My first job is...and Becca and I are moving to... (Hint: they picked me up)

Dear Family and Friends,

Becca and I are excited to announce we are moving to Dallas/Plano, TX as I am accepting a job with Enterprise Rent-A-Car! Their slogan is "We'll pick you up" which they figuratively did as they're bringing me onto their team in Plano!

It's been an adventure to arrive at this point. I had a tough decision between two great job offers, but I felt the call to go into something that will train and develop me in ways that I haven't been before. Enterprise offers a Management Training Program in which I will learn the sales, customer service, financials, and managment side of their business. I love the idea of this and got to see it in action during my "observational interview." I'm really just trying to be faithful to what God has called me to, and while I know Enterprise has its criticisms, I'm committed to a positive attitude through this growth opportunity.

Becca and I still have a lot do before the wedding June 29th and when I start around July 15th. She's going to start looking for a job, we need to find a place to live, and we need to actually get married! We're enthusiastically nervous and excited at the same time, and we'd appreciate your prayers and advice with anything.

Love you all,
Andrew

P.S.- There are Enterprise locations all over the place. You never notice until you're thinking about them all the time.

Summer Internship at Community Foundation of Acadiana

Dear Family and Friends,

This summer I worked at Community Foundation of Acadiana in my hometown of Lafayette, LA. We helped "connnect generous people to the causes they care about." I couldn't have asked for a better experience and team to work with. I enjoyed serving there for 45 days.

What did I do? I created a database to find potential relationships to cultivate. I did a lot of work on a website they have. I also did some of the little, sometimes random, things: updating an iPhone, organizing junk, ordering lunch, playing classical music over the speaker system for 'white noise,' relabeling the phones, and coming up with an acronym for an M&M's dispenser named "BERT" (Better Exercise Regularly, Team). I encountered a company culture and leadership that gives new meaning to ministry. One that's sole purpose is to literally give back to the community. Here's some pictures from my time.

I managed DONORSense.org and communicated with nonprofits to update their profiles.

I converted more than 400 business cards (see those stacks!)...

...through an app called CardMunch on my phone that takes pictures of each card makes each one into editable contact on a computer.

I had to make a scene of it, didn't it? Haha.

I even made it in the paper...this was actually my first day at work. 

There were rainy days.

There were lots of subway sandwiches eaten.

Raymond getting his stuff together.

Making labels for the phones.

Looking good most days.

More labeling for...

a big mail out.

This bring to mind the dozens of hours spent on grooming the layout and content.

I had to thank the team. It was a priceless experience.

Who knows where I'll end up in my first real job. I do know I'll draw upon my experience here at CFA no matter what. 

Love,

Andrew

P.S.- Humor in business and influential (High I) personalities are critical to a company culture. 

P.P.S.- I'm so glad Eric Wowoh came in to update his Change Agent Network profile that one day.

YL Camp Till the End of the Summer 2012

Dear Family and Friends,

Young Life camp was rich and is fresh in mind. I had 4 of "my" Axtell Young Life guys experience "best week of their lives" (with cool tshirt and rapelling included...see first picture below). All four of my guys' take-aways were different. All four accepted Christ...that's awesome. But one of my guys who I really enjoyed talking with for an hour and a half (one on ones are usually just 25-30 minutes) on the last day of camp really took the cake. When he stood up at Say-So, he said "My name is ___, I'm from Waco, TX, and this afternoon with my leader, I gave my life to Christ." I melted. He never outright said it in our time together so I was shocked and pleased when he said that. Jesus had worked and unbeknownst to me, broke through my friends doubts and struggles. It made my summer.

July fourth with the guys and gal was yummy and rainy.

Josh's birthday was a crappy one...and by that I mean a lot of fun. 

My girlfriend made this amazing arrangement of food. She takes care of me so well.

Did I mention... we took dance lessons at TC Dance Club in Baton Rouge? That was fun!

Floyd removed allllll the wall paper in Deda and Josh's bathroom and repainted a couple rooms upstairs.

Happy baby. Classic yoga pose. He's a natural. SO fun living with Smith this summer.

I got new tires!

Probably the closest picture to perfection this summer(:

I also got a trailer hitch installed! 

And built a tower.

Left Lafayette...

to move Becca in an apartment in Clinton.

And we had a great time time with the Jim Moss family. 

What can I say? This summer was all good. From working at CFA to time with Becca to YL things to time with friends and lots of family, it was a great summer. I'm leaving out one significant thing that maybe I'll share later too. 

Surely goodness and grace have followed me all the days of my life. I waiting to see what His plan is next...

Love yall,

Andrew

P.S.- Senior year has begun. The pursuit of 'what will I do next?' begins. One day at a time though. I'm going to enjoy this season of life for what it is. Advice and encouragement or job offers are welcome, however(;

A WHOLE BUNCH of pictures- Summer 2012

Dear Family and Friends,

Love,

Andrew

P.S.- I shall now go to Colorado for Young Life camp. Woo.