Week Two - A week of festivities

Am-Among Festival

The Am-among Festival is a celebration unique to Bontoc. It celebrates the local tribes' heritages through dance and other celebrations. It takes place every September 16, celebrating rest after rice fields have been planted.

This was a great way to begin to experience local culture and appreciate their heritage. For the more traditional experience, there were parades and indigenous dances. On the more "modern" side was "Bontoc Got Talent" and a dog show! 

For more local information about Am-among, you can visit:

a description of the festival and ministry from our missionary hosts or a Filipino's collection of pictures from this year's festival

Here we are, taking part in the festivities

by watching dances

jumping rope (made of rubber bands!)

or giving water away!

Following our missionary hosts' idea, we took this time to share free water bottles, with labels that told the recipients this was a free gift, like God's free gift of salvation.

Love Feast and Birthdays

As a tradition, YWAM bases often gather once a month/quarter to celebrate God's blessings together in a "Love Feast". Our team was honored to be a part of YWAM Mountain Province's September Love Feast, where we watched, then participated in indigenous dances, enjoyed tasty food, and even celebrated our September birthdays. Thank you, YWAM Mountain Province, for your hospitality!

Bummer Turned Blessing
If you saw my post "8 weeks of outreach", you saw our team passed around two rounds of sickness. The first hit this weekend, and though we had to reschedule a visit to Can-eo, we had enough people well to do "team church" in the hall of the hotel. This time was a blessing for me, as one of our team members reminded us to "walk humbly" before each other. We started the practice of "Matthew 18", in other words, allowing God to show us if we needed to approach others for forgiveness, or to forgive them. I believe quieting ourselves each day together to do this was an important aspect of team unity.

 

It's about the heart

Exodus 23:20 - "Behold, I send an angel before you to guard you on the way and to bring you to the place that I have prepared."

Through our "team church", Exodus 23:20, and some others that the YWAM Salem base had written during intercession (a specific time of prayer for me and the team), God reminded me something He's been working on me for the past couple years: It's about the heart! We can have the best-laid human plans, but HE has prepared the way we should go, He is faithful to bring that plan to completion, and MY job is to present myself humbly before Him and respond to the grace He's given me.

For this two month season, that was to relax :) , seek Him daily, and support my team in their growth and struggles.

A blessed birthday
A new tradition for me in YWAM is spending my birthday overseas! As a part of Crossroads DTS at YWAM Salem, our outreach will always include that special day in the middle of September!  This year it started with hugs and greetings from my team members at our team meal times, and included watching children, a prayer walk in the barangay of Samoki, and an important trip to my favorite pastry shop, Evelyn's, for a doughnut and coke. I don't know why, but those simple pastries were my favorites! And a huge thanks to Lisa, who introduced our team to "popcorn cakes" for my birthday. They were great!!

Decisions
Often when I get overwhelmed, I start to distance myself from everyone. I realized while journaling during this first week that I was doing this, and that my comments were all about myself. :( At this point, I decided I needed to make a conscious decision to praise God, and that I did. I needed to remind myself: He is worthy of praise, no matter our circumstances or feelings!

Lastly, God spoke to me this week through I Corinthians 1:17:

For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.

He was reminding me at this moment that I didn't have to have all the right answers or know exactly what I was doing here. But my "mission" was to bring Truth to those I was with, and let GOD do HIS part.

Blessings, thank you for your patience for this post, and next....Week 3!!

Week One

Getting there

   15 hours of flights (Portland-Seattle-Seoul-Manila)

+ several hours layovers

+ 14 hours bus rides

+ a little sleep and shopping 

= 3 days later, arrival in Bontoc, Mountain Province, Philippines!



Midnight bus rides



Thank you, God, for smooth travel to the Philippines!

This week was primarily spent in travel, and getting used to our new home for two months. Our team began ministering Monday morning with government officials, a regular Monday morning occurance. What a blessing, to share God's truths freely within the government!

How many days in the same clothes?! ;)
Feet on solid ground = a great feeling!

My personal journey

Journal glimpse, Sept 11

I'm not sure what I was expecting for my arrival here, but am glad to be here. Learning to lead in these team dynamics...is something I know You've called me to, but I need so much help doing. I tend to push through, not paying attention that I should to my physical or emotional health. I want to lead by example, and so [in the past] I don't give myself rest. What a poor example that is!

God, would you light my heart with a new passion?

Help me to see the truth of situations, the way you would have me see them.

