Back Again!

SO I realized I have not blogged in over a year and so much has happened that it would be impossible to recap... Basically God is still, always, and forever Good.

I have been preparing to leave in January for the Introduction to Performing Arts and Media School with YWAM! I have done two pretty successful yard sales and I am about half way there financially! It has been yet again an overwhelming time of receiving. I can hardly believe I would be lucky, or better yet, blessed enough to be able to go and serve God and His people in this way. I have decided to go to Mexico for my lecture phase and hopefully somewhere in Asia for the perform ace outreach segment.

It is so incredible that even in my sin and doubt He would still be kind enough to take me to another part of this giant world.

In other areas of life, things are also great! I have completed my Associates degree at Frederick Community College and I plan to head of to Towson for special Ed next fall. This year is going to be busy one, but I am so excited to grow and change and become more of who God is calling me to be.

Life is wild.

More uodates to follow!

Here we go!

I am so very excited I was given the opportunity to speak last Sunday about my YWAM trip. Usually, when i prepare a presentation I practice completely differently than the speech comes out in the end. I will have skipped over a major point or forget to say who I am. There always seems to be some "DUHHH" moment, leading to my embarrassment. But, Sunday was like nothing I've ever experienced before. I trusted God this time. I didn't doubt before I stepped upfront. I knew he had given me a clear message and His power made it eloquent and well constructed. The Holy spirit took control and my own fears were dismissed. I need to start surrendering every moment of life this way. Trust he will do something, be sensitive to the Holy spirits prompting. I really enjoined being able to express His good works, His faithfulness, His Mercy, His Love and all those other qualities He possesses.
It is so exhausting to speak for an hour. When all was said in done I slept for about three hours. I had been so twittery with excitement that I about slipped into a comma afterwords. I imagined for a long time what speaking to my church would look like, but all my expectations were surpassed by His leading. I feel like this experience was the last chapter for my YWAM life, right now, and new things are on the horizon! I've just started my first week back to school. I only have two classes, but the are condensed to 7 week courses. I'm currently looking for a job and a way to raise a little money for a car. I was going to get a car, but it's reliability is less than perfect. I really want to do some mission activities with my church. I think it would be fun to have a, "Skit Saturday" whomever wants to participate can come and we'll learn a few skits and have a practice day. Then, we can go to Baker Park or wherever and perform. This would be a great way to engage people and share the message of Christ. I know a lot of talented people, and this has potential!

Well then, Jesus is Real and Jesus is worthy!

Blessed left and right

I have been provided for once again. I am soon getting a car (and ready to learn stick shift), I have enough money for school books, and I'm hearing my God more in more. God speaks to me by uniting my circumstances. The same topics, places, and people, keep reentering my life. I know there are some hard things ahead, but I'm ready. I'm letting go of relationships that need to be let go. I'm more comfortable with excepting the fact that some people don't like me, and the fact that some people ask a very great deal of me. My friends are in dark places in life, but God is faithful. They are continuing to seek and find the Lords grace in a time when most people give up. Perseverance is such a gift from the Lord. Lets lie for today, in this time in this moment! God's going to tell us what to do...

Speak Lord.... OK

woo! I am so excited. God has been speaking and it has been awesome! I just got home from spending a few nights with my friends in Lynchburg VA. I had not gotten to send any quality time with them and my schedule is about to pick up. I was blessed to go there and back by the kindness of others! My friend Davey works for Liberty University and he took me to look at the school! I asked for the Lord to speak to me and he did. I noticed they have a really large tower there and I asked Davey what was in there, he didn't know so we looked around the campus and i went to the Wednesday morning chapel. In the message they talked about how the very tower I just asked about was going to be the new theatre! They had worked out a deal and were able to afford brand new facilities! That's not a big deal if you don't know that I was thinking about going there for a degree in Drama Ministry! Oh cool, that morning they discussed something that directly affected my plans for going there. I was thinking about how I hadn't done much acting in the passed two years. I started to get worried my talents had faded, then the speaker said, "I used to have a speech impediment, but now I make my living speaking, Gods strength is in our weakness." I was blown away. OK Lord you have been speaking to my heart! My plan is to attend Liberty University in Fall 2010. There are no coincidences in the kingdom of God, so here we go. After another year at Fcc I'm planning to apply to LU.

I have been so productive in the last few days! I am steadfast in completing my presentation for my church about my mission trip. There is just too much to tell I'm going to narrow down all the stories i want to share, but i am making copies of a a lot of my material. I may not be able to fit everything in a 1 hour presentation, but I'm going to have the resources available so people can learn much more! I really want my church t naturally send student to do a discipleship Training school with ywam. It is such a great way to get closer to God, work out all you baggage, and discover if mission work is something you could do with your life! I highly recommend it! I feel like people think going out like I did is impossible. It's not! I went because God provided everything and he would do the same for others!

Well, back to the project!
Blessings!

