A New Adventure with God...YWAM

 

I am excited to share with you that God is leading me on a New Adventure with Him...this time to Kona, Hawaii and then out into the nations. I spent an entire weekend seeking the Lord about this decision to even apply to YWAM (Youth With A Mission). I didn't even share it with many people because I wanted to hear from God alone and be confident that this is the way He was leading me. All weekend, God constantly said "go" and affirmed it in many ways. It was a Tuesday that I stepped out in faith and completed my application to YWAM Kona base, Fire & Fragrance DTS (Discipleship Training School) for the April Quarter. On Thursday I received a call from one of the leaders in YWAM and she asked me some questions and prayed for me. Literally not even five minutes later, I received a letter of acceptance in my email! I was amazed at how quickly this process went for me, and then God reminded me of something...I asked Him to make the process quick so that I could begin fundraising with a little over two months until departure and finances are due. God is SO faithful to hear us and answer our prayers.

I understand many will think I'm crazy, and that's ok. I'm crazy about God and I am so excited to be used by Him to let His faithfulness and provision shine through this. And, I trust Him. I've learned that trusting Him is so much better than worrying. Trust is restful. Worry causes anxiety. God provided the finances for me to go to Ghana when I had no job and no money. In fact, He provided more than I needed. And, that is also because I believed He would as I meditated on Ephesians 3:20 "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us." The scripture God gave me for this new adventure is Philippians 4:19 "And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."

Many of you might be wondering, what is YWAM and how did I come about this decision? Good question! YWAM is a school that equips people to pursue their calling. The way it works is there is a Discipleship Training School (DTS) that has bases (schools) all around the world. The DTS is a 12-week lecture phase and mine will be located at the Kona, Hawaii base. It costs $3,995.00. There are specific DTS's within YWAM and the one I will be attending is called Fire & Fragrance. This DTS is designed to raise up students and release them into the nations of the earth to partner with and plant communities prioritizing worship and intercession and allowing it to flow into outreach fueled by the power of God. Something that caught my attention from this school is the following sentence: The presence of God is the source of all strategy and the power that releases effective outreach. God is searching for a generation that would give themselves whole heartedly to the place of intimate communion, zealous passion, and faith filled obedience. That's totally my heart!!! Fire & Fragrance teaches more specifically on the character and nature of God, hearing the voice of God, how to know and communicate God's Word effectively, Biblical world view, Intercession and spiritual warfare, Worship and prayer, Restoration of the heart and mind, Fellowship with the Holy Spirit, The Power of the Holy Spirit, Revival and reformation, and Missions and evangelism. Following the Lecture phase is Outreach. Within the first two weeks of school, I will find out where I will be doing my Outreach portion of YWAM. The Outreach is 9-weeks missions work, putting into practice what you have learned from the lecture phase. This costs an additional $5,000-$6,000 depending on which country I travel to.To my understanding, students are given a list of countries that their DTS will be going to and through prayer each student goes where God directs them to go.

So, how did my decision to go to YWAM come about?
First, I heard about YWAM a long time ago, before being so interested in missions work. It was always in the back of my mind and I thought about going someday. But, I didn't know when I could fit it into my life. There are so many places I want to go and things I want to do. Secondly, my sister bought me my first book on my Christmas present, a Kindle Fire, that is written by the Founders of YWAM. It's called "Is That Really You, God?" It got me thinking about YWAM more as I read about the story of how the organization came about. Thirdly, I have a friend who recently moved to Kona, HI to be on staff with YWAM as a leader. She has already done DTS once herself and been on staff once as well, so I knew something must be good if it's drawing her back. Talking with her about her journey since she left in January got me thinking about it even more. And so, I started looking into what YWAM is about and looking at the various DTS's they offer starting in April. The Fire & Fragrance one really stood out to me. It was then that I decided to take this idea to God. *During this time, I was doing the Daniel Fast (eating very limited foods- mostly fruits and veggies, nuts, no dairy, no meat, no bread-sorta like vegan, only drinking water and smoothies for liquids) I believe God honored my fast by speaking to me and bringing about this blessing without me even really knowing it was a desire on my heart. I even asked God specifically one night for a dream to make it extremely clear to me what to do and the dream was that I was in Hawaii sitting on a hill looking down on a beautiful sunset. Another part of the dream, someone I trust was speaking prophetically to me and telling me I need to go to Hawaii. She had no idea I was seeking God about this decision.