God gave me wisdom and encouragement this day in the form of John 1:9, talking about Jesus' example:

That was the true Light which gives light to every man who comes into the world."

And He's given this Light to our path for you, for me, for every circumstance as we walk through life with Him!

Figuring out my "place leading this team took some time. I had a relationship with the kids, spending about 30+ hours/week with them June-Sept, but moments with their parents, our outreach adults, had been much shorter. This is part of why I wondered how to lead and why He had me with this group in the Philippines.

Over the next two months, God was faithful to show me John 1:9 personally -- giving Light to me as He promised in only ways that He could.

The look on her face was a little how I felt, not knowing what God had me there for. :)
~Bonding in close quarters~

Our team!

Next entry:

Week 2!

Eight weeks of outreach

Our students created a song (to the tune of "12 days of Christmas") that summed up some of the more quirky parts of the trip. I didn't record it, so the written version will have to do! For best effect, sing it yourself and repeat the "verses" before. :)


On the first week of outreach in the Philippines, 
we saw caribao poop everywhere.



On the second week of outreach in the Philippines,
we had two flu bugs...

On the third week of outreach in the Philippines,
we had three typhoons...

On the fourth week of outreach in the Philippines,
we had 4 bumpy bus rides...



On the fifth week of outreach in the Philippines,
five fell off a path...

 

On the sixth week of outreach in the Philippines,
we fit six in a trike!

 

On the seventh week of outreach in the Philippines,
he drank seven dews a day...
(maybe an exaggeration ;))

On the eighth week of outreach in the Philippines,
we rode eight on top a jeepney...

Next entry...

Week One!

Catching up...



First weekend home. You can't tell, but it's the most tan I'll be! ;)



Home

Home is so many places now. Kansas is a forever home, I now often introduce myself from Oregon when overseas, and, well, the Philippines felt like home too. I've now been back in Oregon-home for two weeks and recuperated from jet-lag! The first week back was spent debriefing with students--Good times sharing with each other what God's done in our lives and the Philippines.

December will take me to Kansas-home. I should arrive around Dec. 5.  I will be sharing what God has been doing in Salem, OR and the Philippines through your support.  I'm also returning to continue my part of asking others to join me financially and in prayer in the work God has called me to.  I look forward to catching up with you and hearing how you've been doing. And of course, I'll spend some treasured time with friends and family during the holidays.

Catching up

So now I'd like to take you on a brief ride of the past few months in the Philippines. I'm going to try and capture a week per day. So grab a seat and a computer and hold on for the ride!

Airport train...almost home!
Hold on for the ride!

Can-eo

Greetings after a weekend visit to Can-eo (pronounced can - EW....sort of! I'm still getting the hang of it!).

Six of us, plus local pastors to Can-eo made the trek to this special village this weekend to minister, despite around 40 landslides and a wash-out along the way. I am SO thankful to be part of the group that went.

We began our trip waiting for a jeepney around 8am, a light drizzle accompanying us. About an hour later, a jeepney took us on the shortest part of our trip, about 20 until the road was no longer vehicle-friendly. Then for the 1 1/2 hour hike where I realized I should have had a better poncho! But the views of winding rivers, mountains, and even landslides were breath-taking (more to come on that as I can, though pictures don't do it justice).

We arrived in Can-eo and enjoyed Pastor Rudy and Bridgette's company, learning more about our weekend town and resting for lunch. Next adventure....Chapiosen (sp) ! This barrio of Can-eo (which is already a barrio of Bontoc) can only be reached by slippery rock/mud paths, but we believed God wanted us to take the challenge! This leg of our trip was when I felt closest to my team, as we truly had to put others first, staying aware of each others' footing on the slippery, steep steps. I also received the "drowned rat award", as I was completely soaked to the core. Unfortunately, there was a major landslide still sliding when we got about 5/6 of the way to Chapiosen, so we stopped, took a moment to pray for the town, and began our trek back. Still raining, it sure wasn't as wet for this leg of the trip.

On our way back, we made home visits to some community members. I love meeting people where they are. You can pray for R, whose deep oppression kept him completely covered under a charcoal colored blanket both visits when we prayed for him. Praise God that his mother told our team on the second visit how he had removed the blanket when we left for a short time. Please pray for his spiritual healing.

Team members ministered in a Saturday night meeting, and we also lead the church in children's and adult ministry the next morning. I'm so proud of my teammates, who all had firsts that weekend, whether preaching or leading worship!