When Jesus saw their faith he said, "Friend your sins are forgiven."
Luke 5; 20

HOT DoG!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Balls Rollin'

So Ive been preparing to share at my church and visiting old Friends this last week and a half, and today I signed up for some classes at FCC! I'm really happy yet, terrified. My tuition is paid for, but the transportation is still unknown. It's times like these where trusting the Lord can be so difficult. I just have to remember my time is not His, my plans are not always His, but He is going to do what's best for me! It is really exciting and stressful. One minute I'm crying in fear and the next he's answered my prayer in an unthinkable way. An extremely intelligent friend of mine reminded me of the Israelites walking through the parted sea. That must have been such an unexpected answer for an escape plan! How much faith it must have taken to take the first step onto the dry sea floor seeing that all the millions of gallons of water could smash into you from both sides. God is unexplainable and unexpected. I can't wait to see how He parts the sea for me or if he sends a boat, whatever the transportation looks like, It will be for my benefit!

One week Back

So it has officially been one week since I returned home. It has been an interesting experience. I think I expected people to have changed as much as I have on some levels, but I'm realizing that's not the case. I have to keep reminding myself to be understanding. For the most part I've really enjoyed seeing old faces and visiting others. soon I will be presenting about my adventure to my church and other Christan groups. I'm asking the Lord to show me what needs to be said. I'm trying to be sensitive to the Holy spirits leading.
The future looks so endless right now. I am currently working on getting a vehicle and a job. I really want to continue working with children, but not in the position of a personal nanny. Tomorrow I'm going to Frederick community college to try and get in asap. The long I'm not in school, the harder it will be for me to go back. I really want to keep my schedule simple and active. I don't think I'm going to stretch myself as thin as I was before I left. My first focus is the car, work, school situation and the other plans will fall into place.
I'm having a really hard time being at home. It's really nice having alone time, but it;s getting old quickly. I'm trying to keep myself busy with preparing to speak at my church, and sending out my final newsletter. There is so much on the horizon and once again I'm lacking patients. I had some amazing one on one time with the Lord and I know he'll keep me productive. I need to appreciate this time of rest and delight in the stillness He's given me.

1 Peter 4; 19

I'm trying to have a memory verse each week!

Bye Ja

Well, I have some time to kill while waiting for my flight in the Montego Bay airport…

WOW….
It’s over…
My friends are home…
My school is finished…
My plane is getting ready….
My future is limitless…
My heart is full…

I am so very happy to have successful completed my Discipleship Training school. I am so excited to see what’s next. These are some ideas I’ve had. I’m in the process of seeking confirmation from the Lord.

-Serving my church (in whatever means available)
-Joining a small group
-Evangelical trips into Frederick
-Community College
-School of Performing Arts (Belize/India 2010)
-Staffing a youth camp in Jamaica this summer
-Taking a dance class
-6 week leadership school in Australia (2009)


These are just a small fraction of the millions of ideas and activities floating around in my head! Above all these I will be spending more time in the presence of the Lord/realizing I’m in His presence. The best part about all these desires is that I’m not doing anything until I hear fully and completely from God. By surrendering all these things and hearing from God, I can ONLY do His will. Though I may want to reach the World, God may have different plans. I’m ok with doing His plan because it’s so much better for Him and for me. I know His protection and guidance will give me the grace to respond in obedience.

The Debriefing Week

Well, everyone has arrived safely back in Jamaica from outreach. Our team is here from Guadeloupe, my other classmates made it safely from Antigua, and the School of Performing Arts just got back from Belize. This week has basically been a long, but helpful series of meetings. We’ve been practicing how to write a news letter, learning about other YWAM schools and opportunities, figuring out how to reenter our home life, and recapping outreach.
We have all been really emotional and blessed in this time. Coming back to Jamaica was so nice. It has become a second home for us all. The new DTS students are here and we’ve been having a wonderful time making them feel welcome and familiar with life on the base. I’m so excited to keep in touch with them and hear how God will grow them. They all seem very dedicated and mature.
My team met with the directors of the base and our outreach leaders. We were able to express our encouragement and constructive criticisms about the leadership during our time in Gwada. I was able to honestly express my concerns. I’m so happy I didn’t hold back, that God gave me the boldness to speak truth. We talked about when our other team member left and the affect it had on us all. We were really stretched emotionally on outreach. We had extended forgiveness to our team member and attempted to make him feel included, but we faced many hardships. This individual really caused the team to suffer. He did not accept our attempts towards him. He distanced himself from the team and became very inactive. We shared all this with our leader and he understood that by keeping this person as long as he did, he was not doing what was best for the team. Even though he could have left sooner, we were all pushed emotionally unlike never before. I’m glad my outreach was hard. I will carry this life lesson with me as I continue working with others in a team setting.
We had a lecture about coming home and realizing that a church and a mission base function differently. I was afraid of being over critical, but my questions were answered and I have some great tips on getting involved and serving again in my home church. I am excited for home and I’m trying to soak in the Caribbean while I still can. We have begun preparing for graduation and tomorrow we will have our final assessments. Our assessments are an overview of how the base staff feels we succeeded and struggled during our time in DTS. I’m looking forward to this time. I know I’ve come a long way and I still have a long way to go, that’s the beauty in following Christ, we are never done learning, lives are spent becoming more and more like the Lord and getting closer and closer to him.
Last night we had our community meeting this is were the base meets together and hears from that week’s speaker or someone of the base. It’s a fun night because those that home school or travel throughout the day can meet with the rest of the schools. All of YWAM Mo Bay comes together. We were privileged to share about outreach and hear from the other teams. My team shared our skit, gave a testimony about our prison ministry, sang a song we learned in French, and made a slide show highlighting our ministry in the nation. We had such a great time and the group was really receptive to our stories and struggles. It was fun for us to share. Sandra led the opening in French and I translated into English, just to give the crowd an understanding of how we had to communicate in the nation. It was so cool to hear what God did in and through the teams in Antigua and Belize.
Have an amazing day, week, and forever. I can’t wait to see what’s next and trust God completely for His leading and direction. Lose your life in Him, So that you can find it!



