Expecting the Impossible

New Blog.

2011-11-01T22:48:00.001-04:00

I've been working on putting a new blog together on a new website. I will not be updating this blog anytime soon, so here's the link to the new one:

http://www.arkpages.com/laurabeth/

Enjoy!

Sun filled gardens with orange lilies and honey bees.

2011-06-29T09:51:00.003-04:00

Each year I jet across the Atlantic ocean to a place I've once called home. Here I am again, sitting in my family's cottage, snacking on biscuits, watching Wimbledon and hearing the cars buzz by on the country lanes.

Every time I come back to England I wonder how it's all going to look. I begin to think about who must be taller than me, because they've turned 12 or 13. I ponder on how much more mature my little brother and sister are going to be, because they're not really little anymore. And I continue to imagine...

Everything can change in a year, heights and weights, sounds and looks, buildings and towns and people. We have a choice, we can reject the change, or we can embrace it. I know which I would rather do.

This past year the Lord has changed so much within me and is continuing to transform me into a likeness of Him. Work in progress. I recently heard a quote, something that is written on Ruth Bell Graham's headstone: "End of construction. Thank you for your patience." Wow. What a statement!

Since I've been here, I've celebrated my 22nd birthday, been to the American embassy and had my visa accepted-Praise Jesus, had a meeting with my youth pastor, cheered on Novak Djokovic (from home), seen my friends at Church and hung out with my extended family.

On July 20th I'll be winding my way back to North Carolina to continue my journey over there. Please be praying that my three more weeks at home will be restful, productive and filled with the Lord.

Gabrielle.

2011-05-19T10:04:00.003-04:00

I was wanting to post photos, just for a little more insight into my life recently. However with Facebook it's been more tricky to copy pictures, it may take me a while to figure things out.

Anyway...

This morning I'm at my base director's house, babysitting their precious girl from Togo. She'd woken up this morning and was all dressed and ready but when she tried to eat breakfast she conked right out. I've been watching her sleep and I have to say, there's nothing more precious than watching a content child...snoring. This little girl, Gabi, has a special place in my heart.

I think about when I first met her last summer. She was a small 3 year old with big wondering eyes. It must be strange to be pulled away from everything you've ever known, from a small village in Africa to a bustling city in the south. Now if you saw her you almost wouldn't be able to recognise her. She's grown a bigger belly, she's far more responsive and walks without any aid.

I've been pondering on how much I love this bundle of joy, and my thoughts soon change from me to God. How He's always had her on His mind, from before the world was made. How He has a BIG plan for her, one that is bigger than she could ever imagine. And how much more He must love her, His precious princess.

We've shared some sweet moments together, giggles, hugs and talks. I can't wait for my little friend to wake up.

The Pocket Book.

2011-05-07T23:15:00.003-04:00

I was expecting to wake up these May mornings to the sun streaming though my window...in Cambodia, however because of visa situations I'm writing my thoughts out in my bedroom of Monroe, North Carolina. I don't mind. Yes, I'm sad that I can't smell the Cambodian spices or hug a dirty child on the side of the road or listen to the honking of horns on the busy road sides but I know that God has something bigger in mind...

Already I'm learning the importance of placing God first. I still fail at this all the time but each time I pick myself back up and say "okay God! Let's do this again!" Why is it so easy to put the things of this world before our Creator? There's no sense in it, yet I do it all the time.

Another big thing for me is learning to rise up to the challenges that are placed in my path and overcome them in the name of God. Through this I realise that the areas that I'm strongest in, are not the ones that I've succeeded in, but the ones that I've failed the most in.

People often ask me what it is I do, I'm sure it can be funny to meet a 21 year old girl who's a missionary, in the Bible Belt of all places! You want to know? I'm going to let you in on a few more details than I give the everyday grocery shopper.

My day starts (or should start!) at 5:30...getting up and getting my butt out the door to exercise for an hour. 6:30 and I'm ready for a shower! 7:00 rolls around and I'm sitting on the Front Porch having breakfast with Jesus as the sun rises. At 8:00 I'm finishing up things that need to be prepared for the day, such as, making sure I have hand outs ready, announcements sorted out, that whoever is leading has all the notes they need etc. And at 8:30 we gather together, WISE School and staff to sing our hearts out or to intercede. 9:30 and the guest speaker comes in to take lectures until lunchtime. The afternoons are then filled with administration work, evangelism and Front Porch (our kids club ministry). All I got to say is life is fun and I wouldn't have it any other way.

A couple of months ago my friend gave me a small notebook, from India. Receiving gifts is one of my love languages and with this journal, it really hit the nail on the head. As she gave it to me our guest speaker for the week said, "I know what you should use this for! Little by little fill this up with quotes that you can gain wisdom from. And would you allow me to be the first to write in it?" So I now carry this pocket book around with me in my purse and slowly but surely it is getting filled up with treasures. I want to learn.

So life trundles on whether I'm in Cambodia, India, England or the US and the most important thing is...how am I going to make the most of every day, wherever I am? I don't want to miss a second, each one is too precious.

Hillsong - This Is Our God - With Subtitles/Lyrics - HD Version

2011-03-20T15:47:00.000-04:00

I'll be leaving on a Jet Plane...

2011-03-20T15:40:00.003-04:00

I realise it's been a month since I last updated. My bad. It's been a time filled with welcoming teams back from India, having lots of meetings, having teams from other places come and stay overnight, worship, evangelism, fun and laughter, prayer and lots of Jesus.

We've had guest speakers who have challenged us on our theology, people who have called our rubbish out and others who have encouraged us. Hard but good! I think these are all things that need to happen as part of the transformation process.

This weekend has been a free one. Three of the students went home and the rest of us stayed on "base". Yesterday the sun was shining, so I slapped on the sun screen and ate my poached egg breakfast on the front porch with the lover of my soul. Can't think of a better way to start any day. We joked around, we sat in silence and we had deep conversations...ones that are continuing as we speak.

Last night we hooked up the projector to watch Pride and Prejudice on the big screen however we began to watch worship songs online and ended up singing our hearts out and dancing before God for quite a while! :) We eventually started the movie...And then it was late to bed and late to rise.

Recently a song that the Lord has laid on my heart is This is our God by Hillsong. You'll find it in the post below this one. YOUR GRACE IS ENOUGH, MORE THAN I NEED.

I can honestly say that my life has been transformed this last month. It's been a time of me falling deeper and deeper in love with my Creator. I would dearly love to be able to write how much I love Him on this page, but words wouldn't do it justice. I know that by my actions, my love for others, the joy in my eyes and the way that I praise Him, that will explain it. "Let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." -1 John 3:18.

Starting April 11th, I have been asked to lead our Discipleship Training School students on their outreach to Cambodia. I feel so privileged to be a part of this. We'll be there for a total of two months, working with those in poverty, children and the lost. I will give you more details later on. In order for me to do this I need to raise a total of $2000. Please will you prayerfully consider financially partnering with me in this? I also need prayer for wisdom, strength, patience and lots of love! :)

So many of you are already supporting me financially and prayerfully and I am very blessed by your generosity. Thank you all.

Until next time...

Sundays.

2011-02-13T14:38:00.002-05:00

It's Sunday afternoon, the sun's rays are shining through the window panes in the Blakeney House office, I'm listening to "We Crown You" by Fee and thinking back on the last 4 weeks of the school, reminding myself of what we've learned, the fun times, the hard times, the God filled moments and intimated moments.

There's nothing quite like staffing a DTS, having one on ones with the students, encouraging them when things are difficult and expressing joy when things are bright! To have these moments when the Lord takes over my words are special. There have been many times when I've left a one on one thinking "wow God, that was totally You! Thank You." When we simply say yes He uses us!

Here are a few quotations from the last few weeks that have hit home:

"Suffering does not mean that God has stopped loving us." -The Hiding Place.

"It is no easy thing to stand in the palm of God." -The Hiding Place.

"Ask God what His will is for your life, but not unless you are willing to do it!" -Janet Ditto.

"God speaks to diligent enquirers, not mere acquaintances." -Joy Dawson.

"I'm never freer than when I'm walking in the perfect will of God." -Bridgett Blatz

"Without vision, people perish." -Bridgett Blatz

"It's not about rules and regulations, do's and don'ts, it's about a relationship with Jesus."

"Humility should be your strength, human strength turns to fear."

This is just a taster of what I've been getting each week!

Every Saturday we watch a movie to do with Compassion. One movie we watched was called The Power of One, all about apartheid. I was deeply moved by the main character's passion and get up and go to see the injustices changed. In the movie he hikes out to a massive waterfall which has so much power and in the moment he says "and it all begins with one drop!" That is one phrase that will stick with me forever. We can be that one drop.

Well I'm going to go have some Jesus time, play some guitar, tidy my room and soak up the sun while I can.

Cage break...

2011-02-02T23:15:00.003-05:00

Last weekend I went to a Jonathan David Helser concert, and this is not just any kind of a concert. It was a time of breaking free from religion, letting go of things that have once held me down, letting God lead me in worship through dance and song and being a part of a generation rising up with passion to see the Lord's name be praised.

One of the songs we sang went like this:

"I'm gonna shout out loud,
let my voice be heard,
it's a song of victory,
ringing through earth!"

How often do we feel like our voice is not being heard? That our prayers are not doing anything? That we can't speak up? I think FAR too often!

Being in a room filled with youth, toddlers, older people and the middle aged who were crying out to the Lord, declaring that their voices will be heard whilst dancing on the chains of different things that have held us back was tear jerking. I'm so thankful that I can be a part of this generation rising up to see God be glorified. What an honour and a privilege.

God has given me a voice to not only stand up for what I believe is right and true but to speak up for those who don't have a voice, to intercede for the lost, to pray for the hurting, to speak light into the darkness, to disciple others and to encourage and build up those around me.

Our voices are full of power when we are filled with the Holy Spirit, satan wants nothing more than for us to keep silent. So I will not back down, I will cry out, I will stand up and fight because I know the One who has the key to victory.

The last two weeks we have had a couple come and share their hearts with us and the Discipleship Training School. They've covered forgiveness and reconciliation, relationships and foundations. They also showed us a video of Louie Giglio speaking at the Passion Conference (a massive conference for 20's, held each year in Atlanta, GA). It showed some of the stars that God breathed into being...I was wrecked after watching it. I almost don't have even have words to describe what it did to me, as I watched earth get zoomed out and onto the sun, a star that we think is fairly large and onto more and more stars many light years away that are way more MASSIVE than I could have ever imagined! I would recommend you watch it, it's called How Great is our God by Louie Giglio...

This school is fabulous, we have five students who I love already! They are so wonderful, energetic, ready to get out there and see the nations transformed through Christ. They're full of visions and dreams, passion and desire to fall more deeply in love with Jesus. :)

I love all of this. I love the fact that God has called me here for this time. I love North Carolina. I love my family over here. I love seeing beauty arise from the ashes in different aspects of my life.

Please be praying for my visa...it still has not come through yet, so I'm just waiting and praying, waiting and praying some more! I know it will all work out in His timing, for right now I will learn even more about patience.

Also here's a link to one of JDH's songs: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4i9jMzGw9w It's called Endless Ocean. One of my favourite songs.

I love y'all and do so appreciate your support from your side of the pond and world.

Learning to be loved...

2011-01-09T22:24:00.000-05:00

One week can provide a lot of changes...
from 25 girls all sharing on house, to me house sitting with Amanda and looking after Shock...a yellow lab.
from constantly hearing a guitar being played, to occasionally hearing myself strum the strings.
from no car, to being blessed with a car from a friend for a month.

These past few days have been days full of blessings, not only for myself but also for those around me. Amanda, one of the DTS students received the rest of her money, so tomorrow she will be venturing to the land of India to meet the rest of her group there. A friend of mine provided me with a purple bicycle, which I love and I'm now riding everywhere, even if I only have to walk down the road. The Lord truly pours HIS blessings upon us, which I'm so thankful for.

This next week holds lots of busy times! Preparation, cleaning the house, recruiting, writing emails and finishing up last minute details before the big day...Sunday. The day when 5 students (so far) will arrive at the Blakeney House to spend the next six months with us. :)

Recently I've been learning how to be loved by God. The only way I'll truly be able to love myself is by letting God love me first. And that can be easier said then done.

White Christmas.