Sunday was an especially special time for our team and a villager named Ochowan (sp?). We learned that she was across the river, and though we would miss our jeepney ride back to Bontoc, we wanted to go and pray with her. Ochowan is around 80 years old and suffers from tuberculosis and diabetes. She's homebound, and medications for her illnesses are just not an option. Before we went, we knew we did not just want her to make a decision to follow Christ in order to be hospitable to us.

I look forward to sharing photos of this special weekend as soon as possible.

God bless!

During our time at her house, we prayed for her, talked about her childhood and her present, and Tom, our missionary friend, and Pastor Rudy presented the truth of the gospel to her in a very clear way, reminding her that this faith decision meant forsaking the pagan gods so deep a part of the culture. By the end of our time with her, Ochowan had accepted Christ as her savior, and told us how "light" and "happy" she felt. Please pray for people to disciple and love her, and for her healing. Praise God with us for her salvation.

A little help from my friends

First update from the Philippines!

For our second week of outreach, we'v begun our "regular" schedule of ministry. Here's a glimpse at a typical week:

Every day: Team meals, debrief, prayer/worship, and 'community ministry' (student- initiated interactions with people in our city)

Monday: Values teaching and prayer at the Moral Recovery Program with local government officials, Kids' Club in the park

Tuesday: Day off + evening worship, prayer, teaching with local young adult ministry

Thursday: Discipleship Training Course with the same young people as Tuesday

Friday: Health Clinic (test blood pressure and blood sugar and develop relationships with participants through conversation); Values Education course with seven 7th grade classrooms

Saturday-Sunday = visit village or local churches to support them by preaching, leading worship, praying, etc.

Weeks become packed fast! We take one day off a week (Tuesdays), and encourage our students to get involved, yet maintain a balance of rest. This time can be intense! Many of you know my heart, that I am continually learning this balance of work and rest, giving and receiving. It's good to be here, practicing those life lessons along with our students.

My role on outreach

Some have asked what exactly I'm doing during this portion of ministry. As a staff leader, I encourage adult students and their families to take risks, hear from God, and follow what He asks fo them during this time. I help with logistics, like making schedules for meal prep and keeping track of students' ministry time they turn in (part of this introductory university course--University of the Nations). I minister with them, getting to know our Filipino neighbors and praying and playing with them. My focus is supporting the team, but I'm honored to minster with them locally, in practical ways.

Health Clinic

I was blessed Friday by the older citizens of Bontoc that came to the Health Clinic. THey patiently told me their names and family members and occupations, and taught me a couple small words in Ilocano ( a local tribal language) and Bontoc dialect. Most of them speak at least 4 languages--these 2 plus Tagalog and English!

Urgent Prayers Needed!

Please pray for our team--a nasty stomach virus has moved through most of the team. I'm currently unscathed, please pray this continues! After prayer, we felt God wanted us to postpone this weekend's trips to villages. We know God hears our cries to be well and continue ministry and ask you to join with us as we trust for God's timing to minister in the villages we will miss this weekend. Please also pray for health and protection for Pastor R and wife B as they make the trip around a landslide to minister Saturday and Sunday to these villages. Pray for God to move among the people in Can-eo and beyond.

Carrying beans on my head....all the way home! :)

Student learning to test blood sugar

Typhoon coming??? For now, just a waterfall on the stairs

Kids' Club in the park - trust building activity

team returning on the rice terraces from ministry in the villages outside Malicong

28 in a jeepney--yes! 10 were soon on top--good times :)

View of Bontoc from barangay Samoki...I live in the house in the middle far left of the picture, with white roof and red water canister. The rest of the team stays at a hotel just to the left of the picture

playing with kids at the Am-Among festival

Am-Among festival - cultural dancers

Birthday!

Playing baseball in the harvested rice fields with a tennis ball and stick

Where I live...just kidding! :) Young women's sleeping quarters at the Bontoc museum

the larger city of Baguio, about 8 hours away by bus

Lecture phase draws to an end...and outreach begins!

I really have to remember that taking so long between posts does NOT help me keep things brief OR help me remember what all God has done! :)

The week of July 10, our children learned different biblical examples of discipleship, like Jesus and His disciples, Elijah and Elisha, Paul and Timothy. They had great recall about these people form some of the videos they'd watched earlier and responded with specific examples when we would refer to these stories.