Oh, I forgot! We came back from outreach one day early so we went into the city in Montego Bay and performed our mimes. We had a large crowd people clapped when we were finished. It was so scary at first, but God is good he gave us the strength and courage to creativly minister to the town. After we let go of our fear. We didn't care about what people thought we were performng to the Lord and asking Him to toch lives. It's never us its always Him.

So, one of my team mates has be struggling a lot on our outreach. He has committed many offenses and has had a lot of chances to change his attitude, but the same choices keep being made. So in his best interest he is going home tomorrow. We only have 3 days left here, but that’s not the point, if someone’s not ready their simply not ready. We are all doing ok. He is not bitter or angry about leaving, so praise God. I think he’s realizing that by leaving he’s being honest and open. He knows this is not his time, and he can always do another DTS. I think this is the best thing for him. I’m so happy that he wants to continue serving the Lord and be a witness to Gods Goodness! This is however hard on our team. He is apart of us all and we will miss him. Sometimes God timing doesn’t makes sense to us that’s why it’s His timing, we can’t possibly understand.

We've also had really serious news from our leaders. They're family has suffered a loss. Please pray for patients. This is devastating for us all. We will continue to support them and surround them with Love. We will keep praising God! It has been quite an intense day.

We lead a church service this morning and it was great. In the midst of all this pain, we still brought the Word, and had some great conversation and fellowship with the congregation. This church is in the "house" or "pioneer" phase. They meet in different homes every week and then have a long and relaxed lunch. We started the service with a skit and we talked about 1 Corinthians 12; 14-31 and how we are all given different talents to work as a part of the body of Christ. I shared a testimony about our team and how each one of our responsibilities on outreach fits us perfectly. We asked people to write down their talents and give them back to God. If they dance, dance for Him. If they love math, calculate for His glory. If they can build, build something and give Him the due credit. I think it went really well, it was nice to get off the base again and see a little more of God in this nation.

This world has nothing for me, I will Follow YOU (Jesus)

Perfect Plans

Wow! God surpassed all of our expectations for this weekend. Last night was our biggest youth group meeting thus far. We had at least thirty people come. I was very nervous but God gave me peace, we had a great time eating, playing, games, and bringing the message. I gave my first teaching, yeah there were plenty of mistakes, but I can’t believe God gave me the grace to finish. I can’t wait for next time. We had a great night.

And… this morning we were able to go to the prison! I was very nervous but the men there were maybe some of the nicest people we’ve encountered here on the Island. They were so polite and receptive to the message. We did a skit called, “Empty Heart” its about a girl filling the void with earthly pleasures and just before she ends her unfulfilling life, she choose to follow the Lord. I play the girl and my friends are all the different earthly desires. I cry every time we perform. Then Josiah gave a testimony about a time he almost committed suicide. Finally our leader shared about God being our father. He focused on how earthly fathers may have failed us, but our heavenly father is perfect. Everything went really smoothly. After we finished a young man came up to us. He told us our message was his life story. He has three children; he had scars of his many attempted suicides. I know we were sent there for this young man. Before he spoke to us I could tell there was something different about him. He was a very genuine and kind. I can only imagine what else God did through us for those who were too shy to share. I was so blessed and joyful being around these people.

We thought this weekend would be a bunch of cancelations, but instead God answered our prayers and allowed us to share His affective message to these people. Once again I’m made speechless by the Almighty! Send up some praise, for He is Good!

Our Father in Heaven,
Hallowed be your name,
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us of our debts,
As we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
In Jesus Name, Amen

The Strike "Strikes" Back.

The first week we arrived here in Guadeloupe there was a nation wide strike. The people of Guadeloupe are upset with how expensive it is to live here. Various companies all shut down. We couldn’t get gasoline, the food stores were closed, along with electricity, and water in some places. This lasted about four days. The government finally lowered the price of gas and the nation started back up again. This didn’t really affect us. We were still settling and just getting to know our surrounding area. But, now we are in the middle of yet another strike. The prices of gas have slowly risen again and people are angry. There have been reports of people burning cars and vandalizing stores throughout the Island. This began on Tuesday. We were expecting it to last two days, but that’s not the case. This morning we walked to a small bakery to get breakfast and we saw the police at the gas station allowing select cars to use the pumps. We all thought it was over, we were rejoicing because we fasted and prayed for an end. Unfortunately, are assumptions were wrong. Instead of the strike ending it is now escalating. The only people allowed to get gas were nurses, doctors, police, and fire fighters. The airport has been shut down and the people continue to withhold until there is a change. We are very concerned. By Gods grace we still have power and running water. Our hotel has a generator and runs off of a spring.
We had several ministry opportunities planned this weekend; Running a 2 youth meetings, leading a church, and visiting a prison. All of these have, as of right now, been canceled. I have everything I’m teaching on prepared and we’ve practice very diligently. We know God is trying to teach us. I think there has been a lot of times were we felt ineffective, but right now were at a low. Our desire is to serve this nation. Please pray for our continued safety. Ask for an end to this strike. We have enough gas to make it to the airport next Wednesday so pray that the airlines are running again. We are seeking God. He knew this would happen, we trust His will is going to be accomplished. We just have no idea what that looks like.

