Unexpected Visit Home for Christmas

This time I am writing from Illinois. I am back home however I leave today (Christmas Day) to go back to Colorado. I was not expecting to come back home however with the recent shootings that took place at my school I decided that I needed to come back home to be with family and rest.

Because of the shootings my school graduated a week early, and therefore I was home on December 15th. And like I said I go back to Denver today. I am going back to Denver to go on tour with a band that was created by 9 people (including my band leader/school assistant). We are called Trillium - which comes from a flower that blooms in the West Coast, which is where we will be touring. Here is some more information about the purpose of the tour and where our band name originated from.

Trillium
A group of students taking our passion on tour, using the abilities God has given us to impact our generation. Through our music, through our words, through the passion God has stirred for the youth of this nation. Our name is taken from a small flower found in Ontario Canada, Oregon, and North West California. The name Trillium was given to this plant because all of its parts comes in groups of 3. The flower is also unique because it only blooms every seven years. The significance of naming our band Trillium is that our focus and goal as a band is to plant seeds into the lives of our generation. Seeds that will have deep roots, and bloom in Gods perfect timing.

We will be leaving Colorado on December 30th and heading to Arizona. Then we will continue to travel in 15 passenger van, with a small trailer for our equipment, to southern California making stops at just about every major city and we will continue traveling north. We are even going into Canada for a few days - then making our way back down to Colorado. I am not sure about the specific dates right now as to where and when we will be in specific places. We will return to Denver around Valentine's Day.

I am so excited for this tour and just to see how God is going each person in our group personally and to see and hear stories of how God worked and used us all together.

Well, I am sending this last email for a while. I do not know when I will be able to write again, but I hope it's not too long. I hope you all have a Wonderful Christmas and a Blessed New Year! Thank you all for your support - you have been so wonderful to me this past year and I am truly blessed to have you in my life.

4th SOW entry: the shooting

December 13, 2007

Hello Everyone,

I am sure you've heard the news about the 2 Colorado attacks by a lone gun man. And I am writing you to tell you that I am OK... however to keep praying for me as I go through the grieving process. I am going to tell you a bit of my side of the story and then let the things in the news complete the story. If you'd like

The 1st shooting took place in Arvada, Colorado - where my dorm is. At the time I was not there, however I could have been. A bunch of people in my school went out bowling after a Christmas banquet. 4 staff members were shot and 2 of the 4 were killed. This action took place in a common area of the building, in a hallway, in between the boys in my school bedroom and "the war room" (which is a room that myself and many other people in my school hung out). Our curfew is usually at 11:30pm and at Midnight we need to be in bed with the lights out. However, because most of my school was out bowling - we did not get back by curfew. So, as we were on our way back to the base/dorm at 12:30am we got a phone from another student in my school who called saying to not come back because there had been shooting. So we immediately went to my school leaders house. We then got up to date phone calls from school leaders who were at the hospitals and let us know about the conditions with the 4 people that were shot. In between phone call updates, we prayed for the victims, quietly sang worship songs, and simply just comforted each other.

From there we were not allowed back to the base/dorm until the investigation was completed. Which did not happen until Tuesday late afternoon.Therefore, we stayed at my school leaders house for a couple of nights.

I'll let you watch the rest in a news video link I've found about the events on the night. I've also found the Rocky Mountain News to be the most accurate in telling details and not emphasizing on non-important details. Things have been crazy here ... and graduation is 1 week sooner than planed due to the recent events. Then after Christmas is outreach to the West Coast. Please pray for continue protection.

Thank you all for your thoughts, prayers, concerns, e-mails, phone calls, and love.

I love you all VERY much.

3rd SOW entry

Happy Thanksgiving from Colorado,

I just realized that it's been almost a month since I've last sent out an update, therefore I apologize. I have been really busy and I am not trying to use that as an excuse, but being in YWAM keeps you busy. I start my day at 6am and go until 11:30pm. My days are pretty full - filled with class time, band practice, meals, work duities, and other miscellanious things. I'm sorry.

