Hello world!! It's me (Maddie Grace), a 2026 Raleigh fellow (finally!!)! As a Raleigh native, I'm excited to be here and explore new community in this familiar city! My first month in fellows has flown by, and so much has changed! To summarize:
I spent 5 days at the lake with 10 strangers turned new best friends (pictured below!)
Moved in with the best host family (yay Loftis family!)
Continued my work at RiverCross (development & launching the college ambassador program!)
Shared my testimony with the fellows & had the privilege of hearing everyone else's
Met my incredible mentor, Beth, who is legitimately the coolest person I've ever met & my awesome fellows buddy, AG (happy late bday queen)
Celebrated my 23rd birthday at the youth fall camp w/ my amazing 11th grade small group, co-leaders & fellows!
Began mentoring my sweet 2nd grade mentee at Neighbor 2 Neighbor
Started classes on Bible, Just Leadership, the obsolescence of religion in America, and a Myers Briggs workshop (its official… I'm an ENFJ)
And so much more that I'm definitely forgetting…
During this busy & exciting month, it's been meaningful to reflect on just how right everything feels. I've been so supported and welcomed by the fellows & wider church community, and my hometown of Raleigh just got so much bigger. How cool is it that every aspect of this program is so intentionally focused on growth and service?? I feel so stretched already, and in the best way.
I'm currently writing this from the RDU airport, waiting to board my flight to Houston to join RiverCross staff at the CAFO (Christian Alliance for Orphans) conference this week! I am missing the fellows already (RIP girls night), but feel so lucky to have this opportunity for personal and professional development.
Moving into October, I'd love prayers for:
A fruitful week of bonding and learning with RiverCross staff + partners (and that the fellows don't forget me while I'm gone (': )
Deeping relationships with the amazing people placed in my life
God's continued work and shaping in my life and the lives of fellows
With love!!
Maddie Grace Wohlschlegel
