Quick Update: I’m sitting here in a little Deli in Southen Chile. The weather outside is rainy – or maybe sunny. It changes every four minutes – and if I walked a block over, I would be able to smell salt water and see the sea.
So many things here remind me of my Canadian home – the weather, the mountains, the clean air, wood heat in all the houses, even the old rusty cars I spotted ouside the window the other day. 
The people here are so hospitable and sweet (if only I could communicate with them. 
Take Spanish. Just do it.) and next week, our ministry – weather permitting – is to go out via boat to some nearby islands to help with some construction and give away supplies.
If there was ever a ministry-ministry site combo that was hand crafted for me, this is probably it. I absolutely love it!
Just one more reminder of how blessed I am and how the Lord really does care about the desires of our heart.
A week ago, I probably wouldn’t be saying all of this. I wasn’t tired. I was sick. (Parasites are not our friends!) I was weak and the Lord was reminding me of the truths in 2 Corinthians 12.
“…on my own behalf I will not boast, except of all my weaknesses…But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
If if you know me at all, you know that ‘weakness’ Ian my a word I do well with, but these last weeks were a good reminder that my strength is not my own. All I’ve got is what He has chosen to let me have. One of many things I’ve learned this year is that it’s often the things we ‘don’t do well with’ that the Lord likes to use to grow us.
Also, as I sit here in this deli, I am keenly aware that eight weeks from today will be Black Friday, which means, I’ll be home – well, in my American home. It’s almost like finishing college all over again. Everyone wants to know what you’re doing next.
As many if you already know, I have decided to go back out on the field as a Squad Leader for another dive months with a new World Race squad. The Lord has shown mean this year how much I enjoy discipling and building relationships with my peers and this is a great opportunity for me to hone the gifts God has given me. I am excited about this extended opportunity for community, growth and adventure.
But I need your help!
I am fundraising again. I need to raise $6,500 to cover the cost of the trip, but would like to raise additional funds to cover some personal expenses for those five months (my student loan as well as the personal costs of being on the field). More to come on that later, but if you want to help me with the cost of the trip, just click the ‘Donate’ button on my blog’s Homepage.
I am convinced that I have the best supporters out there. Thank you so much for your prayers and financial donations. I couldn’t be here without you all and I am so grateful for you!!
Sorry this blog is a bit of a scattered mess…but so is my brain some days, so just know that you’re getting a genuine glimpse. 🙂 Love you all!
If you have any questions, please email, comment, or Facebook me.
