I am in between my freshman and sophomore year in college. I finished my first year at the University of Alabama, where I ran track. I knew that God was calling me to turn in a different direction, and so I started looking further into what direction that would be. I grew up in Nashville, so I already knew about Preston Taylor Ministries and all it offers.  He revealed the LEAP Year internship to me in February. I applied, then interviewed, and the rest is history! A little more about myself: I absolutely love being outside in nature, I’m passionate about nutrition and living a healthy lifestyle, and I enjoy trying new things. I am so excited to be back in Nashville working in such a Godly environment. I am thankful and humbled to be here.

Last week, programming kicked into gear for the start of the semester. I had the rare opportunity to visit different sites during the afterschool programming hours. I had the chance to meet a lot of the kids, and my heart connected even more to the mission of PTM. I have watched kids recognize that they can dream big. They are realizing that they are not limited by their circumstance. One of the kids looked up at me, after I had told the group about PTM Life, and asked “Miss Abbie, do you think I could go to college and run track?” It’s those kinds of questions that we are yearning to hear, and we are creating an environment that cultivates higher thinking. I smiled from ear to ear; it made my heart so warm. I am thankful for a place where kids are not afraid to dream, and where they know they will be encouraged in all of their endeavors. So, as PTM programming has started back up, I look forward to hearing more about what the Lord has sparked in each of our student’s hearts. The Lord continuously blesses PTM with wonderful volunteers year after year. Volunteers are what allow Preston Taylor to be all God has called us to be. We are currently in need of more volunteers in our SaLT program, which is a program for a small group of high school students. Our needs include one-on-one mentors, as well as tutors. We are in great need of lunch mate mentors as well, specifically males, that are willing to eat lunch with one of our students at their school once a week. PTM is also always looking for more tutors to grow our base that way we can serve our students well in the area of their education. Would you pray about serving with us, as well as join us in praying that the Lord would pour His blessings out on our year here at PTM? We are grateful for each of you.

I wait in expectation for how the Lord will move this year. He is so Mighty, powerful, and good.