From Mandy Cripe, Softball, Jr...

SALT was an incrediable experience for me that made a positive impact on my life. Before we left I was nervous not knowing what the week had in store for me, but my nerves were gone by the time we arrived. Playing games and getting to know the other athletes on the bus was a great start to the week!

At the beginning of the week I felt God telling me that I really needed to focus on my relationship with Him. A lot of the time I get caught up in everyday life and so many distractions. One of te best things for me during SALT was being away from the worries and struggles of life. Being in West Virginia without any distractions was a fresh new start to my relationship with the Lord. Having time alone with God every morning was a great way to start the day. It allowed me time to journal and read God's word. This is one thing that I wanted to bring back to my everyday life. Since I have been back home from SALT I have been having time alone with God daily. I have been reading "The Purpose Driven Life" and it has been amazing to see experiences from SALT while reading it. Journaling is a great way to express in words the ways that God is working in your life.

I agree with Tyler (Brown) when he said this week changed his heart towards people. I also learned not to assume what people are like, but get to know who they are before you assume. He is so right in the fact that we built friendships this week that I could have never imagined. Each individual that went on SALT impacted me without even realizing it. I saw God work through so many people to reach me. Some of the ways God worked through others is through their testimonies, through playing games, or even just talking to one another. I made some great friends and grew closer to friends I already had. I am excited to continue getting closer with each individual there!!

Like I said SALT made a positive impact on my life that I am excited to share with my teammates and classmates! This week was truly the best week of my life and taught me so much! One of the most important things it taught me was to surrender myself to the Lord, and wait patiently for Him!