The Future Leaders Program is nearing the end for the Class of 2009. As we finish out our year we will be doing a series of blog posts looking back at our experiences throughout the program. Today we’re talking with Natalie Bingham.

What are some things you’re looking forward to doing after FLP?
I’m looking forward to sleeping in Wednesday mornings! But I’m really looking forward to get fully acclimated to life at the Gathering (college ministry), where I’ll be working after the program’s over. And also seeing the next class of bright-eyed and bushy-tailed future leaders begin their year.

How did you grow this year?
This year was a challenging year making the transition from college to the work force. The Future Leaders Program really helped me to be able to make that transition in the best possible atmosphere. The community I have here is probably unparalleled in ministry.

What are some things you’ve learned?
I learned that you can’t pour canola oil on a hot grill. Planning a camping trip during a hurricane is probably a bad idea. Volunteer in other areas of ministry whenever possible. Find someone to mentor you. Don’t decorate your boss’s office for her birthday. Always enter yourself in the Christmas cubicle decorating contest. Always try anything twice. Most definitely put on sunscreen if you’re going to go on a safari in Africa. If you have a hair straightener, share it with Nate. Be a self-starter. Let a 13-year-old dye your hair at least once in your life. Go into work on snow days. Most definitely go on a recruiting trip if asked.

What was the best experience you had during the year?
The best experience? The most significant experience was probably when I was a counselor at Jr. High Camp, when one of my campers Zoe accepted Christ. Every week we go out for McDonalds and talk about most everything. And one week I let Zoe dye my hair. It turned black-cherry-red. The best experience probably is the community I have here. Moving to a new time zone was hard, but every day I go into work excited about my job because I get to work with people who know how to have fun and who really care about each other.