2010-12-25T13:45:00.002-05:00

My dream came true for the first time in my life...snow began falling at midnight last night and when I awoke this morning the ground was sprinkled with a thin layer of white stuff. :)

Christmas with the Roegers is like I'm home. This is the second year that I've been able to spend my Christmas week with them. I now have my own stocking hanging over their fireplace! They've been very generous at welcoming me into their beautiful home and letting me join in with all of their traditions. Hot chocolate with coffee, sausage and gravy with biscuits, driving to see Christmas lights, Church on Christmas eve, bowling, lunch at a steakhouse, the Olive Garden, card games, watching Elf and Christmas Vacation and spending time with the grandbabies.

Of course it's not just about the presents, the traditions and the snow. I don't ever want to forget my Saviour, the reason why I'm here in the US, the reason that I want to go to India, the reason I desire to see injustices changed and those who don't have a voice, speaking up for themselves in the name of Jesus.

This is a time to remember.

Tacky Christmas Sweaters...

2010-12-11T07:43:00.007-05:00

Yay for Tacky Christmas Sweaters!

The Whole YWAM-Charlotte Family.

Karyn & Me (January DTS Staff minus the guys).

Me & Berk.

This last week we celebrated Christmas with cookies, tacky Christmas jumpers(!), "All I want for Christmas is you...", white elephant gifts, frost, stuffed mushrooms and fruit pizza. It was definitely a memorable evening, lots of laughs, fun and games.

We've had an amazing week of lectures...Kristy Wilkie came down from Montana to speak on Passion! Everyone has left this week filled to the brim and overflowing and desiring more of the Lord in our lives. Even when we don't necessarily "feel" Him, we can still worship with everything that's in us and prayer from the depths of our hearts and intercede with a brokenness for the lost.

Today is the DTS' yard sale / bake sale / car wash to raise money for India! They've put so much hard work and planning into this. They're also having face painting and a prayer booth. I'm so proud of each one of them for not just sitting still and just praying for support but actually getting out there and doing something towards it! :)

One and a half weeks of lecture phase and then it's off for Christmas break! I'll be traveling home with my friend Katherine, to her family in Nashville, Tennessee. I'm excited to road trip, eat dunkin' donuts and sip on coffee and chat as we ride through the Smoky Mountains. Ashton and Tiffany, two girls from the DTS will also be riding with us which will make it even more fun!

If you could please be praying for these last moments that we share altogether before we leave for Christmas that they will be special times, filled with the Holy Spirit and getting on more of an intimate level with each other as well as with the Lord, also that the Lord will continue to provide the way to India and that we will have more students coming in for the January Discipleship Training School! Thank you all so much for your constant prayers and support. I truly appreciate your hearts.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

2010-12-04T16:43:00.008-05:00

Santy Clause.

We are officially weird.

This is what it looks like when short people high five.

We had small group under the car port...a fire, sparking red grape juice, holiday pretzels and talks of Christmas.

Hot Chocolate. Thick Coats. Rainboots. Christmas music. Crocheted berets. Rain. Christmas Trees. Pumpkin Pie. Thanksgiving. Sweet Potato Casserole. More Christmas music. Gloves. Bare trees. Cold noses. Scented candles and even more Christmas music.

This is my favourite time of year. When I start praying for snow to come in, just so I can have a white December and wishfully I'll say Christmas! Across the pond it's a blanket of white, where the lakes are frozen and cars come to halt.

We celebrated Thanksgiving last week with dressing up, having a feast in our base directors' new extension and having four days to rest, relax and watch Little Women-best movie in creation, by the way.

This last week we had Bob Felder come and speak to us from Miami, Florida. It was all about evangelism, how everyday is outreach day, just because we're going to the mall for the day does not mean to say we have a day off of talking to people about Jesus. It needs to be incorporated into our everyday living. He also shared his heart about Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses. I learned so much through his teaching and got new perspectives on evangelizing.

God is good. He is teaching me a lot in my own heart as well as things that are outward focused.

Promised Photos.

2010-11-19T21:38:00.005-05:00

On the way to Boone, NC.

Team Victory.

Team SCAB aka Steven, Cassie, Amanda & Brittany

My house for last week.

My heart land

This is how short people wash their dishes.

Redefined Friendship.

Berkeley.

DTSer Hannah. One of my favourite people EVER.

Grey TOM Thursday...Tradition.

The Sunshine State.

2010-11-14T20:49:00.005-05:00

Saturday 6th November
Distance Traveled: I dunno, but it took 10 hours.
Destination: Orlando, Florida.

I've only been to Florida once before, if you can even count it. I remember staying overnight in a hotel in Miami and being so hot I couldn't sleep. Well this week was slightly different...

We headed down through South Carolina, Georgia and into the Sunshine State and stayed overnight in Jacksonville with one of our close friends, Hovde. I'll just let you know our 12 passenger van managed to get through an awful lot of Hershey's Chocolate Cookies!

The next day we hit the road so we could arrive on schedule in Orlando. Setting up tents, registering, having meetings, unloading the van, and eating was what the day consisted of.

That night we snuggled down into our sleeping bags thinking "this is Florida, I won't need too many blankets!" How wrong we all were! As the night wore on we found ourselves constantly waking up and throwing on more hoodies, socks, jackets...anything we could find to keep up slightly warmer! Nothing seemed to help. So on Monday we made a trip to Super Target where most of us invested in a sleeping bag or a fleece blanket of some kind.

We started the day off with a banging hot breakfast, oatmeal, eggs, sausage, bacon, croissants and orange juice and then walked over to the lecture hall. Those first few days were all the South East Conference, DTSers and staff joining together to worship, have fun, hear from speakers and pray together. Always an amazing time when the Spirit moves and you feel full of God.

On Wednesday began the 50th Celebration of YWAM. The title being The Flame Goes Forward! And that night 600 YWAMers came together with candles and thanked the Lord for His faithfulness over the last 50 years. A time of looking back, enjoying the present and anticipating the amazing things the Lord is going to do in the future. I wish I could describe to you just how wonderful it was to sing and pray in the candlelight with radical Jesus lovers.

Sometimes I find myself thinking about another life but I am quickly brought back to the reality of the calling the Lord has placed upon my life. To live radically, to go to the lost in the dark places and to be an ordinary woman used by an extraordinary God. I'm slowly learning that I don't need the things of this world. At the end of the day if all I have is Jesus, that will be enough.

This past week I learned a new song which I find myself humming all the time:
"All this pain I wonder if I’ll even find my way I wonder if my life could really change at all All this earth Could all that is lost ever be found Could a garden come up from this ground at all You make beautiful things You make beautiful things out of the dust You make beautiful things You make beautiful things out of us All around Hope is springing up from this old ground Out of chaos life is being found in You You make beautiful things You make beautiful things out of the dust You make beautiful things You make beautiful things out of us You make beautiful things You make beautiful things out of the dust You make beautiful things You make beautiful things out of us You make me new, You are making me new You make me new, You are making me new" ~by Gungor

As I was just writing this I began thinking about how much I love Loren & Darlene Cunningham (the founders of YWAM), their commitment, love for God and their love for others and I was quickly taken to who they remind me of...my Grandparents. I look up to, love and respect my Grandpa and my Grandma. They have fought hard when things have been tough, their have been faithful in their Christian walk, they have been humble when it could have been easy to be proud, they have a desire to see the light of God shine in their community, they have walked out in the calling the Lord has given to them and have risen up as strong warriors in the faith. I thank God for these two precious people that have invested so much into me since before I was born. Thank you Grandma & Grandpa for your dedication, love and support. I love you both so much. And thank You Lord for such a rich heritage.

2 weeks on.

2010-10-20T20:11:00.006-04:00

Two weekends ago we road tripped to Boone, NC. A gorgeous location in the mountains where we could view the changing of the leaves, from every shade of green to vibrant yellows, orange and red. The pictures doesn't do it justice. We packed up our vans at 11:30 in the morning, bringing plenty of trail mix to snack on, mountain dews and chocolate milk to gulp, Disney music to listen to and wonderful company to make the trip special.

We chatted, laughed, shared hearts and sang for the two hours it took us to drive there. When we arrived in the heart of the mountains we rolled down the windows, cranked up Hillsong worship and rode around admiring God's handiwork, tears fell at viewing the beauty of creation. A moment that I will forever cherish.

We stopped every now and again to snap photos, sit by lakes, hike up trails, ramble through the woods and relax in the sun.

At 7pm we turned into Woodlands BBQ, ordered our southern BBQ with beans, slaw, hush puppies and corn and enjoyed one another's company with the sound of College Football on TV in the background. We then rode back home as the stars pinned themselves onto the black cushion of the sky.

Content.

Last week we had a speaker called Pat who spoke on Sexuality. It was so helpful having a Godly woman openly speak to us what many people are too embarrassed to talk about. A week I won't forget.

This past weekend everyone decided they wanted to participate in a YWAM Charlotte Volleyball Tournament...so that's what we did. Dressed up crazy looking, as we do and hit that ball around for hours. My team had Victory written across our faces, losers may have been a better phrase to write.

The DTSers are just amazing. I love each one of them and I'm inspired by them. They are all so willing to lay their lives down for the Lord and seek His heart for them.

This week we have been walking the students through Ancient Paths. A process of being released from deep wounds, plucking sin out of our lives, rebuking lies that we have believed for so long and walking out in freedom. It's been intense, difficult and exhausting for everybody involved. Inner healing is always like that.

I'm so thankful that the Lord forgives, restores and redeems. Through everything His love is unconditional.

God...God...God. I wish I could find the words to describe how awesome He is and all the wonderful things He has done for me.

Thank You God for loving me. Thank You God for setting me free. Thank You God that I can find my identity in You. Thank You God for leading and guiding me. Thank You God for giving me the strength each day to live out my calling. I LOVE YOU.

"I've seen I AM, now I know that I am loved. I've seen I AM, now I know who I am." ~Jonathan David Helser

I am full of excitement at what I am about to share. As many of you know, I struggle with back problems, stemming from different injuries over the years. Also I have problems with my knees and recently my left knee began hurting all the more, mainly from playing more sport and going running more often. Last Thursday during intercession one of our friends knew the Lord was asking him to call forward anyone with a left leg problem so that we could pray for healing. Two of us came forward, we were prayed for, believed in the power of the Lord and were healed!!!!!!!!!! Since then my knee has just been AMAZING. The Lord really does work miracles. Later that night after sharing at the Church service what had happened that morning, I went and asked for prayer again, but this time for my back. As my friend was praying I felt the pain move from the left side of my back to the right side of my back and then left my body. I now only have a slight pain in my shoulders and in the lower part of my right back. I got my friend to feel to see if a lot of my knots were loosened and they were! Since then I have not felt any pain in the left side of my back. PRAISE GOD! The Great Physician has worked another miracle in my life. I cannot express to you how excited I am to wake up in the morning feeling so much more free, able to lift up fairly heavy things without an ache in my back and to move around more freely on the volleyball court.

How awesome is our God?

pictures to come.

Whoops.

2010-10-03T23:54:00.002-04:00

And I forgot to add...after that it was rush, rush, rush to get everything prepared for the DTS, guidelines made, spring cleaning done, cars washed, food bought, manuals made up and last minute phone calls. I've learned a lot through this...I'm thankful that this year I was able to experience the last minute preparations before everyone arrived.

Lakehouse.

2010-10-02T21:54:00.005-04:00

Taken right from the dock.

Friends.

Truly shows each of our characters.

One morning we swam across this lake and then kayaked back...

I realise that I have not blogged in quite a while...hence the two posts coming up.

This first one is all about the weeks leading up to DTS.

We had a staff retreat about an hour away from our house...we traveled up in our new van, singing songs, reading books and chit chatting. I was expecting to arrive at a fairly small log house by the side of a lake, um no...we came up to a big house with lots of windows overlooking a small dock and a gorgeous lake.

The three days were spent having meetings, swimming in the lake, kayaking, lounging and reading, drying off in the warm sun, worshiping, the boys playing the guitar, laughing and talking in the moonlight.

I wish pictures would show exactly what a place looked like and all the emotions you were feeling at the time. However Berkeley has captured well the place where God spoke many words over my life, where He danced over me and sung softly while I watched the moon shimmer over the waters edge.

Fall.

2010-10-02T19:52:00.006-04:00

Tie Dye Time!

These last two weeks have been full of excitement. DTS has begun, our house is full of girls, the leaves are changing colour, our mornings have been full of lectures, prayer, worship and intercession.

The other night everyone ran out to Salvation Army to find cheap white shirts to make tie dye. A lot of fun was had making up new designs, getting hands covered in pinks and blues and the next day rinsing them out to see what they all looked like.

On Thursday we had RESET, a time of praying for one another and personal time with God. At the end this song was played which spoke straight to my heart:

"My chains are gone,
I've been set free,
My God my Saviour has ransomed me,
and like a flood His mercy reigns,
unending love,
AMAZING GRACE."

