Impact Out of the Box--leader meeting

I mentioned in my last post that I was going to post about the incredible encouraging evening I had with the world's best co-leaders. 

That day I had been encouraged through and through. I felt loved and accepted. Even though I was extremely tired, I pushed through the last night of Out of the Box. I saw the work of Jesus countless times that day. He was so evident that day. It was literally amazing. That night after the middle schoolers left all of the leaders of Out of the Bos (about 20 of us) sat in a big circle and talked for about an hour on how amazing the day/night was. It was so incredible to hear how God was working through other people that day. After our amazing leader meeting we decided that we should do Affirmations for one another that night. We new Jesus was right there with us and there was nothing bad to say about anyone. It was literally the most encouraging thing I have been apart of. 

We sat in a circle for another hour and a half to two-ish hours...no one was counting. We affirmed each person in the circle. There was a box of tissues that every one was passing around, I'm pretty sure I used like half of the box but whatever ;). I cried when ever I affirmed anyone else. (If you don't know what an affirmation is--it is telling people what they do well and where we see there work and heart) Even the boys cried which made me cry because we do care for each other but not all of us like to think that every day of the week. We all like to act tough. 

Being affirmed was SO encouraging. I can't even tell you. I have been told by many people that I always take too much on my plate because I like to please everyone, which is a true statement but I want to help. I want to be the hands and feet of Jesus. I want to do anything. I just want to be there for others. That night I was affirmed that I had a servant's heart and that I would do anything for anyone at anytime without any hesitation. I'm even crying as I'm writing this because it is beyond the word encouraging. One said, that I had demonstrated it that morning as I stepped out of my comfort zone and on to the stage with line on a sheet of paper and some in my head ;). 

As I said before, I cried when I affirmed anyone else. I got very emotional when I affirmed my best friend, Audrey. She leaves for a conference this coming week for a month and I can only visit her one Sunday. It will be the toughest month of my year but I am keeping summer busy... anyways I teared up when I was affirming her. She has been my biggest rock besides Jesus this past year. She has shown me what a true friend is and always guides me to the Lord. I love her so much.

Needless to say, Thursday (Day 4 of Week 2) was the most encouraging day I have ever had. I love the Impact leaders SO much. I am blessed to be apart of such a great community,