It's been an interesting experience these last few weeks. I moved out from the house I was living in with a great kiwi family and I moved back onto the YWAM base. I also ended my work at the old folks home. I was sad to leave the residents and the work but I was very ready. I had a hard last week- a few of the residents passed away and I had trouble dealing with it. I was so SAD!!! So, needless to say I was ready to move on to something else. I shifted onto the base and have been helping with the Hospitality here until my staff training started a few weeks ago. I've enjoyed the change in pace and actually like being back in community again.
It seems like only a few deep breaths until the students arrive!! We are into our staff training and this next Sunday it all begins. The great thing is how refreshed and full I'm feeling. I was hoping that by staffing a second time, things would be different- feel different- and God would challenge me in different ways. Well, God does not disappoint. I already feel differently this year. Last year at this time I was excited about the challenge of staffing but was swamped by so many fears and anxieties and worries and wonders. Now, I know what to expect, I've learned from my experiences last year and I think I see things through different eyes this time. I know that many challenges are ahead. Many mistakes are ahead (I am human and still growing). But I feel more sure of who I am and the type of leader and woman of God that I am. I know my strengths and limitations and I am hungry for more of God's power and love. There is less fear and more hunger this time around.
So- the staff. Who are we? Here's a link to our staff profiles online http://www.ywamoxford.org/backpackers-staff/ to get a brief glance at who are are. I'm stoked about our team. I already feel a real power and unity in our group. And I know it will just keep growing through our trials, our joy and the Holy Spirit. The three of us girl staff had an awesome time of prayer last week. We spent a few hours praying for our girl students and I was super encouraged. We were getting crazy pictures and words from God- but it all connected together. It was a huge faith builder for me. Then we prayed for each other- so vital in our unity and a great way to protect the bonds we're making. I want us as a staff to be totally reliant on God AND trusting of each other enough to love and disciple each other. I pray that it continues with us girls and with the whole staff.
A typical day around here starts with me snuggling my staff girls in the morning and singing them a bright a cheery morning song. Yes, those of you who know me well- I'm a morning person! :) Then the staff and school leaders have a time of worship and prayer before starting our lectures for the day. We've been in training for a few weeks now- and we're digging into base details, school decisions and seeking God's heart for the school. We are on the last week already and I am excited for the students to come. So much prayer and love are poured into the students and the only thing missing right now is them!
I've had some exciting news about my finances. I only have the first few months covered financially but I have faith that the rest of the money will come in from somewhere. I got my first cheque of support a few weeks ago and it was as if the first one was a catalyst for other support. Since then I've had a conversation with a DTS friend who wants to help out and got an email from a friend back home who is on fire to help me out! It was an exciting day... it all seemed to happen all at once. Just the encouragement I needed. God is a provider!!!
I got some interesting news a few weeks ago. I talked with a friend from back home and they informed me that my former pastor has recently got in trouble with the law. I was surprised by how hard this news hit me. At first I was so stunned that I was rather emotionless about it all. Then when it all sunk it- i couldn't stop crying. I had all these questions. What happened? How did he fall? Wasn't Jesus enough? It made me reexamine my own life and walk and ask myself questions. Is God worthy of my life? If I only ever spend my life at the feet of Jesus- is He worthy of my time/sacrifice? Is there anything in this world that still has a hold on me? After mourning a few days for my pastor and praying for him- I started to get into FIGHT mentality. I want to fight for my relationship with Jesus. I don't want to get complacient. I don't want sin to get a foothold in my life. I refuse to let temptation bring me down. I hunger for holiness. I hunger for the Holy Spirit. I don't want to be comfortable. I want Jesus. I guess, this situation has lit a fire in my life- I want it to keep burning.
Prayer requests:
1) FIGHT for Jesus. HUNGER for holiness. DESIRE for more.
2) Finances keep pouring in by the grace of God.
3) Unity in our staff team, especially for our girls.
4) New revelations of God and new challenges for me
Thank you friends! I love you :)
|
