I have a job!!!

Well, I haven't been updating lately because there has been nothing new to report but now I have some big news. I finally have a job. I'm babysitting for a family who is going to be in OC for the next 3-4 weeks and I'll be working for them 5-7 hours a day for that time. It's not the job I pictured but I'm sure it is the right one for me. Please be praying for my interactions with these children and their parents. This is a unique opportunity for me to build a close relationship with people outside of the house. This week our focus topic is racial reconciliation, I'm learning a lot about how to relate to people of different cultures and backgrounds. Please let me know if there is anything that you need prayer for, we've started calling ourselves the "prayer machines" because we've been praying a lot. Thanks for your prayers and support and if you want more information about the project or a more personal update call (724) 840-8463 or email me, khrq@iup.edu, at any time!

Saturday Night

Sorry for the lack of recent updates. I'm still looking for a job along with 6 other people in the house but 2 of our guys got jobs today. Praise The Lord! This week we had a speaker come and talk to us about the creation story and how it affects our lives today. The most exciting thing that has been happening in the house is the relationships we are building with each other and with other members of the Ocean City community. Tonight we had two Russian students who are living next door come and visit and play guitar with us for a couple of hours and we also had a visit from 3 guys who are in Ocean City with Campus Crusade for Christ's Beach Project. Please pray that our communications with these individuals will be sucessful!

Job Hunting

This past week has been filled with job hunting. Around 10 of the students in the house still don't have positions, myself included. Prayer for the right opportunities to open up would be greatly appreciated.

Week One

Sorry for the lack of recent updates...we had major internet problems at the house over the weekend but it has been fixed. Over the last few days the focus here has been job hunting and bonding further as a house and community. I haven't had much success in finding a job but I am hoping to hear back from some of the places I've already put in applications. We started to read two new books over the weekend, "The Outrageous Idea of Academic Faithfulness" by Don Opitz and Derek Melleby and "The Unexpected Adventure" by Lee Strobel and Mark Mittelberg. Another thing we did this weekend was we had a class on how to lead a Bible study and starting this Sunday night we will take turns putting those skills to the test in a small group. I was picked to have the first week so I've been preparing for that in addition to job hunting. In class last night we talked about different forms of evangelism and how to reach people for Christ. I want to thank everyone for their prayer and financial support during this time of growth. Also I wanted to give everyone my mailing address here at the house. You can send any letters or packages to Rachel Addleman OCBP P.O. Box 116 Ocean City, NJ 08226. If anyone is interested in getting more support raising information please email me at khrq@iup.edu or call me at (724) 840-8463.

I've Arrived

Well I'm finally here! My mom, sister and I arrived in Ocean City safely last night. The travel was fine but it was a little wet. When we got to the house I moved in and met my 2 roommates, Bri and Holly. Later in the evening the entire group walked down to the beach and learned each others names and had a short Bible lesson involving sand. Today we spent time getting to know each other and the town during a fun photo scavenger hunt. I should have pictures on my facebook tomorrow or Saturday. Tonight we had our first class and we learned how to give an overview of the whole Biblical story with an illustration. I also had my first taste of Hobby Horse ice cream and put my feet in the ocean for a little while tonight. Tomorrow we will have more orientation and work on becoming a stronger community. We will be job hunting on Saturday so please pray for everyone here who still needs a job (myself included).

2 Days!!!

It's almost here. I leave for NJ on Wed. morning with my mom and my sister Renee. Please pray for everyone that is will be traveling to the beach that day. I'm still looking for a job and that is really my main concern at the moment. At the end of last week I received a book to read in preparation for the summer. It's called "In the Name of Jesus" and it was written by Henri J.M. Nouwen. This a short book that talks about Christian leadership, so far it's been a good read and I'm looking forward to discussing when I get to the beach. Thanks for praying!

Preparing

Over this past week I've started to prepare myself for the summer. I've been praying about finding a job in Ocean City and the trip down there. I pulled my bike out of storage so that I could make sure it works before we leave. I bought a few things I need to take with me for the summer and planned when to get the rest. But, the most important thing I have done is connect with some of the leaders and other students who will be attending beach project. The staff created a facebook page for us to be able to identify each other and it's been great to learn about the people I'll be sharing my summer with.

Thank you all for your support,

Rachel