BIG NEWS!!

Hi friends, followers, random visitors, people searching for cupcake recipes and finding my blog instead...

As you can see in the title, I have some news. I wanted to tell as many people at once as possible, and this seemed like the easiest way.

Many of you know that I've been outside of Atlanta since May working at North Metro Baptist Church with the girls in the Student Ministries. It's been such an amazing experience, and I've built some incredible, lasting friendships here. Before coming on board at North Metro, I was looking pretty seriously for a job in the Atlanta area. I had some interviews, but nothing that I really felt like I would enjoy doing. I was looking here because I felt like God was bringing my time in Nashville to a close for this season of my life. I'm not sure why or for how long, but I know that Tennessee is not where I can be most effective for the Kingdom right now. So I came here.

Thanks to Maclane (the Student Pastor here) and some incredible, encouraging contacts I've made here at the church, I kept my eyes and ears open for job opportunities in this area. About two weeks ago, I had an interview with the Georgia Baptist Convention. I am very excited to tell you all that I got the job! And I'll be staying in the Lawrenceville/Buford/Suwanee/etc area! I'm also going to be as involved as I can be with the Girls' Ministry at North Metro, and teaching 11th Grade Girls Sunday School this fall. I'm really, really excited about being able to put down roots here. The people in this church are amazing, and there is an incredible mission field here in Georgia. I believe that God has put me here at this time for a specific reason, and I'm so excited about it!

My actual job at the GBC is in the Information Services Department, so I'm looking forward to learning new things and being able to equip pastors and church staff members around the state to do effective and exciting ministry! I'll start there full-time on the 15th, and I cannot wait!

Staying here is bittersweet because I've never really lived anywhere other than Nashville. My family is there, so I will always be able to visit and "go home" for holidays and special occasions, but it won't be the same as living down the road. There will be some adjustments, but I know the Lord can and will see me through whatever I encounter because He has a plan and hems me in behind and before. I am so thankful for this opportunity, and I cannot wait to see what God has in store for me!

Thank you all for your support and prayers. Please continue! Love you more than you know.

Alicia