Why I do what I do:

I sat with a freshman student from Panama today as she told me some of her story. This particular girl has been around most of the semester. She was suppose to fly back to Panama today for Christmas but her flight got canceled due to weather and so she's here for another day. Last week and again tonight we rode around and looked for Christmas lights, as I embarrassingly sang Christmas songs along with the radio. (I sometimes think making a fool of yourself in front of people helps to build relationship)

All of that to say that as I sat and worked in the office this morning, Nadine sat and shared some of her life and story with me. When talking about this semester she kept saying that this was not the plan and then she would laugh. She came to UL to party and have fun. She grew up in a home that went to church sometimes. When I asked if her parents expected her to find a church here in America, she again laughed and said it was not part of the plan. None of this was part of the plan but she's loving it.

During this first semester she started a relationship with Jesus, got baptized, and has read more books than most Christians I know. Her entire persona and way she interacts with people has changed. She mentioned the idea of one day doing a Chi Alpha internship. Of course I tried to recruit her to move to Africa with me one day, but she casually mentioned how Panama needs Chi Alpha too. : )

This whole thing of relationship with God, going to church, personality changes, career changes, value and perspective changes was not part of her plan. It is however exactly why I do what I do. Until then......