Back at it. NMBSP13!

Hey All :)
You got that right, I'm back in North Myrtle for summer project 2013! This summer is a bit different than last year so if you followed last year, don't worry it'll be all new stuff. So this is different for one main reason: I am on STAFF! Pretty crazy, right? Don't worry, I haven't graduated or anything big or exciting like that. This summer in North Myrtle I am a "student staff" member. I put the quotes because upon arriving to North Myrtle for staff training we as "student staff" were told that in that very moment we were no long students, but from that point on we were to consider ourselves as staff. Not going to lie it was such an incredible feeling to consider myself as part of the staff team. In that moment I knew that this summer was not going to be like last summer at all, and in that moment I felt three things: fear, sadness, and INTENSE excitement.
Seems as though that would maybe be a confusing mix of emotions so let me explain. I felt the fear because, let's be honest, I had never really done anything to this level of leadership with this age of people before! I had a lot of thoughts running around my head about what this summer would be like. Fear then turned in to sadness because upon thinking about how the summer would be I began to think about how last summer was. Last summer was amazing. Last summer was one of the highlights of my entire life. However, after leaving last summer I experienced some of the hardest times in my life. Within the span of one year we lost two amazing men, Sean and Dave, from summer project. Being back here in North Myrtle reminds me so much of everyone and everything so much... especially Sean and Dave. Although the beginning was really sad because everywhere reminded me of all my friends/project family from last summer, the sadness turned in to excitement when I started thinking about all the new memories and opportunities I was going to have here! Hence, excitement being my third emotion heading in to the summer. I mean how could I not be excited about being back in North Myrtle doing what I love! 
For those of you reading that don't know what Summer Project is (I applaud you for reading this far), I will now cut the suspense and tell you all about it. Summer Project is a ministry/growth/leadership/missions opportunity for students in college through Cru. Cru is a campus Christian organization that I have been involved in since my freshman year of college. On Summer Project students are given the opportunity to grow in their faith through Bible studies and one-on-one mentor-ship. They are also given the tools and training to go share their faith with people on the beach or within the community. Summer Projects can range from 1 week to 10 weeks (North Myrtle Beach Summer Project is a 10 week long project). I attended the North Myrtle project last summer and I am now back as staff so I only stay for 5 weeks this time around. Staff leave halfway through so that students can grow in leadership in community, it's great! 
Anyhow, like I mentioned we have been here for about 2 weeks now and the ball is really starting to roll! The first week was staff training and it was wonderful. I love everyone on the staff team and they have really been so welcoming and so amazing. Did I mention that Heather, Bethany, Sunny, and Londa are all back from last summer? Oh, I didn't? WELL THEY ARE! :) It made the transition so much easier and I feel blessed to get to spend another summer with them. About a week ago students arrived and that was probably one of the most exciting days I've had so far here; it was crazy! Since the students have arrived we have done orientation and are currently at the tail end of our first "normal' week. Each week has a theme and the theme has been "Thirsting to Know Him". We had our first Bible Study last Monday and I've met one-on-one with all my girls.   [OH GOSH- I forgot to mention how amazing my girls are! I've got four girls: Katie, Mary, Victoria, and Jenna. I seriously don't think I could have gotten a better group of women to spend 5 weeks with here in North Myrtle. They are all so goofy and fun but on top of that they are wise and they desire to grow and learn! I love them and I've only known them for a week.]     We have broken in to ministry teams and I will be coaching the Sunday night weekly meeting team. So basically I get to help with programming and coaching the emcee for Sunday nights. I really couldn't have asked for a better role! 
Okay, I've probably rambled on for long enough! Thanks so much for taking the time to read. I will do my best to update this blog every week or MORE ;) 
Like the title says, "Back at it again" 
Setareh.
QUICK SHOUT OUT to my supporters who are reading. To all of you have supported my financially or with prayer I am so thankful for all of you and I mean it when I say I wouldn't be here if you had not joined my team! You are all awesome! 
Prayer: The other summer projects going on in the US and around the world. Safety and health of everyone here in North Myrtle. 
:)