Work Update

So many of you are probably wondering what the heck I do other than see really cool things. Well I do work...don't worry! Nothing has really changed in the YFC office. I take part in all the meetings as well as work on some database and event registration. Our Saturdays have been full with Student Activities. This past Saturday we went to a Ropes Course in France with some student leaders on the three International School Campuses. Click here for a few pictures. I am hoping that I will get more shortly! I enjoyed hanging out with the kids...but never again will I go on a Ropes Course...

My favorite part right now is the work I do in Westlake Church. I recently just taught in Sunday School. It went ok. I don't love teaching because I do not feel like I can communicate well...or articulate the material well. I think I am going to get several opportunities to teach this year. I really hope that is something that is improved by the time I leave.

Other than that I am just trying to hang out with students and get to know them. It is going ok. I have been frustrated this week. I feel like there are so many barriers to cross in order for me to be effective. I didn't realize that me being from a different culture would be that big of a deal. By that I mean that I have these ideas or expectations for my work in youth ministry. Those ideas and expectations come from one the way I was raised in the church and two my previous experience working in youth ministry. It is different here. The lives of these students is nothing like my life growing up...or the kid's lives i have previously worked with. All that to say is that I am experiencing a new way to do youth work which is good for me.

There have also been little bumps in the road with my creativity. For instance I have had to come up with games or illustrations for my talk. You would think both of those are very easy. But when you come up with the great idea of playing "The Price is Right" or something like that I then remember that The Price is Right isn't over here. Or if you want to play a game with popular songs or movie stars....I don't know that culture yet. Those are small examples...but a lot of small examples can make a big pile! It can be exhausting.

All of that to say that I am being stretched...sometimes more than I would like. But I can see the need for me here. I can see the need for TRUTH. I can also see the need for love.

I have actually met with a couple of girls this week. Both went well. I left appreciating their honesty. Please pray for both of these girls. Both have the knowledge of God and Christ. Both have the knowledge of what Christ means in Christianity. Pray that they would see that obedience is essential in our daily lives. Pray that they see the urgency in it. Also pray that there would be a true heart transformation when they are ready to seek God. Both told me that right now is just not the time for them to commit their lives to anything. I admire their honesty...but my heart still breaks.

Thinking about the past couple of days makes me thankful for my passion. It also makes me thankful for how real God is in my life. I am thankful for his depth, compassion, faithfulness, love and his power. I am thankful that when I was hopeless I could have hope. I am thankful when I wasn't worth loving that He loved me deeply. He has been real enough in my life for me to move across an ocean to tell about it...I just desire these kids to get it. So...even though I feel frustrated and confused sometimes...I see the need and I know my purpose is being fulfilled.

So please pray for both of those girls.