With just a little over a week left in Hawaii, I'm reflecting on how I've changed in two short months and what those changes are going to look like when I get back to the mainland. More than anything, I feel like God has softened my heart. He has shown me that if I put all my trust and hope in Him, and if I rely fully on Him for everything, then other people can't fail me. In this way, I'd like to think, that I have become a little more understanding towards the general population. I see that we are all hurting in some way or another, and I believe now more than ever that the only cure for our lost and lonely hearts is Jesus Christ. I'm not afraid to say that because I know that it's true. I know that nothing I may come across in this life will ever compare with the fact that I am loved by a God who, from the beginning, set in motion a plan to reveal that love to me and draw me to Himself.
I know that I am blessed beyond belief with the family, friends, and resources that I have. I'm not saying that I'll never take these things for granted again, but I do realize and truly appreciate their value. My heart has been in rehab for two months, I feel like. I am still selfish and vain beyond belief, but God's goodness is bigger than my wickedness. This summer has taught me to trust in the goodness of God and not worry so much about my own shortcomings, not just in a spiritual aspect, but in my attitude, how much money I have, and the way I look as well. As I go back to Texas, I hope that the impact God has made on my heart this summer will have a rippling effect on everyone I come into contact with. Until then, I'm soaking up these last few days and thanking God for every blessing He has put in my life that has served to draw me closer to Him. What an amazingly thoughtful and precise God I serve!
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Friday, July 15, 2011
Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride
The past three weeks that I haven't spent blogging have been an unbelievable time spent taking part in the workings of God! It has been truly amazing to see how God is faithful when we truly seek Him. Today summer fun and our 4th-6th grade bible studies officially ended. It still hasn't hit me that it's all coming to an end, but today as I watched my favorite little waimanalo girls run off to the church van to go home, I realized how much I'm going to miss it here. It's not just the beauty of the island or the hospitality of the people anymore...now more than anything I'm going to miss the children and families that I have come to love.
I have decided that I am going to return to UT in the Fall, and I'm trusting that God will take care of all the worries that made me question that in the first place. I'm looking forward to going back to Texas and starting a new school year. I want to thank everyone who has prayed for summer fun, Hawaii Kai, and for me and my school stuff. I could not have gotten through any of it without your prayer. I head home in two weeks, and I can't wait to see everyone! Until then, I'll continue to try and post good stories and pictures of my final days here. Thanks again and love!
I have decided that I am going to return to UT in the Fall, and I'm trusting that God will take care of all the worries that made me question that in the first place. I'm looking forward to going back to Texas and starting a new school year. I want to thank everyone who has prayed for summer fun, Hawaii Kai, and for me and my school stuff. I could not have gotten through any of it without your prayer. I head home in two weeks, and I can't wait to see everyone! Until then, I'll continue to try and post good stories and pictures of my final days here. Thanks again and love!
Monday, July 4, 2011
A process of change...
To begin this post I would just like to say...WOW! So many things have happened this past week that I don't know exactly where to begin. I guess I'll start by saying that our first week of summer fun with the 4th-6th graders was great! The kids were wonderful and really absorbed the truth that was presented to them. The bible study was the favorite part of the day for many of them which is really cool, I think. The theme of summer fun this year was the big redemption story. We took the kids through the story of creation, the fall of man, Abraham and Isaac, Moses and the passover, and we ended with Jesus. Through these stories our goal was to show how God's plan from the beginning was to have a perfect relationship of friendship with us and that everything He has done has pointed to Jesus. It was so cool to see the faces of the kids who got this! Their eyes lit up and they couldn't hide their joy as they realized just big and wonderful our God is and how perfect His plans are.
This past week was a joyful one, but it has also brought me face to face with some tough personal decisions. After recieving my financial aid information and tuition bill for college this semester, I'm having to reevaluate if UT is the place I need to be. Also, the Lord has been placing on my heart a desire to switch my major from journalism to education. Nothing is set in stone yet, but I am trying hard to pray through the decision to transfer schools and completely change my major. I'm not gonna lie, I am feeling rather stressed over all of this...mostly because I don't want to go through the process of changing anything. However, I really feel like I could do more with an education degree than with journalism, and UT is putting a lot of unnecessary financial stress on me. I'm still working through what this next year will look like for me, so please pray that God will direct me and relieve me of all the tough decisions burdening my heart. Pray that He will open the right doors and shut the wrong ones. I know God is faithful no matter where He leads us in life! Keep praying everyone! Thanks and love.