Anyways, I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving that was filled with love, thankfulness, and joy. This was my first Thanksgiving away from home. On Thursday night we had dinner made by the students, that didn't go home for Thankgiving, and we made your traditional Thanksgiving dinner. It was good. I missed my family, but only about 1/4 of the people in my school were gone - so it was nice to have them around to hang out with. I will not be coming home for Christmas either, and it should be interesting because even more people are going to be going home for Christmas. But I am looking forward to having this experience during Christmas because I know that God is going to do something in my life. I am not sure what, but He'll reveal it to me when I need it most.

Recent News:

About 2 weeks ago, was probably the hardest time that I have had here. I stuggled with uncertainty and doubt - about my talents. I questioned the reason as to why I was doing this school. When I applied for this school God told me to do this school to expound on my musical abilities and also developing a foundation with Him being #1 in my life. But I just felt like that I was not growing as much as I thought. I believe that I have matured more and that I have changed (in a good way) since I have been here... but I cannot put my finger on it - therefore, making me feel discouraged.

But last week was an amazing week because I put my guard down. You know when you meet someone for the 1st time you want to make a good impression on them... well, for the past 6 weeks I still have been trying to make a good impression on people. And when you do that for so long it's frustatiting and tiring because your not being exactly who you really are. But after I put my guard down and stated to just be me... the person that God created me then I noticed that I was happier, at peace about my life, and I had more fun. :o)

Last week some people did some recording and we had our 3rd song due. I really like my 3rd song - I think mostly because it has a lot of imagery and because I have a story of how I wrote my song. Sometimes when I write songs or even poetry I have a hard time going deep and being vulnerable. But this one seemed to be easy. One of our speakers was encouraging us to always write songs or poetry, because she said that ou of every 10 songs/poetry that you write there will be an average of 1 song that is really good.

Also last week we had a speaker, Duff Rowend, talk on Spiritual Authority. He was really good and at the begining of class we would start off by singing some worship songs. He taught us a couple of new songs and some songs were songs that I had learned in the church that I grew up in. During the whole week God was giving me revelation about things in my life and He also gave me a little more information about what my future is going to look like. I am excited to find out more and more of what God wants me to do for my future and also what the next step is that He wants me to take after this school and outreach is over.

Fun Things:

Last weekend some of my roommates and I went to a mall and then we went to Wal-Mart and got a Christmas tree and decorations. We even got an airfreshner - so every time I walk in my room it makes me feel more at home and also it makes me think of Christmas. It's so awesome. I've enclosed a couple pictures of the tree.

On Wendesday, it snowed about an inch and it's been cold ever since. I wanted to play in the snow, but it I thought that it was too cold. Maybe next time it snows.

Last night our toilet overflowed and thankfully we noticed it before it got really bad. The water was just starting to come into our room and nothing was ruined. The bathroom just smelled really bad and it was an inconvenience.

This Thanksgiving break I have having fun with my hair. Like on one day I teased my hair and frowed it, then later that night I put the front of it up and it looked like and 80's hair style. Then the next day I straightned it. It was a lot of fun. I love straightening my hair (with a flat iron) because it's so dry here so my hair doesn't get frizzy and also because it's the straightest that I've ever gotten it.

Afro

80's hair style Straight

Last night some of the people in my school learned how to play a game that involves a pool table and just the que ball and any other pool ball. We didn't make this game up, however we don't know what it is called but it's a lot of fun. The object of the game is to try to get the colored ball in the pocket by throwing the que ball. If you get the ball in the pocket then the person after you gets a point and 3 points and you are out. If the ball stops then you get a point and if you cannot hit the ball after 3 tries then you get a point. Also, a little twist to the game is that the que ball has to thrown on the opposite of the table as the colored ball. And once you hit the colored ball you have to move away from the table so the next person can grab the que ball and hit the colored ball. It was a lot of fun. Some of us played it for 4 hours straight with only short breaks. I realized that when I play some sports that I enjoy - I get aggressive.

For example, a few weeks ago I played soccer with a bunch of guys on the base and another girl in my room. (They go once a week.) It was a lot of fun and I was surprised at how competitive and aggressive that I played. I didn't stretch that much and I really paid later. I was so sore that I could hardly move for about 3 days. I still felt sore muscles 5 days after I played. So the next week I didn't go to soccer, but I did go the next week and I was the only girl from my base to go. I didn't play as aggressively or competitively because I was really tired from that week. But I still really enjoyed it.

