Intensity

That is what the past three weeks has been full of... absolute intensity. New revelations from God, letting go of our "stuff" and receiving good gifts from Him. There's been this theme of Him tearing down our old walls, breaking the old pottery, taking apart the old paintings and then restoring them to something far better, far more beautiful, something to bring Him glory. Sometimes I feel like I barely have time to breathe before He begins to work on a new area. Sometimes it is during a lecture or during worship that He works on me, but other times it is in my quiet times or in the walks I take. It's like now that I'm here, He finally has me where He wants me and my heart is open and willing to receive what He has for me. I'm not sure what the difference is, all I know is... I cherish my walks with Him. :)

Last night was a new experience for me. Last year, God spoke through a man who came to our church in Texas, that He was sending me to a new place where He was going to place people in my life to help me with my music and that He would use me in music. I automatically assumed that this new place was Ohio, however, obviously that wasn't the case. Now, I'm convinced that place is here. Last week, we were asked who wanted to be on the worship team and my hand involuntarily went up. Well, I did cause it to go up, but not without some serious fear and trepidation. You see, I've never sung on a worship team before. Ever. My experience with music was 4 months of piano and a stint on 2 choirs, one of them being when I was about 6. Last night was my first night on worship and it was awesome! Not because I did all that particularly well at singing (we're our own worst critic right?), but because God used me in some way and it involved music. I'm excited for my next turn!

We are getting ready to go into the 4th week and we've been told that if we can make it through the 4th week, we'll make it to the end. I'm pretty excited to make it to Saturday! We'll be having what is called a Love Feast. I'm still not exactly certain what it is, but I'm looking forward to the celebration! :)

Well, it's time for me to sign off. Thank you for your continued to support! I appreciate it so much!

I Had A Revelation

Tonight, I was walking home from the base, as my house is about a 25 minute walk from where we eat and have class, I can see a new "trouser" size in my future. :-P Anyway, I was briskly walking home with some of my friends and suddenly just looked up and slowed down. I told my friends to head on without me. I have discovered that I have this tendency to walk so quickly, headed towards my objective, that I completely miss what's happening around me. All I see is the pavement in front of me. I miss the kids playing futball in the park, the way the leaves are rustling in the trees, the cute dog that passes with it's owners and all the life happening. The most important thing I miss, is to really see the people and to keep a steady stream of prayer flowing for the area. I don't want to miss opportunities, so I slow down.

This past week has been really good. Some definite growing moments, which translates to hard moments, but some really amazing moments in God. :) I'm really enjoying my team. These are some really amazing people! I'm growing closer to them daily. My roommates are so wonderful. We have so much fun together. The guys that live in my house make me laugh so much (and we all know how much I love to laugh). The staff is great. The team in general is fantastic! This week, our lecturer was the director of a base in South America and his teaching was so good. It made me think so much and stretched me. We talked a lot about the cross and what Christ did for us and the deceit that we allow into our lives. God is in the process of tearing us down to rebuild something even better. It's so exciting! But at the same time, I'm already exhausted. :)

Please continue to pray for finances. Not all of the team has their funds yet. Please pray for health, as sickness is making the rounds. Especially be praying for me, my cold has left me with difficulty breathing. I'm not sure though that it's strictly the congestion. As a child, I had asthma and some of this feels like an asthma onset, and with the pollution in the air here... Anyway, with as much walking as I'm doing, breathing would be nice! :) And be praying for our hearts to be ready for this next week and all the teaching. I appreciate all your support!

In London

I arrived safe and sound early Friday morning and have quickly been swept up into a whirlwind of activity and conversation and walking. Tonight officially begins our DTS and I'm excited to get going. Though I will admit, I am already tired and the idea of 7am every morning doesn't exactly excite me. :) But it will be a great time of learning and serving! I am so excited!

Today we got to tour London some and see the major sights. I have now seen Big Ben and The Eye and various other things. I even got to see the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace! It's been an amazing day full of adventures. I'll try to keep you regularly updated. Please, the most important thing still is prayer covering. I need a strength and to be well. Following a walk in the rain without an umbrella (I forgot mine at home that night), I developed a bit of a cold. Please be praying that my team and myself would be well and open to what God has to teach us. Thanks guys!