This past week was a joyful one, but it has also brought me face to face with some tough personal decisions. After recieving my financial aid information and tuition bill for college this semester, I'm having to reevaluate if UT is the place I need to be. Also, the Lord has been placing on my heart a desire to switch my major from journalism to education. Nothing is set in stone yet, but I am trying hard to pray through the decision to transfer schools and completely change my major. I'm not gonna lie, I am feeling rather stressed over all of this...mostly because I don't want to go through the process of changing anything. However, I really feel like I could do more with an education degree than with journalism, and UT is putting a lot of unnecessary financial stress on me. I'm still working through what this next year will look like for me, so please pray that God will direct me and relieve me of all the tough decisions burdening my heart. Pray that He will open the right doors and shut the wrong ones. I know God is faithful no matter where He leads us in life! Keep praying everyone! Thanks and love.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
AH!!!
Wow! It has been a while since I've posted, and I apologize. I have been rather busy the past couple of weeks (and by rather I mean extremely). Last week Amy and I planned and lead our usual bible studies, but we were also trying to pull all the summer fun preparations together at the same time. We got all the curriculum done as well as schedules for each volunteer, supplies for each day, and we carried out the orientation of all our summer volunteers. So today (which was the first day of summer fun btw...) everything was ready to go! All the rotations ran fairly smoothly, and there were no injuries, praise God! I anticipate that tomorrow will be even better, and rather than making sure everyone gets where they need to be, maybe we can focus a little more on just having a fun time with the kids. We have an amazing prayer team at Hawaii Kai, but we could still use more prayers to help us get through the next three weeks. Thanks and love to you all!
-Layce
-Layce
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Way Deep Down In My Heart
I'm in a very joyous mood. The days seems to go by so fast, but everyday is such a great new adventure. I've only seen the kids in chapel every morning and as they pass by me throughout the day, but I love them all so much. Their smiles always make my day brighter, and when one of them calls out a greeting (silly as it may sound) I feel so special and important.
Today I worked on the 4th-6th grade girl's bible study with one of the youth girl's who just graduated. It was so cool to see how passionate she is about the Lord and sharing her heart with the pre-teen girls. Our topic this week is appearance and modesty. It was a tough lesson for me to write up because self-image has been a huge battle throughout my life. However, It was nice to spend time digging into the word and preparing to share the love and hope that can be found when we realize that our identity rests in Christ. In preparing today I was reading and really focusing on two scriptures that I often overlook:
"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works, my soul knows it very well."
Psalm 139:13-14
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you..."
Jeremiah 1:5
To me, these two verses are a reminder that 1) God took time to create me because I am precious and loved by Him. 2) Before I even had a body or any kind of physical attribute, God saw and knew my heart. My whole being is reaffirmed in so many ways by these scriptures. God knew my heart before the rest of me was put together. I think there is so much peace and love wrapped up in this, that just because we are not as pretty as someone else in our own eyes or the eyes of the world, it's our innermost beings that the Lord sees first and delights in most. More than anything, I want my heart to always be a reflection of God's perfect love and never-fading beauty.
"Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious."
1 Peter 3:3&4
Today I worked on the 4th-6th grade girl's bible study with one of the youth girl's who just graduated. It was so cool to see how passionate she is about the Lord and sharing her heart with the pre-teen girls. Our topic this week is appearance and modesty. It was a tough lesson for me to write up because self-image has been a huge battle throughout my life. However, It was nice to spend time digging into the word and preparing to share the love and hope that can be found when we realize that our identity rests in Christ. In preparing today I was reading and really focusing on two scriptures that I often overlook:
"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works, my soul knows it very well."
Psalm 139:13-14
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you..."
Jeremiah 1:5
To me, these two verses are a reminder that 1) God took time to create me because I am precious and loved by Him. 2) Before I even had a body or any kind of physical attribute, God saw and knew my heart. My whole being is reaffirmed in so many ways by these scriptures. God knew my heart before the rest of me was put together. I think there is so much peace and love wrapped up in this, that just because we are not as pretty as someone else in our own eyes or the eyes of the world, it's our innermost beings that the Lord sees first and delights in most. More than anything, I want my heart to always be a reflection of God's perfect love and never-fading beauty.
"Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious."
1 Peter 3:3&4
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Modge Podge
I'm looking forward to a nice relaxing day tomorrow. Hopefully that will also involve getting some much needed laundry done and spending the afternoon at the beach. Keep praying for the various ministries here at Hawaii Kai, please. I love you all. Thanks for all of the prayers and sweet words of encouragement!