Prayer Points:

- That God would coninue to speak to me about my next step after Outreach

- There are about 2 other people in my school that need money for Outreach

Well, that's about it - I think. :o) Like I said before, I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I cannot believe that Christmas is only a month away.

P.S. The CD release party is scheduled for December 13th. If you'd like a CD please let me know and I can give you more information as to how I can send it to you. I think they are $10.

2nd SOW entry

It's starting to get cold here in Colorado. It seems to get cold on Sunday's and then warm up through out the week. For example: last Sunday it snowed about a half inch and was about 30 degrees, then later in the week it got up into the 80's. Colorado is so inconsistent with the weather and I am not used to it yet. But I do love it here.

Recent News:

Well the last 2 weeks I have been learning many things and perfecting my 2 songs that I've written. Some of the teachings that we have been taught on have been about the following: Getting in the Word with Mary Jane Powers, Prophetic Worship with David Powers (Mary Jane's son), and Freedom in Worship with China Kent (she is also my vocal lesson teacher).

The thing that I got the most out of Mary Jane's teaching was the importance of reading the Bible and making sure that the songs I write about are not JUST coming from emotions but also the Bible. She would teach us and then let us practice what she taught. This was very helpful and a good way for me to totally understand what she was talking about as well as the HUGE importance of reading the Bible, and memorizing it.

Then the next speaker was Mary Jane's son, David. He taught on Monday and Tuesday this week. Monday was very unique and was totally led by the Holy Spirit. I entered class time thinking that we were going to get a lecture, but we began to share with one another what God has been speaking to us and the importance of the things that we were all hearing from God. Then on the next day, David taught on the things that he didn't have time to get into the day before. We talked about the Fear of Man, Worship, and then we just touched upon Prophetic Worship. I would have liked to get into Prophetic Worship more, but I was told that we will get into that later in the school.

On Wednesday and Thursday, China Kent taught us on Freedom in Worship. I don't know how to describe this, but to just tell what happened to me personally - so here goes. There was something that China said which got me thinking... "Why don't I draw anymore?" When I was a kid I used to draw, color, paint, etc. and now that I am an adult I don't hardly draw. And the funny thing is that I am still drawn to the Art section at stores (especially anything with the CRAYOLA name). There have even been artistic reletives that have told me that they thought that I'd be an artist when I grew up... but I am not. So I asked myself... why don't I draw anymore, because I used to love it when I was a kid? After the self-reflection I figured that it was because I thought my art work had to be perfect and/or I would compare it to someone who was much better. Therefore, I'd get discouraged and have no desire to draw. But there is still something in my adult years that still is drawn to those Crayola's. :o) So, I really want to go back to that... I want to go back to drawing and coloring and just drawing random things. Even if it isn't perfect... it will be unique because of it's imperfections. Also, I would like to paint with my nieces and even with my own kids someday. :o)

On Friday, we as a school picked the songs that we would like on the CD that will be released in December. And this coming week we will be practicing those songs and recording them. It's going to be a busy week, but should also be a lot of fun.

Outreach:

I have decided to do the optional outreach for SOW, which will begin on December 26, 2007 - February 15, 2008. The outreach will consist of about 10 musicians touring around the West Coast singing the songs we've written in this school, popular Christian songs, and will also cover some songs. We will be doing most of our touring in California, however we will also be going to Arizona, Oregon, Washington, and Canada.

Some fun things:

Last Friday, most of our people in our school went out to Red Robin for one of my band members 21st birthday. It was a lot of fun and I took many pictures. Here is a picture of me, Summer (in my band), and Hae Eun (from S. Korea).

Last Saturday about 25 people from the base went to the Denver Zoo for their free day. So I've enclosed a couple pictures. The 1st picture is of Susan, me, and Lisa and the 2nd picture is of me and the Zebra's. I took many pictures, but most of them didn't turn out as well as I would have liked.