My Friends

God has blessed me with my team and my home. I have been so inspired lately and so humbled. I was letting y own pride and judgments get in the way of my work her. I was so angry with people here. People were skipping out on work, everyone had a negative attitude and I was judging with harsh reactions. I basically wasn’t here for a whole day. I turned out everything. After doing this I realized, once again, that its not about me. It doesn’t matter how tired or bored I am, God has given me the grace and patients to work here. I confessed my anger to the team I told them I was furious, and I apologized for my critical self righteous behavior; it’s so easy to fall into sin. I’m so happy that God keeps working on me and everyday I learn something new about myself. My team was forgiving and they helped me stop believing the lies I was hearing. I felt like my work here was useless. I have not seen a lot come from our work here. My friend Sandra told me that this may be God protecting us from becoming prideful. I was already struggling with pride the last thing I needed was something else to boast about. I know my work here is increasing Gods kingdom. So many loved ones wrote me about my feelings and helped me get out of my cycle of self pity! Hallelujah He must become greater and I must become less. Lord, shrink me; give me the patients and joy that comes from doing your work. I spent the evening praying and consoling my friends, we are learning what it means to be open and honest. Staying in the Light is the never-ending theme of outreach! It’s really hard to be open but the blessings that follow are so worth it. I can’t wait to see what else happens in this next week.

Today we are presenting at a church. I think it’s so crazy that these churches invite us to preach. They don’t know us, they are not even that familiar with YWAM, but God has given us favor here and we present almost every Sunday. I’m doing a dance, I’m nervous, but it doesn’t matter. I’m only dancing for the Lord and leaving all preconceived judgments about my abilities behind. He will give me the moves. He will give me the courage. Why wouldn’t I be able to express a part of the any blessings he poured over my life? I’m getting a little crazy. The Lord is removing so much timidity in my soul. I want to have discernment while representing Him.

I’m blessed by those who include the creator in our friendship. Thanks.

Psalm 62; 8

Blah...

.I'm told that everyone on DTS feels like this at least one time, so I guess its my time. I feel so unproductive. I know I'm being productive, but I don't know why I feel the opposite. I think I'm ready for the next phase of life. I have so many ideas and interests for the future that I'm done with the present. I know God doesn’t want me to lose my passion for this time, but I'm having trouble being energized and diligent. I also feel burnt out. We’ve been really active and I don't understand my behavior sometimes. One minute I shedding tears of joy, I feel like my chest will rip in half and my heart will fall out because Jesus Loves me so much and has blessed me beyond what my own body can control. Other times, I’m so annoyed with people and prideful that I snap at my team. I get so feed up being around people 24/7 I become a total jerk. Then, because I'm being such a jerk I question whether or not my worship was heartfelt. I'm confused and I know confusion is not from the Lord. I have so many different things flying through my head all the time. I'm really devoted and a million miles away from my work at the same time. So there, my stuff, it’s out there. I'm not crying out, just pondering in. "I despise my own behavior" I’m so happy DC Talk was brave enough to say it I don't know if I would have been.

Im 20!

It was been such a nice Birthday! My friends blessed me in such creative ways. I woke up to the Happy Birthday song and had breakfast with my two friends Tam and Sandra. I got a chocolate mix and a box of oat Cereal! I love Oats now, before I was never into healthy cereals, it was always frosted flakes, but now I want raisins and no sugar. After breakfast we spent time praying for the YWAM Caribbean region. Later, we planned out our youth meeting that we’re hosting tomorrow night. At lunch my friends made me a fancy place setting full of flowers and a happy birthday apple. I know some people are not familiar with the happy birthday apple so I’ll explain…basically it’s an apple with a party hat and a smile! In the afternoon our team volunteered some manual labor at a local mans house. His name was Mark, and he is by far the most peculiar man I have ever encountered. He Loves Jesus and Worship, but he seems to have some disabilities when it comes to social etiquette. Then the girls took me out for veggie pizza and ice cream. I had such a fun day. God blessed me with little trinkets and tokens of Love throughout the day! I got on facebook and was almost afraid at all the birthday comments, it was overwhelming. I’m so grateful for the well wishing that took place.

In other news, Outreach is officially half way to an end. As the next few weeks come to a close I will have to start thinking about home life and readjusting to the life I left. I really feel God calling me into consling, which was never an idea in my mind, but I’m continually affirmed in it. I also have such a passion for theatre. Who knows? Well, God does and I’m cool with that. I am really excited for the cold weather. I really love wearing mittens and hats.