Thursday, June 16, 2011
a light at the end of the tunnel
The list of things to get done for summer fun (that was written on the dry erase board in our "office") is almost completely finished! It's been a long week, but things are finally coming together and the hard work is beginning to pay off. Tomorrow night is our second week of the 4th-6th grade girl's bible study. Hopefully we will have an even better turn out than last week.
Last night Amy, Tyler and I went and had dinner at the home of one of the families from church. The day of the family was an extra on LOST. Since I spent every Monday night watching that show for six years, I of course was thrilled. They were very nice people (no surprise) who had amazing stories about how God has worked and is continuing to work in their lives.
Today I got to present one of the volunteers from church the material she will be using for a part of summer fun that she'll be leading. When I handed her the curriculum that some of the youth girls and I wrote, she began to tear up. It was such a sweet moment to experience her being so vulnerable and emotionally open with me as she shared her passion for the Lord.
Amy, Dani Beth, and I met with another lady from the church today who helped us plan out eight days worth of bible study material. She was amazing! Literally, for two days the three of us have either just sat and stared blankly at each other whenever this bible study came up or avoided it altogether, but as soon as this woman came through the door she was whipping out idea after idea. With that finished, we were finally able to take a little sigh of relief.
Dani Beth says that next week should be an easier one since we got everything done this week that we needed to. We still have a lot to do, but it'll be nice to at least do something a little different for a while. I'd appreciate for myself, Amy, and Dani Beth as we continue working together and get closer to June 27th (summer fun kick off day). We will have someone praying every minute of everyday of summer fun which is really cool, but I would still ask that you pray for that as well.
Interesting story of the week...
We were finally able to make it to the beach yesterday. When we got there, one of the girls that I'm living with decided to join us and bring the great dane she babysits. So while Amy and I are laying out at eternity beach, we look up and see this huge gray dog coming down the side of the hill. Now great danes I know are big, but this animal was massive! I have never seen a dog so big in my entire life! When he made it down to the beach, his legs were shaking terribly and he just stood rather awkwardly with his tail between his legs. It was funny to see that this monster dog was so afraid. He stayed right next to Daryn Leigh the whole time and looked totally out of place and uncomfortable, but he is such a sweetheart and sooo cute that you can't help but love him!
That's all I've got for today. Here are some pictures from this week.
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Last night Amy, Tyler and I went and had dinner at the home of one of the families from church. The day of the family was an extra on LOST. Since I spent every Monday night watching that show for six years, I of course was thrilled. They were very nice people (no surprise) who had amazing stories about how God has worked and is continuing to work in their lives.
Today I got to present one of the volunteers from church the material she will be using for a part of summer fun that she'll be leading. When I handed her the curriculum that some of the youth girls and I wrote, she began to tear up. It was such a sweet moment to experience her being so vulnerable and emotionally open with me as she shared her passion for the Lord.
Amy, Dani Beth, and I met with another lady from the church today who helped us plan out eight days worth of bible study material. She was amazing! Literally, for two days the three of us have either just sat and stared blankly at each other whenever this bible study came up or avoided it altogether, but as soon as this woman came through the door she was whipping out idea after idea. With that finished, we were finally able to take a little sigh of relief.
Dani Beth says that next week should be an easier one since we got everything done this week that we needed to. We still have a lot to do, but it'll be nice to at least do something a little different for a while. I'd appreciate for myself, Amy, and Dani Beth as we continue working together and get closer to June 27th (summer fun kick off day). We will have someone praying every minute of everyday of summer fun which is really cool, but I would still ask that you pray for that as well.
Interesting story of the week...
We were finally able to make it to the beach yesterday. When we got there, one of the girls that I'm living with decided to join us and bring the great dane she babysits. So while Amy and I are laying out at eternity beach, we look up and see this huge gray dog coming down the side of the hill. Now great danes I know are big, but this animal was massive! I have never seen a dog so big in my entire life! When he made it down to the beach, his legs were shaking terribly and he just stood rather awkwardly with his tail between his legs. It was funny to see that this monster dog was so afraid. He stayed right next to Daryn Leigh the whole time and looked totally out of place and uncomfortable, but he is such a sweetheart and sooo cute that you can't help but love him!
That's all I've got for today. Here are some pictures from this week.
Eternity beach
Daryn and Baron
lava tunnel
ocean
sand sculpture in Waikiki
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Friday, June 10, 2011
King Kamehameha Day!
It's Friday! Amy and I are off today because it's King Kamehameha Day. I believe he is the Hawaiian King who united all the islands of Hawaii. This is a good thing as it provides summer missionaries like me a day to hike and go to the beach (which I haven't been able to do all week).
