New York mission

Dear Family & Friends,

I have returned to Trinity International University (Deerfield, IL) for my final college semester! Currently I spend most of my time at TIU’s on site design lab (we call it “the bunker” because it is small and crammed, and very few know of it’s existence). I am a Graphic Design Intern under the direction of the brilliantly innovative director of Design Wayne Kijanowski. He runs a self-titled freelance graphic design business, and hates when people mispronounce his name (so here is the phonetic spelling, in case you ever meet him: wān).

Life without soccer is going take some effort, but seniors are welcome to crash futsal training sessions and a handful of us are organizing a coed indoor team to ease the transition. I am still interested in playing this summer, whether in the W League for the Chicago Gaels (I played for the Gaels during the summer of ‘07) or the Seattle Sounders, or with Missionary Athletes International (MAI) for the Chicago Eagles in Brazil (I traveled with the Eagles to Germany in the summer of ‘06). So many options. From March through May I will be doing Public Relations for the Chicago Eagles at the Wheaton Office.

As far as “what I am going to do” with my life, and “where I am going to be” next year (frequently asked questions)... well there are ideal answers, but there are presently no real ones. I am graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, a study that stimulates the interaction of word, idea, and value, and trains critical thinkers and writers to evaluate communication theories and rhetoric. There is significant emphasis on journalism, politics and literature. I may become a poor playwright, screenwriter, or novelist... or make out modestly writing news articles, press releases, magazine features or speeches. I’m guessing those are the answers people want. But I’m still a student and I have a few more degree requirements and life opportunities to fulfill before I allow myself to stress about “what will I do?!”

What’s next: TIU is relaunching short-term missions in New York over spring break! I am one of 17 students who will be taking the 17-hour train ride from the Windy City to the Big Apple to partner with the Evangelical Free Church of America’s (EFCA) Urban Target Outreach Project in America (UTOPIA). Whew!... a mouthful. My team will be serving the multi-cultural inner-city neighborhood of 8th Avenue Brooklyn, near Sunset Park. We will be teaching English to immigrants, giving piggyback rides to attention-starved kids, and throwing alternative outreach events in the form of block parties.

TIU’s New York mission team meets weekly on Sunday nights to fellowship and prepare for the trip (Jan. 27, Feb. 10, 17, 24). We will be in the big city from Feb. 29th – March 9th. Each team member needs to raise $650, and we are trying to cut back on expenses by taking the train and sleeping on the floors of community centers and churches. It should be a kickin’ time. If you want to join the New York team through encouragement, prayer or financial support, or if you want to know more about the trip, please comment and I will send you information. Blog updates will be scheduled as frequently as the meetings. Thanks and God bless!

In Him,

Nicole Collins