This Saturday, I went to a Halloween Costume party hosted by my band leader. Since there are 9 girls and 9 guys... each one of the girls dressed up as each one of the guys. Then we went over to my school leader's house about a 1/2 mile away so he could see our costumes. Then we stayed and watched a movie. That night was so fun and funny. It was the

best Halloween party that I've been to. :o)

The "girls" and guys each person is by the one they dressed up as

Well, I think that's about it for now. Next week we will be doing recording prep for the CD. Which will bring about a busy week.

P.S. This picture is of me and most of the people in my band for the 1st song presentation.
I'm working on putting the videos of my 2 songs that I've written on my webpage.

1st SOW entry

I flew into Colorado for YWAM Denver's School of Worship (SOW) on Sunday night - so when I got picked up from the airport it was about 9:30pm so I did not get to see much of Colorado at that moment. We drove to Arvada, which is where I am staying on the base here. My room has 4 bunk beds with onl only 6 girls from SOW. Our room also has an attached bathroom with 2 bathroom stalls and 2 showers. It's nice. :o)

On Monday (October 1st) was registration and at 7pm we had "Community night". Community night is where everyone on the base got together and told what school they were doing along with their name and where they were from. There are 4 different schools that are going on. There is the DTS (Discipleship Training School) at Eagle Rock - which is also owned by YWAM Denver and it's up higher in the mountains. We will be going to visit that base later on in the school. The other three schools are: DTS - here on the base, Phase 2 - gives leadership training along with more biblical foundation, and School of Worship (SOW). There are probably about 150 people here when we are all together (staff and students). But in my school there are 18 people... 9 boys and 9 girls. I love it.

On Tuesday we were given our first task... to 2 songs on the school's theme - RENEW - on of the songs is fast and the other is slow. We have to write the 1st song with lyrics and chords by Monday the 8th.

Basically the whole week we have just taken things easy and gotten to know each other. But my school leader, John Connor, is so funny and laid back. It's so cool. I'm not going to go into detail about who all is here in my school or on this base... but we have many people from ALL over the world.

I am so thankful to be here. :o) This week I have felt discouraged at times with my song writing, but I have also had some amazing times with God where I have felt His peace come over me. It was amazing!!! :o) I do have my 1st song done and I have a start to the 2nd song. I love this. I cannot wait to learn more about music.

Well, that is all that I am going write about for now. So far all is going good and I am so thankful that I am here and for everyone who have supported me. If you have any questions, please let me know. The first week of school is usually pretty laid back and it's basically all introductions. But I will write more... not weekly, but maybe once every month or more. One of my personal goals is to not spend so much time on the internet.

P.S. I've posted some scenery photos of what it's like here in Denver, Colorado.

Take A Picture It Lasts Longer

Last night I was cleaning my room and my closet. As I was going through things and I thought to myself, "Why do I have all of these things?And do I really need them?". What I tend to do with things I haven't used for a while, or things that are sitting around and collecting dust, is I put them away somewhere and then if I don't used them or even think about them for a few months then I get rid of it.

I'm trying to simplify my life and I don't need things cluttering it up.

Last night I had a hard time parting with some dried flowers that I had from a special occasion. "What was the point of me having them?", I thought. If I just wanted them to remember that special occasion then I should just take a picture because it will last longer.

Then I also applied this to a spiritual aspect. There are things in my life that I try to hold onto and it's hard to give those things up (or get rid of them) but all in all I will be living a happier life if I just get rid of those things that I don't need. Also, there are things just sitting around collecting dust that I need to have either God dust them off (gifts He's given me), or I need to get rid of them completely (things that cause stress, bitterness, hatred, etc.).

Grandpa, Did You Hear What I Said?

Yesterday I went to my Grandparents house to clean and do miscellaneous things for my Grandma because she has polio and cannot do easily, and also my grandpa has been in the hospital for about a week. He is not in the hospital for anything serious, therefore I am not too concerned. However, I have a feeling that one of these times he is not going to make it home. He is living with CHF (Congestive Heart Failure), kidney failure, and last year he had half of his right lung removed due to lung cancer. He is in his 80's and he never did take care of himself. Neither him or my grandma have ever eaten very healthy and they also were binge drinkers and smokers (especially on the weekends). But in their defense I don't think that there was much knowledge on the effects of heavy drinking and smoking.

