enriched (and thankful for peppermint mochas)

Holidays in Maui aren't always exactly the sort we all grew up with. Many folks out here, YWAMers and otherwise, don't have extended family on island... so holidays are often a patchwork of gatherings with friends instead. This puts a unique emphasis on the family of God during this season, and has enriched my perspective on the holidays. I am thankful for my family, even though they are far away- and I am thankful for the family of God, that has enlarged my heart and added a whole chapter to the holiday traditions long held dear.

Out with my staff roommates for holiday drinks at Starbucks on Thanksgiving day:)

Not exactly traditional, but it works- after all, the arrival of Starbucks red cups and holiday drinks are one of the only island wide indicators that its winter- and that the holidays are here!

on the mend

Thank you for your prayers- I have been gradually feeling better (after briefly feeling quite a lot worse).  Tomorrow begins our long weekend for Thanksgiving- more time to rest and try and be in good form for these final two weeks beafore outreach. Thank you for your continued prayers as i recover.

Happy Thanksgiving!

bleh

Been a bit sick the last couple days- sore throat, headache, and zero energy. Bleh. Feels more like the day after being sick than an actual bout of sickness. Anyhow, trying to get some rest this weekend so I can take on the last couple weeks of the course as well as outreach preparations! Thanks for your prayers during this time.

introducing... my Nepal outreach team!

I have finally managed to get a photo of my Fall 2012 outreach team! In the top row is Margrethe from Norway on the left and Kate from Canada on the right; next down is Kyle from the United States on the left, and Anna from Denmark on the right; next to me is Suzy from Scotland, and Alex from Canada. This team is diverse, teachable, eager and committed. I am excited to see how God can use a group like this; young people confident in their call, open to be challenged, and ready to step out of their comfort zones...putting action to the faith they have been cultivating.

Just one month now until our departure- where does the time go!? (I have to not think about it too much or i just want to start screaming.) Its truly crazy how fast this semester has gone by. The Lord has enabled me to stay abreast of all the logistics as well as the relational aspects involved with supporting and mentoring my students... His grace is both remarkable and substantial- praise the Lord!

A month and a week: crazy

Just a month and a week out from outreach- crazy. My students are feeling the weight of the course as they recieve one assignment after another and to them the distance to December looks like a million miles. From my vantage point, however, the distance looks more like a busy Saturday of errands. As if there is very little actual distance to cover, but about a hundred stops to make or  hoops to jump through- and traffic, to boot. Basically, its coming up fast. And though our outlooks differ, ultimately we all use the same adjective: crazy. The next couple weekends have plans-a base outing, a thanksgiving break... then there is basely two more weekends till out trip departure. Like i said: crazy. Its hard to believe I will be able to make all the plans, budgets, etc for both the course and the outreach... while still serving daily/being present with my class. I need continued grace!
I do need grace to diligently do all that has been entrusted to me. And I am confident i will recieve all that I need; this i know: the One who calls also empowers and carries us.

Krispy Kreme: post lecture stealth run

After our evening lecture tonight, we had a staff (& guest speaker) stealth mission to Krispy Kreme, about a ten minute drive away. It was stealth because we didn't have room in the car to fit the students... but we plotted to bring them a box of donuts, so it really wasn't mean at all:)

It was a great end of the week treat, and fun fellowship time with old friends. Praise God for little refreshments. Its always the little things:)

You know its a good time when you get glaze on your hat.