Since applying for YWAM and getting accepted, it has been quite a journey. I've gone through the ups and downs of life. I've recevied many blessings financially and I've had time periods where no money was coming in and I was discouraged. I had friends question whether or not this was God's will for me. And I experienced a ton of spiritual attack. Despite all of this, I can look back and see that every single piece is part of the process of preparing me to become a Missionary. The lack of funds tested my faith because it made me learn to trust God to provide because He is a good God and "Where He guides, He provides". I had to stand on His word and the Word of God even though there was no evidence that God was providing at this point. (But isn't that faith- living by faith and not by sight?) I knew that God confirmed my decision to go when one person gave a "seed offering" to me and invested immediately when I informed her of this new adventure I was taking with God. My Spirit knew God would provide but my flesh was weak and felt discouraged even to the point of questioning whether or not I heard correctly from God. After this testing period, I restored my trust in God and He began faithfully providing as He said He would. Two women that I didn't give letters to donated online! Checks were slowly coming in the mail and my mentors and their non-profit Christian organization began donating large amounts.

As of now, I have raised a total of $2,506.00!! Praise God. This means I still need $1,489.00 for the Lecture Phase, due in exactly one month, on April 5th. I can't wait to see how God will provide this money. Then I will still need the additional $5-6,000.00 for outreach. Talk about walking by faith! But, I know God is able and I trust Him and I can't wait to share the amazing testimony of how He provides. I find it interesting that each Missions Trip I have been on has increased the amount of time that I have been gone. First, 2 weeks. Second, 5 weeks. Third, 9 weeks (outreach) but 21 weeks total. I'm super excited for what God has in store for me and how He is going to use me in YWAM. Stay tuned for more blogs and updates as I continue pursuing Him, not him.

A special thanks to those of you who have supported me in all of this! I couldn't pursue my calling or go where God leads me without having your financial and prayer support! YOU mean so much to me! Seriously! I can't thank you enough.

For more information on Fire & Fragrance Kona DTS that I will be attending visit this link:

http://uofnkona.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=623&Itemid=748&lang=en

If you'd like to donate online to my trip to YWAM please visit the following site. Donations are tax-deductible! :)

www.supportkatie.myevent.com

RUN.

"Never, Never, Never Quit." Winston Churchill

I keep feeling the Holy Spirit nudge me to go for a run. I hate running and I always have. It's hard and it's not fun. But, I've been complaining to God about how I feel crappy and He keeps reminding me of the obvious- I feel this way because I am not eating healthy and I am not exercising. Of course I am not feeling great because I'm not taking care of my body. God's Word teaches about this exact thing."Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 I am clearly not honoring God with my body when I am eating nothing but sugar and I am not putting in the effort to exercise. No wonder I have felt crappy!

"The difference between perseverance and obstinacy is that one often comes from a strong will, and the other from a strong won't." Henry Ward Beecher

Another reason I believe God is telling me to run is so that I can relate it to my life spiritually and my relationship with Him. The scripture that comes to mind is Hebrews 12:1 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Some days it is easier than others to run the race with perseverance. Some days it's really hard and I feel as though I can't even pick up my feet. On these days, I think of Finding Nemo where they say "Just keep swimming, just keep swimming" and I tell myself "Just keep running, just keep running". :)  But what I discovered yesterday is that I was able to run the race (physically go on a long run) and it wasn't hard at all. I started to question why it wasn't hard and ask God to speak to me. He revealed to me that my physical run yesterday was easy because I was focused on Him and relying on Him to help me complete the run. I wasn't looking to the finish line or feeling as though I wasn't going to make it. Instead, I was simply putting one foot in front of the other. This made me think about the spiritual parallel. Some days it is easy to run the race with perseverance that God has marked out for me. Other days I feel like I'm falling apart and I can't even move. I don't even want to continue running. I have no desire to persevere. In both cases, God is faithful to help me. The days that are hard and I feel like giving up, He gives me the strength to endure and press on, no matter how short of a distance I go that day, He is still there by my side. The days that are easy, I realize that I am fixing my eyes on Him and thankful He is helping me. Another thing I thought about is that in my weakness He is strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says "for my power is made perfect in weakness." This was Jesus speaking to His people. Running is a weakness of mine, but yesterday God's power was made perfect in my weakness when I was able to run farther than normal and complete the run with perseverance. God showed me that when I am weak, I can pull from His strength and my weakness will shine.

"Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something that this thing must be attained." Marie Curie

The study notes from my Bible said the following about the Hebrews verse:
Long distance runners work hard to build endurance and strength. On race day, their clothes are lightweight and their bodies lean. To run the race that God has set before us, we must also strip off the excess weight that slows us down. How can we do that? (1) Choose friends who are also committed to the race. Wrong friends will have values and activities that may deter you from the course. Much of your own weight may result from the crowd you run with. Make wise choices. (2) Drop certain activities. That is, for you at this time, these may be weight. Try dropping them for a while; then check the results in your life. (3) Get help for addictions that disable you. If you have a secret "weight" such as pornography, gambling, or alcohol, admit your need and get help today.

Another point God has been making to me when I do go for a run is that exercising builds and strengthens my physical muscles. Therefore, when I'm not running, I'm not building and strengthening my physical muscles. The Lord was bringing to my attention that it is easier for me to run the race with perseverance spiritually rather than physically. I don't mind stepping out in faith and I love growing in my walk with God, so I willingly run. (most of the time...see previous blog on endurance...it's not always easy to run spiritually) He showed me that I exercise my faith muscles often, but I rarely exercise my physical muscles. This is another reason why I have decided to run and asked God to help me stick to this whole physical running thing. :)

God also reminded me while I was running of a word a friend of mine gave me before I went to Ghana. It said "Don't look up from where God has you" This spoke to me because it reminded me that right now, I'm exactly where God wants me to be. I'm learning what He wants me to learn. I'm growing. I'm being stretched. I'm blessed. I'm me. And, I must embrace it and not look up from where God has me, because I won't ever be able to go back to today or this season that God has me in. I need to enjoy every single moment.

So, I encourage you today. If you are a believer, run the race God has set before YOU. And remember, your race won't be the same as your neighbors. Your race won't be the same as your mom or dad's. Your race won't be the same as your best friend's. Your race won't be the same as anybody else because your race is your race. God has a unique purpose for your life and it won't be like anybody else so don't focus on his or her race or even what you think your race should be. Don't even compare the pace that others are running because I believe that, too, can distract you from running your race. Your job is to evaluate the path you are on with God, and assess whether or not you are running the race with perseverance that He has marked out for YOU. It is your job to take one step after the other. It is your job to run even when it is hard. And I encourage you to Never Give Up. I got this thing (see picture below) when I finished my teaching credentials and graduated from College because it reminded me of how I never gave up. God was my helper and I was able to receive what I needed to teach because of my perseverance and reliance on God.



"We are made to persist. That's how we find out who we are." Tobias Woloff

Endure Hardship

This past week has been one of the roughest weeks of my life. The Lord keeps bringing to mind this whole idea of enduring hardship. To be honest, I am very blessed. Sure, I've had struggles in my life before and my family isn't perfect, but last week was the first time in my life that I was truly undergoing hardship. I want to share with you some things that Lord has taught me as I've learned to endure hardship. 

The teacher in me likes to look up the definitions of things and it also helps me, too. I found these definitions from the back of my Bible in the concordance.

Endure: the ability to withstand hardship or adversity; to carry on despite suffering

Hardship: difficult or tough experiences

"But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry." 2 Timothy 4:5

"Endure hardship, as discipline; God is treating you as his children...No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces are harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:7, 11

In the past, I've gone through various hardships, but it's been nothing like this past week. Have you heard the saying "When it rains, it pours"? It has been like that for me. One thing after another. I was feeling very discouraged, upset, and angry. Even praying seemed to take a lot of effort so I didn't do it very often. Instead, I cried, talked through things with others, and reached out for prayer. One moment I was strong and the next I was falling apart. I woke up wondering how I was going to even make it through the day. (By God's grace and supernatural strength, I made it through the entire week)

*Listen to "Never Let Go" by David Crowder Band (youtube video wasn't uploading)

Without going into too much detail, I will share a little bit about what I was going through that felt so overwhelming. Keep in mind, each of us are different, so what I feel is overwhelming, you may think that's nothing or question my hardships, but for me, what I'm about to share has truly been difficult for me. I experienced opposition about my decision to go to YWAM in April. This has happened a couple of times and I know that I know that I know that I'm supposed to go because I heard very clearly from God, but it's been difficult hearing from others, even those that I'm close to, that maybe this isn't God's will for me. (It all worked out for the good- Romans 8:28, don't worry) I've been lacking the funds I need in order to go to YWAM in April. This has been a test of my faith because I know God said go, yet the evidence of my finances is questioning that. However, we live by faith, not by sight, and God is faithful, so I know He will provide. In His timing, however He chooses, which most likely won't be the way in which I thought the funds would come in. *Read more about this in a future blog about YWAM. God has called me to be a Missionary, which means I'll be asking for money and living off of other people's support financially. This has been a challenge to accept because if you know me, you know I feel bad really easily and I feel bad constantly asking people for financial support. *Further details in a blog about YWAM or It's All Part of the Process. There is a personal thing going on in my family that is taking a toll on the entire family. This is difficult and bad timing as I've got plenty of other things on my plate (at least it felt that way earlier this week) and it's not an easy thing to be going through.