Last night was our first night of 4th-6th grade girls bible study. It went pretty well I think, but of course not exactly as I had hoped. I had forotten how little fourth graders are. The girls were great though. We played telephone pictionary, ate apple dip, and made friendship bracelets. Our bible study time was a little too short, and I wish we could have (as bad as it sounds) incorporated God more into our discussion questions. Overall, the night didn't go as I planned, but God should still be praised for the nine girls who showed up. Pray that God will give Amy and I the words to speak to the girls next Thursday so that the holy spirit will move during our time with them. Also, pray for strength and energy for me and Amy and confidence in knowing that it's not about how well we speak or how fun our games are, but it's about how God chooses to reveal himself through our leadership.
And now, because I promised pictures and because I have been neglecting to take any of what we've been doing....here are some pictures of my current food obsessions!
Last night was our first night of 4th-6th grade girls bible study. It went pretty well I think, but of course not exactly as I had hoped. I had forotten how little fourth graders are. The girls were great though. We played telephone pictionary, ate apple dip, and made friendship bracelets. Our bible study time was a little too short, and I wish we could have (as bad as it sounds) incorporated God more into our discussion questions. Overall, the night didn't go as I planned, but God should still be praised for the nine girls who showed up. Pray that God will give Amy and I the words to speak to the girls next Thursday so that the holy spirit will move during our time with them. Also, pray for strength and energy for me and Amy and confidence in knowing that it's not about how well we speak or how fun our games are, but it's about how God chooses to reveal himself through our leadership.
And now, because I promised pictures and because I have been neglecting to take any of what we've been doing....here are some pictures of my current food obsessions!
This is some AMAZING salsa that one of the girl's mothers made for us.
This chili cheese dip stuff was also a gift from the same lady...it looks questionable, but trust me it is great!
Li Hing Mango Pieces...that's all I can say about that. Perfection.
Kona coffee = love!!!!
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Brain Bacon!!!
Yesterday was a long day of work. By the end of it our brain's were completely fried and in danger of information overload. In the past two days, Amy and I have put together two bible studies and we are fixing to start planning out how we will equip the volunteers for summer fun. This will involve gathering curiculum as well as making up some ourselves, getting in touch with each volunteer, putting together an orientation for the volunteers, and setting up one-on-one meetings with a few volunteers. You can imagine how big our eyes got as we realized how much we need to get done. It's going to be long days ahead, but Amy and I are learning to work as a team, and we are optimistic.
Today is our first night of 4th-6th grade bible study with the pre-teen girls. Amy and I have been working hard on the bible study, and we had all the youth girls helping us make friendship bracelets during our meeting with them on Tuesday. We forgot to make the apple dip last night that we are planning on serving, so we'll have to find some time for that today.
This post is going to have to be cut short because I have to leave for the church soon. As you can see, we have a lot going on here, so keep praying that it all comes together in time! Thanks!
Today is our first night of 4th-6th grade bible study with the pre-teen girls. Amy and I have been working hard on the bible study, and we had all the youth girls helping us make friendship bracelets during our meeting with them on Tuesday. We forgot to make the apple dip last night that we are planning on serving, so we'll have to find some time for that today.
This post is going to have to be cut short because I have to leave for the church soon. As you can see, we have a lot going on here, so keep praying that it all comes together in time! Thanks!
Monday, June 6, 2011
Dino-Nuggets
This morning was the first day of Summer Fun Pre-school. Amy and I were at the church by 8:30...Dani Beth kind of told us the wrong time, so we were late for chapel, but it wasn't a big deal. We were just in time for introductions, however. As we walked up to the front after our names were called, we began to notice that everyone was dressed fairly nice in comparison to our grungy, athletic clothes that we wore to help set up the water slide. One little girl insisted that I give her a hug as we made our way to the stage, so that was nice. After chapel Dani Beth informed us that the slide wasn't going to be put up for the day, but she said our attire wasn't a problem. She was right. None of the kids cared at all what we were wearing, they still wanted us to sit by them and play with dinosaurs when we visited each classroom.
After rotating through each pre-school room, Amy and I began working on the curriculum for our 4th-6th grade girls bible study that we'll be leading. This week our topic is going to be friendship, and I am really excited for it because we are using one of my favorite bible stories. The story of David and Jonathan has always had a special place in my heart because it is a friendship based on a deep love that makes the two men as close as brothers even though Saul (Jonathan's father) wants to kill David. What follows is an epic tale of battles over power and all the while the two friends remain loyal to each other with a covenant of mercy between them. In the end, David does come to power and Jonathan dies. David, honoring his promise to his best friend, finds Jonathan's remaining, crippled son and has him always sit at the king's table.