I'm still learning what it means to walk out in the freedom that the Lord has given me. What it truly means to be forgiven.

On Friday morning we announced that India will be the outreach location. I wish you all could have seen the excitement that filled the classroom, we played a slideshow with Indian background music which everyone got up to dance to and then we celebrated with cups of ginger chai and samosas made by Indians themselves. :)

That night we finished off the week with a bang by watching Slumdog Millionaire out on the Front Porch.

This weekend has been spent playing Football (English), having a staff meeting, going to Church, writing letters, accounting, making quick trips to Walmart and celebrating the birthday of Tiffany~one of my roomies and one of the sweetest people you'll ever meet. As she is a sweet tooth, chocolate chip cookies were made and milk was poured...hmm.

Everyone is beginning to get to know each other on a deeper level now which is so exciting, I love intimacy.

God is doing amazing works in this school. The works of the Spirit are so evident in each worship time, during prayer and even while everyone is listening to the speakers. They are all an incredible group, on fire for God, yearning for more, wanting to be broken for the lost, desiring to have their hearts connected with the Father, willing to see lives changed, daring to step out into the unknown and expecting God to move.

I love seeing God move.

2010-09-10T23:52:00.002-04:00

"We have found our hope,
We have found our peace,
We have found our rest

In the one who loves."

Prayer Request.

2010-09-10T14:14:00.002-04:00

Our school is starting in just over one week!
So, at the moment our base is looking into buying a 12 passenger van so that we can transport students to evangelism, Church, on mission trips, to places in the community and to conferences. We are still in need of finances! Please pray that the Lord will provide in this area. Also if you feel called to give, please email me at: ecuador07@gmail.com
Thank you so much for partnering with me in this.
I appreciate all that you are doing already, both prayerfully and financially.

Panthers.

2010-08-29T14:21:00.014-04:00

Last weekend my friends and I were invited to watch the Carolina Panthers play American Football in downtown Charlotte. The Panthers are a part of the National Football League here in the U.S. You all know how much I love sport...so I was super excited to have this opportunity. First of all we went into the heart of Charlotte to watch part of a concert that the local Christian radio station was putting on and walked around the booths they had set up.

Then we headed over to the Bank of America Stadium, got some water bottles and found our seats. We watched the Panthers and the Tennessee Titans warm up, pray and then we stood up to hear the National Anthem being sung. Then it was all go. It was fun to be with a group of people who would jump up and cheer at touch down, help a Mexican wave get started and scream to get our teams moral up. And we won! Carolina Panthers 15 - Tennessee Titans 7.

A couple of days later everyone from our base got ready to celebrate Avery's (6) birthday at the local pool. It was such fun to splash around with the Vengala girls, have races down the slides and relax in the warm August sun.

This past week we started RESET again. A worship experience which we have had the privilege of being a part of for a year now. It focuses on worship, prayer and intercession and acting upon the word of the Lord. Every Thursday morning we gather together as a "core" and intercede for that evening. Tonight's RESET we had at the local university, Wingate. We went out promoting it last night to try and get freshman involved and any students that were interested in coming. You know what I'm learning more and more? That God works through small things like handing out fliers for RESET. Last night about 20 of us headed around the college campus to promote it. I strolled past a living room that had it's lights on and I could make out that there were a couple people sitting inside. I carried on up to the door and knocked. A guy called Thomas answered and we get chatting. It just so happened that he and I had met last year as I was handing out fliers and I had shared my testimony. It was wonderful to be able to re connect after one whole year. I then met an English guy, from Nottingham, who could not get his head around the fact that I am British, simply because of my accent!!! And this guy happens to be going out with an Ecuadorian girl. It was just one thing after another, that God had ordained. A time of relationships being built and a world that seems so big becoming smaller and smaller.

Tonight was the big night. We used the auditorium at the college and decked it out with banners and a few lights. We greeted folks at the door and handed them cookies and slushies. Worship, prayer for human trafficking, testimonies shared and more songs sung. "Your grace is enough, Your grace is enough, Your grace is enough for me." A night to remember, where hearts were joined together in singing to our Creator and lives united in beautiful partnership with Him. Again I was broken for the women and children who live in the bondage of slavery, again God spoke words of my destiny upon me, again I was angered about the injustices of this world, again the Lord poured His grace upon me for the sins I have committed and again His love completely overwhelmed me.

Wild at Heart.

2010-08-28T08:31:00.002-04:00

"It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly...who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spins himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who have never known neither victory or defeat."

-Theodore Roosevelt

As time goes by.

2010-08-15T19:52:00.003-04:00

This morning I tasted something outside of my comfort zone. After feeling awkward and out of place for a few moments I began to feel at ease with my surroundings.

Today I stepped foot in a Southern Baptist Church.

My friend and I were warmly welcomed by...everybody. Men, women, young and old were all interested in meeting us and inviting us back to fellowship with them.

Great is Thy Faithfulness was sung in full gusto, prayers were from the core of the heart and the sermon was delivered with passion.

I love how the Lord hand picks sermons for us. I have been challenged recently by Hosea, thinking about how we are unfaithful to the Lord. We come to Him, sometimes look the other way and then return to Him. That's exactly what the preacher spoke about this morning. God's faithfulness to us.

This song by Brooke Fraser, "Hosea's wife" captures it:

"If we've eyes to see
If we've ears to hear
To find it in our hearts
and mouths the word
that saves is near
Shed that shallow skin
Come and live again
Leave all you were before
To believe is to begin."
-Brooke Fraser

I think it is so important to be rooted in a Church, become a member, get to know more of your international family and be fed each week. I'm asking the Lord which fellowship He has in mind of me. Please pray.

This last week has been known as "cleansing" week. A time of us individually coming to the Lord and asking Him "what do I have to cleanse within myself?" Several things have been placed on my heart which I am now walking out in and as the week continued more came up. It's tough changing things in your lifestyle but so worth it. I love to be challenged and at the end look back and see how far I've come. This one is going to be hard but I know that God will be walking me through it, every step of the way.

"Life's a climb, but the view's great."

Today we received a new staff member...whoop whoop! His name is Andrew and he has officially become the 3rd single guy staff member in our team. We are all very excited to welcome him here.

The other great thing about today was we had Indian for dinner. A food I never liked until I entered it's homeland and now I can't keep away. Devouring peanut chicken and coconut rice brings back memories of being surrounded by brown babies. :)

Well I better call it a night, my bed with twinkle lights surrounding it beckons.

Rest in the presence of our Creator.

BEAUTIFUL SLAVE.

2010-07-30T13:46:00.002-04:00

Song About Child Slavery & Human Trafficking

by TAKE NO GLORY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jYU9meVXKg

Human Trafficking is something that breaks my heart more and more. Men, women and children held against their will. Forced into sexual and physical labour day after day, month after month, year after year.

And they cry out "Does anyone hear me?"

Let's pray out against this evil, let's raise awareness for these captives, let's do something to combat this, let's make these treasures feel loved, let's make a difference.

Silence.

2010-07-26T17:01:00.008-04:00

The Virginia Team.

It's strange. To wake up in this house and not hear a sound. Normally there is someone laughing, talking or playing guitar. This week it's been almost empty, only three of us sharing a huge place.

To be honest, at first I didn't like it. I'm one of those people that wants to be around others all the time. But now the silence is becoming more serene. There is space to think, to read and daydream without someone disturbing your peace and quiet. It's good for me.

I've been reading a book called "Blue Like Jazz" by Donald Miller. Some people love it, some people don't. What I love is that he is real. He's not full of "high faluting mumbo jumbo" but simply brings down to earth ideas to the table. In one of the chapters he was talking about how man was not made to be alone, how necessary it is for us to be in community. After being almost alone for 5 days now, I completely see that we were not made to tuck ourselves away in a little hidey-hole for days at a time. We were created to live with one another, share with one another, laugh with each other and enjoy each other.

He also talks about self-addiction being one of the worst addictions of all. That we can become so consumed with our wants and desires. Life becomes about us, everyone else is simply a minor role in our movie. I am the movie star. Living in community helps us break free from that. Donald Miller's ponderings may sound so simple, I think they are but yet it is wonderful to read over them and be brought back down to earth. Sometimes I think the simple things in life are the greatest things in life.

Last week we finished our last Mission Adventures week! We had 20 youth sleeping in the triple bunks, Front Porch kids over each day to learn songs and dances with the team, sessions in the evenings consisting of worship, talks and prayer, endless games of Mao (a card game) and work projects out in the sun. I was helping in the kitchen a lot of the time, so I didn't share in a lot of those moments but hearing the stories when people returned to the house was exciting, their faces were glowing with their accomplishment and their love for the people around them.

I think I can honestly say this was a week of transformation for this youth group. They began to get a deeper understanding of who they were created to be and how God longs for them to run into His arms.

This base is in a new season of time and I'm ecstatic about it. We have 12 students accepted for our school with more applying, please pray that God will prepare their hearts for coming here.

Exciting for me...I got to play tennis the other day! :) My friend Seth loves to play so we went. We didn't play for too long as it was 102 degrees outside but it was fun all the same. Later on we played croquet on our lawn and set the volleyball net up. Yay for sunshine, friends and sports.

This whole week has been a vacation for me which I've enjoyed, sleeping in late, practicing guitar and having Jesus time. It's lovely to sit at the feet of Jesus and talk with Him. I always come away feeling refreshed, more passionate and so much more in love with Him. I also realise that I need to be doing it far more than I do.

Please can you pray that I will continue to hear the Lord on the direction of my path, for patience and that the humidity will go down just a little? Thanks.

another team has come and gone.

2010-07-15T20:11:00.007-04:00

All the girls from YWAM Charlotte and New Jersey! Wonderful people.

Another team has come for Mission Adventures, worked hard, learned a lot, been fired up with passion and returned to their home town in New Jersey. The week was very similar to the last missions trip, Front Porch, helping locals with their yard, evangelism and working a lot with kids. The house was quiet the first few days but as everyone opened up and became more comfortable with each other and us, the house was filled with laughter. The card game Mao was played almost every night, a rather uncontrollable water fight took place, stories were shared, cookies were munched on and the Holy Spirit filled the house and each of us with His awesome presence.

On the last night, several healings took place. Pastor Lou (their team leader) began praying for our friend Aaron's back then the Holy Spirit took over and he was healed, his wife Sarah came in with knee problems...healed. Tracy was next with her wheat intolerance...healed and another guy, Mikey had pain in his shoulder...completely healed. Praise the Lord!

All of the people in this group became so dear to my heart in many different ways. I will miss them.

This week has been another week of planning, intercession, office work-we totally rearranged our entire office and have sorted through everything...I'll upload pics when I can. I get very excited about organisation things like that. :)

I'll be staying in Charlotte next week, there was some talk of me going to New Orleans but to be honest I'm thankful that I'll get to stay back and help do the kitchen with my friend Brittany. Tomorrow we have to head to Wal-Mart to buy food for 35 people for a week! Should be fun.

The team arrives on Saturday evening, they are from my friend Berkeley's Church in Virginia. Please pray for them, as they prepare for coming here, that it will be a time of growing, seeking God, yearning for more, being a blessing to others. Also with God working inside each of the youth ~ "chains will be broken, lives will be healed, eyes will be opened and Christ will be revealed."

2010-07-12T12:54:00.000-04:00

"Water You turned into wine

Open the eyes of the blind

There’s no one like You
None like You
Into the darkness You shine
Out of the ashes we rise
There’s no one like You
None like You

Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…

Into the darkness you shining
Out of the ashes we Rise
There’s no One like You
None like You.

Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…

And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us

And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?"

-Chris Tomlin

2010-07-07T21:24:00.001-04:00

"Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow."

-Elvina M. Hall

A New Season.

2010-07-05T23:33:00.005-04:00

The North Carolina team with the Front Porch kids

With Berkeley & Ashlyn

Myself & Ashlyn (Alaska)

Meet part of our YWAM Charlotte team: (left to right) Berkeley (Virginia), Brittany (Louisiana), Myself & Seth (Washington).

God certainly brings people from all different nations and regions to work and serve together for His kingdom.

Already my body clock has adjusted back to the East Coast time zone which I'm very thankful for. And already I'm stuck into missions trips and believe me, I wouldn't have it any other way.

Since returning to the place I love, I've had time to look at my surroundings and see "it is good." New staff members, a new baby girl, a toddler adopted from Togo and growth within the hearts of the YWAMers serving here. This is where I need to be.