Through all of this hardship and a really rough week, God has taught me many different things that I hope you can take with you as you do your best to endure hardship. I've learned that when hardship comes, I must endure it. I spent a majority of the week not enduring these hardships and I got nowhere but down in the dumps. I was tired of just trying to make it through the day and feeling so discouraged. And in addition to that, I was bringing others down with me. It felt like a pity party. I've also learned that I turn to others instead of Him. One time a friend of mine expressed something to me about how I have so many mentors. The Lord has truly blessed me with amazing women of God and mentors, and I love each of them so much, but this can also be a weakness. Having lots of mentors hasn't always been a plus for me. It has meant that I always have someone to text or call, and if one person isn't available, most likely the other person is available. I've always had someone to lean on and call upon for encouragement and support. However, more often than not, I turn to these people and not to God. My friend, on the other hand, only has had God to turn to, therefore it is evident in her solid relationship with Him as she doesn't rely on others but on God. Thankfully, God is teaching me this right now. He has also told me that what others have to offer me won't satisfy what I'm looking for because only He can offer what I need the most. When I rely on Him rather than others to help me endure hardship and give me what I need, I am stronger. What He offers me is so much greater than what anyone else can give. (Don't get me wrong- asking for prayer is important, but this is different because I'm referring to a continual reliance on others for prayer rather than simply praying yourself) An ex-boyfriend of mine said something similar to that. He didn't like to pray for someone else if he knew they weren't praying for themselves. In other words, the person needing the prayer must be praying alongside the people who are praying for him/her. The Lord showed me that I've been that person- reaching out for prayer and expecting to get better, but the whole time I wasn't putting in the effort and doing my part to pray. I wasn't connected to the vine so I wasn't bearing any fruit. (See John 15) I wasn't praying or reading my Bible (two disciplines that keep me connected to the vine) and it was evident in my life. The Lord also told me to Strengthen myself in the Lord. He reminded me that I can't always rely on others to lift me up, but I must strengthen myself in Him so that I am strong and able to endure hardship. Lastly, God showed me that I am not the only one who is experiencing hardship in their lives. This knowledge helped me take the eyes off of myself and the pity party and put my eyes on Him. I realized that it's not all about me and life does have to go on. Therefore, I must pick up my head and hold on through the hardship. God told me that this probably won't be the only time that I will need to endure hardship. And next time it might be worse. But take heart, because He has overcome the world and He is with me. I am not alone.

*Listen to the song "You Carry Me to the Cross" by Kutless (youtube videos weren't uploading)

So, you might be wondering, how did I get to a place in the midst of all this hardship to hear from God and be encouraged in all of this. Well, I remained attentive to God's voice and recognized that I didn't want to continue walking in discouragement. On Thursday morning (it took me at least a few days to get to this place), I woke up early to spend time with God. He spoke so clearly to me and really encouraged me through His Word. I also continued throughout the week, to meditate on the following scriptures, even when I didn't feel like it. Instead of worrying, I'd say the scripture in my head and be encouraged knowing that God's heart for me is good things.

"For we are hard-pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed but not in despair; persecuted but not abandoned; struck down but not destroyed." 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and self-controlled. Your enemy the devil prowls around looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen." 1 Peter 5:6-11

"Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance,;perseverance, character; character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." Romans 5:3-4