So halfway into writing this whole bible study out, we got to break for lunch. Dani Beth and two of the other women from the church joined us as we all shared in a delicious pre-school lunch of dino-nuggets and corn. Delicious!!! After some good, entertaining conversation, it was back to work. I finished writing the bible study on construction paper, and then Amy tried to make sense of it all as she typed in into the computer so we could print it out. Hopefully the girls will really get something out of this study on Thursday.
Tomorrow we will be starting our bible study/prep-group with the teenage girls. We will be reading Crazy Love with them as well as going over the stuff for the pre-teen girls (since we will be training them to take over the pre-teen bible study).
It was a pretty long day of work I suppose, but everything went by so fast! I really enjoyed the broad list of jobs and activities we got to take part in today. We went from playing with kids to writing bible study curriculum to mailing acceptance forms for Summer Fun. In short it was a productive, but not so stressful day that I have just decided deserves a nap time soon. Hopefully I can get some more pictures up soon so ya'll don't get so bored and keep checking in on me here. Until then, just bear with me and keep praying! Love love love!
After rotating through each pre-school room, Amy and I began working on the curriculum for our 4th-6th grade girls bible study that we'll be leading. This week our topic is going to be friendship, and I am really excited for it because we are using one of my favorite bible stories. The story of David and Jonathan has always had a special place in my heart because it is a friendship based on a deep love that makes the two men as close as brothers even though Saul (Jonathan's father) wants to kill David. What follows is an epic tale of battles over power and all the while the two friends remain loyal to each other with a covenant of mercy between them. In the end, David does come to power and Jonathan dies. David, honoring his promise to his best friend, finds Jonathan's remaining, crippled son and has him always sit at the king's table.
So halfway into writing this whole bible study out, we got to break for lunch. Dani Beth and two of the other women from the church joined us as we all shared in a delicious pre-school lunch of dino-nuggets and corn. Delicious!!! After some good, entertaining conversation, it was back to work. I finished writing the bible study on construction paper, and then Amy tried to make sense of it all as she typed in into the computer so we could print it out. Hopefully the girls will really get something out of this study on Thursday.
Tomorrow we will be starting our bible study/prep-group with the teenage girls. We will be reading Crazy Love with them as well as going over the stuff for the pre-teen girls (since we will be training them to take over the pre-teen bible study).
It was a pretty long day of work I suppose, but everything went by so fast! I really enjoyed the broad list of jobs and activities we got to take part in today. We went from playing with kids to writing bible study curriculum to mailing acceptance forms for Summer Fun. In short it was a productive, but not so stressful day that I have just decided deserves a nap time soon. Hopefully I can get some more pictures up soon so ya'll don't get so bored and keep checking in on me here. Until then, just bear with me and keep praying! Love love love!
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Diving In
Today was my second Sunday at Hawaii Kai Church, and it was just as good as the first. I helped out with the pre-schoolers once again with great success. Our speaker for this month is Pastor Todd Clark. He is doing a sermon series titled Modern Family. The lesson for today was about wives...mostly it was about how men should treat their wives. I wrote down the list of things men must do in order to glorify God and be a good husband:
1. Men must set the pace for understanding women.
3. They shouldn't fool themselves into thinking they can live at odds with their wives and be at peace with God.
Tomorrow summer pre-school classes begin at the church. Amy and I will go and observe chapel (since we will be taking charge of it eventually), and then I believe we will hop from class to class and sort of act as cheerleaders. We will probably also do some planning for the Summer Fun program which will start on June 27th.
I'm so excited to start working more with the kids, and I can't wait to see how everything comes together. I've gotten to know about nine of the pre-schoolers pretty well, so it'll be fun to get to see them everyday. Hopefully everything runs smoothly tomorrow and the rest of this week! I'll update tomorrow with details about how it all goes. Keep praying and reading, loves!
1. Men must set the pace for understanding women.
- Children will be as disrespectful toward their moms as they are allowed to be.
- Women are delicate and precise creatures and were made that way purposefully. God loves them because of it, and they should not be looked down upon for it.
3. They shouldn't fool themselves into thinking they can live at odds with their wives and be at peace with God.
- "You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered." 1 Peter 3:7
Tomorrow summer pre-school classes begin at the church. Amy and I will go and observe chapel (since we will be taking charge of it eventually), and then I believe we will hop from class to class and sort of act as cheerleaders. We will probably also do some planning for the Summer Fun program which will start on June 27th.