Anyways, so I cleaned for about 2 hours which I only made a dent in it. Then I had to take some things to my Grandpa in the hospital. I was at the hospital for only a short time before I needed to get back home. But before I left I gave him a hug and I told him that I loved him. But I didn't get much of a response from my Grandpa, so I asked him "Grandpa, did you hear what I said?". He shook his head. So I got down to eye level and I said, "I love you". I don't think that I will ever be able to forget his expression. He started to get choked up and spoke words of gratitude of me and my family for all that we do for them.

As I was leaving the hospital I could not remember the last time that I told my Grandpa Gene that I loved him, but really meant it. In our society we throw the phrase "I love you" around like dirty laundry. When will we learn to actually love one another, like the way Jesus loved... the genuine love???

Conversations at Starbucks

So on Friday morning I was at Starbucks drinking my Venti Mocha Frap and reading my Bible, but then I was interrupted by a lady cleaning tables. She asked me if I was reading a Bible, I nodded and she looked over my shoulder to see that I was reading Habakkuk. I told her that I was trying to finish reading the Old Testament. We talked for a minute about the Bible when she soon asked me what church I attend. I told her and she mentioned that she has been looking for a church. I asked her what types of churches she's gone to before (so I could quickly try and figure out her beliefs since she was on the clock). She mentioned many different churches, so I invited her to my church this Easter Sunday. I also told her that I recently came back from a type of Missions Trip and invited her to come and hear me talk for a few minutes about my trip. We talked for a minute or two more about my trip, before customers walked in the door. We introduced ourselves and she went back to work. I don't remember her name, but I do remember that it was an unusual name. As soon as she left a guy sitting on a couch behind me repeated her name a couple times to the 2 other people that he was sitting next to. As I tried to focus on The Word, I couldn't help but think... was this guy ease dropping on my conversation? If so I guess it's not a bad thing, maybe I should have spoken louder though. :o) Before I left Starbucks I wrote down the address to my church and when it starts, and I gave it to this lady.

I thought it was cool that God gave me this opportunity to talk to her, and even cooler for the unexpected ease dropper and his friends. :o) This experience just reminded me that everywhere you go and everything you do/say should be done for God because you never

By the way, who needs Starbucks when God can give you an energy boost?!

Eh! ... I LOVE Starbucks!

But God's my #1 all the way! know when someone is watching or listening to you... who knows, they might just choose to follow God because of your actions.

Ministry

Well, tonight I taught Junior High at my church (there are only 3 of them) for the first time. I am always hesitant when someone asks me to teach, because I do not think that I am able to teach effectively (sometimes I have a hard time explaining things). But I as I was teaching - I wasn't nervous and I didn't have a problem explaining things. I was a little nervous before teaching because my pastor was going to sit in on my class to make sure that I didn't have any problems or questions along the way. But after worship was over - I wasn't nervous anymore. Thank God! :o) But like I said, I think things went well. There is a curriculum that I am going through and I taught on WORSHIP. I was so excited to teach on worship because that is exactly what I plan to get more training on in the Fall.

As I was driving home and thinking about how God had used me throughout the night... Well, I am realizing more and more that God is calling people (especially under the age of 40) to minister to the world. People don't think that they are qualified - so they don't step up into what God is calling them to do. Also, so many people in church complain and gossip about what should be done differently. But no one is doing anything about it. Why not?! Just think... young people could spice up this world... oh wait, the courageous and obedient ones are. ;-)

I also am seeing more of the importance of having ministry in the Christian life. I was told this by many influential people in my life but I am really starting to understand it now that I have my own personal ministry. I LOVE IT!!! It's so refreshing!!!

I Remember When ...

Today I was reading some of my journals that I had written while I was doing my DTS, and I found myself saying things like: "Oh, yeah I remember that!" and "Yeah, that was really good/fun. I remember when...". As I was reminiscing I felt like the last 6 months was all a dream. Here I am back in the real world, and I want to go back to "that dream". I love being home and back in the real world, but lets face it... the real world sucks sometimes. I cannot wait until I get back into doing what I feel like God has called me to do... make a difference in this world through SINGING and writing lyrics. I've had some inspiration to write lyrics since I've been home, but I am rusty at it because I haven't written any poems or lyrics for years. Anyway, I am looking forward to the Fall when I can do a SOW, but until then... it looks like I'm back in the real world trying to do what God's called me to do.