The end of the week brought a trip to the Oregon Zoo! We didn't realize what good outreach preperation it would be when we planned it! :) After nearly an hour ride to Portland in the van, there were no places to park! So, back to city center to park the van, take a lunch break...then practice mass transit!

The children were stellar at the zoo (above, with our "magic rope" to keep them all together), and the train station. They learned how to not walk on each others' flip-flops as much, walk for a looooong time, drink enough liquids, and have a long warm(ish) van ride.

So much fun! :)

Our week on Servanthood was next, with the kids learning how to "put on the mind of Christ" and think of others first. Though we just scratched the surface with our lessons and our speakers' excellent examples, we could see the kids start to "get" it by the end of the week. They were really starting to gel as a group! We practiced servanthood with kind words on the sidewalk outside our classroom, and a visit to the Union Gospel Mission to learn how it works. They even took a prayer walk during the week downtown to tell people Jesus loves them and pray for our city.

A little time for me :)

The beginning of August, I was beginning to wear down a little, especially physcially and emotionally. I was sad to miss the Morse family reunion, but took a weekend away and visited a friend's hometown in Washington state. She got to visit family, we got to visit a mutual friend, and I got to....sleep in peace and recuperate from a brief, painful sinus bout. Later that week, I spent time with dear Kansas friends visiting other friends in Portland. What a treat! Not long after, a trip with our base to Pacific City for a day at the beach. Yay!

Back to training

The rest of August sped by, exploring the attributes of God, what He really says about us vs. lies we believe, worship, and God's Father Heart.

The children were challenged in a Trust Walk, where they were blindfolded and had to trust others to communicate with them and the teachers to lead them safely! What a step of faith! We were so proud of them!

After the students tried unfamiliar foods in early August, they asked for more "outreach food prep"...they wanted us to make it "worse" the second time, walking alongside them as they tried to be grateful for ALL food they're given, without making faces. That's even a challenge for this big girl! :) So....mini onions, anchovy paste, and other goodies it was!

It was a little harder this time, but I'm so proud of them -- they've come such a long way, preparing for the unfamiliar!

Family preparation

We can't forget our now weekly Tuesday and Saturday "outreach prep" times with our families. We're learning children's songs, practicing skits, learning about tribal languages, practicing teamwork on the ropes course, and more! Among it all, we're learning to be prepared, but flexible!

A new role

For the past three months, I have co-lead our children with Arielle and Dani, but for the next two months, I must don a new hat: team leader. Arielle and I will be co-leading this outreach with a couple who has been staff leaders for the children's parents. I'm excited to step into this role, but it's sometimes tough to shut off the teacher in me! Please pray for a smooth transition, that I can walk alongside families and support them on their outreach experience. I know God has equipped me, and I will need His help and your prayers!!

A glimpse at outreach ministry

There is a lot we have yet to find out about how God will have us minister on outreach, but we know we will be partnering with http://ywammountainprovince.wordpress.com. Please see their on-going ministries links for some of the ways we might help. I can't wait to share more with you as we begin to serve. But the groundwork must be prepared now -- please join us in prayer for the lives that will be touched while we are there.

A few prayers
* Prayers for a safe trip beginning Wednesday, September 7. We'll have three flights and two 5-8 bus rides before we reach our home for the next two months. Wellness and stamina for all adults and children!

* Hearts of team members and Filipinos to be prepared. We're excited for the work God has prepared in our hearts and theirs.

* A smooth transition for Arielle and me -- we've been the children's "teachers", but are now joining the team's leadership.

...and praises

* Lecture phase is nearly complete -- students have grown closer to God and each other -- exciting to see the transformations!

* Wellness for me -- I'm thankful for some local honey :) and God's protection as I've gotten used to a new set of allergens. My reactions have not been as bad as last summer.

* Learning experiences for me, especially in leading together with others

I can't wait to share more as outreach begins!

~Amy

Joys of Summer

COD

It's incredible that we have almost finished WEEK FOUR with our students!!! One of our biggest challenges: reaching such a wide range of ages and languages with the message. But I REST and LIVE in the fact that when God is among us, HE is the one who is reaching souls and hearts; He's simply calling me to live and disciple them in that truth.

We have three 4-year olds, one 5-year old, three 7-year olds (one who speaks mostly Portuguese), 9-year old twins, a 12-year old, and 13-year old (also Brazilian, learning English)! They are a joy to work with, though, and I can honestly say "I love my job".