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12

"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul." Hebrews 6:19

*Listen to "My Hope is in You" by Aaron Shust

"let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful." Hebrews 10:22-23

"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1

"And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek Him." Hebrews 11:6
*Listen to the song "Stronger" by Mandisa
Another thing that helped me was something that my mentor said. She said that I may move past this feeling of being overwhelmed, but it may come back. But, if I do feel overwhelmed again, I need to keep on keepin' on. (This was on Sunday, prior to the family situation so it definitely got more overwhelming) She also told me that because I have 5 weeks until I leave for Israel, then I'm gone for 2 weeks, come back for 1 week, and leave to Hawaii for 6 months, I need to be very intentional and purposeful with my time and fundraising in the next five weeks. I need to know that I can't do everything, but to do what I can do. On Saturday night at His Hands and Feet Christian Ministry (HHFCM), I was given a word from someone that said patience but action. I learned that I can wait on the Lord and still take action. A person on staff with YWAM that I spoke with on Monday said the founder of the organization, Loren Cunningham, always says, "We believe God for the impossible and we do the possible". This definitely went right along with what I was learning in regards to trusting in the Lord for finances for YWAM. And it also tied in with the fact that I am responsible for doing my part. And so, I continue to endure hardship, but I do so with the joy of the Lord as He has taught me so many great lessons through this all that I can carry on through the rest of my life.


"You can't change your circumstances, but you can change in the midst of your circumstances."

Always

Always is a song that I have come to really like since my trip to Ghana. It is by Kristian Stanfill. The first time I was introduced to this song was at Ghana Team Meetings prior to my trip. I will never forget when we were in NY at a different airport because our plane was delayed due to weather conditions and we were singing the lyrics "Oh my God, He will not delay". haha. Anyways, here are the lyrics and the video from youtube. I hope you are blessed by it just as much as I am!

My foes are many, they rise against me
But I will hold my ground
I will not fear the war, I will not fear the storm
My help is on the way, my help is on the way

Oh, my God, He will not delay
My refuge and strength always
I will not fear, His promise is true
My God will come through always, always

Troubles surround me, chaos abounding
My soul will rest in You
I will not fear the war, I will not fear the storm
My help is on the way, my help is on the way

Oh, my God, He will not delay
My refuge and strength always
I will not fear, His promise is true
My God will come through always, always

I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord
I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord
I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord
I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord
From You Lord, from You Lord

Oh, my God, He will not delay
My refuge and strength always
I will not fear, His promise is true
My God will come through always, always

Oh, my God, He will not delay

My refuge and strength always, always

Remember today and each day that God is with you always and He is there to help you with whatever it is that you are going through. We serve such a good God!

When God brought Africa to me...

*I know this blog is quite long in length, so I understand if you don't read it all. If you choose not to read it all, I suggest you at least watch the 4th, 5th, and last video. You will be blessed.

Last week, God brought Africa to me when a friend invited me to hear an Africa Children's Choir sing at Marnatha Chapel. Little did I know, I would love it so much that I would go back to hear it again...and again!  It was nothing short of amazing. I felt like such a creeper, showing up at various churches that I don't normally attend and watching them perform. haha. I will do my best to describe all the emotions I felt, and the impact the people of Africa have on me, but sometimes it's simply unexplainable. I know God has something in store for me that entails Africa in the future. I dream of starting an Orphanage out there one day. A place where people who say "I would love to go to Africa some day" can actually go and experience the culture and joy. Along my journey to and from Africa twice,  I've encountered at least a handful of people who have said such a thing  and triggered this idea in my mind. The people there are amazing, but most of all, I love their hearts for the Lord- which are genuine, true, and God-centered. Times like this really cause me to ponder more about God's future plans for me and Africa. I really think that my deep desire to dance and worship with them must mean something. There is just something about those Africans that catches my heart every time. I want to be around them. I can't stop smiling and stay in their presence as long as possible.I love their accents, too. My favorite part of being in Africa was the praise and worship music as well as the dancing. Recently, the Lord blessed me with another opportunity to enjoy Africa..this time without physically going there! :) He always knows what we need most, and loves to spoil us! A dose of Africa in the states is just what I needed. Thank you, God! 

Before I show you a glimpse of this choir via videos, I would like to clarify something. I know many of you may think I'm crazy. Why would Katie talk so highly of Africa and the people in Africa when she struggled so much both times she went to Africa? I can understand why you'd feel this way and I apologize for giving you this perception. Even though it was challenging for me and I didn't quite do so well being so far from family and friends, the fact is that the people remain the same in this culture. So genuine, so loving, so welcoming, so joyful. They have nothing, yet they love Jesus with everything they do have and thank Him even in the midst of troubles. Now that's Biblical! "Give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:23 I also can see where you'd get that perspective because when I'm in Africa, I miss home. When I'm home, I miss Africa. And all of you get to hear about it. It must be confusing! 

