Update

Here is a copy of an email that I sent out, updating everyone on my life:

Hello Everyone,


First of all, thanks for keeping me in your prayers. I really appreciate it.



Second, I wanted to give you an update. It is somewhat long so you can just skip parts or skim!!!



My orientation went great. Here at Calvin the whole orientation program is called Quest. Wednesday

night, my parents were kicked out at 6:30, and that is where all the fun began! We stated out with an

opening session….basically a bunch of loud music, crazy leaders, and some funny videos. That night I

had a meeting with my floor of the dorm (a floor meeting).



Thursday, my group participated in Streetfest, Calvin’s way of introducing students to Service-learning

(or volunteering). Grand Rapids is divided into several areas called neighborhoods which work together

for the community. So, we went and pulled weeds in a playground and picked up trash. That night, our

group took an outing to Reeds Lake where we had ice cream, made tie dye shirts, and played games.



Friday, my group listened to lectures to learn more about Reformed Liberal Arts. We also participated

in The Great Ball Challenge, a scavenger hunt around campus in which we needed to find an object

and take a picture with it, everyone in our group, and a giant beach ball. It was a lot of fun; although,

I regret to inform you that we did not win. I also had to take a test to see if I could test out of the

computer class….it is a pass fail grade in which “will be returned to you within a few business days”

….so I’m still waiting.



Saturday, the theme was Agents of Renewal. My group watched some drama presentations to make

us think about tough questions. After, we had an amazing group discussion. In the afternoon, in order

to familiarize us with the FEN doctrine (Calvin’s Anti-racism doctrine) we looked at a variety of art.

That night we had our final group meetings and a closing session. Then we all gathered around the

Seminary Pond for reflections. We lit candles and placed them along with a sticky note of our fears

in a plastic cup and put them on the Pond. It was so beautiful!! Finally, we were able to “Dance the

Night Away”…and I actually danced (which you might get a bit worried about)…I learned how to

ballroom dance and swing dance (but don’t worry, it was with a girl)!



So, that brings me to today, Sunday. It has been such a crazy past few days. I’m looking forward to

some rest (and hopefully finishing cleaning my room) today as well as getting into a normal routine.



I want to end with my quote of the day, which I found very fitting. “God is at work in the world, and

He wants you to join Him. This assignment is called your mission. God wants you to have both a

ministry in the Body of Christ and a mission in the world.” (Rick Warren)



Thanks again for your prayers and support,

Kendra