Student Leadership Summit: SLS16

SLS16 was just incredible. During the conference I had the opportunity to share my knowledge of hospitality by serving as one of the co-hospitality committee heads. It was my responsibility to oversee the traffic flow of the students present, as well as make sure that rooms were prepped and ready before each use. Brian, my teammate, as the other committee head and it was great to work alongside him in a different role than we do on campus. I wish I could share more of my experience with you, but more importantly I was able to aid in the overall experience of our students through helping the events team with the execution of this 5 day event. Some of their testimonies are included below:

My teammate Amy and others disguised for the "stashes and lashes"
country swing dance night! (Amy-front right)

(Amanda is middle right) 

"SLS gave me the tools to help others work on their relationship with Jesus while I worked on my own. We had the incredible opportunity to listen to inspirational speakers that really fired us up to spread the gospel at our own schools. The week was moving and showed me how to grow even more in my faith." -Amanda, Junior 

Archbishop Lucas of the Omaha Archdiocese celebrating mass.
So great to have him join us! 

(Me and Sydney)

"SLS taught me how to share my love for Jesus with the world. I experienced friendship, prayer, and joy in a whole new way. I was able to discover more of myself and my relationship with Christ and I am more equipped to help others for the same!"- Sydney, Junior 

Religious orders from all over the country were present for the students.
I had the privilege of meeting a few of the brothers in this group,
because I helped them to check in on their first day. Such an inspiring
group of individuals. 

Our group who traveled from Omaha to Dallas!

(Halee & Me)

"SLS was an overall life changing experience but the changes were subtle and revealed with time. I learned to finally trust God and I also learned that it's okay to not be perfect." -Halee, Freshman

Over 3,500 students and missionaries gathered to grow in leadership.

Snow Day!

I have come to find that one of the best things about living in Nebraska is the wonderful seasons I get to experience. Late this past January we had a snow day, and I was so happy to have the opportunity to enjoy walking around with Amanda and Amber who are two students who live in my apartment complex! Below is a picture of us. We made snow angels, and threw snow balls at each other, and after having fun in the snow we headed back to their apartment to watch a movie and warm up. It could not have been a more enjoyable day, and I am so fortunate to call these two some of my dearest friends here. I am so thankful for the seasons, the snow and all the memories I have created in it, but reflecting on this day I am even more ready for the season of spring!!! God bless you and whatever season you might be in right now. 

Amanda, Amber and I enjoying a walk on the snow day! 

Road Trip!

One of the students, Phil, invited the FOCUS team and I out to his family ranch out in South Dakota. It was about a 8 hour drive, and the time spent out in the country was so refreshing we returned to campus refreshed and ready to continue in the work God has given us! I hope you enjoy the pictures below. You will notice that our small group grew as our time in South Dakota went on. We just happened upon quite a few people and were more than happy to include them in our adventures!

Back on the ranch, we shot some guns.
This is my teammate Amy taking a turn. 

Do you recognize the two faces in the back? Carved out of rock?
Hiking around Mt. Rushmore was so rewarding once we were at the top!
When you come with a local, they know the best place to hike up!

We visited the Wind Cave, but the tours for the day had already ended.
Still a great opportunity to learn about this national park, and next time I am
in the area I will be returning to check it out! 

Beer tasting at a local pub! So much fun with these goofballs :)

Phil's Dad joined us downtown on our last night in South Dakota.
Such a great time with everyone in this picture.

By the end of our trip we had so many additions to the group, and
Phil's family hosted dinner for all of us! Venison steaks wrapped in bacon.
You could say we were well taken care of!

All in all, I could not be more grateful to the Weir family for hosting the team and I over the weekend! Continue to pray for the team here, now that we are back in Omaha. So many students have been coming around these past few weeks. Although it has been busier than ever, and I would not have it any other way! :) And know of my prayers for you-may the peace of Christ be with you this day!

Last of the Fall Semester

This past fall semester was packed with so many great things, I hope you enjoy this compilation of pictures of the various events the FOCUS team and I hosted or participated in! 

Nicole and Maddy after Mass on Sunday!
They are both freshmen who have been attending my
Bible study all semester :)

Some of my Bible study girls and I went to the pumpkin patch together!
So much fun! 

Oh...and this is my Best friend Katie- we went to
school at NAU together. She came out to visit
and joined us at the pumpkin patch of coarse!
It was so fun to introduce her to the students!

Pumpkin carving on a Thursday night after mass! 

Some painted pumpkins, others painted faces, and I carved mine! 

This is Halee, she is another one of the girls in my freshman
Bible Study! 

On campus at the Health fair! Amy my teammate, and Katie the
Campus Minister were with me, as well as my male teammates
(not pictured) and Father Taphorn. Spiritual health is important!

Durango, the mascot, signed up to receive bible study information! 

Fall retreat in South Dakota was very restful and
I gave a talk on mission. It was the 3rd of 3 talks given at the retreat,
and I really enjoyed sharing my love of Christ and
how I invite others into this relationship with
the students! About 25 students attend this retreat.

Just a few of the students at the retreat!

Abby Johnson, a pro life advocate, came to Omaha and
a group of us went to hear her speak out against abortion. 

This is our group who went to hear Abby Johnson speak. She herself used
to work for planned parenthood, and since having a conversion
dedicated her life to helping former PP workers find alternative jobs
and receive counseling. 

These are the girls who drove with me to listen to Abby johnson.
Halee, Amanda, Steph, and Nicole!

Halloween was a blast for this blue fairy and her
tourist friend! A small group of us went to
eat sushi for dinner in DT Omaha!

A few of us with Matt Fradd after he spoke in Omaha.
Matt is an Anti-Pornography speaker who works with
the chastityproject.com I was privileged to help plan this event
with the Archdiocese of Omaha! 

Amanda and Amber after the mug exchange at my apartment.
The holiday season is always a fun time to gather with
friends! I am going to miss these girls next year! 

As I reflect on these pictures and the semester passed, I could not be more thankful to be back in Omaha this year. God has blessed me more than I could ever imagine, and I am truly going to miss living here amongst all of these wonderful people. I am excited for the Student Leadership Summit, and the 18 students coming with UNO to grow in leadership. I cannot wait for the spring semester to begin and continue walking with these students in the ups and downs that will come. Pray for us here, as we pray for you. And always stay rooted and grounded in the love of Christ, for it is He who will bring all the peace we ever need. <3