NYC 2008

Definitely in the final stretch of Kaleo here. In so many ways it feels like I just got here, nervous and excited all at once. Looking back and trying to verbalize all I have learned, the ways I have grown is a daunting task. The past 12 days I have been in New York City seeing a part of the world I have never seen, being exposed to a way of life that was truly foreign to me. While down there I was reading Philippians and it turned out to be so fitting. I was struck by the verse "to live is Christ and to die is gain". I thought about that a lot, trying to really understand what i means, and watching the Metro staff was an amazing example of what this means. I also was challenged with the verse that says to put the needs of others ahead of your own. I have always found it hard not to be selfish when it comes to serving but watching our team there, as well as the metro staff I was truly challenged to put the needs of others ahead of my own. I got to talk with a little girl whose brother had been stabbed the night before, or have a little girl ask me how my mom beat me. It brought up a lot of questions, why was I so blessed with an amazing family? Seeing where and how they live in the ghetto of New York made me feel truly blessed and so thankful for all God has given me. Seeing the Metro staff live lives of complete surrender and dedication to God's call also has challenged me to fully serve God with every aspect of my life. One of the staff we met Jason wakes up at 6 every morning to pray until 8, serves all day and then comes home and prays at 9:30 at night. I also learned a lot about the body of Christ, meeting the Christian in New York we had an immediate connection. It was really cool also to see how our team came together, although a lot of us came from different groups of friends here at Kaleo we really bonded. It was amazing to see members of our team step out of their comfort zone time and again to serve.

Final Stretch

Just a few short minutes ago I finished what feels like marathon. This past weekend we had two huge theology papers due on Sunday and this morning was our final exam for missions. I know you're thinking I must have had more than just the weekend to do my papers but during the week last week we were in class from 8 until 5, with different activities in the evening such as a movie for the class, fireside and a student run worship night. Being done now I still feel like there is a ton of things I have been putting off such as writting in my general, cleaning my room and a shower will feel great! :D One thing that has become prominent in these last few weeks of Kaleo is time management. It has been an issue all year, but now it seems like the last few weeks I can spend with these friends whom I have grown to love is more important than devotions that I can do anytime, or especially homework. It is hard to find a balance. Today our Kaleo life Leader Amanda is moving away, she will be hugely missed in the program. Although I don't feel as though I have got to know her super well on a personal level I have been so blessed to have had her a part of my Kaleo experience. Whenever she did talk her desire to please God with her life so evident, much more so than most women I have ever known. She is constantly striving to live a life of purity and that too has been something that even from a distance has made an impact on me. Even now knowing how hard it will be and is for her to leave camp I admire her obedience to what God has for her life. This past week I didn't attend church at Warmland but went to church at Lake Cowichan because my friend Jon was preaching. He did such an incredible job. It is really amazing to see how God has changed us this year, and see the difference in my friends lives' and opinions. I am thinking more and more about the end of Kaleo which is quickly approaching. Other than a few brief moments when I feel excited to go out into the world and use this firm foundation upon which I have built my faith I am deeply dreading the end of Kaleo. I definitely don't want to waste a minute of the next six weeks. My missions trip to New York is also quickly approaching and I have barely had time to think of it. I am praying that God will give me an incredible love for the children, and that I can encourage the staff at Metro Ministries.

