Here’s to my patchwork world

Posted on by Carla Jean Whitley

Let’s do a little recap (yes, even before we get started).

1981 – I was born in Birmingham, Ala.
1988 – After several moves within the city, I move to Jacksonville, Fla.
1990 – My family moves to a different part of Jacksonville.
(Here’s where it gets fun.)
1999 – I move to Tallahassee, Fla., for college.
1999-2002 – I won’t bore you with the details of a plethora in-town moves. I think there were like five of them?
Summer 2002 – I spend two months as a camp counselor in California.
January 2003 – Home, home on the range… er, beach… er, suburbs… I move back to my parents’ house in Jacksonville.
March 2003 – Here I am again, back where I began… or at least 60 miles away. I move to Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Summer 2004 – They always say Campus Crusade summer project will be the best summer of your life, and I never really believed it. But living in Orlando, Fla., for ten weeks with 44 other Campus Crusade for Christ interns was amazing.
August 2004 – With nothing more than a four month commitment on the mind, I return to Birmingham.

I spent the weekend with 21 friends from a number of different states. Georgia and Kentucky aren’t so far away, but Wisconsin, Kansas, New York and others are a heckuva drive. As we laughed at inside jokes (and created new ones!) and shared what the Lord has been doing in our hearts, I couldn’t help but marvel at the oddity that is long distance friendship.

That concept has boggled my mind for years. When I was an eager young Campus Crusader, I never understood why others from my campus would spend so much effort getting to know strangers at Christmas Conference. We’re all going back to different campuses, I thought. Why not focus your energy on the people coming back with you?

In a four day conference setting, I would still maintain that point of view. But as my life progresses, I recognize the value of these friendships.

I’m in a place right now where I don’t have a lot of meaningful friendships. I know people in Birmingham, and it’s getting to the point where I can go out to a movie and not have to do it alone. But the friends who are willing to pray for me regularly and challenge me spiritually are spread throughout the country.

I’ve been a little nostalgic and a little mushy this week, so pardon my non-sensical ramblings. But I look at the number of people in my life who really know and love me, and I feel blessed beyond belief. So right now they’re not in my backyard… but the community I’ve experienced provides both encouragement and a challenge. If God has provided in the past, who am I to say he won’t provide in the present?

And the whole world has to answer right now just to tell me once again…

Posted on by Carla Jean Whitley

Aren’t memories the funniest things?

You might be going through the mundane motions of life – folding laundry, for example – when something unexpected triggers a memory. Just like that, you find yourself reflecting on days gone by.

Most recently, it was a pair of gray men’s sweatpants that left me reeling. My laundry was spread across the floor of my den, sorted into piles according to final destination. As I was folding a stack headed for the closet, I lifted said sweatpants from the floor.

Can you be nostalgic for a time only months ago?

It hasn’t been long since the women of OSP challenged the men of OSP in a “Battle of the Sexes.” One particular Monday night, representatives from each team took the stage in a dance competition. Despite the trash the men talked, the women danced away with a victory.

The pants quickly became my favorite “bumming around” attire for the remainder of the summer. Silly as it may be, they now bring back memories as warm and fuzzy as the pants themselves.

Who's bad?

Love ya, OSP!

Love has come and it’s giving me hope to carry on

Posted on by Carla Jean Whitley

After two days of freedom from OSP [Orlando Summer Project] rules and regulations, I’ve realized something:

I have yet to do anything that’s OSP inappropriate!

My suitcase holds several tank tops, but I haven’t worn anything that violates the high standards of my summer dress code. My mother offered me a glass of wine, but I wasn’t in the mood. To be honest, I feel like a bit of a slacker for sleeping in the past two mornings (though Lord knows the rest has done me some good!). This is life, post-OSP.

In all seriousness, I’m excited to see how this summer has changed me. After 10 weeks in a “Christian bubble,” I know my sensitivity has been heightened. I’ve been shocked to see some of the clothes people wear, and it’s weird to spot people with cigarettes.

Likewise, I anticipate changes in my behavior. I can already think of a few shirts that will be sent to Goodwill. I’m considering (maybe) purchasing a new Christian CD.

But the ways God has worked in me this summer haven’t all been so minor. He’s moving me past bitterness – a much needed change, as many will tell you. He opened my eyes to new possibilities for my future, and He introduced me to some amazing people.

I can’t numerate His works for you off-hand, but you better believe I’ll be processing through some of that over the next several weeks. I miss my fellow interns, but at the same time – it’s good to be back. Bring on real life!

Oh, how I miss these kids...!

I’m sure gonna give you a try

Posted on by Carla Jean Whitley

I asked myself last night, how am I different away from OSP [Orlando Summer Project]? This was the result.

