, 

   the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; 

Since you are precious and honored in my sight, 

   and because I love you”

Isaiah 43:1-4

Week 1

I am so glad to have the chance to finally update my blog on everything that has been happening this past week in Santa Cruz, aka "the land of the layers". It has been such a tightly packed schedule full of orientation, training, and getting to know our Action Group (roommates) as well as everyone else here on summer project. However, it has been an awesome week and I am absolutely loving it!

Eclectic. That's the best way I can describe Santa Cruz. Its a little bit of everything compressed into one city. literally. Oh and it has this really awesome and super fun beach boardwalk that makes you feel like a kid every time you walk through the entrance :) Santa Cruz is beautiful in so many ways and I am falling more and more in love everyday.

A lot has happened this first week. A LOT.  Last Friday, we had orientation for the jobs that all of us were blessed to get this summer! I started my first day of work on Saturday, and it was so fun! I work for a family owned retail store, Miller's Sun Shops, which is located on the boardwalk. I really enjoy it, and am loving getting to know my co-workers more. The weather was very rainy and cold most of last week which put a damper on a couple of events we had planned, but today was beautiful and we are finally getting to experience the beautiful California sunshine.

We had our first outreach Sunday afternoon. We were supposed to go to various laundromats around the city and engage in conversations while doing some laundry, but our group (long story short) ended up on the side of the road near UCSC (University of California Santa Cruz). We had stopped because it was a beautiful area that overlooked the bay area and miles beyond, so we were going to take some pictures and what not before heading to do some evangelism. There happened to be a man who was with his girlfriend and they were checking out the beautiful scenery too, so we all kind of started small talk. It was so awesome to see how the Lord had planned for us to meet Victor at that appointed time. And so, the conversation got deeper and we were able to share with Victor about how the three of us came to know the Lord personally and what  it meant to us. It was such an awesome way to see how God completely took over and used us to share the gospel to Victor. Only God can change his heart, and I pray that Victor will come to know Him and have a personal relationship with Jesus.

All in all, I love Santa Cruz. This first week has been crazy and awesome and I am so excited to see what else God has in store for us these next 9 weeks :)

Day One.

I made it! I am settled into the Peter Pan Motel after a long day of traveling and many meet and greets. 

My morning started off saying goodbye to some special people at the airport who I will miss but am so thankful for their love and support.

It was bittersweet to say goodbye to them all, but I was so excited to be headed to California! ....And so we were off :)

Flying was good, except the mild turbulence, but we arrived to San Jose airport safely, praise God. From there, we met up with about 10 other students and took a shuttle together to the Peter Pan Motel in Santa Cruz. As soon as we arrived, we were greeted with awesome and cheerful staff members and immediately began to meet the rest of the students on summer project. 

I am sharing a room with 4 other girls, and I am having so much fun getting to know them already!

After dinner, we all split up into small groups and got to know each other a little bit better as well as pray for this summer together. The evening ended with hanging out and taking a tour of the Santa Cruz Boardwalk.

Today has been a crazy/tiring/awesome/exhausting day. I am already loving it here, and I cannot wait to see how the Lord is going to be working this summer. What an encouragement it is to be surrounded by so many other students who have the same desire and passion to grow together and share the gospel in this area. Tomorrow begins the first part of training, so I am headed to bed for some much needed rest. Thank you so much for your love, prayers, and support :)  

                                                                                                                           

This is my address for the summer:

Kaitlin Blalock

Campus Crusade for Christ

Peter Pan Motel

313 Riverside Ave

Santa Cruz, Ca 95060

T-Minus 7 days

Okay so obviously from the title of this post, I am ONE week away from summer project. There are a lot of emotions running through my head at this point, but mainly this one:

sheer excitement. 

Time is flying, and I am seriously trying to make the most of this last week in North Carolina. I have lunch dates with friends planned for the rest of this week as well as little hang outs here and there to catch last minute hugs and farewells. 

Support

I wanted to update you guys on how support is coming along. This whole process has been overwhelming with how gracious and good the Lord is in providing the funds through faithful supporters. I have been so humbled to see others give so generously toward this trip. I had about 3/4 of my money raised as of last weekend. This past Sunday night, my church back home did a special fundraiser to support my trip and raised above the total cost of the trip!! Can you imagine how overwhelmingly excited I was? I couldn't believe how wonderful and sweet every person was that contributed from my church back home. I can do nothing but thank my God for his promises. Raising support has definitely taught me to not worry, but trust that God will provide. I am so grateful for every person that has given financially in support towards this opportunity I have to spread the gospel.  To God be the Glory!