Final Countdown

Less than two months of Kaleo to go. Thinking of the future, planning this summer as well as next at times can feel overwhelming. At the same time looking back over the last year here and all the areas I've grown and changed realizing Kaleo is ending is insane. There are moments it seems things are spinning out of control, but it is that very feeling that keeps me running to my heavenly father clinging to his promises and looking to Him for guidance. This past Friday at youth we held our biggest event which was a concert featuring a rapper Manafest. We completely sold out of tickets which was amazing and the youth really enjoyed the night. It was a really fun concert. It was cool to see a lot of non Christian kids out having an awesome time. I have been thinking more lately what a privelage it is for me to be representing Jesus to these youth and what a huge opportunity to influence their lives. Today at church I also got to be in the worship band with Russ Smith. Russ is such an awesome leader and cool guy to work with. He is so easy going. Thursday night when we were scheduled to practice the base player was late so I got to have a really cool talk with Russ about leading music at a seeker sensitive church as well as his time as a famous band member in Hockus Pick. Today after church all of us Kaleo students got to eat out for lunch with Pastor Scott and his wife which was sweet just to see their passion for Warmland. We also learned today that Warmland has offered someone a position as the children's pastor. It's continually encouraging to see how Warmland is growing.
One of the coolest things this week was last night Alex, Jordan and Jon and I went out for coffee at Tim Horton's and shared with each other what God has been teaching us lately. The four of us have been best friends the majority of this year but last night was the first time we just talked and shared what God is doing in our lives. It also inspired a really amazing talk between Al and I when we got home about things we've been struggling with and learning which was just so cool. It was definitely a God inspired conversation.
Finally a really amazing God thing this week was on Wednesday night. I got home from reading break and was feeling really hurt, tired and sick, and while I was crying in my room the phone rang. It was my aunty saying she had been unable to sleep and had been up praying for me. Hearing that was just such a "Wow" moment. God is so good and so big!

Exciting Growth

God is doing incredible things at Warmland Community Church. This second semester the whole place seems different. The church has grown incredible since I arrived in Septemeber. Today in children's church there was over 70 kids total. The attendance at church today was over 270, it is so exciting seeing new families starting to come to church and feeling at home. Today we also had our first baptismal service which is really amazing. We are also needing to start new small groups because the one at Pastor Scott's home has over 40 people! Friday night at youth group we had a night full of different competitions, including potato bowling, tast testing chips (which I really enjoyed) :D and we played hot potato. Today in children's church I helped out with crafts and being down there, I have grown to love the kids at Warmland so very much. Right now I'm in the middle of deciding what to do next year. It's hard to discern what are God's ideas for me and what are my ideas. I don't want to make decisions based on where my friends are going, or where seems the most fun, but I really want to find where God wants me. I'm leaning towards education but I don't know if that is just because I loved high school so much, I need to pray a lot about that. The second semester I have really felt God changing my heart and working inside me which has been so incredible. I have been very convicted about the words I use. On a whim I chose Ephesians 4:29 as my new year's resolution, which talks about not using any unwholesome talk but only what is good for building others up. Since then I have been continually challenged with my speech, reading through the gospels where it repeatedly says what comes out of your mouth is a reflection of what's in a persons heart. God Bless!

Foot Fungus

This week has been incredibly busy and draining. Last week we had gospels class with Wes Olmstead who is an amazingly knowledgable and wise proff. The days were really long often going right until supper with one or two breaks through out the day. It was hard to stay focused and try to retain any amount of learning, but there sure was and is a lot to learn! We also had a lot of theology homework to prepare. One of my favorite assignments of the year so far was the psalm we had to write for theology class. I found myself recalling the lines to a lot of songs or psalms and really really meaning them. Lines such as "Change my heart O God" suddenly had a new significance to me. Friday night we had youth group, which the youth really enjoyed. Because warmland takes place in a community center it turned out this Friday it had been rented out for bingo and we were without a building. We turned the lemon into lemonade though and went on a scavenger hunt across town, in the rain. The youth had a great time and one of the new girls came back to church Sunday which was really encouraging. One thing I am concerned about it is at our youth nights we have no devotion or bible study time which I think is really important. Lately I am finding myself really convicted about the words I use, which is something that has never bothered me. Not swears at all but the comments I make and it has been tough, but reading through the gospels definiately added to it. There are so many verses that talk about what comes out of your mouth is what is in your heart. Below is the psalm I wrote for class.

In the midst of the noise and distractions that consume each day
It’s your voice I long to hear
I am searching for you,
Wondering what you want from me
You wait patiently for me to realize
It’s all of me you want
Not portions or leftovers
As a child is completely dependant on their parents
I need you Father
Completely transform my heart
God reveal to me areas that I need to change
May I be your servant
Serving you humbly
With praises in my heart
God fill me with your love
Allow me to love those around me in way that they know it’s you
I gaze out at the infinite sky and am reminded of your grace
I hurt you with my words,
With my selfish actions
And yet you love me
Thank you Father
Your gentleness is displayed in the calm waters
Your power evident in the mountains
I praise you