However, each time I've returned home, it has taken less and less time for me to be open to the idea of returning to Africa. There's just a special place in my heart for Africa and it's indescribable. Maybe one day, when my dream is fulfilled, you can come and visit the Orphanage the Lord provides for me to open in Africa and experience firsthand what I am talking about.  :) I know I am called to go back and do more, but I believe there is more equipping and preparation that needs to happen before I go back to Africa. I believe God has big plans in store for me that involve Africa. And I believe that while I'm waiting for God's perfect timing for my return to Africa, along will come that special someone who will join forces with me as I pursue my dream.

Here are some video clips and photos from the Watoto Africa Children's Choir, from Uganda:

(Down in Africa- The opening song of the Watoto African Children's Choir at Maranatha Chapel, 2011)

(Hallelujah Watoto Style- so much fun!)

(SHINE- This is one of my favorite songs)

(Lord, I Need You- This is my FAVORITE song and video!)

(I Am Not Forgotten- Another fun one!)

After watching the Watoto Children's Choir sing three times, I walked away with some new friends: Paula, Hellen, and Moses. 



The first time I saw Watoto perform, I kept going back to the merchandise table to this same woman. Her name is Paula. She is beautiful and was very sweet to me. She oversees the Tour 50 for Watoto Children's Choir. She was kind enough to get sweet Hellen, my next friend, from backstage, so that I could meet her. At the second show, I was purchasing a necklace, and I asked her if she remembered me. She said she kept thinking "I know this face" but she wasn't sure and was going to ask me. I told her Teacher Katie, and she said Oh, yessss. :) At the third show, she recognized me immediately and was delighted to see me and receive this photo that I printed and gave to her. When sweet Hellen and I walked up to her, she said "I see somebody found Teacher Katie" :)

 

After the first show, Paula was kind enough to go and get a little girl named Hellen for me from backstage so that I could meet her. Helen spoke on stage saying that she had been with Watoto for only 1 year and she is 8 years old. Helen said that she would like to be a Teacher. This melted my heart, of course, and I wanted to meet her and encourage this precious girl on her journey to becoming a Teacher. I had given Helen's chaperon a piece of paper with Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" on it and a note from me: To: Helen Love: Katie from America (Teacher) You can do it! After the second show, I asked Helen if she recognized me and she shook her head no. Then I told her, I'm Teacher Katie, and she smiled and remembered. The third show, she was joyful yet again and especially so when I gave her this photo of us. She was so excited to go show "Auntie Paula" as we walked into the sanctuary to find her. I can still picture the moment I gave this photo to Hellen and the immense joy in her face and the glow in her eyes. She lit up. It was so precious. I wanted to take her home or travel with them. I really hope to connect with her again one day.

 

The third friend I made is named Moses. He is 13 years old. At the second show (left), I went to the sponsorship table during my lingering. I noticed someone was sponsoring sweet Hellen. I was thankful. Having been touched by these children and people in Watoto, I wanted to support someone. I asked the woman if everybody in Watoto 50 tour had been sponsored. She informed me that she only had one child left who had not yet been sponsored by somebody. His name is Moses. I looked over his card, read it, and thought, I must sponsor him! God will provide the money I need each month for him. So, after doing the transaction and filling out the paperwork, the woman went to get Moses so that I could meet him! (At this time, I didn't know I would be back to the night show that same day) At the evening show (right) he recognized me and you can see the joy in his face as we reunited. I told him I would write to him. I told him that I gave Hellen a photo but I asked that we take a photo with my camera so that I could send him one when he returns to Uganda.

The following is a video of Hellen and Moses during the show. I apologize that it is sideways. The important part is the words they are saying. The evening shows are different than the morning, so after I sponsored Moses in the morning, I learned that he also had a speaking part that evening and was excited to catch it on video! 



During the show, I cried a lot. I can't even describe why to be honest. I just think God created a big piece of my heart for Africa. And when He brings moments like this where I get to be in the presence of people who are from Africa, along with all of the above I described that I love, I can't help but cry. I cry to know many people are suffering out there. I cry knowing that God has something big in store for me that involves this beautiful country and these beautiful people. I cry because part of my heart is created for Africa. I am called to go. "For you did not choose me but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last." John 15:14 For Christians, it's like when you find your calling and God's perfect will for you and you are in it the center of it. When you find what God has created you for, and you are in any sort of nearness to it, it's simply amazing. I can't wait to see what God has in store for me as He is clearly preparing me for it now.

