I went into my second summer of Leadership Training knowing it was going to be a much different experience than my first. I knew what to expect and what the format of the ten weeks would be like, and I knew I would be working my previous job again at the same hotel, but I definitely learned distinct lessons. I wanted to focus on the areas that I felt like I hadn’t given enough of my attention my first summer, especially being more intentional with my co-workers. That was one reason why I was excited to go back, so I could work with some of the same people as before and continue to build deeper relationships with them this time. Early into my summer, I realized I didn’t have to be in the middle of everything fun that was happening. I also didn’t feel the need to go to the beach every day (but I still went a lot!), so I was able to spend more time processing the things God was teaching me. I think one of the most important lessons I learned from going to LT twice was that I really wasn’t missing out if I stepped away from the activity to connect with God instead. In fact, that was the most valuable part for me. This time I didn’t have a list of things I wanted to do before LT was over, so I was able to not stress about checking things off that list, and instead focus on deepening my relationship with God. I still had the “full” LT experience without the pressure I had previously put on myself.
~ Louisa Ireland