you take the good and you take the bad

So...you take the bad .......................

Man, I came off of a rough week. I just experienced a lot of lonliness. I was also very discouraged in how to "do youth ministry" in the culture. I was basically frustrated. I feel like there is this huge difference in ministry here…and there is. I was asking questions like: How do I overcome the cluture difference? Will I be effective here? Will I make progress? I think so. I think God has me here for a reason. I know something good will happen. I am thankful for my own growth. At times I just want to go home; But…I want to experience it for all it is worth. I do feel like I am pursing the kids though. I do feel like I am experiencing God.

Sometimes I feel like I am accomplished here…sometimes I feel so defeated. I do feel as if Satin really is attacking me…but at the same time God is using this to strengthen me as well as create intimacy in my relationship with him.

And you take the good......................

So I have just had two really great days! Long days and I am exhausted...but I am so fired up right now! I know I am being bipolar from the bad days. Without going into tons of detail it goes like this.... I am living life with people who desperatly need Christ. I grew had friends that were not Christians.. But then I went to OBU and Mansfield. Pretty much everyone professes to be Christians. But here is the difference, my whole life I have been in places that say being religious, specifically in Christianity is the right thing to do. And you are more sort of the outcast if you don't at least try out a youth group. And that is not the case here. Being a Christian one isn't always popular...and there are more people who do not choose to put an emphasis on church. I mean, that is very generalized....but the Christian bubble is much smaller here. So all of that to say...I see a need here. It makes me excited. Also, being with youth the last two days excites me. I have a freshness here. So there is the comparison...I hope it made since.

I have just really enjoyed getting to know students all over again. I enjoy knowing I am needed here in the spiritual sence. I see doors and attitudes opening up.

I know that there are going to be down days...but I like to live it up on the good ones!

You add a little fun..........................

Swiss Food: Saturday night I was invited to a families house for dinner. We are had raclette. It is a swiss traditional food. Melted cheese over potatoes. I am going to buy a raclette set and when I get back we can eat it together! To see pictures of my dinner ***click here***

Interyouth: Through the Interyouth program in YFC we had our first MADD (make a difference day). We went to a homeless shelter to paint a wall. To see pictures from that day click ***here*** Some of them you will have already looked at (like the ropes course) but keep on clicking and new ones will come! It was a great day. I loved being with new students. I loved just starting converstaions with them. I loved talking basketball with one of the guys, I loved talking about adoption issues with one of the girls. I see that my passion is youth. I just want to live life with them. Through living life with them they will be introdued to what allows me to make since of the craziness, rest in the restlessness and love in the ugliness of the world.

Corpus: I really love my job at Westake. It is a great fit. I get along well with the youth pator Jesse. He has been a really great help. Friday night was a really great Corpus. To see pictures click ***here*** Some of them you have seen before, but keep clicking forward for the new pics! We are going through different parables that Jesus taught. We organize the rest of the night with games and food. This Friday was great though. It seemed as if numbers were up and the kids really enjoyed themselves! I was also able to sit and jut have fun with a couple of the students.

Survive only through Christ.......................

I appreciate all of you that are praying for me! I can see a differnce lately. So thank you. Here are several prayer requests for the time being! As well as updates on my last prayer requests! If you have not been recieving my prayer emails let me know and I will add you to my list.

• For doors continue to open witht he students. That their hearts would long to be fulfilled and that they would recognize the only way to do that would be through a relationship with Christ.
• My health. Nothing major...my stomach has just been grumbly...it must be adjusting. Also that I would continue pursuing a healthy lifestyle...working out eating right etc. Those things make a difference when you are trying to adjust to new things as well as manage stress. My nose ring has also been giving me problems. Little things that are no big deal can be really annoying when you are not in your normal setting.
• Favor with people. For a friendship to start and for our paths to cross naturally and from there there might be a mutual interest to spend time together.
• For God to protect me from temptation and evil. I am in a tremendous setting to grow. I would perfer for harm to not be near!
• Praise that doors are opening with students in the most unexpected places. I think it goes to show me that no matter my effort or desire it is all in God's hands.
• That God would show me where to find a group of friends. That he would help me to be discierning in where I decide to spend my time out of work.
• Pray that God would guide me in my future. I will have to decide here in a couple of months if I want to stay here to work. I need God to be very clear with me because I know my heart is going to be so torn in so many ways.
• Pray for the salvation of the lost. Pray that my work here could show them truth and life. Pray that they would be drawn to God’s fullness. That they may respond to the calling on their life to follow after Him.
• Praise for a girl that you prayed for last week. She is showing intrest in hanging out with Christain friends. Pray that her time spent in church and with the youth program would be a time that she would allow herself to enjoy it and learn.
• Pray that the students at Westlake would engage in the words that Jesse is teaching.
• Praise for my church here. I work well with the youth pastor. Also, people have been very intentional by introducing themselves! It makes me feel very welcome!
• Praise for technology. It has helped tramendously to keep all of you updated as well as stay connected with my family and friends through email!

And ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE, GROWTH, EXCITEMENT AND CHALLENGES TO THE FULLEST!!!!!!