My Team is doing well, we are still having issues with one student, the problem is not entirely his sin it’s the fact that there has been some lying and deceiving happening. We have really been trying to be open and up front with one another. This concept has been really hard for me in the past. I don’t open up when I should and I say too much other times. I guess all believers, Christians, followers of Jesus (I don’t have a term to classify people that are trying to live this way) struggle in this area. I know I’ve matured in some ways, but I tend to allow a fear of man to hold me back. I also think when I’m around people that challenge what I say, it makes me more thoughtful about my opinions…ok I’ve gone off on a bunny trail, we are trying to live in the “light” and be/remain there. We’ve been listening to that DC Talk classic a lot. Pray, and I’ll pray for those reading, that we stay shining, there is so much freedom that comes with honesty and openness.

I’m really happy because I’ve been keeping up with my daily time with the Lord for this entire year! It sounds like such an accomplishment, and yet its only been 8 days. I’m still proud of myself and I hope I can keep it up. It so important to be refreshed by the scripture, I was listening to a speaker named Francis Chan. He gave an excellent lecture on truly wanting to know Gods will for our lives, without hesitating or being fearful. Sometimes we say we want Gods will because we know it’s the correct answer, but do we really want to know what He would ask us to; give up, change, leave behind, and accept if we sincerely wanted to live the way our Lord intended us to? This challenged me in so many ways. I want to be so sold out for God that I leave it all, and add whatever He Wills.

Crazy Week

It’s been crazy. On Saturday we went to a local Radio station and shared about YWAM. We were all interviewed and gave short testimonies about how we were brought to
Guadeloupe. Our show was only supposed to be a 30 minute segment but it lasted for an hour and a half! I think we did a great job of answering questions and representing the Kingdom! We even sang a few songs. I think the station is making us a copy of the show, which will be cool to hear. It’s so weird to hear your voice recorded, I sound so much cooler in my own mind then on recordings.

Later tonight we are going out again to feed people. We’ve prepared 30 salami and cheese sandwiches with; juice, cookies, candy, and a banana. We wanted to give a modest amount of food, while still filling stomachs. I think some of the people in the city are starting to recognize us. More and more people ask us about what were doing every time we go out.

We had to do and inductive bible study this week. We had to pick a chapter from one of the four gospels and present it to the team. We had to find a key word, verse, and paragraph. We also had to identify literal and figurative language, ask any questions we had about the chapter, show how we can apply what we learned to our lives, and present a creative expression. I loved dong this. I read all these commentaries and gained so much from this assignment. I’m' sharing on Matthew 15. I created a rap and I'm doing a dance to a Josh Garrels song (big surprise) it is so funny that I'm dancing. I don't think I would have ever done it before, but throughout my dts I've been worshiping more and more through this creative form. I'm a dork, but I know the Lord likes it!

Tomorrow we are going to pray and see where God leads us for the day. I really enjoy doing this; it reminds me of the "special opps" team I was in during my churches annual mission trip last year. We just get in the car and find ways to bless.

I can't believe I'll be 20 in two days. It seems so weird. I don't think 20 is old. I just never imagined I'd be celebrating in Gwada (that’s slang for Guadeloupe).

Yesterday I was able to have some alone time with the Lord. It’s hard to sit and think in silence around here. I enjoy living in community, but the quiet is so good for my soul. I appreciate it so much more now that its such a rare thing in my lie.

Well I think I'm going to go on a walk. Please pray that I stop thinking about home. I'll be there soon enough. I've been having dreams that I'm back, it’s nice, but I need to be Here Now.

Jeremiah 29; 11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future"

Praise The Lord

Well, so munch has gone on so I guess I’ll start wherever I want. This is my blog so if I don't follow perfect chronological order, that’s just how it is.

One of my team members is battling with temptation. He has been struggling for quite a while and he publicly confessed last week. We are all praying that God would show us the next steps to take, whether he stays and receives counseling from our leader, or he goes back to Montego Bay to complete his outreach and get some counseling by the leaders there. This is a very delicate situation, which is why specific details are not important. Please be praying. We are all confident that this will be handled in the appropriate way.

Today we spent the morning praying and asking God what we should do for ministry in the evening. Another student and I both shared Matthew 10; 7-8, "As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, and cleanse those who have leprosy, [b] drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give." So we then decided to go into the city. We then came up with the idea of handing out candies with Jeremiah 29;11, which says," For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. We really are having a hard time coming up with ministry that doesn’t have to do with talking because only one person knows enough French to testify, so we've been spending a lot of time giving. I'm really enjoying this. So many people gave for me to be able to come here and give to Guadeloupe. It rings true when the scripture says, “freely you have received, freely give" I'm blessed to follow this. It is wonderful to make someone smile. Not only are we sharing the Word and giving, we are being blessed. It proves to me that God wants to see us happy. We are filled with Joy when others are provided for, so how happy does that make the Lord? I would guess very happy indeed! While we were out I gave a girl in a bright yellow shirt a candy. About an hour after we handed all the Candy out she appreciated us. She really liked what we were doing she had been interested in Christianity and just recently started reading her bible. Luckily Sandra was there and they had a 20 minute conversation. It turns out that they both have a lot in common and this young woman wants to spend time with us and ask questions. This is a great picture of discipling. We can't wait to share and her from her. Her mane is Serena. We were very blessed God encouraged us this way.