Last week we hosted a team from North Carolina and a team from Alaska and I have to say "they were an amazing bunch." Seriously, yearning for more and more of God in their lives, servant hearted and fun.

I would like to share with you one special evening that we had:

We had just finished our evening session, a time of worship, prayer and a talk, and God had seriously been moving in it. Some of us YWAMers were talking in the kitchen while the teams went their separate ways to have snack. All of a sudden one of the youth came bursting in saying "God is moving, you HAVE to come see this." We glanced at each other and headed out the door in anticipation and excitement. To our amazement we saw half of the group falling around laughing in the Spirit, others weeping because of the Lord's work in their lives, others in worship and more in prayer. Eagerly we joined in, desiring to take part. After a few minutes of praying quietly by myself, a guy from the team came over and starting praying over me. India. Children. Women. The list went on. Many things that have been placed on my heart. This guy hardly knows me! But yet everything that he prayed over me that night was right on. Confirmation of what God is calling me to do. It was a time of being drenched in the covering of the Holy Spirit, a time of weeping and being completely overwhelmed by the peace of God. What an awesome God we serve.

I was sad to see that team leave, but we now have another team from New Jersey. Time simply plods on. I'm loving getting to know more youth, beginning to understand their hearts, being given the opportunity to speak into their lives and to learn from them. They are fabulous, excited to be here on missions, serving the community, working with under privileged children, doing evangelism and helping out in local centers.

This evening God was speaking to me through a song called "You won't relent." If you have never listened to it, I highly recommend it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3spvQYlB-I

"You won't relent until You have it all.

My heart is Yours.

I'll set You as a seal, upon my heart,

as a seal upon my arm,

for there is love that is as strong as death,

jealousy demanding as the grave

and many waters cannot quench this love."

-Misty Edwards

Taking time to ponder over anointed words like these can speak volumes into your life. Thank You God.

We the Redeemed.

2010-06-17T14:14:00.001-04:00

"There is nothing like Your love

No exchange for all You gave

To be welcomed into life

So I can know the love that saves

Now forever to belong

To walk with You for all my days

Theres no greater love than this

You are the Author and the Way

This is the sound of the redeemed

Rising up to praise the King

Our hope is in You

This is the sound of the redeemed

Rising up to praise the King

Singing glorious glorious One You have saved us

Honor and Power and Praise to the Savior.

You are the Answer You are the Answer

You come with power come with fire

As we lift Your name on high

And join with all the saints to sing

In bringing Honor to the King.

We the redeemed

Hear us singing

You are Holy

You are Holy"

-Hillsong

English Happenings.

2010-06-08T07:02:00.005-04:00

My time in England is drawing to a close.

The last few weeks have been full of seeing special friends, creating new memories, laughter, youth club, Church, tennis, support raising, reading and relaxing with the family. I feel truly privileged to know so many beautiful people. Thank you Lord.

Also I have all the money I need for a flight back to Charlotte. NC here I come! Most of my support has now been raised. The Lord has been so faithful in providing for me every step of the way. Praise God!

May has been a time of...

...BBQ's with the neighbours.

...sorting out tons of stuff with friends.

(Josh, myself, Becs & Pip)

...lunches at Church with fabulous people.

(Hannah, me, Row, Scott, Josh & Paula)

...Thursday night gatherings.

(family)

...family.

...pictures that don't always work...!

...going to Oxford to see special friends...

(Joel, Luke, me with my eyes closed, Esther)

...and more.

(us again, with Ben)

This season of time has been wonderful, I'm sad it's drawing to a close but I'm super excited about this next step coming up.

Quote of the week: "when God wants you to do something, He gives you the strength to do it." ~Sister Agnes.

Blessings.

Mother Teresa.

2010-05-17T12:12:00.002-04:00

The other day my lovely Auntie handed me a poem written by Mother Teresa. I thought it was rather special and needed to be shared.

Anyway

"People are often unreasonable, illogical and self centred;

Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;

Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;

Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;

Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;

Build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;

Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;

Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;

Give the world the best you've got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God;

It was never between you and them anyway."

Mother Teresa is someone who has become more and more of an inspiration as time has gone on. Originally she was a lady that I thought of as 'kind and nice.' Now I read about her and think 'what an amazing woman, giving up everything she had ever known and jumping into the life that God had called her to do. What could happen? didn't faze this tiny, God driven woman.

I have a friend who is leaving today to go and do what God has called him to do. No matter the danger, no matter what may come his way, he has decided to follow God. He heard the call, he's packing his bags, he's going to evangelise.

These two people have placed even more excitement in me to follow the life that I am called to. This is my dream, my desire...to walk down the path that my Maker has chosen for me, none other. It's not about success, money, material things or how comfortable we are. It is doing what we were originally designed to do.

Memories.

2010-04-30T07:02:00.007-04:00

Brittany & I when we got to hear Donald Miller speak. :)

Some of my favourite people...beautiful Keniazh, Lindsay, Brittany, Kristen, Katie, Berkeley, Cassandra & Sara...all lovely YWAM Charlotters.

As my friend Lindsay would say "bringing High School Musical to Thailand!"

Swing, swing, swing to the Liberty...hand clapping with girls in India.

Our DTS team with two university students in Hyderabad, India.

Being back in England has provided time to think about the past two years, where I've been, who I've met & what I've done.

It's been slightly tear jerking as I remember India, the beautiful women & children, the sights, the smells, the tastes & the sounds. India. A name engraved on my heart. I cannot wait for the time when the Lord says "now you can return." To be reunited with the people of the place is one of the top things on my list.

I've thought back over the WISE school and all the wonderful things that the Lord has taught me. The confidence that has grown inside of me, through Him, the letting go of past hurts & pains and the biggest lesson of all...beginning to grasp what it means to trust in the Lord.

I then find myself in Thailand, surrounded by mountains, engulfed in the sun's rays, sitting in the back of a pick up truck riding from village to village. Exciting times, amazing people, glorious God.

So much has come and gone over the last year and a half, it's nice to ponder.

I thank God for the beautiful gift of memories, the workings in my life, being released, providing for me and for being more than enough.

And I thank you for playing a part in these pieces that have started making up a big puzzle...of life.

As life carries on...

I'm here in England for (maybe) a couple more weeks, raising support, catching up with friends & family and getting involved with my home Church. I'm excited as the Lord is leading me to return to YWAM Charlotte to engage with the community there. Please pray that I will have patience and wait on the Lord's timing, that I will keep the Lord as the focus of my life & that I will clearly hear the Lord as I seek Him.

Please Watch.

2010-04-03T15:23:00.001-04:00

Tears of the Saints.

One week.

2010-04-01T12:39:00.002-04:00

That's all it is. One week until I reach my destination of the United Kingdom. I'm excited to see all my family and friends, to taste my Dad's cooking, to smell the air of the countryside, to hear my brother's laugh, to chat with my Mum & sister, to play Tennis, to share what has been happening since I left, to listen to the stories that I have missed, to engage in worship with my home Church, to take country walks with old friends and to experience how God has been moving in Mayfield.

There is so much that I desire to share. I have many dreams that the Lord has placed on my heart. Dreams that will change the course of my life forever. When I return I will voice what the Lord has proclaimed over my life.

I want to leave you with a song that speaks powerful lyrics that spur me on.

'Tears of the Saints'

"There are many prodigal sons

On our city streets they run

Searching for shelter

There are homes broken down

People's hopes have fallen to the ground

From failures

This is an emergency!

There are tears from the saints

For the lost and unsaved

We're crying for them come back home

And all Your children will stretch out their hands

And pick up the crippled man

Father, we will lead them home

There are schools full of hatred

Even churches have forsaken

Love and mercy

May we see this generation

In its state of desperation

For Your glory

This is an emergency!

There are tears from the saints

For the lost and unsaved

We're crying for them come back home

And all Your children will stretch out their hands

And pick up the crippled man

Father, we will lead them home

Sinner, reach out your hands!

Children, in Christ you stand!

Sinner, reach out your hands!

Children, in Christ you stand!

There are tears from the saints

For the lost and unsaved

We're crying for them come back home

And all Your children will stretch out their hands

And pick up the crippled man

Father, we will lead them home

Father, we will lead them home"

-Leeland

May the Lord bless you and keep you.

God is good.

2010-03-02T03:49:00.002-05:00

Last week to taste amazing Thai food. Last few times to visit smiling Thai faces. A land I have come to love, people I have come to care for. What a wonderful nation the Lord has created.

Being here in Asia has been a wonderful experience. We have all been truly blessed by the Lord's goodness. Here we've experienced His beauty, more of His glory and His heart for more of His people.

Riding up into the mountains, seeing star filled skies, deep pink sunrises, playing volleyball in a village, performing dramas for hill tribes, dancing for underprivileged children, singing for Churches, building relationships with women, evangelizing to university students, becoming more intimate with our Creator have all been bits and pieces that I will always remember.

But the most important thing I have learned here is I can do NOTHING without the Lord. He gives me strength, He gives me grace, He gives me patience, He gives me care, He gives me humility, He gives me love, He gives me a plan and He gives me life. What an AWESOME God we serve.

I'm excited to see what the Lord has in store for me. I know it will be beautiful. There's nothing I would rather do than serve our Lord. I want to walk in the ways of God, I desire to follow His calling and I long to fulfill the dreams that He has placed in my heart.

Even though this is the last week of outreach abroad I don't want to emotionally 'check out.' I know the Lord has amazing things stored up for this week and I'm not about to miss out on any of it. This is one more week to make a difference in loved hearts.

Please pray that this team will stay strong past the finish line, that we won't miss out on any opportunity, that the Lord will set up divine appointments for us and that we will see the Lord move in this place. I believe that this can be the best week of outreach.

I want to share this song with you, it has been on repeat on my iPod for the last few days. I speaks volumes to my heart and I hope it does to yours too.

"Sovereign Hands"

"Nailed to a humble cross

Scars You bear

Speak of Your redeeming love

No wonder I call you the Saviour

No wonder I'm singing

God of all the heavens

Now and 'til forever

High above the universe

God of our redemption

God of my surrender

The glory is Yours

Sovereign God

Laying down a holy life

Heaven's Son

Willing to be crucified

No wonder I call You Saviour

No wonder I'm singing

Open hands

Given for a sovereign cause

All I have

God will be forever Yours

No wonder I call You Saviour

No wonder I'm singing

Holy, holy, holy Lord

Holy, holy, holy Lord"

-Hillsong United

Even though we haven't witnessed any physical healings, even though we've not witnessed someone coming to Christ, we've experienced the Lord moving in Thailand. We've been planting seed and even if we never see the fruit from that seed, we have still played a part in that process. We didn't come on outreach with the right to see people come to Christ, we came on outreach expecting to see God move, and we have.

Children's joy as we play with them and let them know they are loved, women smiling and laughing as we spend time with them, showing them that we care, tourists learning about why we are here and opening their hearts to more of Christ.

All things we do are to glorify God. All things we have done are an expression of our love for Him.

May you all be blessed as you serve Him in your different jobs and lives. Lets glorify Him in everything we do!

In the land of the Thais.

2010-02-05T08:17:00.007-05:00

With a free evening :) I decided it was time to come on here and update you all with my Asian adventures.

This last week has been particularly busy as we had a conference here to celebrate our missions 50th anniversary. We helped with registration, handing out name tags and putting together welcome packets and gifts. It was a lot of fun being a part of such a big celebration, listening to the Cunninghams and seeing how humble they are as leaders.

This last weekend we headed out to a village, about an hour our of the city, to work with a Church. We ministered to the congregation through testimonies, dramas and songs. The Pastor then invited us after lunch to witness some baptisms of 11 teenagers and a couple of adults. We eagerly accepted. So we hopped into the "Sungtow" (a pickup truck with benches in the back) and headed deeper into the mountains. We stopped near a river and all headed down a sandy hill which was right next to an elephant camp. We then proceeded to clamber along the riverside and waded through the water to our destination. It was very special to be a part of the congregation as we all gathered around the water to sing and pray over the group. At the end one of the girls was pushed into the river fully clothed which then of course just turned into everyone jumping into the river in their Sunday clothes, yes including us! Fun times!

Our leaders, Wayne & Karyn came out for a Pastoral visit last week so they got to experience elephant riding with us! We trekked for about an hour and I got a chance to ride on the head of the elephant, rather exciting I must say! Then we hiked up to a waterfall and swam for a while before we made our way back to a river to finish off the day with bamboo rafting. I love days off!

Ministry has been incredible, it is so exciting to see how God is working in and through the team. I'm not going to base our teams success on how many converts we see, if the Lord calls us to plant seeds then that is what we shall do. Part of our ministry can sometimes be preparing the way for the missionaries that follow in our footsteps.