A Time Of ...

I was just thinking about the things that God has been speaking to me lately about relationships. During this time that I am home, before I go away to do a SOW, I have felt like it is going to be a time of.... a time of... I just couldn't figure out how to end the sentence until now. I feel like this short time that I am home is going to be a time of restoration of old friendships/relationships.

For example, I didn't realize until I came home from my DTS how much of a rebellion that I was in BEFORE I did my DTS. In my testimony I refer to my "rebellion phase" being the time when I was 16 and I felt as though my life was the hardest it has ever been. But I realized once I came back home from my DTS that I never really left my rebellion phase - I just covered it up or put a mask on it.

I've realized that while I am home I have a time to redeem myself and restore relationships that I have neglected. These relationships include EVERYONE in my life, but especially my parents. They have put up with so much CRAP from me, and I am sure that I've given them many gray hairs.

I just want to say that I am sorry. I am sorry to my parents, my immediate family, my extended family, my old friends, and even my new friends. I am sorry if I have neglected our friendship/relationship. I secretly saw that my life was headed no where, and I was trying to protect myself from getting hurt - so I built a wall. I would let people into my life, but I would only let them be at arms length. I was afraid of getting close to people. Like I said, I was trying to protect myself from getting hurt, but in reality I not only hurt myself - I also hurt you.

I am sorry. Is there a chance that we can restore our friendship/relationship?!

Home from DTS

I am so excited to have graduated from my DTS. I have such a sense of accomplishment. I have put so much of my time and energy into discovering God, discovering who I really am through God, discovering God's plans for my life, and so much more. Although, through my excitement I am still sad to have to say "goodbye" to my friends who have become my family. I am planning on visiting the people that will be in Wisconsin, but for those who live father away - well, I am sad that I will not see them until God has our paths cross again. Tomorrow I have to say "goodbye", and I HATE goodbye's - I'd rather say "See you later", because at least with "see you later" there is a feeling of hope that you will see each other again sometime soon. I can honestly say that I love everyone I did my DTS with, as well as my wonderful leaders and staff.

I am so excited to go on with my life. I plan to do a School of Worship (SOW) through YWAM in the fall of this year. Where I plan on being away from home for 3 months and then for about another 3 months I plan to do an outreach. School of Worship is much like a Discipleship Training School (DTS) but it is focused on worship and intercession/prayer. After I do a SOW, which will be about a year from now, I do not know what I will be doing or where I will be going. I am just trying to take one day at a time. That is one of the many things that God has shown and taught me during this DTS.

By the way, tonight for my graduation I helped do vocals for worship. But before then I was feeling so completely stressed out. I had to help plan for the graduation and I had no idea why I was stressing about it so much. But it was AWESOME because after singing half of a song for worship I felt so at peace. It is so AMAZING how when you focus on God, how He takes all of your worries/stresses away.

GOD IS SO INCREDIBLE! :o)

DTS outreach: HAITI

In Haiti from February 5 - 28, 2007

well i am in Haiti now. we are 1 hour ahead of CST. we rode in a really nice bus from the Dominican Republic, then it broke down so we had to switch buses... which was just a little less nicer. then once we crossed the boarder... it went really fast and they were supposed to check our luggages, but since we are missionaries, they told us that they were not going to check our luggages. and also everyone was able to get their visa's without any problems (thank God). :o)

as we were driving into Haiti, I noticed that there was an obvious difference in the Dominican Republic and in Haiti. Haiti not as clean, has less color (everything seems to be gray, whereas in the D.R. everyone is wearing bright colors), and there is obvious poverty. it is really humid here and they say that we are staying in the most beautiful place in Haiti... which is awesome. :o)

on Saturday we are going to the beach, then the next week we are going to a waterfall, and the next one we are going back to the beach. i am really enjoying my time on this outreach, but i really miss all of you. i am excited to come home, but i just don't want to forget all of the things that God has taught me and I also don't want to fall back into my old habits. (you can pray that i don't fall back into old habits - if you wish).

i hope that when i do come home that you will all be able to see that i am a different person and that i am different in a good way.

well, that is all that i am going to write for now. please continue to pray for our team as we are in this "gray" country. also pray against any attacks that the enemy (Satan) has on this country, our team, and anything else that you can think of.

thank you for your thoughts and prayers.