Tonight we are worshiping this year into the next. My friends and I are coming up with a New Years (Weekly) resolution book. We are thinking about 52 unique ways to bless others once a week for 2009 we will do something nice.

I'm feeling restless here. I know things are being done, but I want to do more. I'm getting caught up in activities and planning instead of resting in the Lord, which I understand to be another term for trusting Him. I know outreach is not about doing what we think is actually work, but doing the work the Lord shows us. My passion is to see people disciple, to see people saved. I need patients.

I think Mediating is a way God wants to use me in my family. I have several relatives that are not getting along with each other. Deep and powerful relationships have now become dead. I was up last night crying for the disunity between them. I asked God to use me in this situation not from a humanitarian viewpoint, but out of His desire for peace among my family. I don’t know if this is something I might be called to do for the rest of my life, but my heart breaks for my loved ones on God’s behalf. I know great things could be done through my unique and exciting family, on both my mother’s and father’s sides of the family. I don’t know what I’m going to do when I get home. I’m going to continue asking the Lord what to do, but something is going to happen. His peace will be experienced.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!

The last week has been more productive for my team and I. We spent a few days rapping journals with verses in them and delivering them to the director’s neighborhood. We gave away book marks that had scripture and information about the house church that the base runs. We pray that people would contact Samuel (the director) and that the books would be a blessing and the scripture in the books would change people and help us gain understanding of God. Its really fun giving things away! On Christmas eve we went to the mall (which was crazy) and handed out chocolate with Luke 2; 13-14 Fear not, for I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a savior, which is Christ the Lord. Then on Christmas Eve we received a huge blessing… Two weeks ago my team lead a church service and while we were mingling with people afterward, my friend Tam mentioned to one man that she really loved pineapple. So on Christmas Eve this nice man had no one to spend the Holiday with, so he came over with five large pineapples and a Christmas ham. We were going to have cold pizza, but he blessed us with a feast and we blessed him with fellowship. It was so kind and thoughtful. I don’t know why he and Tam were discussing pineapple two weeks earlier, but God used it to bless. I was so privileged to encourage this man and to give him company. After we ate, we decorated our meeting room and made a lovely Christmas setting we had a giant palm Christmas tree and fun balloons and posters. We made a Christmas living room in about 20 minutes; we read part of the Christmas story, and shared songs. We really like singing in a round so we sang “God rest ye merry Gentlemen” in two groups and it didn’t sound that bad! Later we exchanged favorite Christmas memories. One of my favorite Christmas memories was when my brother and I got a huge Trampoline and my dad set in up on Christmas morning in the snow so we could jump on it that day. He was really sick with a high fever and he still went out, for hours, and built it for us. I also loved the Christmas Eve dinners at Grandma Ethel’s old house. All of my family would be there eating and exchanging gifts. My brother and I would wear our matching pajamas and spend time with the family. It was always so loud and busy and right after we ate we all were itching to run down stairs and start opening gifts. It was such an exciting night. I also love when my mom would bake cookies with us all day, we’d set up the tree and dance to Christmas music1 My friends shared some of there Christmas bests and then we headed off to bed.
The next morning we cooked a large breakfast, sang songs, and finished the Christmas story! We opened our secret Santa gifts and prayed together! It really felt like Christmas. Even though I was sweating to death and sun burnt, the Christmas/Holy spirit was upon us. Later we had an interpretive dance party. Tam and I danced to; “Have a holy Jolly Christmas” we did pretty well. Its on video, maybe I’ll be brave enough to post it on facebook… We cleaned and packed thirty dinners. Later in the evening we went into the city and handed out the meals to the homeless. I had been feeling sad about missing Christmas at home, but when we were serving food I was overwhelmed with Gods peace. I knew I was where he wanted me and I was so happy to be there. We talked and prayed with a few men and just gave food. While we were driving we practically threw a sandwich at guy standing on a corner, he took the meal and smiled. Making someone smile does something crazy in my heart, mind, and spirit. I was crying because this man was blessed, how much happier did that make God? Not only was that man blessed by the meal, I was also. God loves to see us Joyful and we experience true joy when we bring it to others. I was so blessed to celebrate Christmas in this way and I want giving like this to be a tradition for Christmas, and more of a daily practice. We may not speak the language, but people are smiling in Guadeloupe because of Jesus.

As I was thinking about giving, and it made me remember all the times I was given to; my car, my trip, my friendships, my mentors, my church… All those who have supported me, prayed for me, and loved me are receiving the blessing of this ministry. I’m seeing people fed and giving because people gave to me. Jesus gave up his rights and his life so that I could be given freedom. I’m so blessed and so humbled. Thank you to those behind me, enjoy the fruits of this labor, God wants to bless you!!!



I’m not sure when I will be able to have internet access again. Someone on my team is really struggling and because of that my team will be taking a break from ministry and because of this particular struggle we are no longer allowed internet, until the issues is brought forward. We can all get online together but the time is limited. Please pray that God would convict people and our team would be able to move on from this. I can not disclose anymore information, but trust that this problem is serious and is having a strong affect on my team. We are all seeking and waiting. Thank you for your prayers.

So much going on

Yesterday was our first day off on outreach. It was so nice to spend some time resting and tanning at the beach. The safe beaches are free here, which is great compared to Jamaica, where you have to pay three dollars. We could swim without having to keep one eye on our bags the whole time. I really love this nation is so safe and welcoming. I do love Jamaica, but I can’t deny how stress free my public experiences are in Guadeloupe.

