One of my favorite experiences while at University Lutheran was the opportunity to serve.  At least twice a year, college students from various universities came to serve the community in various mission activities. When UF and FSU students came together for retreat, we would put aside our football rivalry and help refurbish homes in the community.  We would paint, clean, put up siding — whatever the person who had fallen on hard times needed. And we would always come together after  our service and hard work to praise God for the opportunity He had given us.  We truly learned the deepest meaning of “tis better to give than receive.”

Bar none, the best mission experience that we participated in while I was at University Lutheran was taking a week-long trip to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina devastated homes and people there.  We were put into teams at Camp Restore and  helped pretty much clean out, re-tile, and make like new an entire house! Was it hard work?  Yes.  But did we grow spiritually because of our service?  I know I did!

I graduated from FSU with my Bachelors degree and a firm knowledge of just how rewarding a life of servitude for the Lord can be and is. I remember this every time I feel like  complaining about having to go to work — or when I don’t think that my house is nice enough . . . I simply remember that serving others, just as Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice on the cross, is why we are here on earth.   Crystal