And then, it was over. The Institute of Biblical Studies. The Leadership Training. The U.S. Staff Conference. Everyone packed up and headed back to either their ministry assignments or to visit ministry partners — everyone except the Kelloggs. We had 4 more days of being in Fort Collins because part of Andy’s job responsibilities was to load the last bits of supplies and boxes of “stuff” onto tractor-trailers headed for Orlando. Every day there would be fewer cars in the parking lot of our apartment complex. Each evening, fewer friends to grab for that last dinner or cup of coffee together. At last, on Friday, July 26th, we turned in our keys and checked out of our apartment, spending the last night with friends in town.
The next four days were a blur as we hurriedly made our way back to Orlando. America is a vast, hot place in the summer. Our trip was fueled by Mountain Dew, Dr. Pepper and Arnold Palmer (the drink, not the golfer). Crumpled, sweaty and hepped-up on M&M’s, we arrived safely in Orlando.
Some final numbers were: 1200 staff attended I.B.S. (taking summer seminary classes). 900 staff attended leadership trainings throughout the summer. 4500 staff attended the U.S. Staff Conference. There were 808 children enrolled in childcare at various times, and 489 students enrolled in our Jr/Sr High program. The tech team handled more than 200 tech requests (anything from “change my password” to “please rebuild my computer). In one 2-hour “rush” the Cru Brew coffeehouse served more than 800 free cups of coffee. The Brew-istas popped, over the course of the summer, more than 1,250 lbs of popcorn kernels. Andy and I really do love serving our staff!
Prayer Requests:
- Becca is taking a full-load of classes this fall, many are Education specific. She is participating in Cru at UCF. Please pray she’ll manage her time well and grow in her walk with God.
- Rachel is a sophomore in high school. She is in student government, varsity volleyball and Cru high school. Please pray for time management and her spiritual life.
- Kevin is within three classes of finishing his degree in Human Resources Management. Please pray he finishes well.
- Cady is continuing to lead at her hair salon. Please pray for wisdom and discernment as she hires people, and that she is a Godly leader. Please also pray that Cady and Kevin find a church.
- Andy is starting a new role in a different office (more about that in our next letter). Please pray for his transition.
- I (Catherine) am helping with a new Women’s Ministry Team at our church and regularly volunteering at Rachel’s high school. Please pray for wisdom and humility for me.
Thank you, Oh So Very Much!
The Kelloggs 