Week 1 was introduction, just getting to know each other. Week 2, students learned about hearing God's voice. One of my favorite memories from that week was when one of the boys said "When I hear God tell me something, I draw it". God has certainly gifted him with that, and I pray he continues to hear and follow God's voice! Week 3's topic was "Repentance as a lifestyle", where we learned about not holding bitterness in our hearts. Interesting how students had practical experience with that as our classmates hurt our feeings and we had to learn how to forgive! This week, students are learning about discipleship. From Jesus and the 12 disciples, to Elijah and Elisha, to Paul and Timothy and more, students are learning about how to lead and encourage others by example. we are encouraging each other in specific intercession (prayer), and having lots of fun with it all!

COMMUNITY LIVING

Probably one of my biggest challenges here is "living in community". I have a love/hate relationship with it! ;) Living on a thriving campus (and in a house with 5 other women, often changing every 3 months or so) gives lots of opportunities to socialize, work through conflict, and learn boundaries! I'm reminded a lot lately that I'm an introvert (need to recharge alone!), but God is growing me in the process.

RESTING IN HIM

As we often do in life, I battle constantly lately with wanting to be in control and letting God have full control. I'm really struggling with that one!! I'd like to know what He wants me to do, when I'm going to do it, and how...in advance! Oh, what lack of faith. And so, through encouragement from friends and daily time with my heavenly Father, I continue on that journey to fully rest in Him and follow His lead in this beautiful dance.

DESTINATION DECIDED

Before I sign off for today, I want to let you know our team's outreach destination for approximately September 7-November 7. We are going to the Philippines!!!! This year we found out quite a bit earlier where we'll be going, so we're getting to learn a little earlier about the country we'll be ministering and growing in. The Philippines have a strong Roman Catholic influence, and their food is a combination of several different cultures...but should be more mild than my curry experiences in India last year. ;) I can't wait to share more with you and our students in the weeks to come.

SUPPORT

Because I felt God calling me to begin ministering this summer with YWAM, I am still looking for those who are called to partner with me in financial support. If God places this ministry in the Philippines on your heart, or my daily ministry in Salem supporting, training, and encouraging other missionaries, please see the "SUPPORT" information at the right of this page, or email me at amyrenee78@hotmail.com. I would love to answer any questions you have!

PRAYERS AND PRAISE

* Continued learning by staff and students -- growing closer to God and learning what He has for us

* For me, wisdom to hear God's voice...in my interactions with friends and students, in plans for the future, everything! :)

* Staff and students will guard our quiet times with our Heavenly Father!

* One of our four-year olds just accepted Jesus into her heart this weekend!!

Thanks for following and catching up with me! I look forward to hearing from you soon, and pray that God blesses you in abundance today, that you will know the height, depth, length, and width of His love!

In Christ,

Amy

Let the meetings begin!

YWAM is no stranger to the American phenomenon of planning meetings. :) But I'm thankful for them as I begin this new season of ministry in Salem, OR.

I arrived safely in Oregon last Wednesday, June 1. While friends and family back home sweltered in the heat (my heart is with you!), I drove through hail, melting snow, a little sun, and typical NW drizzle the day I arrived in the Beaver State. The drive was beautiful! I especially enjoyed the charming town of Sisters, OR, where I stopped for a small bite to eat, and to call my sister, of course. ;)

God's been good to me this first week here. He's helped me have just the right balance of unpacking and decorating to feel at home, socializing, sleeping, and I can't forget those meetings with this group who will be my friends, colleagues, and a sort of family for the next 3-6 months during my initial position.

Aptly Named
When I started this blog and named it "Next Step", I never know how appropriate that name would be. In YWAM, there is a variety of ways to serve during our commitment to staff. Over the next two years, I'll be eager to unveil God's plan to you as I follow it, step-by-step, as He reveals it. This fact puts me out of my comfort zone (I'd rather have the plan laid out ;)), and it's one of my favorite aspects of God's call on my life to serve here.

Our meetings this week have centered around getting to know each other as staff, learning the key aspects of Discipleship Training School, and the logistics of preparing for the group of students we'll be walking alongside this summer and fall. I was especially encouraged and strengethed today with the verse II Corinthians 1:21, 22 because God has ordained this time in your life and mine. If we have accepted and are following Him, He has equipped us for what we are called to do. And His Spirit in our hearts is a deposit...not even the full measure of what He has for us, no matter how wide and deep our experiences here on earth.