Cruisin at Kaleo

God is good all the time, and all the time God is good. This week has once again been full of learning. Monday was spent doing a lot of pre course reading for our gospels class which started today. The text book we had to read for class was super interesting and I really enjoyed learning so much more about the history regarding the gospels and Jesus' life. Tuesday we had our second day of theology class, which I was much more prepared for our proff's style of teaching and found the day really interesting. Wednesdasy we got to spend one last day at Mount Washington snowboarding. Every time we go I am in awe of the beauty of God's creation. Thursday and Friday were spent finishing up pre course assignments for the gospels class. Friday my sister came out and I realized how much I have started to take Kaleo for granted and how amazing it is I wake up each morning looking out at the ocean. I take for granted this incredible opportunity for growth and maturing God has given me, but it made me renew my plans to not take any of this for granted. Sunday I got to help out at Warmland with Sunday School again. I love going to church each Sunday and helping out with Sunday School, and it is so powerful to watch Warmland grow so much! This Sunday I was in charge of the games which was really fun. It is also fun to watch my fellow Kaleo students take on new rules, this week Ellie did the devotion and she did such an incredible job!

Missions Fest

"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." Jeremiah 29:11. This has been my favorite verse for as long as I can remember and lately what I wouldn't give to know what God holds in my future. This week after getting our Pentateuch final paper which I wrote on the created differences between males and females. It was a hugely interesting subject to me and I leanred so much, namely that God created men and women equal but distinctly different roles, which were interesting to find out and investigate. Thursday we left for Missions Fest which was awesome! Friday we went to a Hindu Temple and a Muslim Mosque, as much as we were there to learn about the other religions I found I learned a lot more about who God is grew in love for Him. I realized I take God's grace and mercy for granted so often which is something the Hindu and Muslim don't have any of. The Missions fest was amazing seeing the huge need for missions and the passion people for it. I went to one seminar that was a huge call to action for Christians and when I left the room I was really evaluating my faith. Today at Church Dan, Scott and I got to lead Sunday School. I would have to say we were rather unprepared only learning the night before that we were leading Sunday School. I am really starting to enjoy Warmland connecting with the people (children) more each Sunday. It's really cool to be a part of the growth that is happening at Warmland!

Amazing Grace

Semester two is off to a very interesting start for me. Getting back was hard in a lot of ways, I didn't feel ready to leave when the time came to come back. When I did get back everything was different, which I suppose is natural but definitely a hard adjustment. This past week we spent Monday until Friday on beautiful Mount Washington snowboarding, hot tubbing and sharing our hearts with each other. As amazing as snowboarding was my favorite times were 8:30 at night when we would get together and share what God is doing in our lives. Alex shared her testimony which was a huge challenge to the rest of us to have Jesus as enough for us no matter the situation. That is something that has definiately been on my heart, is Jesus completely enough for me? I KNOW in my head that he is enough, but I want it to be more than that. The last night there we each shared our dreams or passions, at first I thought it would be really boring to hear each persons dream, which I was surprised, but once we started sharing I realized what a powerful and awesome time it was. I loved hearing how each persons passion and dream suited them and came from God. I also found myself thinking of so many passions I have that I didn't know I had or had simply forgot about. Sunday morning I got to help out with children's church at Warmland which I love. I lead a small group on a scavenger hunt looking for God in creation. That is one way I know I have changed this year, I have started seeing God everywhere. I see God is creation, and in so many of my fellow Kaleo students which is so amazing!

Kaleo Ministry Jan 08

Hey all!!! Good to be back on beautiful Vancouver Island :D Earlier this week we finished up our first class of the semester Pentateach which was so interesting. I learned so many things I didn't know I didn't know. It has been difficult getting adjusted to it being a new semester. I assumed when I came back things would be the same as when I left but that is simply not the case.
Friday night we had senior high youth group which was a really fun night with a good turn out. We had a ton of different relays which were super fun to bring out a fun side of a lot of the youth. We were well prepared and had a really fun night. Sunday at Warmland was the churches one year anniversary so it's really cool to see how the church has grown in one year. Sunday there was 208 people in attendance and for a town the size of Crofton that is amazing. It's exciting to see what God is doing at Warmland.
I would appreciate prayer for working with the youth that God would give me enthusiasm and genuine love for each of the youth.