Prayer

Hey everyone!! 

Haven't heard from me in a while and I apologize, I keeping meaning to, but as I've learned: sometimes just having the intentions doesn't mean that it's going to get done so I'm making myself sit just for a moment or two. 

Things have been as they have almost always been basically since the beginning of the program, busy. I don't mind it at all, in fact I quite enjoy it now --- it keeps me, well, busy (I know, I'm just so original in my word choice!) it gives me a glimpse of how reality is and how I desperately need discipline in order to get things done. And to start off the month of February I've decided to do a "1,000". I heard about this through Erin, our Assistant Kaleo leader that some people she knew would do a thousand push-ups in a month, a thousand…(you fill in the blanks). There was one guy who decided to do 1,000 prayers in one month and this was something that peaked my interest, because I know that my prayer life was lacking when it should be the strongest discipline that I have because it's my conversation with God. So I decided that this month of February, the month of missions (We had theology of missions class, we went to missions fest, and are going on a 2 week missions trip in 8 days) I would attempt at this 1,000 prayers in 29 days. And so far I haven't really been super successful (oh dear, my poor intentions!!). However I've come to learn the immense value of prayers and how much more quickly I resort to speaking to God wherever I am - while eating, reading, just getting out of bed, having  a conversation or just doing nothing at all (when I probably should be doing homework or something along those lines…). God has been ever patient with me during this process and He's been gracious in His answer to my prayers. I'm still attempting to reach my goal by the end of the month, but I'm hoping by then that I won't even need to count, because my prayers will never cease. 

As an example of an answered prayer, I know which program I am going to do at Briercrest: Christian Ministry with a concentration in Childhood studies, with a roommate who is going to be doing the exact same program as me which I find to be such an amazing gift and I can't wait… oh how God's work can be so simple but still so wondrous!! As for my summer, I will be coming home - I will not be working full-time as a core staff here at Camp Qwanoes. What lies ahead for my summer, I haven't quite figured out, but I am really looking forward to coming home and being able to see family (including Amy in June!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) and friends. There's a few jobs lined up so I'm just continuing to wait on God and see Him work, because I know He's the only one who will provide. 

I have also mentioned going to on a missions trip in 8 days. I know I haven't spoken much about that due to the fact that I didn't even have much information, but now that it's almost here, I will be heading to Papalote, Mexico (so small you can't find it on Google maps - I tried…it doesn't even exist!! Just kidding!). Our crew, which is 8 people plus our leader are heading down to do who knows what! The schedule is extremely flexible and we are prepared to what is needed, but as of right now I will be leading one children's event (for 50-70 kids), and helping out with two other events that will be happening. We're not building anything because we've learned that Mexicans with a "bigger" or "more expensive" house actually get taxed more, so we will be doing renovations for the locals there. We're going to be staying in a local college that trains young people to be leaders and pastors and working with them to reach out to the community. I am very excited, and though I am not sure what to expect what is going to go on, I know that with whatever happens, God's got it under control - I prefer that idea over the fact of having anyone else in control!

So I'm just asking you to pray for me and my crew which includes: Kathleen, Stacey, Alisha, Michael, Keith, Trevor, Matthew and Bec our leader. Please be praying for safe travel and health. But most importantly please be praying for us as we join in God's mission for His people in Papalote, that we may find delight in whatever we do, that we will be a light while working together as the Body of Christ, showing the love of our Father to those who so desperately need it. Also, please be praying for "lighthouse ministries" (which is the organization that we will be working under while there) as they open up their ministry to us and allow us to come alongside them - please pray that we can be a blessing to them and that God will continue to provide for them in ways that even they cannot comprehend. 


Time is slowly winding down here in the last 2 1/2 months of the program, and I'm looking forward to the last moments that we as a crew have together and relishing in the goodness of God in what He has for me right now through the relationships that I've developed, the lessons that I've learned and the joy that I've experienced. I love it here and I'm so thankful that I didn't miss this opportunity, so thank you to those who have continued to support me throughout my time here - God has definitely used you to speak into my life and I can only just say thanks for everything you've done. 


Guess it's time to get back to paper writing...I just wanted to say thanks :)