On Sunday our team lead a church service our topic was, “Guarding the Heart” We talked about how the words that come out of your mouth are actually in your heart. We lead worship, organized the offering and performed a mime about giving away your heart to Jesus is the Best thing you can do. The service was overall ok, but we had never done anything like that before so it was not as smooth as we would have liked it to be. We did mix things up a bit we had people sit in a circle and interact with one another. I’m really starting to dislike the idea of rows it’s not very exciting and where in the bible does it say we have to sit like that? Why not face each other? Learn together? Instead of star at the back of somebody’s head.

I can’t believe it’s only Ten days until Christmas. My team is doing secret Santa, which I’m not crazy about, but I did pick Ezra. He’s only one so it won’t be hard to please him. I think I’ll take him on a walk and buy him some candy. I’m really blessed by the way my team is getting along. I had quite a lot of apprehensions about this trip and so far it’s been smooth sailing (I hate clichés, but whatever it’s all I’ve got right now). I am sorry to say that one of the students from the team in Antigua is going home, and will not be graduating form DTS. We received an email this morning saying that our classmate had too angry outbursts during his first week of outreach. I wasn’t surprised because he had issues with anger and the leaders throughout our lecture phase, but I was disappointed that both the leaders and he came to the conclusion he needed to go home. My DTS will not be the same when we all meet up. Its such a shame that the issues couldn’t be worked out and that he will not graduate nor receive credit for his work thus far. Please pray for the team in Antigua and the young man leaving. He will be missed, I really wanted him to complete this, he has so much to offer the Lord, but he has so much to deal with. Pray that even though he’s not still apart of Y.W.A.M he would still grow and leave the things of this world behind…actually we should pray that over ourselves and everyone we know. Lord You must increase we must Decrease.

On Friday our team went to a cliff on the end of the island. I have never been to such an incredible site before. We spent the afternoon praying for the nation of Guadeloupe and worshiping. The beauty and peace over this nation is undeniable. How could it not be the Lords Island? I have such overwhelming confidence God is and will do great things here through us. I have no idea what this week looks like except, tomorrow I’m leading worship and running a ministry prep meeting. I can’t believe I didn’t take French in High school, but its okay, Jesus will figure it out. Praise Him… He’s Worthy

We Made it To Guadeloupe!

This week has been so busy and exciting. My last week of class was focused on spiritual warfare and relationships. I spent some time with the other team on Friday night, just as a small farewell until graduation. The whole team spent Saturday packing and relaxing. Tam was baptized in the pool. It was so cool to be apart of the experience I helped her research being baptized because she wanted to be, but she didn’t really understand the concept. We looked up some scriptures and prayed about it. She decided she wanted to express the physical representation of how she believed in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and how he’s changed her life. It was so touching to be apart of her experience and support her. The school of the performing arts doesn’t leave for another two weeks for their outreach so on Saturday they cooked us a lovely meal to send us off.

We said our goodbyes and headed off for the Kingston airport on Sunday morning. We got to see so much of the island; the ocean, rivers, fields; it was incredible how much of Jamaica we hadn’t seen until then. The Kingston airport was really big and I had a frappicinno for the first time in three months, which was truly comforting. Our whole DTS flew to Antigua and spent the night there. On Monday we saw the downtown area and got really close to a curse ship. In Mo bay we just see the ships from afar; I had no idea how gigantic they actually are. It’s like a city on the water. Antigua’s culture was very calm. It was a lot less aggressive than being in public in Mo Bay. People didn’t hassle us for a cab ride they only asked once then left us alone. I saw a building called, “The Patrick A Michael Building.” How crazy is it that a random small island my brothers first and middle names were on a building. It reminded me of just how much I miss him.

Our team said goodbye to the other students and left for the airport. It was so hard to go through yet another farewell. Well, actually it wasn’t that hard I think I was ready to leave them and get outreach rollin’. I will really miss Larissa she’s my DTS B.F.F, for sure. I laugh so much with her and we always get yelled at. I am sorry were not on the same team, but I’m going to visit her in Canada later so it’s all good. We flew out of Antigua had a connecting flight in Dominica and then landed in Guadeloupe at around 7:30. The leader of the base here is Samuel which in French is pronounced “Sam-Well” he’s our tour guide/director here. We made it to the base in about 45 minutes from the airport. It was so weird to drive here because in Jamaica the steering wheel is on the right so I’ve gotten really used to driving on the opposite side of the road, but in Guadeloupe they drive the same way as North Americans so I felt a little more at home. The Y.W.A.M. team here is still in the pioneer stage, they don’t have there own base yet so they rent bungalows from a hotel here. It’s like a tiny paradise get away. I had my first hot shower in 3 months yesterday. Praise Jesus!!! I actually felt squeaky clean! Meaghan prayed I would get a hot shower about a month ago and God answered. It’s funny because all the girls have hot water but the boy rooms are still icy cold like in Jamaica. Thank you Lord!