I'm so excited to start working more with the kids, and I can't wait to see how everything comes together. I've gotten to know about nine of the pre-schoolers pretty well, so it'll be fun to get to see them everyday. Hopefully everything runs smoothly tomorrow and the rest of this week! I'll update tomorrow with details about how it all goes. Keep praying and reading, loves!
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Moving Right Along
So I just returned from my summer missions orientation today, and Amy and I moved from the house we were living at together into separate houses for the month of June. Orientation was not at all what I expected it to be. All the people I was able to meet and fellowship with were an incredible blessing. The four days I was at first dreading turned into a great time of meeting new friends who are also on mission in Hawaii. Rather than sitting through lectures about how to behave myself this summer, I was given information that I really think will prove to be useful in my own ministry.
Moving into a new house after being so comfortable at the first one has also turned out to be another huge blessing. Not that I wasn't looking forward to living with the family I am now with, but I was afraid of the transition and how I would fit into the new setting. Sometimes I think God just really enjoys surprising me in the sweetest ways! As soon as I entered the home of my new host family I was recieved with so much love and kindness. They had the cutest room all set up for me when I arrived complete with a gift basket and a note welcoming me, and the three women living in the house have made me feel right at home.
After getting settled, Amy and I went to a meeting with Dani Beth and some of the youth girls to work on some Summer Fun* stuff. This was my first taste of the planning Dani Beth has been telling us about. Basically for about and hour and a half, me and two of the youth girls sat down and drew out a rough eight day outline of bible-based, life-changing lesson plans. It sounds like it would be easy, but sitting there trying to prepare all of this I realized some things. 1) I don't know as much about the Bible as I though I did. 2) Organization, creativity, and abundant amounts of energy are all things I could use more of. 3)It's important yet challenging to not half-heartedly create a lesson plan for kindergarden through third grade kids when taking into account their comprehension level and attention span. I'm starting to see what ministry looks like from a leadership perspective, and I'm beginning to understand that it's a lot of work. I'm nervous about the upcoming events and if I'll be able to keep up, but I'm trusting that God is going to really allow me to grow in this area in the weeks to come, and I'm excited to see what He will do.
Moving into a new house after being so comfortable at the first one has also turned out to be another huge blessing. Not that I wasn't looking forward to living with the family I am now with, but I was afraid of the transition and how I would fit into the new setting. Sometimes I think God just really enjoys surprising me in the sweetest ways! As soon as I entered the home of my new host family I was recieved with so much love and kindness. They had the cutest room all set up for me when I arrived complete with a gift basket and a note welcoming me, and the three women living in the house have made me feel right at home.
After getting settled, Amy and I went to a meeting with Dani Beth and some of the youth girls to work on some Summer Fun* stuff. This was my first taste of the planning Dani Beth has been telling us about. Basically for about and hour and a half, me and two of the youth girls sat down and drew out a rough eight day outline of bible-based, life-changing lesson plans. It sounds like it would be easy, but sitting there trying to prepare all of this I realized some things. 1) I don't know as much about the Bible as I though I did. 2) Organization, creativity, and abundant amounts of energy are all things I could use more of. 3)It's important yet challenging to not half-heartedly create a lesson plan for kindergarden through third grade kids when taking into account their comprehension level and attention span. I'm starting to see what ministry looks like from a leadership perspective, and I'm beginning to understand that it's a lot of work. I'm nervous about the upcoming events and if I'll be able to keep up, but I'm trusting that God is going to really allow me to grow in this area in the weeks to come, and I'm excited to see what He will do.
Monday, May 30, 2011
"Cheese!"
So for my post today I am just going to post pictures of all the cool things we've done so far. Enjoy!
Our arrival in Hawaii
Amy, Cleo, and I exploring down by the water!
That would be Koko Crater, and we dominated it!
We used this beach to sneak onto a resort to see...
DOLPHINS!
first day on da beach!
Pretty palm tree
This our new friend Tyler taking his first step in an ocean!
Another great beach day!
Some more lovely scenery for your enjoyment...
As you can see, we are having a great time. Tomorrow we will finally start working, so you can all stop hating me so much. Aloha!
Here are some pictures from the amazing two and a half hour hike Amy and I took today!
Amy on the trail with Koko Crater in the background
Too hot for the beach
getting higher
can't beat that view
Hawaii Kai
it's not a starfish, it's a flower!!!
