Ned Erickson: UPDATE Week of February 13

We are on fire!!!

Lots of people tell me that when they read these Updates the Fellows look so busy. I usually say, "Well, I guess I could write about how on Thursday they went to work and then went home. Or on Tuesday I spent the morning reading."

All that to say is that the goal of the Fellows year is what we call seamless lives of faith. We build in activity and rest, giving and receiving, work and fun in a way that does not necessarily create balance (there is no such thing), but we do work to create congruency, restoration, and wholeness. That's the target. Sometimes we hit it - sometimes we don't. But that's what we're shooting for.

When you communicate in pictures - burning 100+ Christmas trees is a whole lot more entertaining than watching television on a Tuesday night...

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE WEEK

Campbell and a Tibetan Mastiff Puppy

Campbell Anderson has been a highlight! For those of you who have been following us this year - Campbell has had some struggles: a broken leg, a job placement challenge to name two...

But the last few weeks, he has experienced a dramatic turnaround. He has finally been cleared by doctors to run and workout again. The new job at Boosterthon has been a perfect fit. But what really has stood out is his new found faith in Jesus. It has been nothing less than inspiring to watch.

On Saturday, he voluntarily spent the day with Bill McClain and his basketball team for their tournament in Statesville. That night, he held this Tibetan Mastiff puppy while we got ready for the annual Geer/Nicholson Families Christmas Tree Bonfire. (see above).

MONDAY NIGHT. The Fellows attended a Peacemaking Seminar hosted by Salem Presbyterian and led by the Peacemaker himself: Steve Beck.

With Special Guests Nikki Armengual on the left and Anne Glenn (the host family extraordinaire) and Steve Beck on the right

We learned the first step to peacemaking is GRATITUDE. That's a free nugget to all of you who were unable to attend...

LEADER LUNCH. On Wednesday, we were hosted by Betty Ann Faulkner, the Executive Director at the Center for Smart Financial Choices.

Yep. That's a photo studio!

Betty Ann works at the Enterprise Center on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, so we had a little two-for-one action because we were also given a behind the scenes tour of the facility. So cool.

Betty Ann led us in a Money Habitude activity.

Julia thought she was Care Free but turned out to be Security. Alex thought she was Carefree and was Carefree

Campbell was a Planner. Rahel of course was a Giver

I was Security and a Planner - aka Getting Old.

Thank you Betty Ann for your wonderful introduction to Budgeting. It was a great jumping off point as we sit down with these Fellows and talk financial wisdom over the next few weeks.

VALENTINES DAY. The Glenns had the gals over for wine and a viewing of Pride and Prejudice to celebrate Valentines Day. Very Romantic.

Thanks Anne! You made the Update Twice this week!

WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON. We had an AMAZING conversation with Bill McClain and his basketball team about recent incidents with violence in our community. Thank you Bill for your leadership. We ended with the most powerful prayer time I had this week.

I missed the first half of the conversation because I got swarmed by a bunch of munchkins...

There were eight of us on that couch.

No complaints here.

SATURDAY. As mentioned, Campbell was in Statesville and returned in time for the bonfire.

We had also been invited to the free screening of the Maya Angelou documentary. I registered but was put on a waitlist. The Fellows didn't even sign up but just went (good for them).

Turns out there was plenty of room...and from the looks of Alex's plate, plenty of cheese!

There is a story behind this picture

90% of life is showing up.

FRIDAY. We went to Reynolda House to reconnect and celebrate the 70 degree February weather.

AND Help out our friends at The Variable with their Social Media Campaign for Sunshine.

This was SO staged!

SUNDAY. I had the distinct privilege of speaking to the Redeemer Church Middle Schoolers. Thanks Tripp and Houston for the invite!

It was fun to see Campbell there volunteering

WELCOME!

Welcome Morgan Bonds! Our newest Fellow is coming to us from UT-Chattanooga where she is finishing school and serving as student staff for Young Life.

One of her employers gave her the best compliment. "Morgan is like water. She finds the soft places and fills them." Wow! Can't wait to welcome her to Winston in the Fall!

ISRAEL

Things are coming together for our mission trip April 30 - May 7

Camille raised $23.20 from her Grandmother - our first donation!

If you wish to help us reach out $13,000 goal. Please send donations to:

WS Fellows

851 W. 5th Street

Winston-Salem, NC 27101

Or Donate online by Clicking HERE

OR By contacting Ned - nederickson@gmail.com or (336) 413-4918

for us to do odd jobs, babysitting, yard work, etc.

Let me tell you - we got some baby whisperers in our midst.