(II Corinthians 1:21, 22 - Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.)

Children of Destiny (COD)
During the next few months, you'll be hearing a lot about this ministry as I blog -- it's my primary responsibility! Together with two other young women, I'll be preparing twelve 4-12 year olds to walk alongside their parents on missions outreach, but more importantly, walking beside them as they learn to hear God's voice, are validated and loved, and so much more. Each day, from about 8:30-3, we'll use stories, activities, and field trips to encourage them in their development as children and as children of God!

In the coming weeks when God brings me to mind, please join me in the following:

Praising God
* for safe travels to Oregon and settling in
* for providing me an opportunity to serve families in a ministry to their children, both which are dear to my heart

Praying to God
* that I will guard my quiet times with Him, set aside or spontaneous. They are my lifeline!
* giving and receiving all God has for me while ministrering with COD

I would love to hear from you when you have a chance. My email is amyrenee78@hotmail.com or you may send mail to my address at the campus in Oregon (found at the right side of this page). As my friends, family, and prayer and financial supporters, I lift you up in prayer and want to coninue to walk alongside each other as God leads us in this journey.

God bless!
Amy

On the road again!

T-minus 17 hours...
The past couple of weeks have gone a slightly different direction than I'd thought, so I apologize for the delay!

On a positive note, since I last posted, God has faithfully added partners to my prayer and financial teams and I am at 30% my monthly budget of $3000. That is an increase of more than 2% per week! I look forward to how He will continue to develop the rest of my team as I follow Him in faith to begin my call in Oregon.

Have you ever been praying faithfully, wondering why God wasn't showing you an answer?! I'd been praying this spring for God to confirm when I should leave to start staffing at YWAM Salem and just didn't see a clear answer. In mid-May, with a friend's guidance, I allowed myself to consider that maybe God didn't "care" when I went, that the important thing was that my heart was in the right place and my hope in HIM.....not the control I felt I had or the visible finances coming through.

Since I left Oregon last November, I knew God was calling me back to Salem to continue the work He'd begun there. I specifically have a heart for discipleship, training, and cultures/languages. The Salem, OR Youth With A Mission campus has a mission to Inspire, Train, and Go. Sounds a lot like what God's placed on my heart!

I had a positive trip to Emporia and Osage City last weekend, visiting friends and family who have supported me in this journey. I feel very blessed I had that time with them. This week has been spent packing and saying "see you later" to my friends in the Wichita area. What a wonderful treat (the time with friends, not the packing ;))

I leave tomorrow morning (Monday, May 30) for the 3-day trek to Oregon, solo this time. I'll miss my travel buddy, but will try and treasure the 8-10 hours "alone" time in the car each day (aughh!).

When I arrive Wednesday or Thursday, I'll jump right into this summer's responsibilities. Last summer, I received training through Crossroads Discipleship Training School (CDTS) on the YWAM campus, specifically designed for adults who are sensing God's call on their lives to make Him known to the nations. This is a little different from the stereotypical "Youth" With a Mission bunch of 18-24 year olds. ;) What that means is some will bring children who are preparing to be missionaries alongside their parents, wherever God calls them.

I'm excited to announce that this summer I'll be working with these children in a daily class called "Children of Destiny" (COD), mentoring them in the same concepts their parents are learning. We'll learn about hearing the voice of God, spiritual warfare, and similar topics, in a way that applies to their lives. What an answer to prayer! I'd enjoyed substitute teaching this spring, and had been asking God how He'd help me transition from this area...I'd really be missing it a little! He's so good to provide when we relinquish control! It's not where I thought I'd be ministering this summer, but God knew just what He was doing!

I don't want to take all your Memorial Day weekend with this update, so I look forward to being in touch soon! I'll try and update facebook each night this week to let you know I've arrived safely at my destination. :)

Partnering in Prayer
* Safe travel Monday-Wednesday/Thursday.
* My heart to remain faithful to God and His voice.
* For God to be preparing the hearts of the young people I'll be working with in the COD class this summer.
* For God's provision as I continue to work with His guidance to develop prayer and financial partners for His work.

Partnering in Praise
* Treasured time with friends and family in the last few weeks
* Continued weekly increase nearing the budget for this ministry
* A specific role working with children this summer that brings joy to this teacher's heart :) and meets a need for missionary families.

Thank you all for your love and support! I pray that God is drawing you near to Him today and that you experience His presence this week in abundance!

In Him,
Amy