Amanda Graduates!

Two years ago Amanda was wrapping up her senior year of high school, still completely unsure what her next steps would be. We went to see our friend Sarah graduate from Summit and after the two-hour graduation ceremony we were deeply changed. Just weeks later, by an absolute miracle and answer to prayer, Amanda decided to attend Summit. 

Within a few weeks, she knew she had found her place. Yes, it was hard to be five hours from home. Yes, it was hard learning to deal with roommates and personalities. But over the days and weeks, Jesus did a work in her heart and a transformation happened, is happening.

Though it was never in her plan, Amanda signed up for the second year of the gap program. She dug in, wanting all that God had for her. She made deep, rich friendships, she did the work and flourished.

What a wonder that we were sitting in this same place, two years later, watching Amanda walk down the aisle to receive her diploma. My heart could not contain it all, I just kept giving thanks, thinking what a God! He starts with impossible. 

We met up with her in the gym and so much was passed between us in this hug. Love and gratitude. The prayers, the clawing our way here.

Later I hugged Amy and she whispered, "you're here". Here for another milestone. Its more than I deserve, more than I could've hoped for and I'm so, so grateful.

Since the school is five hours from home we weren't expecting anyone, so it was it was extra special that she had people there to cheer for and support her. 

She was running around every where, trying to catch all her friends. I only got just a few of her people, like her roommate from Australia and her RA.

These two. I've talked about them before and I hold them up as what I want to be. He is the overseer of Times Square Church and she is the president of Summit International School of Ministry. They are big, important people around the world, but I've watched them at little Summit in nowhere PA, pouring themselves out for the staff and kids at the school. When many of their peers are looking for rest under a palm tree, they are doubling down on investing in light in a time of darkness. The school has a motto that's posted everywhere: Living for the benefit of others. That's what they do in practice, that's who I want to be.

This is the pastor of the Times Square Church Summit campus. 

This is his wife, the vice-president of Summit School. She picked Amanda out of the crowd and asked her if she'd consider coming back to be an intern to assistant both her and her husband. Amanda said yes! 

For the third year in a row, Amanda had no intention of going to Summit. She didn't even apply for any of the competitive intern positions, but Hayley saw something in her and sought her out. Yet again Amanda is not happy about being in Pennsylvania, but she's really excited this opportunity...the new things she'll learn and the experiences she'll gain.

When I think of all You've done, I could sing my whole life long this simple song

Thank you, thank you Jesus for the wonders You've done and the ones that You're still gonna do