Our night ministry has been challenging but it is so wonderful to build relationships with the women and children there, sharing a part of the heart of God with them. I can tell you that I have come away blessed by their generosity and their joy in their present circumstances. How amazing it would be to see these women use their hospitality and joy in the Lord and His ways.

We have also helped out at a Christian Kindergarten, teaching the alphabet, days of the week, months of the year, the "Peel Banana" song and acting out Bible stories. Beautiful little Thai smiles each morning for a week brings happiness to my heart.

We only have a few more days here in the city but I know that the Lord can do mighty things in what we call "a short amount of time," but thankfully our Maker doesn't work in a time frame.

I say Bring it On!

Thank you all so much for your continued support and prayers throughout these months. I'm thankful to have such a wonderful network back in the UK and the US. May the Lord bless you and keep you.

"All glory, honour, power is Yours Amen."

Operation Thailand.

2010-01-26T04:10:00.002-05:00

This was actually written by Berkeley, but I thought you would like to hear about what's going on out here! Love Elby x

Operation Thailand

This team of 5 set out on our mission on the 7th of January of 2010 at 06:00 hours. Destination; Thailand. Duration of stay: 2 months. Purpose: To make God known. Do we have our luggage? Check. People? Check. Money, passports, toothbrushes donated for the Thai people? Check. Everything was ago so we left Charlotte with a warm fairwell. From Charlotte we flew to Washington DC, from DC to Tokyo and then from Tokyo to Thailand. Finally, destination reached. And after 30 or so hours of travel, there couldn't be a more beautiful thought. We were here. No longer were we talking or praying about it, we were in the heart of Thailand. Luggage. Check...Without a problem, to the relief of our valiant Commandar Elby and myself. Ride from Airport. Check. Cultural Orientation. Check.

A few days in the city of our arrival and then an overnight bus ride landed us in the north, where we'll be staying for a few weeks. We unpacked our bags and settled into the area. First things first, we scouted it out; finding the local market, internet cafe and the place where we'll be ministering in the evenings. All the while laying a thick foundation of prayer while walking. A.KA. a Prayer Walk. The afternoons have mostly been ladened with prayer, intercession, worship, and prayer walks. The evenings have been where the most action have been... Our night ministry is intense times of combat, of the devil in his territory, and relationships, of women that normally get overlooked by a caring person. Our team plunged right into the scene with bright smiles and the warm loved given to them by Jesus himself. We've established relations with a few women, who seem to be warming up to the idea of western women having an interest in talking to them. Score one for our side. The love of Christ is really what's making the difference in the women's heart, not our words, no matter how eloquent they are.

So for review: We arrived safely to Thailand and had a quick transition to the north. The team jumped right into the culture and ministry from day one with prayer walks, ministry at night, and even conducting a kids program for a day and a church service the next. Relationships have been established in a number of different places with a few women, and God is doing a great work in the midst of our conversations. We have a few more weeks in the north, and we will make the most of the time here.

~~Also, remember to pray. One, for strength, love and discernment, and Two, that we would be effective in infiltrating the enemy's army and hitting him where it hurts!!!

This is Lieutenant Berkeley, signing out.

The Team.

2009-12-09T16:59:00.016-05:00

WISE Student/Leader

Lindsay

From: Pennsylvania

Age: 20

DTS student

Sara

From: Kansas

Age: 20

DTS Student

Whitney

From: North Carolina

Age: 25

DTS Student

Berkeley

From: Virginia

Age: 19

WISE Student/Leader

Well here we are...the 5 of us will be heading out the Thailand at the beginning of January for 2 months. We will mainly be working with women and children affected by Human Trafficking.

These last three months have been preparation in leadership and getting to know God more, hearing His voice and doing speeches! It's been an amazing time of growing in faith and confidence.

I've loved every week of being here, it always holds something new. You could never use the excuse of being bored in YWAM! Last week we had Chris's best friend, JaiPaul come and speak. It was incredible. I learned about how "maturity is mastering the basics." And in leadership my foundations need to be so firm otherwise the building will crumble. The higher the building, the deeper the foundations need to be. Also it is important to be transparent because everyone can see through you when you are in a position of leadership. EVERYTHING comes out into the light, which hurts but the outcome is wonderful.

Next week is our last week before heading off for a one week long Christmas break. I'll be heading out to my friend, Katie's house in Tennessee to be with her family. I'm very excited to have my first American Christmas. :)

Please pray for our team as we continue preparing for outreach. We want to see God moving in the places that we go to and in the lives that we are working with.

Thank you again for all of your support, it is greatly appreciated.

Leaves are falling...

2009-11-15T01:50:00.003-05:00

"You won't relent until You have it all,

my heart is Yours.

I'll set You as a seal upon my heart

as a seal upon my arm,

for there is love that is as strong as death,

jealousy demanding as the grave,

and many water cannot quench this love.

Come be the fire inside of me,

come be the flame upon my heart,

come be the fire inside of me,

until You and I are one."

-Misty Edwards

Our God is glorious, majestic, gracious, merciful, abounding in love, compassionate, generous, kind, caring, worthy, faithful, provider and our Daddy. How wonderful it is to know that we are sons and daughters of the King of Kings. Wait...don't just read that and carry on. Think about it. What does it mean to you to be the child of the King of Kings. That means you resemble Him. You came from Him. You have His breath in you. He wants us to act as His sons and daughters. So lets do it!!!

Especially as this week has been so very busy I've enjoyed my times with Papa even more. I cherish the moments I get here and there with Him. I've found a little cubby up in the attic with two chairs, one for Him, one for me and it looks over the garden with the fountain. Peaceful. I'm learning how important it is to listen to Him. He has so much to say and often I'm eager to just get praying so I don't let Him get a word in edgeways but what kind of a relationship is that? Definitely not the best. So I'm working on it.

This week as an assignment we were told to have Jesus time and ask Him "what do You think of me?" Wow. It was a powerful time, God spoke a lot to me of how precious I am and that I can do anything through Him. We then declared these things out in class. There is such a power in saying things out loud. A declaration over one's life.

I don't know if you've ever had to cook for a large number of people. I never considered that I would. This week my friend, Katie and myself, are in charge of running the kitchen for 200 YWAMers from all over the East Coast of the U.S.A. We're having a big conference here in Monroe, NC. I'm very excited, although it is a LOT of work to do in a short space of time. So tomorrow is grocery shopping day. Whoop whoop!

Each day is full with worship, intercession, prayer, work duties, academics, lectures and a bit of free time here and there. ;) This week we managed a getaway to get some French Fries and just talk. It was simply wonderful.

I should let you know that I am leading one of the outreach teams to Thailand in January 2010. The groups have been split. My friend, Katie will be taking 2 girls (who are co-leading) from our school and 4 girls from the DTS to India and I will be taking my lovely friend Berkeley (who is leading with me) and 3 girls from the DTS to Thailand. I'm super excited and cannot wait to see what God will be doing throughus in that foreign land. :)

I hope you are all enjoying the chilly weather...beautiful time of year.

We're already playing Christmas music over here and we're getting geared up to Thanksgiving (the week after next) as it is a 4 day break for us plus lots of turkey eating. Yum.

2009-10-20T07:36:00.001-04:00

"He is jealous for me,
Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree,
Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy.
When all of a sudden,
I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory,
And I realise just how beautiful You are,
And how great Your affections are for me.

And oh, how He loves us so,
Oh how He loves us,
How He loves us all

Yeah, He loves us,
Whoa! how He loves us,
Whoa! how He loves us,
Whoa! how He loves.
Yeah, He loves us,
Whoa! how He loves us,
Whoa! how He loves us,
Whoa! how He loves.

We are His portion and He is our prize,
Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes,
If grace is an ocean, we’re all sinking.
So Heaven meets earth like a sloppy wet kiss,
And my heart turns violently inside of my chest,
I don’t have time to maintain these regrets,
When I think about, the way…

He loves us,
Whoa! how He loves us,
Whoa! how He loves us,
Oh how He loves.
Yeah, He loves us,
Whoa! how He loves us,
Whoa! how He loves us,
Whoa! how He loves."

-John Mark Mcmillan

Abide in Me.

2009-10-17T13:07:00.003-04:00

Whoa this week has flown! I can't believe it is Saturday again already.

This morning I awoke at 10 thinking "oh I'll just sleep for another 1/2 hour then I'll get up." Haha, I'm learning that doesn't tend to happen. An hour and a half later I woke up to finding out that the house had to be cleaned by 1pm as a guest was coming round to have a tour of the place.

So after our rampage I now have a few minutes to sit and think. :)

To be honest there isn't really much to update you with this week, it has been busy with working in the kitchen, having lectures and doing our creative journals.

Our guest speaker this week was Cathy who came and talked on worship as well as leading us in worship. She is a very special lady, with a beautiful heart, always ready to hang out with us, giving us cards and words of encouragement.

It was a wonderful week of learning to rest in God's presence and how He longs to spend time with us. So often we treat Him with disrespect, pushing Him aside so we can do other things first. Why? Why should other things come before spending time with our Maker? I need to learn to go on dates with Him, just the two of us.

He whispers "come into my presence and sit a while."

That's my aim for this week to spend quality time with the lover of my soul and I want to encourage you to do it too.

Released.

2009-10-10T11:14:00.002-04:00

I could tell you many wonderful things about our Father in Heaven. But at the moment a few words have the most meaning.

God is my rescuer. He has been letting my go through uncomfortable situations so that I can grow and then He saves me.

God is my love. When you're in love with someone, you are content in their presence and burning with passion for them. The other night I was driving home from a restaurant with a couple of friends and all we did was sit and listen to worship music. There was hardly any talking but it was one of the most peaceful times I've had and I felt perfectly content.

I have many songs tucked away in my heart. Ones that I don't simply sing but cry out.

On that day when I see
All that You have for me
When I see You face to face
There surrounded by Your grace

All my fears swept away
In the light of your embrace
When Your love is all I need
And forever I am free

Where the streets are made of gold
In Your presence healed and whole
Let these songs of heaven rise to You alone

No weeping, no hurt or pain
No suff'ring You hold me now
You hold me now
No darkness no sickening
No hiding You hold me now,
You hold me now

In this life I will stand
Through my joy and my pain
Knowing there's a greater day
There's a hope that never fails

When You're name is lifted high
And forever praises rise
For the glory of Your Name
I'm believing for the day

When the wars and violence cease
All creation lives in peace
Let these songs of heaven rise to you alone

No weeping, no hurt or pain
No suff'ring You hold me now
You hold me now
No darkness, no sickening
No hiding You hold me now,
You hold me now

For eternity
All my heart will give
All the glory to Your name

For eternity
All my heart will give
All the glory to Your name

For eternity
All my heart will give
All the glory to Your name

For eternity
All my heart will give
All the glory to Your name

No weeping, no hurt or pain
No suffering You hold me now
You hold me now
No darkness no sickening
No hiding You hold me now,
You hold me now

No weeping, no hurt or pain
No suffering You hold me now
You hold me now
No darkness no sickening
No hiding You hold me now,
You hold me now

No weeping, no hurt or pain
No suffering You hold me now
You hold me now
No darkness no sickening
No hiding You hold me now,
You hold me now

-Hillsong

In some ways I feel as though I've been back in Monroe, NC for months. I've gone through so much healing in my heart, spirit and mind in the last two weeks. God has broken the chains in many areas of my life. I'm going through the process of being released from the fear of man. This is HUGE for me. It is something I have struggled with all my life but God is taking me by the hand and walking me through. To be honest I had become comfortable living in the background but God declared "No! That is not right...you need to stop thinking about yourself and do what I have called you to." God has called me into a leadership school for a reason and I'm not going to let my shyness get in the way.

On another level my daily life here is rather busy. My friend Katie and myself are in charge of running the kitchen which takes a fair amount of organisation and time with planning menus, sticking to a budget, grocery shopping and of course the cooking. Thankfully we have two DTS girls who help us out each day to cook.

Every Thursday night is RESET. My leader Chris had a vision a long time ago about having a weekly worship event in a Church and now God has made that vision reality. Chris along with a couple of friends and the Pastor of his Church lead a time of prayer, praise and a talk. It has been most refreshing to go to something that is different each week, not 'showy' but everyone is there is worship God however they are. God has been moving heavily in these moments, hearts are being transformed.

It's so fun to be living here with all 12 of us girls and 1 boy. :) Late night movies, slumber parties (every night!), eating donuts, playing cards and Apples to Apples.

