Oh this is the start of something good, dont you agree? So since you want to be with me, youll have to follow through
with every word you say. And I, all I really want is you, you to stick around. I
ll see you everyday but you have to follow through.
~Gavin Degraw
Day 3 of the race, and I’m spinning. Leaving home and starting the race was so much harder than I could have anticipated. I was overwhelmed by my goodbyes, and the starting over process. All that talk about being intrigued in my last blog, flew out the window. I could blame it on the jet lag, on homesickness, on too much newness all at once, but honestly I came to the point where I had to get over myself. I had to make the choice to move past my feelings and embrace what I had chosen for the year, what the Lord had led me to, to live out the prayers my people have been praying. Good decision, alex!
So then men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God. Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. 1 Corinthians 4:1-2
From the minute our coaches Gary and Lisa Black arrived, I felt peace and renewed sense of purpose. Hearing Gary preach on the power of the Spirit to transform, our responsibility to our team and the people we aim to serve, and the importance of PRAYER breathed life into my aching heart. When Gary speaks my heart beats faster, and I am filled with a desire to LIVE just as God has called me to. Its wonderfully humbling and inspiring. These days of training, teaching, and counseling have been key.
The Transformers have spent HOURS discussing our expectations for the year and for each other, establishing non-negotiables (prayer together every morning, EVERY morning!), creating norms (accountability and encouragement) and fun times (like story hour!). We were encouraged to start disciplines that we would carry throughout the year and on. Im EXCITED about our team!
Manila: Gary called Jeff Longs ministry a Garden of Eden in the midst of bareness. KIM is a ministry that serves orphans, gives them a loving home and education, provides 3 stations of free water to a squatter community that couldnt buy it on their own, and loads more. One group planted papaya trees all over to provide beauty and free fruit. That may seem small but its vital. Ive never been more aware of the power of green. ☺ This town is one step from being a complete dump and its because of the folks who pour themselves into ministering to the people AND because of the pretty foliage. 3 teams will stay here and minister, this month. I cant wait to hear what they do.
Coming Up: We leave for Mindinao on Saturday Morning or Friday Night depending on what your perspective is, LOL- I think that means no sleep on that night. Im PUMPED about spending 3 weeks serving and growing with my Transformers and Quake!
Elizabeth, Im listening to Kent right now, its sooooooo good. But I havent picked a favorite yet, Ill keep you updated!