I know to some of you this may seem strange. You might think to yourself, So, this Katie girl, she goes to Africa, gets homesick even with a group of people and comes home after two weeks. Goes back to a different part of Africa, stays longer, gets homesick again, comes back sooner than planned, and still wants to go back. She's crazy! What does she even like about it? It sure seems to me like she's miserable. Well, you're right. It probably looks that way on the outside, but on the inside my heart is burning for Africa. I long to go back, no matter how many challenging things I face every time that I am there. This time though, since having returned, I know that I cannot go back alone unless it is for a short time to the Orphanage I lived at last summer. I need a friend or a life partner to return with me. And I believe God is bringing him to me soon. I just can't get enough of Africa.

So, what's next? Good question. A trip to Israel to see and walk through the places that Jesus walked and talked. I am in a season of solidifying my faith in God and getting to know Jesus more. I believe Israel will be a great conclusion to this significant season by giving me the opportunity to physically be where this man I am pursuing lived and walked thousands of years ago. It does not mean my relationship with God or pursuit of Him will end, just that my season of really solidifying my faith through studying the Word like never before, praying, and strengthening my relationship will end. I will have a better grip of my faith and who Jesus is and why I choose to pursue Him at that point. And although I do not know where in Africa I will go next, or even when, I do know that I made some new friends from Uganda and I would love to go visit the Watoto Village in Kampala, Uganda someday.

HEY!



*Some extra videos from youtube I found of songs that I didn't record are featured below for those who enjoy the videos :)

The Fruit of Silence

Begin with Silence was the name of one of my devotionals yesterday. It came from the devotional book titled "Take My Heart, Oh God" by Sarah Young, which entail Riches from the Greatest Christian Women Writers of All Times. Each day, Sarah begins with a quote from someone and today's quote was from Mother Teresa. It brought me back to the words I had seen walking one day with a friend. I took pictures because I thought it was so neat that someone wrote these sweet things to brighten someone's day and I never posted them. So, here they are:



The Fruit of Silence is Prayer.



The Fruit of Prayer is Faith.



The Fruit of Faith is Love.





The Fruit of Love is Service.



The Fruit of Service  is Peace.

"The fruit of silence is PRAYER. The fruit of prayer is FAITH. The fruit of faith is LOVE. The fruit of love is SERVICE. The fruit of service is SILENCE." Mother Teresa

Directly from the devotional:

Tending to the needs of the sick, the suffering, and the dying, Mother Teresa shared the light of Christ with the world. She practiced five simple steps in her life, steps that led to peace. Each step builds upon the previous step, and so step one is vital- the need for us to find a place of silence in order to commune with God.

Silence allows us to open our hearts to God, who longs for us to turn to him. This followed by prayer, where we share our concerns with God. Prayer leads to faith, which wells up our hearts as confident trust in our Savior. The reassurance allows us to embrace others with kindness and to serve them. That kind of service brings peace. Like falling back onto a scrumptious featherbed, God's peace enfolds us to bring us in silence back to him, to begin the cycle again.

"The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever." Isaiah 32:17



If you have Peace, give some to someone who nees it!



A Day of Thankfulness





Happy Belated Thanksgiving!! :) Thanksgiving is A Day of Thankfulness. A day to be with family and friends. A day to eat lots of food. A day of giving thanks.

*I began this blog on Thanksgiving morning, attempting to count my blessings and recognize what and who I am thankful for, yet my day did not go as I had expected and this blog was incomplete Thanksgiving Day.

I have to admit and confess: I was quite the opposite of thankful on the day of Thanksgiving and those to follow.  I am embarrassed to admit this, however it is the truth. My family can testify that I was not being myself, I was "out of it", quiet, and irritated. And, why was this? Good question! Looking back, I believe it was because I was "in a rut", focused on myself, and worried about many things. I allowed my self-centerdness to affect how thankful I was on A Day of Thanks. Wow! This is not an easy thing to admit, but I know I could not have been the only one who wasn't thankful on thanksgiving, or who was irritated somehow, focusing on myself. How could it be that we are given one day a year to be thankful and I blew it. That leads me to something I can be thankful for...God's grace and a new start, everyday. It took me a few days to "snap out of it" as some may call, but I believe that it took me some time to "Strengthen myself in the Lord" and be humbled in the process as I recognized my selfishness and chose to change my attitude so that it aligned with Christ's. The day following Thanksgiving, I did my best to be Christ-like as I spent time in God's word at a nearby Starbucks. God urged me to read Philippians 2, which states as follows:

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests, but to each of you to the interests of others." Philippians 2:3-4

"In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset/ attitude as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death-even death on a cross!" Philippians 2:5-8

"Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, "children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation." Philippians 2:14-15

*The entire chapter 2 of Philippians is very good and if you're looking for a short read in general, the entire book of Philippians is only 4 chapters, but it is very profound!