Please pray as we are praying for Outreach, that I will have a restful weekend where I'll have plenty of time to sleep, that God will continue to move in RESET, and that in everything I do I will be doing it for God's glory and no one else's.

2009-08-11T17:27:00.002-04:00

Another race finished. As one of my friends always said, "run the race and sprint across the finish line." Meaning we should never give up or slow down during the race, we should finish strong in the power of our God.

For myself, each Mission Adventure Trip is an individual race. No matter how tired or stressed I get, I don't want to loose my focus or slow down.

This last trip was based here in Monroe, North Carolina. Instead of doing only childrens ministries the whole day we decided it was time for some variety, so one afternoon was spent going to the local Crisis Pregnancy Centre, folding baby clothes which got a lot of "aww" responses from the girls, cleaning and helping with admin work. Another day we provided food for the Monroe Homeless Shelter, served it up and talked with those in need. A couple times we picked up our 'Prayer Changes' vests, jumped in our big grey van and headed to downtown Charlotte to share our King's love. We had some encouraging responses and some not so encouraging responses, but as long as we're planting a seed into these peoples lives it's a start.

Each evening we had prayer, worship, testimonies, videos and a talk on purpose, proclamation, passion and purity. I shared about my DTS (trying to recruit people!) and a story from my India trip.

At night it was time for fun!!! Alien Invasion (a mass game in the dark with screaming, running and chasing) was a hit as well as a few Korean games we learned.

I cannot believe that Mission Adventures is over already, time flies when you are busy and having fun.

I have a mere week left here in Monroe before I head back to my island. And then? Only God knows.

Please pray for strength and energy as well as words from the Lord as to September time. Thank you! :)

p.s-Pics to follow...

2009-07-29T19:39:00.002-04:00

Our wonderful prank. Hee hee. :)

With the Florida Team...Berkeley, Kensington,

Taylor & Me

Everyone!!! (Michigan & Florida Teams)

Time to Cha Cha Slide.

Front Porch Walk.

One of my girls.

At the YWCA, we did a lot of jump rope.

Guess Who? game.

Prayer Walk around Monroe and the Front Porch

Houses.

Fun times...water and silly string fight. :D

N'jane and I.

Rest.

2009-07-27T12:18:00.003-04:00

Today is a new day, one for rest and refreshment. It's wonderful to be back in the land of Monroe, sleeping in my own bed and sharing stories with friends of the past week.

NOLA. (New Orleans, Louisiana). My life for the past week. Five of us YWAMers took a 13 hour trip down there to lead a missions trips. We had three teams stay with us from California, Minnesota and New York. Amazing time. It is always special to see teens getting out of their comfort zones to share the love of Christ with others.

We were in and out of the house all day, every day. Most mornings were spent gutting out houses that had been damaged by Hurricane Katrina. Fun to see the guys smashing down walls with sledgehammers, I somehow think they enjoyed it too.

Each afternoon was time for youth club. The New York girls headed this up. We would drive over the river to get to a housing estate where a lot of children at risk live. It was jungle themed, learning songs in Swahili, making animal masks and playing kickball.

If you love heat...go to New Orleans! You'll find the lovely mixture of high humidity and temperatures in the 30's every day. :)

Evenings were spent having sessions, filled with worship, prayer, talks on purity, passion, purpose and proclamation and testimonies. I love spending time with young people who love Jesus and would willingly lay down their lives to serve Him.

I learned a lot about spiritual warfare whilst down in that dark city. We had some trouble with stolen bags, a hospital visits, people hurting themselves etc. But we were able to see God moving through all of it. The stolen bags were found, none of the credit cards or IDs had been taken. Through listening to God one of our team felt God telling her to look in a deserted house near where we were working and sure enough...there they were. God got us through each day with enough patience and strength. It just goes to show how much we need Him, for without Him we are nothing.

We also had some free time! At night time the city comes alive, everyone walks around downtown New Orleans in the French Quarter, eating doughnuts at Cafe du Monde, shopping in the market and walking by the river. I rather enjoyed fitting in with that part of their lifestyle.

Please remember New Orleans in your prayers, as a city and as a people. It is a city desperately in need of finding Christ.

It was great to return back to Monroe, North Carolina last night, knowing that Monday and Tuesday this week are days free.

This week we will be preparing for the last missions trip, which will be here in Monroe, North Carolina. Please pray for energy, strength and wisdom for our team as we get ready but also that God will move in us and through us.

Thank you all for your prayers. I pray that God is moving in deep and very special ways in all of your lives. You are loved.

What's next?

2009-06-04T11:13:00.005-04:00

This is a question that I am often asking myself. A question that sometimes makes me nervous or confused.

I know a lot of people ask this question.

I've decided that I can't just keep on planning out the next 10 years of my life. How many times have I tried to do that and it's changed? Many.

I'm learning that it's okay if you don't know what the next step should be, as long as you are walking in the ways of the Lord, He will show you. Something I need to keep on reminding myself, especially right now, as I have been looking at stepping stones across a river, which one do I take? God is looking down, smiling at me. He says "trust me...I know which one."

And after all we should take

"one step at a time,

there's no need to rush."

Song of my life.

Back.

2009-05-25T18:45:00.002-04:00

I've arrived safe and sound in the U.K!!!

I'm so excited to be seeing my family and friends again and catching up with parts of their lives that I have missed out on. It makes me realise how precious each moment of our lives is and how I need to make the most of each day.

I've enjoyed having the opportunity to travel around America a bit to see new sights and meet new people but I am also thankful that I can now be back in a familiar place and just stop and think.

This is going to be an exciting time of seeking God and hearing from Him.

I'm so thankful to be on this journey with Lord, it is simply...wonderful.

2009-05-15T15:18:00.002-04:00

"In the quiet, in the stillness

I know that You are God

In the secret of Your presence

I know that I am restored

When You call I won't refuse

Each new day again I'll choose

There is no one else for me

None but Jesus

Crucified to set me free

Now I live to bring Him praise

In the chaos, in confusion

I know You're Sovereign still

In the moment of my weakness

You give me grace to do Your will

When You call I won't delay

This my song through all my days

All my delight is in You Lord

All of my hope, all of my strength

All my delight is in You Lord forevermore"

~Hillsong United

2009-05-15T01:52:00.002-04:00

Jessie and I Lake Washington

Seattle's Famous Space Needle!

Seattle is a beautiful place. I don't think there is any other word to describe it. Although I haven't had a lot of time to go downtown exploring, what I have seen and done has been exciting.

Today Jessie and I ventured into Seattle from Kirkland on a bus. We did an Underground Tour. Where the streets and sidewalks used to be is actually about 10 feet under where you walk today. Very fascinating.

We also managed it into Pike Place Market, to look around, smell the fish! and see the beautiful tulips. And to my excitement we saw the restaurant that features in Sleepless in Seattle, I like that movie a little too much.

I cannot believe that I only have a week left before I head back to England!!! I can't wait to see everybody! :)

Have a blessed rest of the week and I hope to see lots of you when I return.

2009-04-30T14:39:00.004-04:00

Whiskeytown, CA.

Beautiful Lakes in Redding, CA.

Brandy Creek, CA.

2009-04-30T14:08:00.002-04:00

"Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens,

Your faithfulness to the skies.

Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,

Your justice like the great deep."

-Psalm 36:5-6

In The Skies Again

2009-04-21T18:46:00.002-04:00

I'm back in the beautiful city of Seattle and the sun is actually shining! :) I've always heard that rain and Settle are a pair but today they are not.

It was wonderful spending some time with my brother last week, even though I didn't really see him all that much. I enjoyed just browsing round the College Campus, meeting his friends and professors and some of the California sunshine. I managed to get the chance to go to the famous In n' Out. Yummy! Best burger I've had in a while. The couple I was staying with took me up to a place called Whiskey Town, beautiful lake and mountains in the background. Even managed to go paddling in 'Brandy Creek.'

There's not much else to tell really...I'm having fun in the sun and it's great to be able to see a friend whom I've not seen in several years. :)

I hope you all have a happy and sunny week!

Stay.

2009-04-21T14:53:00.005-04:00

This morning I was laying on my bed having my quiet time when I randomly got a song stuck in my head: "stay, just stay, that's where you're meant to be."

I wrote it down thinking 'is God trying to speak to me through this song?'

There are many places dear to my heart, and more importantly beautiful faces in these places. It makes it hard to leave. I know they say 'home is where the heart is' well for me, I have a lot of homes! Having friends and family scattered around the world sometimes makes it difficult and occasionally I will feel lost and slightly out of place.

I've been asking myself lately 'where is home?' Sometimes I would think North Carolina and other times England but whether I truly knew or not is something else.

Revelation!!! God showed me that it doesn't matter. As long as I hide myself in Him. The Lord is my home, my refuge. No matter where I go, if I am hiding my heart in His I will have all the comfort I need. That is my home, where I belong.

Therefore I now understand why the word 'stay' was what needed to be mentioned today, I need to stay in Jesus.

I could see that no I didn't get a song randomly in my head, a song was placed in my mind by the One who wanted me to understand something today.

This may seem like something simple but sometimes the most simple things are what you remember in life.

Also.

2009-04-14T14:11:00.000-04:00

I am now healed from my dairy and wheat intolerances! I am excited to be eating the same as everyone else now. :) It makes such a difference. Thank you for your prayers. Praise God!

"Califor-ni-a"

2009-04-14T01:03:00.006-04:00

I have never flown through such diverse weather before. Seattle rain to Oregon snow to California sunshine. It was truly beautiful flying over rivers and snow capped mountain tops to reach the destination of Redding, CA.

Talk about small airports, I thought Gatwick was fairly small, appears I'm wrong. Strolling out of Redding's airport I completely missed the one lane baggage claim. I love small towns.

Here it is much easier to appreciate God's handiwork, being surrounded on three sides by magnificent mountains...well it is hard to beat.

I'm staying with a couple of his professors who I had conveniently already met in England when they were passing through, on their way home from Luke's Jordan mission trip last year. I love being able to know several people here already. They are so hospitable and open with their house and time. Although it is not the most convenient time to be visiting Luke, with his finals next week, it is still great to catch up face to face with all of his news and actually meet the friends that he has mentioned.

There is a time to speak and a time to:

"Listen!"

This is the main word that the Lord has placed on my heart. I've been thinking more about what is to come and what I should be doing after the summer.

But I've been pondering, how many times do I actually just sit and listen? and soak in what the Lord has to say? To be honest not as much as I should or would like. I'm realising just how important it is to do just that.

I need to simply rest in His presence and be open to what He is saying. These next few weeks will be a time of focussing on hearing the voice of God and what His will is for my life.

I want to encourage all of you to seek the Lord and ask Him "what is on Your heart?" I know He is already answering.

Back to Base.

2009-04-03T10:57:00.002-04:00

After being away for three weeks I decided it was time that I started winding my way back to YWAM Charlotte or technically Monroe.

It was great to be reunited with people that I haven't seen...I know for only three weeks but it felt like a long time. This past week has been quite restful, thankfully! We've been having prayer meetings each morning along with worship, mainly praying for the base and finances.

The afternoons have more been filled with making plans for our Front Porch club-what Bible teaching we'll be doing as well as preparing crafts, games and snacks. It is one of the types of ministries that I love the most, being able to deepen relationships with the kids who live in our neighborhood is very rewarding. They are beautiful children, each with their own heart wrenching stories. This week they will be learning a song to dance to, to perform to their parents on Easter Saturday.

The evenings have been fun, just hanging out together, playing games, watching movies and playing pranks. The other night we watched Slumdog Millionaire, for some of us the third time round, but it is one movie that I love watching. Even though I was only in India for 7 weeks, it seems like a true depiction of India and some Indians I have asked agree.

This coming Friday I'll be on a plane flying to Seattle to see my close friend Jessie, whom I have not seen for two years. I can't wait to share stories and have late night chats.

God is revealing a lot to me and I'm waiting to hear what He has planned for me next. I find it hard to wait sometimes but I know that His plan is the all time best so I know it's worth it to wait.

I hope you are all well and that the weather is better over the pond.

Onto the New.

2009-03-25T15:20:00.006-04:00

Our 4 hour rampage in Target(department store).

Pilgrims! Kristen & I.

I'm Singing in the Rain.

<-What's left of a house that was burned down in the Civil War.

Moustaches. Me & Berkeley.

Sleeping in, rambles in parks, cloudless days, layers of snow, watching movies and meeting new people have made up the last three weeks for me. I've thoroughly enjoyed taking time out for some rest and refreshment!