I decided my first week here that I would strive to be CJ, regardless of circumstance. It can be a real temptation for me to seek attention and become a people pleaser by doing whatever is “cool” to a particular group. But I reminded myself that acceptance isn’t based on these people – and if they didn’t like me, I would leave them in August anyway.

What I found instead is that people do like me. They’ve seen me at my silliest and first thing in the morning. We’ve shared secrets and inside jokes. They’ve known me with my make up stripped away and my sins exposed. Through it all, they remain my friends.

So what’s different here? I think it’s the atmosphere, at least in part. This isn’t the “real world.” I haven’t had to deal with people arguing over who has the most time with me. Habits and attitudes of these people encourage me; at school, that’s not always so. They don’t see how I react to professors and academic challenges. I don’t have my own time and space here; they don’t know the me who is quiet.

That’s okay. I’m constantly in flux. The challenges and blessings I encountered at Alabama shaped who I am. Likewise, the weeks I’m spending in Orlando are refining me in other ways. Thoreau said, “We are constantly invited to become who we are.” I pray that’s what I am always doing.

When I leave this city in a few weeks, I’ll take pieces of these people with me. Some of that may be in words or gestures, but some may be in attitude or character. I’m not sure what those changes will be, but this I know: the woman I am on OSP is not the woman I’ll be in Birmingham is not the woman I’ll be for the rest of my life. My prayer is only that each development will make me more like Jesus.

Workin’ nine to five

Posted on by Carla Jean Whitley

Since I gave you an overview of my summer in my last e-mail, I thought I’d take this time to offer a better understanding of my job. As I’m sure I’ve mentioned before, I’m a writer in the Global Communications office of Campus Crusade. But what on earth does that mean?

Essentially, I am working on a team to revamp the organization’s Web sites. This work is primarily concentrated on the new staff Web site, which will be launched in September. I have my hands in several projects right now, all of which are exciting:

1. Staff travel site: Dozens of corporate discounts are available to Campus Crusade staff for travel, but there is not a centralized location for this information. Over the past weeks, I’ve been gathering this information so that it can be made more readily available. This will save staff members considerable amounts of money, because travel is a big part of the job. That money can then be used more efficiently for other areas of ministry.

2. General Counsel’s Office site: Campus Crusade does have several attorneys on staff. Part of this site’s purpose will be to educate staff members and supporters about why this office is necessary and important. In that, I’ll also be writing profiles of each member of this staff.

3. New staff & senior staff (25+ years) profiles: Feature material will run on the new staff Web site, and this series will be included in that. It is our hope that these pieces will encourage staff members of all ages. Sometimes, it’s hard for the older staff members to remember the eagerness and enthusiasm they had when they were younger. Likewise, the new staff members have a lot to learn from those who have gone before them.

These are some big projects that are keeping me busy, but I am loving it! My dad was able to visit me at HQ this week and take an informal tour of the offices. It was awesome to see him and show off where I’ve been!

Every morning when I wake up…

Posted on by Carla Jean Whitley

I’ve been hoping to keep y’all up to speed on my activities in Orlando, but I haven’t found time to touch base in the past few weeks. You know what? That’s a fairly accurate summation of my days right there!

In the weeks since I last wrote, I’ve begun my internship. I rise (or hit snooze…) each morning at 6 a.m., and I strive to be out the door by 7:20. That’s quite the accomplishment for me – as some of you know, I am not a morning person! I spend the bulk of my day in a spacious (to me) cubicle at Crusade’s headquarters.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been developing a travel section for the staff Web site that we’re developing. We’re also beginning a series of profile pieces that I’m very excited to write!

Every day is a blessing because I’m given more opportunities than I would have with many other companies. My duty here isn’t to answer the phone or file papers; in fact, I have my own line and a company e-mail address! (No, it doesn’t take much to get me excited. You should’ve seen our reactions to our nameplates on our first day!)

Surprisingly, I’ve made these adjustments in my routine without much affect. By the time we leave for work, I’m feeling pretty perky. (Okay, maybe not ready to burst into song – but I’m not dragging, either.) Our schedules are still busy outside of work… in fact, why don’t I just give you an overview of an average week?

Monday
Work: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Department devotions: 9-11 a.m.
Dinner & weekly meeting: 6-9:30 p.m.

Tuesday
Work: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Dinner & Bible study: 6-9:30 p.m.

Wednesday
Work: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Reflection night: 7-9 p.m.

Thursday
Work: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
FREE NIGHT

Friday
Work: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Training & meetings: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Activity at night

Saturday
Outreach: 9 a.m.-noon
Activity: 7-9 p.m.

Sunday
Church & lunch: 10:02 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

I hope to write again soon, but in the meantime, I appreciate your prayers! If you’re in the Orlando area this summer, I encourage you to drop by. It’s neat to be in close proximity to so many different aspects of this ministry, and I thank y’all for enabling me to be here.