Crazy, huge waves!
Amy is a mermaid.
Don't fall.
That's all folks.
Sunday School and Sunburns
Today was my first time to actually attend the church I will be working at all summer. There are two services at Hawaii Kai Church. Amy and Dani Beth attended the first one today while I helped out with the pre-schooler's Sunday school class. As many of you know (who know me well at least)I do not always do so well with children. This stems mostly from a few negative encounters with little boys either telling me I stink or I am ugly. Now I know I shouldn't place all the blame for my anxiety concerning children on the views of a six year old who probably picks his nose and wets the bed, but being the sensitive creature that I am it is often little comments and moments of embarrassment I remember that usually keep me from stepping out and trying things. In fact, to be completely honest I have been praying a lot about this idea I've had that I'm not good with kids because I feel they don't like me. Today while working with some adorable little kids, God just gave me an opportunity to experience how amazing children's ministry can be. One little girl named Charlotte was particularly encouraging. At one point she just sat next to me, looked at me with her big brown eyes, and took my hand. It was the sweetest, most reassuring thing to ease my anxiety. God's love in that moment was being ministered to me through a four year old girl! Stopping to realize those I just have to praise God for the little thoughtful ways he reassures and encourages us as we serve. After church Amy, DB, the the youth inter, Tyler, and I went to the North Shore. We layed out on the beach and the we finally got in the water. After a few hours of that we went to eat at a Mexican food restaurant followed by an ice cream shop.
I for got to mention that last night we went to a real Hawaiian luau! There were no grass skirts, tiki torches, or piña coladas. Instead, we experienced a huge group of people enjoying food made by a high school graduate's mother, various live music performances, and friendly conversation among guests.
I'm going to have to cut this short because I'm having trouble keeping my eyes open! Please just continue to pray for Hawaii Kai church and that Amy and I will remain strong in body and spirit as we work this summer! Thank you!
I for got to mention that last night we went to a real Hawaiian luau! There were no grass skirts, tiki torches, or piña coladas. Instead, we experienced a huge group of people enjoying food made by a high school graduate's mother, various live music performances, and friendly conversation among guests.
I'm going to have to cut this short because I'm having trouble keeping my eyes open! Please just continue to pray for Hawaii Kai church and that Amy and I will remain strong in body and spirit as we work this summer! Thank you!
Saturday, May 28, 2011
I Stand Amazed.
So it is my second day in Hawaii Kai and already I have so much to report! Yesterday began at 5:00 am with a walk down to the ocean. Amy and I spent about two hours just marveling at the beauty we were getting to experience. At the end of a small path leading from the backyard of our host's home, we found ourselves standing in a small, rocky inlet with the ocean stretched out before us. I have never seen water so blue.
After grabbing some coffee and a delicious acai granola cup from common grounds, Dani Beth took us to see some dolphins at a resort we ventured into from the beach. We stood at the edge of a pond looking thing for about an hour and a half expecting a spectacular show, when in reality we simply watched the trainers run up to the dolphins and throw a fish in their mouth. Still, it was pretty cool.
Later we met up with some of the girls from the Hawaii Kai Church youth group and went to have tea. The tea shop was lovely, and the girls I got to meet and hope to get to know much better this summer are absolutely precious. There is so much diversity between them, but God is working in each one! The rest if our night was spent at DB's house playing silent football and telephone pictionary (so funny!).
This morning I woke up a bit too early again, but not as bad as yesterday. Amy and I met with Dani Beth and her small group. All I can sayis what an amazing group of women! There were new believers who are so beautifully hungry to know as much as they can. I was overwhelmed by the peace and joy of the spirit just to sit and hear what God has been teaching each of them. Being with these ladies this morning showed me that God is here, working and moving on this island! It was such an encouraging time for me.
The day we got here, Amy and I noticed a tall trail going up the side of one of the mountains. We cane to fund out that it is called Koko Crater. It's about a mile and a half to the top and the whole trail is a giant staircase! Being the incredibly (self-proclaimed) athletic women that we are. Amy and I decided to do the Koko crater trail right after bible study.I haven't the words to describe how hard that hike/climb was. At one point we were pretty much parallel to the mountain. Amy's calves were hurting, and I was having a panic attack as I envisions falling backwards to my death, but we made it to the top! Along the way we even had the chance to meet a couple from Texas, a mother with her daughter, and three girls who were best friends. No one knew each other on the trail, but everyone was so kind and curtious towards each other, but that's pretty much how the whole island is. Everyone greets with a hug, and I have yet to meet someone who forgets my name give seconds later (or at all for that matter. There is a social etiquette here that I'm falling in love with. It's a culture of being personable and intentionable...something I think a lot of places I know don't do well.