I spent the first two weeks at Kristen's house in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia and now I'm at Berkeley's near Richmond, VA.

Tomorrow we'll both be road tripping back down to Charlotte. I'll be pitching in at the YWAM base where I can for about 10 days before I head out to Cali.

Right now is a big time of prayer and listening to God's voice. I have many desires, hopes and dreams in life but I know that life is not worth living without doing what our heavenly Father has planned.

I'm asking Him what His desire is for my life for the next few months ahead. It's hard to not make decisions based on where close friends are in the world but I want to follow the path that has been marked for me. I'm excited to see what God has in store for me. Please pray that I will have clarity and totally depend on the Lord in everything. Thank you.

I love you all.

2009-03-25T15:10:00.007-04:00

Little boy praying...in a village we visited.

Indian Beauties.

The beginning of the AIDS clinic children's room.

Work in progress.

Waterworld.

The finished product.

Dressed for Church.

2009-03-21T13:15:00.003-04:00

Here's the link for our India Outreach Slideshow:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xb3LpOrbyGo

2009-03-21T13:07:00.001-04:00

Katie and I with some children at an Orphanage.

2009-03-17T14:25:00.001-04:00

Apologies and update...finally.

2009-03-17T13:37:00.011-04:00

Good afternoon all!!!!

I just want to start by apologising to you all for not updating my blog in a terribly long time. It has been difficult to get on here with limited internet access in India and with our time schedule here...I am so sorry.

INDIA:

Thinking back to sitting on our balcony looking over the city of Hyderabad sends shivers down my spine. I miss it there. The sights, the smells and most especially the people. Our trip was incredible time of seeing God's power really move.

We spent the first four weeks in the city of Hyderabad, working in orphanages, at an AIDS clinic, schools and going on prayer walks.

The AIDS clinic was were we spent a lot of our days, sitting on the patients check ups, praying with them, learning from the doctors, writing letters and the like for the doctors and the biggest project of all painting a childrens room.

The kids room was very plain and dingy looking so our team prayed about it and decided on how we should transform it. A Church here in the U.S supported us as a team so with that money we were able to totally change it! Minhee (our team member from South Korea) came up with two pictures, one was of under the sea and the other with rainbows and bunny rabbits. It took a couple of weeks to do and when it was done, it looked GREAT! I didn't actually do any painting as I was helping others in the clinic. I will post pictures when I can.

One very important thing I did learn while we were in Hyderabad was to "rejoice in the Lord always." And interestingly enough I learned this while I was ill. One day I stayed back from ministry and I had a bad fever. As I was tossing and turning in sweat I very distinctly heard the Lord say "rejoice in me all the time." So that's what I tried to do. Some times were tough, when I just wanted to give up but then I remembered that verse and it transformed my outlook on things.

One place I will never forget was one of the slums we went to, it was right next to a small river, full of all sorts of unpleasant things. We did our program in the late afternoon and as soon as dusk appeared, the mosquitos attacked! I have never seen so many swarms of mosquitoes at once. It became quite hard to concentrate, trying to pray but you have a mosquito flying up your trousers. We soon learned to swat and pray at the same time. As Katie on our team pointed out afterwards...'we're doing it all for the glory of God.' So true and good to remember.

After the month of being in Hyderabad we caught a night train down to Bangalore. It was a fun experience to travel as a team on an Indian train. We didn't get much sleep but it was a great adventure. Waking up to watching monkeys climbing on bridges and huge rock formations on a cloudless day was pretty amazing.

In Bangalore, a more western city, we did a lot of the same kind of ministry, however while we were there we experienced perhaps one of the most exciting events of our outreach. We travelled for about an hour out of the city to a place called 'Stone Village.' A place where miners and a their families live. The amount of dust was incredible, it clung to everything. We did one of our usual programs...which consisted of kids songs, a drama, a Bible story (mainly Jonah, Daniel or David) which we acted out and then ending with prayer for them. As we were praying one of our leaders felt God asking us to pray specifically for people with hearing problems. Two girls came forward for prayer as they were close to deafness and both were healed!!! It was AWESOME how God moved in that place. Their families were ecstatic to find their girls able to hear. Praise God! :)

These are just a few stories of many that I could tell of how God moved while we were in India. It has become a special place in my heart and I cannot wait to return.

BACK IN THE U.S OF A:

I've been back in the U.S now for three weeks. The first week was spent travelling to a new state for me...Alabama! To have a conference with all of the South East YWAM bases. It was exciting to have a week of 'feeding' after giving out for so long.

The week after that, we had a team come from a college up north and stay with us. We went to a bus station with them to do evangelism, did our youth club (Front Porch) about three times and went to other ministries. We also had debriefing for our team that week as we were to graduate that Saturday.

GRADUATION:

Was a day of joy at getting our diplomas, looking back on our teams' times together, remembering how much we had learned and most importantly God's teachings to all of us. It was also a day of tears as we all parted and went our seperate ways. After spending 24 hours a day for 6 months with one another it was a difficult day for us. I'm just thanking God for email and phones! :)

NOW:

That I've finished you're probably wondering what I'm up to. Well...the past week I've been at a friend's house just getting some rest and relaxtion. It's so nice to have to time to do it! I'm thinking of going back to the YWAM Charlotte base next week to spend a couple of weeks there and pitch in where I can and after that...I'm off travelling to visit Luke (my brother) who lives in California! I'm excited to see what the Lord has planned in the following months though.

I just want to end by saying...THANK YOU!

Without all of you, I would not be here, would not have experienced what I did, would not have met the special people that I have and most of all I wouldn't have such a close relationship with our Heavenly Father. So thank you.

Psalm 91.

2008-12-08T16:54:00.000-05:00

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'

Surely He will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence.

He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge;

His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.

A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.

You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.

If you make the Most High your dwelling-even the Lord, who is my refuge-then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent.

For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

'Because he loves me,' says the Lord, 'I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honour him, with long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.'"

"Give my Your eyes for just one second,

give me Your eyes so I can see,

everything that I keep missing,

give me Your love for humanity,

give me Your arms for the broken hearted,

the ones that are far beyond my reach,

give me Your heart for the once forgotten,

give me Your eyes so I can see."

-Give me Your eyes (Brandon Heath)

It's been a while...

2008-12-01T18:58:00.000-05:00

<-Berkeley, Myself and Katie

Myself and Kristen->

Dressed up for our YWAM Thanksgiving meal.

I'm sorry that I have not updated my blog in so long. :S I'm afraid I'm going to have to use the excuse of being very busy.

Two weeks ago was taken up with 'The Gathering,' a conference for the South East YWAM bases. It was a great opportunity to meet others and to have mass worship!!! Our group and the group from Nashville, Tennessee camped out at the Church where it was held.

The teaching was led by Danny Lehman, someone who has been a part of Youth with a Mission for many years now and he had a ton to say on evangelism. One of his main points that really spoke to me was life isn't just about converting people but also discipling them after that. Also there is a process to a conversion, someone sows the seed the next people waters it and then the next people harvest it. So if you go on a missions trip and have no conversions...that is still okay, because you have at least planted a seed that someone will hopefully later on harvest.

It was a pretty stressful week within our team as we had quite a few issues going on so there was quite a bit of tension, however thankfully we have become closer as a group after going through it.

We did have a lot of fun though, a couple of us girls played a prank on the boys, just by taking their air mattresses and pillows out of their room and hiding hard boiled eggs in their sleeping bags! They found it quite amusing.

After a week of sinking air mattresses, lots of worship and intense teaching we were ready to get back home.

The week before last we had Thanksgiving week. The leaders decorated the dining room and we couldn't see it until the evening, it was real pretty with all the candles, twinkle lights and name tags. During the afternoon we each had to help make a dish, some of the food here is quite different, I helped make a green bean casserole, which is basically green beans in cream sauce. Interesting. We had turkey and all the trimmings and just had fun dressing up and spending time altogether. We then had speeches and what we were all thankful for. The atmosphere was great, I love it how they have a nationally recognised couple of days off for eating and thanking God for all His blessings. Love it!

I went to my friend Kristen's house for the break, she lives in Suffolk, Virginia, about a 6 hour ride away. We got to go to the beach-very exciting to see the other side of the pond. We basically ate lots of food, watched Christmas movies and the Waltons, talked, listened to music, met up with her extended family, had peppermint hot chocolate, read, did our homework and slept-a lot! It was great to have a couple of days off and just relax.

This past week we had AMAZING lectures. We had a lady called Kristy come in. She is a worship leader at a YWAM base in Montana and she spoke to us on passion. Her enthusiasm was contagious and she was incredibly inspiring. The Spirit of the Lord really moved during our worship times with her, particularly on her last day here-Friday. We were all stressed out after the Mumbai attacks and trying to make phone calls/write emails as we knew people would be concerned. This time was so refreshing, several of us spoke in tongues for the first time, which was AWESOME!!! We were all so filled and overwhelmed with the Lord's love, I also had some prophecies which were spoken over me which was incredible to hear, to do with my ministry.

This last weekend we went to see the Christmas lights turned on in downtown Monroe and to see one of the leaders daughters sing with her class. It was great to feel the Christmas atmosphere...there was fake snow, sitting on Santa Claus's lap and riding in a horse and carriage. We had a ton of fun singing Christmas carols and then coming home to a hot dinner.

Sunday was a full morning! We led two youth Church services to try and raise some more funds towards our outreach. We explained who we are, what we'll be doing in India, our Indian leader did a sermon, some of us shared our testimonies, had a video on India and statistics of the country and also worship. The response was cool, especially in the second service. The kids just wanted to be prayed for and in turn wanted to pray for us.

I'm guessing some of you are wondering "are you still going to India?" Well...yes we are. Things have changed concerning outreach since we started school here. In the very beginning we were planning to work with prostitutes in Mumbai however we soon found out that Mumbai has not been welcoming to Americans and British lately. We then felt led to go to Pune, a town about 2 hours south east of Mumbai however that has now changed again since the attacks in Mumbai. When I know exactly where we shall be going I will tell you but we do know that we will be working with needy children and women.

Well I only have two weeks left of my lecture phase...crazy! I'm definitely going to make the most of it and I'm very much looking forward to Christmas break...some time of relaxation.

Please pray for my team as we are seeking the Lord for more particulars to do with outreach and also that everyone's funding will come through in time as there is still quite a lot of need.

Thank you all for your love and support...you are all AMAZING!!! :)

2008-11-03T17:11:00.000-05:00

(us being...us!)

Wow! I seriously cannot believe that another week has flown by since I last wrote on my blog.

A lot has happend this last week as usual.

It's been full of learning more, work duties, being on call, playing Soccer, Volleyball(of sorts), watching The Patriot, playing Sardines in the dark, making Smores(toasted marshmallows on honey crackers and chocolate in the middle), had shaving foam smothered in my hair and just had fun in general.

Being on call on at the weekend, meant getting up earlier than the other students (okay so getting up at 9 is not that bad). It entailed making all of the meals and clearing up afterwards, but we made it jolly by having the radio station, even if they did play Christmas music...?!?! As much as I love Christmas it was a little too early for my liking so we changed to CD's. Yay for Casting Crowns and TobyMac.

On Friday we planned to have a party, we decided to do something for the kids that come to Front Porch. We put up a big movie screen and a cinema popcorn maker outside on the lawn, we cooked hot dogs, had hot chocolate and lots of CANDY. We came up with the name 'white light night' as we wanted to take out some of the darkness out of Halloween, as round here it can be pretty awful. So we covered the bushes with pretty twinkle lights and made sure that all of the lights in the house were turned on. The kids loved it and we all enjoyed hanging out with them. They are special.

Saturday night we all played Sardines and I have to say I was incredibly terrible at it. The first time the hider hid in a corner of the basement surrounded by boxes. It was pitch black and I was looking around with a couple of my friends, as we got closer I tripped over a box which scared the other two and they started screaming very loudly, which set me off! A light quickly came on from everyone else who had already found Michael and they found it rather hilarious. Needless to say Lauren and I were the last people to find 'the hider' every single time we played. After a while we decided that maybe it would be better to just sit and watch a movie...so looking at me The Patriot was chosen. (On the Revolutionary War).

Yesterday we went to a different Church, it is a Church plant from a 5000 people church in the nearest city, Charlotte. There were about 25 people and it was very intimate, I thoroughly enjoyed it, it was like being back at my home Church.

We're learning all the countries of the world, so this weeks test is going to be on the Caribbean islands, I think I have them covered. I revised them last night with Michael so everytime we walk by each other we yell out "what's number 6?" and we'll answer.

