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Most Friday afternoons, my school friends will be working out who's going to buy alcohol and what boys they're going to txt. It's a fun thing to spectate, and most of the time they don't end up having enough money to do either. Lucky for me though, my friday night hangouts don't cost that much. They don't involve alcohol, and although they do involve boys - I'm not much of a txter. My friday nights consist of usually going to a place I now call my second home - church. It really is like a second home. It's one of the few places I can feel comfortable in - the people are my family and the building's close to McDonalds. Choice. Of course it's more than just Snack Wrap Combo's. I've been a member of Blueprint for just over two years now. And sometimes I wonder what on earth I would be doing had I not gingerly entered the building so long ago. There's always fun going on in the youth group. From early in the year beach blowouts to Valentines themed love services - and who can forget the highly competitive inter-cell movie competition. Then of course the most anticipated night of the year - Blueprint Ball. I can't ever complain of getting bored. And it's more than just friday nights. Sunday mornings I'm able to hear sermons made by leaders for people like me. They're funny, they're insightful, and even better, they provide an exciting foundation for the love I have for a guy called Jesus. My UCG is awesome, I'm lucky to be a part of a group of girls who I have grown spirtually with over all this time. Pretty much my sisters, I know that I'll never get lost in a very scary world with them by my side.
My school friends joke, scoff and love to mock me for my obvious Christianity. While they tell stories of drunken parties, I tell testimonies of amazing prayer nights or awesome worship music. I can admit that I've had some horrible experiences where persecution caused me much grief. I've gone through some horrible times. But knowing that I have a hope that is completely and utterly infallible has kept me going. Having my faith tested and tried so many times has only increased my passion to see things changed. My outlook on life has become eternally stronger than any of my persecutors can ever comprehend. Through everything I see that while my school friends have short-lasting cheeky grins on their faces, I have an eternal beaming smile on my heart. The type of community Blueprint provides for people just like me, everyday, is something that becomes so important in order to live this world right. It's the type of community where I know I have friends - boys and girls - who honestly and sincerely care for me. Friends who I know I can have a laugh with, hang out with and spend time with. All the while knowing that them and I are heading towards the same goal, and even better, the same God.
Blueprint. It's more than just a whole bunch of crazy people. It's a whole bunch of people, crazy for God.
Eden McCulloch
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