“It started out as a feeling
Which then grew into a hope
Which then turned into a quiet thought
Which then turned into a quiet word”

-The Call by Regina Spektor

So, I got back from staff training yesterday, and I can’t wait to get started this summer!!  All I can think and talk about is Carolina Cross Connection.  The people I met..the staff I’m working with..the camp site I’m at…it’s all to wonderful!

Before I went off to training, I became a bit nervous of what I was getting into.  I was beggining to second guess my decision (or really..God’s decision) to work at CCC this summer.  I almost did not apply, and had it not been for conversations with certain people, I may not have.

After experiencing training and dipping my feet into my job, I know I would have regretted missing the opportunity to work for CCC this summer.  During the course of the training, I realized that I was where I needed to be this summer.

I especially realized this fact more while I was visiting families.  During this time, I began to think to myself:

“If I was not doing this, I would be sitting at home doing hardly anything.  Because of this job, I can actually make a difference AND, more importantly, show other God’s amazing love.”

I’ve only been home for a little of twenty-four hours, and I’m already to pack up and leave again.

The song lyrics I inserted into the beginning of this entry kind of sum up my feelings.  To put it short, I’m being called by God to work with CCC this summer.  It’s going to be wonderful!

Love,

Hillary Rose Owens

“There is always the danger that we may just do the work for the sake of work.  This is where the respect and the love and the devotion come in — that we do it to God, to Christ and that’s why we try to do it as beautifully as possible.”

-Mother Teresa

So I’ve been away from Chapel Hill for a little over a week, and majority of it I was gone to Rockbridge with IV.  Which, that definitely got me mind set on Carolina Cross Connection.  A week spent with people learning and growing with a beautiful backdrop was amazing!  My faith grew more than I ever expected, but it was wonderful.

Anyways…

While being at home and getting mail about CCC from Dave, I can’t help but feel excitment bubbling inside of me.  I get to dedicate a whole summer to something I love!  Something I have participated for five summers as a camper, and now I get the chance to be on staff!  I have the chance to influence campers in the same way the staff I had did to me!  I get to see God work in a different perspective.  It’s going to be great!

Though, I do realize this summer will be challenging.  But I have come to realize, that God does not put me in a position if He does not think I am capable.

I have been praying since I found out I was going to serve.  I have prayed for the summer, for the staff, for the campers, for the families, for the organization and for myself.  If you could join me in these prayers, I will forever be thankful.

Pray for a summer of enlightenment and a chance for God to display His love.  For people to witness Him in our works.  Pray for the campers coming to serve; pray for the staff and the strength.  Pray for the families for they need more than just labor.  Pray for Carolina Cross Connection, that the message of “Faith in Action..Love in Person” will be seen.  And lastly, pray for me.

In Christ’s Love,

Hillary

So I was working on partnerships today and thinking about the summer.  Wow…I still cannot believe that me — Hillary Rose Owens — will be a staff member Carolina Cross Connection this summer.

After attending the camp for five summers, it is finally my time to take on a leadership position and lead.  It’s hard to believe.  And the more it hits me, the more I’m thinking “am I ready to handle this?  Am I capable of doing this job correctly?”

I have prayed and prayed about my questions and this summer.  And in the midst of exams and getting prepared for CCC, I am finding peace in knowing that God will have my back.  If I was not capable of working as a staff member on Carolina Cross Connection, I would not have been offered a position.

It’s enouraging to realize this.

Of course, I will continue praying and talking to God.  It’s going to be a phenomenal summer, not a doubt in my mind.

Love,

Hillary Rose Owens

“I have found the paradox that if I love until it hurts, then there is no hurt, but only more love.”

Mother Teresa

So I stole this idea from my friend Blake.  He kept a blog for his Carolina Cross Connection experience.

Anyways, so I attended CCC for five years, and I knew from the very beginning that I wanted to pursue a staff position.  A tug on my heart from God, most definitely.  But I don’t think the realization of what I am about to dedicate my summer to has hit me.

Me?!  Hillary Rose Owens, a staff member of CCC?  Huh?  Can I just take a minute to let it soak in?

It’s unbelievable, but very exciting.  When Dave called me before my Econ recitation, I stood out in the hallway and bounced up and down in glee.  People had told me they knew I would get offered a position, but still.  Until I was asked by Dave THEN I would believe them.

So after hearing back, I was given some great advice from Emily Foster.  She told me to start praying for this summer and everyone involved NOW.  Brilliant, most definitely.

I am looking forward to this summer and the journey until then.  I know God will be watching over me.  I also know it will be an experience I will never forget.

Love,

Hillary Rose