Preparation

As far as packing goes, that has not started yet. I detest packing about as much as I hate washing dishes or eating broccoli. Hopefully I can start on it the latter part of this week so I am not stuck cramming everything in the night before I leave. 

Prayer Requests

There are about 10 or so students that will be leaving Wednesday to fly up early and clean the Peter Pan Motel and prepare it for the rest of us students when we come next Monday. Join me in praying for them as they are going to be travelling  from various states, that the flights go as scheduled and they arrive safely. So thankful to be spending the summer with those that have a heart to serve the rest of us students!  

Well, one more week before this motel becomes my home for 10 weeks :) :

WOOP WOOP!!

2 Corinthians 9:8 

 "And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."

About Me...

11 days until I am on an airplane, bound for Santa Cruz, California. I can't believe its almost here! I've spent these last six months imagining what it's actually going to look, smell, feel, and even taste like. Actually, the thought of not knowing what to expect, makes me so much more excited. This summer is going to be so amazing and wonderful, and I am sitting on the edge of my seat anxiously waiting to experience it! 

With that said, I wanted to tell all of you fellow readers a little bit about myself. I'm not sure who is going to be reading and following my blog over the summer, so I figured it would never hurt to introduce myself to you guys :) For starters, my name is Kaitlin Blalock and I am a 21 year old Junior majoring in Communications at NC State . (GO WOLFPACK)

I have a wonderful family that I love so much and am so thankful for everyday



I live with four beautiful ladies, who also happen to be my best friends since high school :)

I have the best friends and some of the most wonderful people that have been such an important part in my life over the years. Sorry I couldnt picture you in, I wouldn't know where to begin, but you guys know who you are and I love you all dearly :)

Interests include:

soccer, tennis, running

taking pictures

NCSU football games

Bojangle's

laughing

my family and friends

enjoying life

And most importantly, I am saved by grace through my Savior Jesus Christ, and I strive everyday to know Him more. I thank my Father for blessing me with this beautiful life that I live, to praise and worship Him, and to have the opportunity everyday to share with others the living gospel.

Favorite verse: Hebrew 12:1-2
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

I will give a shoutout to a very dear person of mine, who just so happens to be joining me on Santa Cruz Summer Project! The Lord has truly blessed me in knowing this awesome and sweet girl who not only is so fun to be around, but also encourages me and builds me up in my relationship with Him. I am so excited to have one of my closest friends, Laura Beth, alongside this journey with me to share with and confide in. Definitely check out her blog too if you get chance :)  

And so the countdown is on: 11 MORE DAYS. :)

"Fill us up, Send us out"

I cannot believe this summer is literally right around the corner! 24 days until Santa Cruz, California becomes my home for 10 weeks. Yikesabee! I cannot express how excited I am for this wonderful oppurtunity to share my Love for Jesus to the people of Santa Cruz.

I created this blog so I can keep up with all that this summer has in store, and to show my friends and family, who have supported me so graciously, how the Lord is going to be working in my life as well as the lives of the people that I come in contact with this summer.

 A year ago, I would have never even considered spending my WHOLE summer devoted to a missions trip. The thought of being gone, for that long and away from everything I was used to, scared me. I was happy in my little comfortable life. I didn't want to let go of it. The Lord really began to work in my heart during my Sophomore year at NC State. He allowed me to become completely broken so that I had to search for Him and to long for Him to become the one and true desire in my heart. He pursued me so that I in return would pursue after Him wholeheartedly. Over the year, I have grown to see the truth of John 3:30 which states: "He must become greater; I must become less." Its not about me, and it never will be about me. My purpose, as I live for a short while on this Earth, is to glorify and proclaim the gospel of His saving Grace. I want to tell the people of Santa Cruz what the Lord has done in my life and what the gospel means to me by loving them and serving them. I am going to miss my wonderful friends and family and especially Bojangle's, but I am so humbled and anxiously awaiting to see what God has in store for me this summer as I invest in the lives of others. I am so blessed with this oppurtunity that God has given me. I pray He use me and reveal Himself to me more than ever before as I share His love.

"May God be gracious to us and bless us
and make his face to shine upon us

that your way may be known on earth,
your saving power among all nations.

 Let the peoples praise you, O God;
let all the peoples praise you!

 Let the nations be glad and sing for joy,
for you judge the peoples with equity
and guide the nations upon earth. 
 Let the peoples praise you, O God;
let all the peoples praise you!

The earth has yielded its increase;
God, our God, shall bless us.
 God shall bless us;
let all the ends of the earth fear him!"

-Psalm 67