It’s cold, baby

Posted on by Carla Jean Whitley

I took the first several steps cautiously, fully aware of the other women around me. I was teetering on black heels as I embarked on a mandatory prayer walk around the church parking lot. My words were soft mutterings even after I separated from the group.

The assignment was in conjunction with the evening’s Bible study. We’re focusing on the heart, and tonight’s lesson asked us to examine ourselves for bitterness. We were each given a slice of onion to represent the “bitter root” in our lives. After praying about it, we were to symbolically throw the pungent food away then return to be cleansed from its odor.

My roommate Jillian referenced my bitterness, only partially in jest, as we set about the task. She knew I had some stuff to deal with, and I knew I wasn’t excited to confront it.

I’ve referenced my skepticism about men many times to most people who know me (Jillian and our other roommates included). Those feelings aren’t directed at any particular person, but they are the residue from past moments of anger.

As I prayed through these thoughts, I began peeling away the onion’s layers. I paused at the second layer to snack on a bit of the raw vegetable.

That snack was just as crucial as the rest of the task. Much as I like onions, I enjoy bitterness. It’s a defense mechanism. When I’m defensive, I push people away. In theory, I minimize my chance of hurt. The bitter sarcasm even garners a few laughs along the way. But like the onion turns my breath sour, that bitterness stinks up the rest of my being.

I continued to peel away the layers as I prayed. It’s been quite some time since I’ve harbored bitterness toward an individual. Perhaps that’s what makes it so hard to move on?

I’m comfortable with the walls bitterness has constructed around my heart. To let go of that is allowing God full control of that portion of me. I know He is trustworthy and good. His provision and protection are far greater than anything I can construct.

Even so, I didn’t want to release the tiny portion of onion that remained after the peeling. What I was left with was too small to hurl away, but I needed to relinquish it nonetheless. As I flicked it away, I prayed in faith for God to revolutionize my heart. It’ll take His power to eradicate the last bits of bitterness from my life. I feel naked before Him; less than 24 hours later, I struggle not to clothe myself with that sin.

But the one who calls me is faithful. He will do it.

A blah-di-dah update from O-town

Posted on by Carla Jean Whitley

“Adventure” may be the key word for this summer.

Though I’m just a week in to my time in Orlando, Fla., adventure has been an unofficial theme. I don’t know what else I should have expected from 10 weeks spent with 40+ other college students, but it has been more abundant than I anticipated!

Those adventures have been evident in the community that we’ve formed. The group has been pro-active about developing friendships. We mix and mingle as much as possible and fully enjoy our time together. Already we’ve bonded during several unofficial events.

On Friday, the majority of the interns caravaned to Downtown Disney for a night of shopping, dancing and most of all, silliness. You’d think that would be adventureous enough on its own, but bad directions, prayers for a broken down car and the invasion of a kids’ dance party turned it into a night of memories.

Who let the dogs out?

Another set of bad directions (mine) provided a new pathway to work on the way to a bonfire at the lake. We left earlier than everyone else and arrived later… oops. 🙂 But the night was filled with more bonding (go figure) and more laughter… and a fun boat ride.

Sunset from the boat

Work began today, and it’s another set of adventures waiting to unfold. I can’t wait to share tales from the office place and pictures of my (rather large) cubicle. In the meantime, I’m going to close up shop for the day and head to dinner. It’s time to increase the bonds of that community…

Summer lovin’, had me a blast

Posted on by Carla Jean Whitley

Hi everyone!

What a week it’s been. My summer in Orlando began early Monday afternoon as 40+ college students swarmed the clubhouse of our apartment complex here in sunny (and rainy and sunny and rainy) Florida. I was among the first to arrive and begin our week of orientation.

That orientation has consisted mostly of the typical Crusade instruction. We were trained (or re-trained) in the “four spiritual laws,” a tool for gospel presentation. We’ve been split into numerous groups (maximizing the number of people we meet!): we have “core groups” in which we meet for Bible study, and those are broken down into discipleship groups. The woman who is discipling me is my age – I think we’ll be friends. Everyone is also a member of a planning team. In those groups, we plan various events for the summer. I’m on the “body of Christ” team, and we’re responsible for organizing social events that are not only fun, but also provide a safe atmosphere in which we can build up and encourage one another.

Work begins Monday, and I can’t wait! We attended orientation at Crusade’s headquarters Friday morning. There, we received keys to the building (!), parking passes and staff ID badges. During this time, we also went on a tour of the facilities. It is a HUGE operation, as many of you already know, and that was certainly evident in the building. I am excited to be a part of something that is not only this monumental but is also aiming to effect change for Christ’s glory.

I intend to send you a short update each week to let you know how things are going and what you can pray for, if you so desire. As work begins on Monday morning, you can pray for relationships with my team members. I am excited to begin writing, and I will be sure to keep y’all posted!