We’ve been somewhat stuck on our base and limited to what ministry work we can do here because Guadeloupe is in the middle of a large oil strike. When we arrived in the airport we saw a bunch of baggage carts that had been destroyed and were blocking the bus park entrance. This happened during a riot, we’ve been asked to remain close to the base until the strike ends. Samuel traveled home the other evening and got stuck there because the roads we closed due to the rioting. It’s just safer to shut down for a week than try and risk getting caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. Please pray for peace and a safe and speedy journey for Samuel. We can’t do a lot of our ministry because of this situation. I think my team is feeling a little useless and stranded. I know God has a purpose for us and we are trying to enjoy the rest and down time God has given us. I was able to take two hour naps two days in a row. I’m thankful for the rest, but I’m ready to see the nation and experience the culture.

We have done a couple things so far. We have been helping maintain the base with yard work and cleaning. We are helping the DTS with work duties. This base is only 20 people including us so we don’t mind doing dishes, it’s so much easier than washing after 60 people like back in Mo Bay. We are also helping with a youth night the team is hosting here. The theme is Hope. Some of us are learning worship songs in French, I’m helping decorate and Tam is giving a devotional. The staff and students are very helpful and kind here. They are really enjoying seeing new people and making new friends. There are so many different languages spoken and interpreted on this base. Some people from Guadeloupe can only speak the French Creole and some English. There are many people from Switzerland who know French and English. There’s a girl from Finland who knows French and English I’m learning the most random parts of different languages. Learning Spanish in high school has really hindered me from reading French I can’t seem to grasp the pronunciation and grammar, I am however realizing I retained a lot of Spanish, so now I want to go to South America, just one more thing on my list of places to go and serve.

This Sunday our team is leading the service at Samuel’s house church. We are doing worship, a message, and performing a drama. It’s crazy that I’m running the service. In outreach everyone has specific rolls. Tam is the accountant she handles our budget and spending. Sandra is in charge of intercession she looks through our notes and creates categories of what God has been speaking to us. Josiah is in charge of Worship (music and creative) Xavier is our meal guy, He makes sure we’re feed and finds cheap places for us to eat when we’re on the road. I am the ministry prep lady. I run all the meetings to prepare us for the upcoming events. I make sure we practice our skits and organize our programs. Our team has been working really well together. We planned a whole Church service in about 25 minutes! It’s been great! Only 8 weeks until I’m home…wow I can’t believe it.
Psalm 145

Busy Time

Wow. I cannot believe that my classroom phase is over. I can't believe I'm leaving more than half of my team for 8 weeks. This next month in a half is going to fly by. We are all so excited. My job on outreach is to head up out ministry prep time. Our group meets twice a week to practice and create skits and its my job to facilitate this time. I get to organize all our performances and direct most of them. I also get to be the first aid lady for the first couple weeks. I'm really happy because my team is traveling together and we get to spend the night in Antigua with the other team. This is going to be our last sleepover/goodbye party! Please pray for my friend Xavier he is tying to get a visa for the trip and he may join us two weeks later. He's having some major difficulties trying to get into Guadeloupe. we know Gods going to work it out, but we have prayer so we can make a change. We would really love for him to be with us when we leave Sunday, so pray hes going! God is so much bigger than this and we know it's possible. I'm starting to pack and feeling like I'm going home. I think its because Christmas is approaching and i expect to be with family. I will be with family, just in a different form. I'm happy to pend this time with them, I'm going to have a totally unexpected and unique Christmas. I'm going to be refreshed and blessed by my team. We've been trying to learn Christmas songs in French. I found this extra hard because I learned Spanish for three semesters and the two are very different.My team keeps calling me Spanish lady because I put on a thick accent when trying to speak French. I know I'll get better, and I know people there will laugh at me, but its ll good I'm 90% sure we get a translator! I also found out we're doing prison ministry. I think this will be a fun challenge, even though I can't speak the language Gods going to do good things.

I had a review this week and my leaders assessed my performance ad growth thus far in DTS, good news... I passed the lecture phase and they feel I'm prepared for outreach. I've also been asked to join staff. I'm taking this into deep consideration. I really wan to go to college and take the school of performing arts, so with all these options please pray for direction and inspiration. I can't wait to see what God does on Outreach and after DTS!!!!

We have been learning about spiritual Warfare and so many of my questions were answered. We are all constantly in warfare. We are either acting in God's Kingdom or we are serving the World. Today I prayed that the spirit of passivity would be removed from myself and my family. I feel like I'm just going through the motions sometimes. I need to be aware and ask myself about what I'm feeling and why I'm treating others the way I do. We also talked about how we can never be Holier than we are once we are saved. yes, we grow in our Knowledge of God, but he doesn't increase our Holiness. You and the person who was saved ten minutes ago are the same amount of Holiness to the Lord. We can be more Holy than the bible or anyone else severing the kingdom. I've realized that I put pressure on things that I think will make me more holy. I have to read my quiet time, I have to read the bible, I have to pray... I should want to do these things and they should happen naturally. I should be eager to hear and learn what God's inheritance is for me.I've fallen into legalism and make myself feel guilty. I've got to change my expectations and trust more. I'm being made new each day and I'm learning so much, I can't believe how different my life is and how different it will be when i get home. I wait with Joy to see home again, and I'm peaceful and ready to serve Him Here and Now.

Live dear friend