I decided to make a blog (even though I have never been a huge fan of them) to keep you all updated as to what I am doing this year in Jackson, Wyoming! As some of you may or may not know, I am working at the Presbyterian Church of Jackson Hole (PCJH) as their Children, Youth and Family (CYF) Intern for the coming year. If you aren't familiar, Jackson is a town of about 10,000 people about 20 minutes (yes, 20 minutes!) south of Grand Teton National park, and about 15 miles east of the Idaho, Wyoming border. It is a large tourist town, with many people coming to visit Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks in the summer, and also indulge in world-class skiing during the winter months.
One week ago, my sister Britta and I and headed over here, and arrived in Jackson on Saturday evening. Except for some minor car trouble in Missoula, MT on the way, it was a beautiful drive that went very smoothly. I am currently living just north of Jackson with a woman from the church named Patty, who is just a little bit older than my parents! She has a small dog named Roxie, and a comfortable house that is situated right by the Jackson Hole Golf and Country club. I am very thankful to have a place to live here, and am already enjoying living with Patty (who is quite outgoing and very friendly) and Roxie!
This week was my first week on the job, and it primarily consisted of orientation with various staff members, trying to learn how everything works at PCJH. I enjoyed many a number of free breakfasts, lunches, and dinners with small groups and fellow staff members. For those of you in Seattle, there are a couple connections to the great northwest here at PCJH, which has made the transition easier for me! The Senior Pastor Rev. Paul Hayden attended SPU for undergrad and also pastored a Presbyterian Church on the San Juan Islands for a few years. The associate pastor Ben Pascal (i.e. my boss) is from Bellevue and attended the University of Washington. It has been great getting to know both of these men already, and I look forward to all the time I get to spend with them. It is obvious that they both love the Lord, value and use His Word in the Bible constantly, and really enjoy their jobs as ministers!
As far as what I will be doing, I am learning that one day at a time. I will be working with PCJH Youth Coordinator Preston primarily with the youth and young adults My week will mainly be focused around Sundays and Wednesdays. On Sundays, I will be leading Sunday School classes in the morning and leading Youth Group on Sunday evenings. On Wednesdays, I will be helping lead an after school program and young adult ministry later in the evening. The rest of my time will be filled with meetings, hanging out with other staff members and youth, finding helpers for youth group, and office work. Stay tuned for more details as to what exactly I am doing!
Other than working, I have been attempting to get my feet on the ground, meet as many people as I can, and have some fun outside! I have already met some people close to my age (with the aid of Preston), and am having a blast with everything I have done (hiking, climbing, etc). I even saw a baby bear yesterday evening on the road-side, which I learned was a very rare sighting...
Here are a few pictures from my first week in Jackson.
Britta and I under the antler arch
Hike to some waterfalls with Britta in Grand Teton NP
PCJH in background with church community garden in foreground
Taggart Lake in Grand Teton NP
Thanks so much for your prayers and support! If you remember me in your prayers, please pray for my continued transition to the community here, and to completely trust in the LORD in this new season of life.
That's all for now, thanks for reading my blog!
Andrew
"This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth; you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to act in accordance with all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall be successful. I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened of dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."
Joshua 1: 8-9
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