This week the lectures are on freedom prayer. A great quote from this morning was:

"information without application doesn't produce transformation."

We have not just listen/journal/talk about the things we learn but we have to DO it. I find it very difficult to do but I've decided that I don't want to be passive as "passivity can cause us to grow in our Christian faith at a snails pace" but I want to be active, living out the knowledge that I have. Near the end of the lecture we were each sent into a room with three leaders and they prayed and asked God to show them what our 'original designs' were. It's so incredible how God speaks through other people. They told me that they felt God telling me that I am to be a traveller and a teacher and that I will be/am a bringer of joy. It was very uplifting.

Well I have to run as 'small groups' is about to start.

Good night and sleep tight.

2008-10-29T16:53:00.000-04:00

Just so everyone knows I can't take credit for the photos, my friend Berkeley took them. :)

Americanized.

2008-10-27T15:48:00.000-04:00

My life...

The pictures are: The mountains, Indian night! Kickball, on the way to the mountains, the Wake Foreset Soccer game, Myself & Lauren, Daniel (Michael's brother), Michael and Lauren and the practice Empire State building.

Last weekend was our first free weekend which meant we could do anything we liked...within reason. My friend, Lauren and myself went to Michael (the only guy)'s house. His parents came and picked us up, it only took a couple of hours so it wasn't bad. They live in a place called Winston-Salem. It is a very pretty city with the mixture of modern skycrapers and then the 'old town.' Some of it was quite quaint and almost English like...I felt quite at home. We spent our two days just touring around, going for walks, watching movies, Facebook!, talking and having quality home cooking!!! And yes we also attended Church but on Saturday evening. It's a Presbyterian Church and I haven't been to many of them so it was interesting experience. I only knew one song out of about 8! Oh and I also got to go to my first American Soccer game. It was two colleges playing, one of them called Wake Forest-very well known-and who won the nationals last year. It was a great atmosphere, starting off with the national anthem. It is the city where they did a practice for the Empire State Building.

That Friday also happened to be the day that the leaders decided to drive us into the mountains. It was a surprise so we all just got into the van and drove for 3 1/2 hours wondering where on earth we were going. It was great. We went to a Christian conference centre where they have a chapel near the top of a mountain and a deck where you could just sit. They felt God telling them that they should take us there as that week our guest speaker had been talking to us about mountain top experiences...e.g. Moses. And how we can take these highs down into the valleys. For everyone who went it was a truly incredible experience. We were told to go off wherever we liked for an hour and just be alone with God, including not talking to another human being for an hour. Wonderful! At this time God spoke to me through the passage Psalm 23. Yes it is one of those chapters that we hear and sing all the time, but this time it was totally different to when I'd ever heard it before. I read the chapter and then went back over each verse trying to connect each one with my life. It was amazing what God showed me then, how much He has provided for me and my family, how He has been a protector and a comforter and been present with us. We had been told that week that we need to learn to 'fold ourselves' into the verses and that's what I felt I did on this chapter which I didn't think about until afterwards. I tried to think about all the difficult situations that He's helped me through and what good has come out of troubling experiences. I learnt a lot about my Lord in that hour. Having the beautiful surroundings made it all the more special. The leaves on the trees were turning colour and some of them had the reddest leaves I have ever seen. There was also a stream with a small waterfall and glittering rocks. I would love more mountain top experiences!!!

This last week we had a lady called Anna Cleghorn come and speak to us on studying the Bible. Wow we got a lot of historical background information. My mind is boggling with information. She showed us how we should study the Bible. One point that I found interesting was that it's good to sit down and read one book the whole way through, then go back over it by looking at 'what does the text say?' then 'what did the text mean when it was written?' and then comes the goal of 'how can we apply this now?' and being very specific in that area. She was a lovely lady and had so much to say. We're going to try and study one book as a group sometime soon.

Last week we also had an Indian evening...yes we all got dressed up, listened to Indian music, had lots of food and just enjoyed each others company.

Friday evening was interesting, for me anyway. We all watched Braveheart...I've never seen it before but the response of everyone else was 'Elby, England is horrible!!! They're so mean!' I decided to renounce being English for one evening. I hope you are not offended. ;)

On Saturday we all went to help out at the local Pregnancy Crisis Centre, just helping to sort out and fold baby clothes. It was interesting for the guys to see how all of us girls responded. It was filled with 'awww how cute is that?' They have a great ministry at that place. It is gradually getting bigger and becoming more equipped with offering tests and machines. They offer parenting and Bible classes which they've had a great response to.

Also that day Lauren and I went to see High School Musical 3 with a leader and her daughter. We all had a ton of fun watching it and we came out dancing and singing much to the amusement of everyone else. That same evening The Notebook was on the agenda to watch (just us girls).

Yesterday was mainly filled with watching movies, doing our creative journals, playing Soccer after which I am very sore now, especially as I got kicked in the leg very hard.

We've experienced a lot of spiritual warfare since we've been here, so prayer against that would be great. It is all good preparation though for going into India, such a dark place with all the gods and rituals.

Overall everything is going pretty fantastic and I'm still loving it! Good sign.

I miss you all...it dawned on me quite heavily the other day.

Love you and God bless.

Whoops

2008-10-13T17:02:00.000-04:00

I'm sorry about the confusion with the titles of the pictures. It is supposed to say:
My house!!! :)
(Excuse the green water in the fountain)

Life in the Big House...

2008-10-13T15:04:00.000-04:00

Our Group...(back row:Joseph, Lauren, My house!!! :)

Berkeley, Dave, Katie, Michael, Kristina. (Excuse the green water in the

Front row:Rachel, Kristin, Krystal, Minhee, fountain).

Katie and Me.

Wow...how time flies. I can't believe that it is already a week since I last wrote on here.

I've been trying to think about what to write, as everything feels in place now and I'm in the swing of how things work and when I need to do things.

This last weekend was rather exciting as I went to my first American Football game here in Monroe, it was the local High School and it is amazing how different it is to English Secondary Schools. It was such a blast and a great experience, my friend had to explain throughout most of the game as to what was going on. The team we were supporting unfortunately lost but I was so pleased to have seen another side of the culture here.

For all of us at YWAM it has been a pretty strange weekend at the same time and also quite sad. A boy called Andre(age 10) who lives on the street behind ours ran out of his house the other night, about 3:30 am and legged it to one of the YWAM leaders house nearby as he had heard someone breaking into his house and he was home alone. The cops arrived and looked around, everything seemed to be okay but this poor little boy was scared very badly and his mum is now in trouble for leaving him at home. She has to work at nighttime to make ends meet. If you could, please pray that God's peace will reign over Andre and that the right decisions are made.

That same day one of our neighbours cars backed out of their driveway, hit a small cement wall and flew in the air and then crashed into our concrete wall by our driveway. The car was totalled and the wall is pretty badly damaged.

All in all it was a rather eventful Sunday!

We had a great time at a local Church, the one we went to last weekend, called Elevation. The pastor is young, fun and very enthusiastic. They are the kind of sermons that you hang onto their every word.

This last week we did a two day course called 'Ancient Paths' which is basically like freedom prayer. It was based on the question 'Who am I?' and who we let answer the question. Many of us turn to a boyfriend and someone else for the answer but it made me realise how important it is to let God be the answer.

I'm learning just how incredible God is. Our times of intercession are incredible, being together with fellow Christians whose hearts are on fire for God is a wonderful experience. No one here is afraid to sing their hearts out! In fact it is something we all do in our free time together. Today we were singing the chorus of Mighty to Save, it goes:

Saviour, He can move the mountains,

our God is mighty to save,

He is mighty to save.

Forever the Author of Salvation

He rose and conquered the grave,

Jesus conquered the grave!

It was such a heart felt prayer from all of us there this morning, it was one of those 'goosebump' moments.

Last night was spent out on the front porch with some others from the group finishing our homework due this morning!!! We had fun cutting out different coloured bits of paper to stick into our journals and having Christian music playing.

Life is pretty fantastic and I thank God for showing me that I should come here and for all these wonderful friends that I have made.

I pray that you all have a fun and God filled week.

In Monroe

2008-10-06T16:25:00.000-04:00

Hey ya'll...i'm here!!! and I love it! The sun is shining outside and there is not a single cloud in the sky. I've just come inside from off the front porch as my laptop battery needed charging.

It is very interesting settling into the American lifestyle. There are far more different expressions than I ever imagined. It is lots of fun learning from all my friends and them learning some British terms at the same time. We have bundles of laughs. They are all such lovely people and we all feel like we've known each other for a long time, when in actual fact it is only just over a week. There are eight female students and one guy! I don't think he minds too much though. We all keep on telling him that he'll make a great husband as he will know women inside out. :)

We started our youth club here on Thursday. We had about 20 kids come, all black from the neighbourhood. Us students split off into two teams and walk round the streets picking up the kids and bringing them here. They seem to enjoy coming. We did the story of Jesus and Peter walking on water, so a few people acted it out on the front porch and then the rest of us helped with craft, snacks and playing with the kids. They are all such beautiful children and it is heartbreaking seeing some of the conditions that they live in and only a street away from where we live.

I'm learning so much about God and His love and forgiveness. He is incredible, which I'm understanding more and more day by day. I had a few complications when arriving in the U.S.A with my visa, the security guards were not too keen on me being in their country for nine months. I was asked after customs to go into another room and wait for a while. They asked me more questions and finally let me go. It was fairly daunting as I was by myself and I was shattered after travelling all day and with delays. However God kept me calm and walked me through it step by step. The Bible verse "Trust in the Lord with all your heart" was an appropriate verse to write on my hand!

I have been very busy since I arrived, with chores. I'm on the dishwashing rota everyday with two other girls and this last weekend I was on call, which meant doing food prep, clearing up and making sure things were in order. I enjoyed it though, my friends and I made it fun by blowing bubbles in the kitchen with washing up liquid and getting the Kitchen floor rather sudsy!

This last week was filled with lectures, intercession, worship, study and chores. We had a guest speaker come for the week and he spoke on relationships. One day he very much focussed on restitution and asking for forgiveness from sins that we had committed that were not settled. It was very convicting and it felt very peaceful putting some matters to rest.

Friday evening, we all went out to see Kung Fu Panda at the 'Movie Theatre' (as it is called here). And we had pizza, well I had fish!!!

On Saturday we went to a place called Cane Creek, a wood where you can have BBQs by a lake. I got to go Canadian canoeing on the lake with my friend Kristen and played frisbee.

I've started going to the gym, which is so much fun. One of our leaders drives us each morning and last week I had my first experience of Squash, even if I did get hit rather hard in the stomach! I can't wait to go back and play again.

I enjoyed experiencing an American Church day yesterday, it was held in a school, in their theatre. The speaker was FANTASTIC, speaking on relationships, he was very humorous and kept everyone in stitches throughout the sermon. I would like to go back.

Every week we have to do four pages of a journal, however this last week was 7 as we had to do a front cover and timeline. I really enjoyed having the chance to be creative, however most of us left it until Sunday to do and it was due this morning! Whoops. We all want to get it done earlier this week though. As well as that we're reading through a book by John C. Maxwell called Attitude 101 and we also have to learn the 50 American States. (Thank you Grandpa!!!) Each week we will get a continent to learn all the countries in it and at the end of the school we will have a map test of all the countries. I wish Luke could do mine for me! No I'm excited about learning them.

This week the main song that we have been singing has been Come now is the time to worship. I love the simple yet effective words of Come just as you are to worship
Come just as you are before your God
Come
No matter who we are, what we've done, what we look like, we can all arrive before the table of the King. It is so easy to judge people by their appearance or for the sins that they have committed but God looks at the heart.

I will try and send you some of our nice weather.
Thank you all for your support and love. You are all so special to me.

2008-09-24T04:25:00.000-04:00

Well today is the day for packing...how much stuff can I fit into a suitcase? I wonder.

Most of my goodbyes have been said now so I'm ready to roll. Bring on Friday!

God has been so faithful through getting ready for the U.S, through funding, my visa application and having the opportunity to meet up with friends. He is truly incredible. I have learnt so much in the last few weeks what it means to "trust in the Lord with ALL your heart."

'Unto You Lord
I bring my worship, for You are good
Your love overwhelming.'

Thank you to everyone...you together with the Lord have made this adventure possible for me. Thank you for your prayers and your generous gifts. You are all so special to me.

I will try and keep you all up to date with what's happening on the other side of 'the pond.'

So goodbye for now...
and may the Lord bless you.

2008-09-23T10:33:00.001-04:00

This was set up by Charlotte and me. Is that correct grammar?
Charlotte is a genius!