And so, here is the post that I began on the Day of Thanks...

What if today you only have what you were thankful for yesterday? 

A friend recently shared this with me and I thought to myself...some days I might have nothing if this were true. Other days I'd have a lot. And when I sit down and reflect on how thankful I really am, I find out I'm not a very thankful person. I don't know about you, but I am first of all thankful for one day every year to be reminded to be thankful.

The Bible talks being thankful in many different places, yet somehow, I still manage to forget to be thankful everyday. What about you? Do you start your day off with thanksgiving? Let's be reminded of the following Scriptures and do the best we can to become more thankful people. Why should we only be thankful one day each year? According to the quote above, we'd have nothing except for the day after Thanksgiving.

The Bible defines THANK(FUL)(FULNESS)(S)(GIVING) as to express gratitude or appreciation

"Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song." Psalm 95:2

"Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name." Psalm 100:4

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, His love endures forever." Psalm 136:1

""The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said..." 1 Corinthians 11:23-24

"I thank my God every time I remember you." Philippians 1:3

*Here is where I left off and I pick up again...

After reflecting on this Day of Thanks I realize that everyday is an opportunity to be thankful. I have actually been much more thankful since Sunday, when I strengthened myself in the Lord and acted on His word. I am currently reading the Jesus Calling Devotional book by Sarah Young and the past week or so has been about thankfulness. She writes from God's perspective writing to us. Here are some words that she shared in her devotional that stuck out to me...

Every time you thank Me, you acknowledge that I am your Lord and Provider. This is the proper stance for a child of God: receiving with thanksgiving.

Let thankfulness rule in your heart. As you thank Me for blessings in your life, a marvelous thing happens. It is as if scales fall off your eyes, enabling you to see more and more of My glorious riches.

A life of praise and thankfulness becomes a life filled with miracles. Instead of trying to be in control, you focus on Me and what I am doing. This is the power of praise: centering your entire being in Me. This is how I created you to live, for I made you in My own image. Enjoy abundant life by overflowing with praise and thankfulness.

Walk with Me along the high road of thanksgiving, and you will find all the delights I have made ready to you.

To protect your thankfulness, you must remember that you reside in a fallen world, where blessings and sorrows intermingle freely. Neglecting the practice of giving thanks has darkened their minds. How precious are My children who remember to thank Me at all times. They can walk through the darkest days with Joy in their hearts because they know that the Light of My Presence is still shining on them.

Thank Me frequently as you journey though today. This practice makes it possible to pray without ceasing, as the apostle Paul taught. If you are serious about learning to pray continually, the best approach is to thank Me in every situation. These thankful prayers will provide a solid foundation on which you can build all your other prayers. Moreover, a grateful attitude makes it easier for you to communicate with me.

When your mind is occupied with thanking Me, you have no time for worrying or complaining. If you practice thankfulness consistently, negative thought patterns will gradually grow weaker and weaker. Draw near to Me with a grateful heart, and My Presence will fill you with Joy and Peace.

Thankfulness takes the sting out of adversity. That is why I have instructed you to give thanks for everything. There is an element of mystery in this transaction: You give Me thanks (regardless of your feelings), and I give you Joy (regardless of your circumstances). This is a spiritual act of obedience- at times, blind obedience. To people who don't know Me intimately, it can seem irrational and even impossible to thank Me for heartrending hardships.

Thankfulness opens your heart to My Presence and your mind to My thoughts. You may still be in the same place, with the same set of circumstances, but it is as if a light has been switched on, enabling you to see it from My perspective.

May you understand that even in the midst of pursuing Him, there are times you may not feel thankful. I mean, look at me, someone pursuing Him with all she has, and is not thankful on the most thankful day of the year. This has to show you that I'm not perfect, Christians aren't perfect. But we can learn from our experiences and for me this thanksgiving it was that I need to be thankful daily, not just one day every year. I encourage you to be thankful more often. We have so much to be thankful for, it's not that hard if you look around. Just begin professing it and watch how God transforms you through the process.