It's only been 10 days???

That phrase has been used over and over as our team is reminded just how short the time has been here. We can hardly believe it's been just over a week when it feels as though we've been here for at least a month!

I'm happily living in Hawaii and the travels have been- entertaining, but amazing! Last weekend I spent on the beach, this weekend I worked security for the IronMan World Championships! We have 60 students in my DTS, representing 14 different countries, and everyone of them are Incredible!!! (this is a picture we took last saturday at the beach!)

Everyone has given their testimony and with each story the group dynamics become closer as we allow ourselves to show both vulnerability and boldness with each other. We have spent the last week going from strangers to "Ohana" (family) and I'm not even exaggerating. Lecture also began this week as Ben Nonoa came and taught on "The Heart of the Father." The way that God moved through this past week has been so amazing to everyone. Personally I have felt His favor upon my life in such a deep and astounding way that I can do nothing more but Praise Him.

Something specific that He has done in me the last few days (it's only been 10 days!?) includes grasping my self-worth and truly being able to see myself as He does. Often, in the past few years I have loved and admired people so much that I have in a since, lost myself. I always felt inferior to others because of how incredible each person was and also because I allowed the fact that I'm "young" to keep me from being confident around others. This inferiority, was broken this week- freedom and confidence taking root where once a stronghold was planted.

Everyday we have "work-duty" for 2 hours. Most of the work is campus upkeep, kitchen work, we have a farm so a few get the opportunity to learn "natural farming." I was placed in the Preschool Clean-up crew for a day of orientation, and then God's hand took me somewhere else. As you may know, I have been working as a Research Analyst for the Sex+Money documentary (due to release next spring) for just over a year now. Well it turns out that my building manager is on staff with them and went through loops to both make a place and get me to work with the team here. Honestly, I have no idea how she did this, but I am so honored and blessed to have this opportunity!

Just as in that instance, the favor I am finding with students and staff here floors me. Honestly, it is a bit hard to see where this favor is coming from- I've been here for 10 days and only had any sort of deep conversation with a handful of people here. Ana, the Preschool director, told me that even during registration I made an impression that had some staff talking. -now I say this to in no way boast or be prideful, but simply to show an example of the favor God has placed upon me that even I am trying to understand.

So many stories more to tell, and it's only been 10 days. Everyone feels that we've been here a month with all that has happened. We are bonded at such a deep level and the love of God is coming down so magnificently! I am so excited to spent the next 6 months (at least) with all of them!

Something that I do need to bring up again is the need for financial support. On October 29th (19 days away) I will need to pay $2,500 for the first outreach payment-this is completely covered! Thank you all who have given already! However, there is a second payment due that I will get an exact amount for later. This is based on which country I will be going to and it will be somewhere between $2,500-$3,500. None of this I have yet and it is all due on November 24th. So I am asking again for you to pray about giving to my outreach opportunity. There is a Paypal "Donate" button to the right, and in my post "The Countdown" there are instructions on giving straight to YWAM towards my outreach account. I want to say thank you in advance for taking the time to hear from God and for being obedient in your giving!

Until next time,

Love Always