After grabbing some coffee and a delicious acai granola cup from common grounds, Dani Beth took us to see some dolphins at a resort we ventured into from the beach. We stood at the edge of a pond looking thing for about an hour and a half expecting a spectacular show, when in reality we simply watched the trainers run up to the dolphins and throw a fish in their mouth. Still, it was pretty cool.
Later we met up with some of the girls from the Hawaii Kai Church youth group and went to have tea. The tea shop was lovely, and the girls I got to meet and hope to get to know much better this summer are absolutely precious. There is so much diversity between them, but God is working in each one! The rest if our night was spent at DB's house playing silent football and telephone pictionary (so funny!).
This morning I woke up a bit too early again, but not as bad as yesterday. Amy and I met with Dani Beth and her small group. All I can sayis what an amazing group of women! There were new believers who are so beautifully hungry to know as much as they can. I was overwhelmed by the peace and joy of the spirit just to sit and hear what God has been teaching each of them. Being with these ladies this morning showed me that God is here, working and moving on this island! It was such an encouraging time for me.
The day we got here, Amy and I noticed a tall trail going up the side of one of the mountains. We cane to fund out that it is called Koko Crater. It's about a mile and a half to the top and the whole trail is a giant staircase! Being the incredibly (self-proclaimed) athletic women that we are. Amy and I decided to do the Koko crater trail right after bible study.I haven't the words to describe how hard that hike/climb was. At one point we were pretty much parallel to the mountain. Amy's calves were hurting, and I was having a panic attack as I envisions falling backwards to my death, but we made it to the top! Along the way we even had the chance to meet a couple from Texas, a mother with her daughter, and three girls who were best friends. No one knew each other on the trail, but everyone was so kind and curtious towards each other, but that's pretty much how the whole island is. Everyone greets with a hug, and I have yet to meet someone who forgets my name give seconds later (or at all for that matter. There is a social etiquette here that I'm falling in love with. It's a culture of being personable and intentionable...something I think a lot of places I know don't do well.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
I'm Leavin On a Jet Plane!
Today is the day! I woke up in Texas this morning, and I'll be in Hawaii by the end of the day...which will actually be tomorrow here...but in Hawaii it will still be today? The time difference is gonna be hard to adjust to, obviously.
For those of you who have no idea what I'm rambling on about...
This summer I will be staying in Hawaii as a student summer missionary. I'll be traveling with my good friend Amy Anderson to Honolulu where we will work with Dani Beth Crosby at Hawaii Kai Church. Getting to this point has been a long, sometimes stressful, process of praying and seeking the Lord's will, but I cannot begin to describe how excited I am to take this journey with Him!
Amy and I will leave today and stay until July 31st, so that will be about two months in a completely new place separated from the familiar by an Ocean! We'll be in paradise, yes, but I'm not fooled for a second into thinking this trip is going to be a total breeze. Of course we will have loads of fun, but the main reason we're going is because we have been called to work and grow. That truly is the most exciting part of it for me; The fact that the Lord spoke and gave me the courage to follow Him to an island in the middle of the ocean tells me that He is at work, and I am so thankful and excited to be a part of whatever he has planned!
Well I have to leave for the airport. Prayers and encouragement will be accepted and greatly appreciated! I'll be blogging as much as possible, so stay tuned!
For those of you who have no idea what I'm rambling on about...
This summer I will be staying in Hawaii as a student summer missionary. I'll be traveling with my good friend Amy Anderson to Honolulu where we will work with Dani Beth Crosby at Hawaii Kai Church. Getting to this point has been a long, sometimes stressful, process of praying and seeking the Lord's will, but I cannot begin to describe how excited I am to take this journey with Him!
Amy and I will leave today and stay until July 31st, so that will be about two months in a completely new place separated from the familiar by an Ocean! We'll be in paradise, yes, but I'm not fooled for a second into thinking this trip is going to be a total breeze. Of course we will have loads of fun, but the main reason we're going is because we have been called to work and grow. That truly is the most exciting part of it for me; The fact that the Lord spoke and gave me the courage to follow Him to an island in the middle of the ocean tells me that He is at work, and I am so thankful and excited to be a part of whatever he has planned!
Well I have to leave for the airport. Prayers and encouragement will be accepted and greatly appreciated! I'll be blogging as much as possible, so stay tuned!
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