DTS outreach: DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

In the Dominican Republic from January 21 - February 5, 2007

Things are going great here in the Dominican Republic. We stay here until February 5th, which we will then take a bus through the mountains to Haiti. Please be praying for our team as we travel. I have good news... everyone is here with us on our team. Mandy - one of the staff members was not able to come with us to Trinidad because she did not have the finances, but she is with us now. She got here about 12 hours after we had arrived. Then Bodo was did not have her visa for the Dominican Republic (DR) in time, so she got accepted on Thursday and then she arrived here yesterday afternoon. It is so great to have all of us together again. God is so faithful!

God is doing so much in my heart as I am getting out of my comfort zone and ministering to people that I tend to be shy around, such as: prostitutes, orphans, people in a Leper colony, etc. We are ministering to many many more people. God is so amazing at the way he is using our team and also with me. I have been giving Shelby, a 14 year old girl who came with her brother and sister - because their mom is doing her DTS outreach, voice lessons for about a month or 2, and now her sister and brother want me to give them voice lessons. Then Tisha, a woman from California - who came to join us on our outreach, found out that I have been giving voice lessons and so now she wants me to give her voice lessons. Then we were singing worship songs in Spanish and English, and Shelby brought up the topic of voice lessons to a 16 year old boy - Ben... so now I might be giving him voice lessons during free time until I leave the Dominican Republic. Then just the other day, Shelby was helping her sister sing better. It is so awesome how God is using me to bless others. :o)

I thank God that I can wash my laundry in a washing machine - but I still have to hang it out to dry. I am also learning Spanish and I am beginning to develop a passion for the language. As every day goes by, I love this country more and more. I would love to come back some day and stay for longer than a a couple of weeks, but we will see what God wants. :o)

I would love to tell you stories and stories of what God has been doing, but I don't have enough time on the computer. Please keep out team in your prayers, because the enemy is always lurking around every corner - trying to trip us (not only our team - but everyone) and make us fall.

DTS outreach: TRINIDAD

In Trinidad from January 1-21, 2007

So as you all know I am in Trinidad. The plane ride and everything went smoothly. Thank God! This las week we did some team building exercises and also talking on unity. Mark - the staff member that was working with us, was full of compliments. We as a group have struggled with UNITY - so for me it felt really good to hear all of his compliments. :o)

On Saturday the YWAM base had a movie night and there were about 100 kids from the age of 4-18 years old. It started at 4pm - 9pm. we played games with them (volleyball, basketball, soccer, and supervised the trampoline) and we also did crafts with the kids. It was so much fun, and surprisingly I couldn't feel the muscle pain from things I had don't within the past couple of days. I had a lot of fun playing with the kids and loving on them. :o)

Yesterday we spoke at a church on UNITY and also did a short skit yo show how we can be unified and how we are called to lift one another up in Christ. It was so awesome! Then after church we went to the beach. :o)

I am enjoying the 80 degree plus weather along with getting a nice tan. I am learning many things such as doing my laundry by hand. The people here in Trinidad are very nice and warm/ friendly. They always greet you with a smile and i love it.

well, I only have a 1/2 hour, so i need to get going. I don't know when i will be able to get back online -so God bless you all!

A New Year - 2007

New Year - 2007

Hello everyone,

Well, I leave for the Caribbean in the early morning (tomorrow), therefore I pray that you all have a safe and Happy New Year! :o) I am not planning on using the Internet much while I am away. Therefore, I hope you understand if I don't reply to e-mails very quickly. I am looking forward to spending time in the Caribbean and meeting new people, but I will miss you all. Therefore, please pray for me ... pray for strength, safety, and good health. I look forward to sending you pictures of the places that I will be heading to, and I also look forward to writing you all and telling you of what God is doing.

Well, I need to go pack.
I love you and like I said earlier ... I will miss you.

Love in Christ,
Becca :o)

** HAPPY 2007 **