Hello My Dearest Friends!
I have finally had time to sit down and try and put into words all that has happened within the last few months. A task that I assure you isn't easy! To attempt to sum up what life has been like this year is one of the hardest things I've wanted and been asked to do. So, if I'm a little scattered or unclear in any way my deepest apologies!
First and foremost I would like to thank ALL of you! My heart has been DEEPLY touched by all your support and love! I COULD NOT have made this trip without any of you! My words are not enough of a thank you but its the most I can offer you! SO THANK YOU!!
On April 10th in the evening we landed in Entebbe, Uganda and met with our now dear friend, Aron. Though he is a little embarrassed by it we took delight in listening to him the entire way "home". He shared with us the do's and don'ts of the country. What to expect and not to expect. And shared the best advice he could offer us. By the time we'd reached the house I had felt in good hands and that the next few months would be life changing. I hadn't ANY idea just how much so.
The first month we stayed in Kampala. 2 weeks at our now families house, Angela and Benum. They have 3 children total, one who was away at school and two that blessed us with their presence nightly. Their son was 10 and their little girl 4. Blessed doesn't even begin to express how we were treated. They let us stay there for free and paid for and cooked our meals nightly.
While we were here we worked a few days with Women and men who tested HIV positive. We also worked with an orphanage called God's Grace. Our goal was to love. Love on every person we encountered to our fullest compacity. Which came to be easy at each place, but especially God's Grace. We found 124 children with just 7 care takers. MANY, including babies, suffering from malnutrition and infections. The very first day I had one little girl who simply clung to me. The second I released her from my arms she would start to wale! The second day we arrived she ran to me with her friend who also would sob the second I let her go. As the newest girl cried (even as being held) I asked what was wrong, I was told "she always just cries. She needs to be quiet or leave this place." I asked if we could treat the wounds on her feet and I was ignored. Saddened by this my teammate, Tex, and I prayed over her. This is one story of many of the neglect and heartbreak we encountered the first few weeks.
Each teammate within those first couple weeks fell in love with one or more of those kids. Whitney and Anthony were no exception. A 2 month old baby was in this orphanages care. Whit with her nurturing heart she has went to her and rocked her. Her touch was startling to Baby Joy. "She was literally like a doll for the first hour or so" said Whit about holding Joy for the first time. Joy wasn't formular with human touch or what it meant to be cared for. As we were leaving Whit made Joy a promise to come back for her and adopt her. "The way she looked at me, it was like she understood every word. It was like she wasn't a two month old but an adult." As time went on and I spoke more with Whitney about Joy the more I too, and the team, fell in love with her. By week 3 of outreach I knew in my heart we were to go back for Joy. But I want to share more of the next 2 weeks before getting too far into Joy's story.
Week 3 and 4 we were in Kampala as well but no longer with Angela and Benum. Instead we hooked up with our friend Jonathan to build an aquapontics. This is a garden system that treats and takes care of itself but produces veggies at an alarming rate. Here we stayed with the orphans in our own rooms. When we arrived there wasn't any electricity and they had just gotten what is equal to our running water. The friends we made there were amazing. There are 12 children that live there, who sadly cant attend school so run around and play all day. They LOVED our water bottles and were the main source of their playing. These kids are sweet and adorable and I love each of them dearly. There we also met a 15 yr old man who worked with us building the aquapontics. His name is Denis and Ive NEVER seen someone work as hard as he did! He provides for his entire family, paying all their bills and also pays his school bills, which is $40 American BUT they average about $4 for a FULL days work! So its a LOT of money!! It was crazy to witness the level of struggle that was happening here.
The next few weeks were by far the hardest for me spiritually. We were off to Jinja (3 hrs away) for the remander of the trip. Or so we thought. As we packed and headed out the tears filled my eyes and over flowed my heart. I felt Kampala was where we were supposed to be but how could we just blow off all the plans we had in Jinja? And how do I share this with the team? I just probably don't wanna go because I fell in love with these people. Those were my thoughts. As we arrived I fought off my heartbreak. Within the next 2 days we found out that what plans we thought we had comes to find out, we didn't have at all! We literally had a month freed up! I was ready to re-pack and head to Kampala the moment Anthony gave us the news. Pitching the idea out to go back seemed perfect so there it was...pitched. After talking a little we prayed and felt as a team that 2wks in Jinja was what God had wanted from us. And the last 2 wks we'd head back to God's Grace.
We did just that. We filled in the first week in Jinja with random ministry. One day the girls did a maternity clinic. Which is where I discovered just how TERRIFIED of the medical field I am! haha that was ROUGH! We also did street walking and visited with another orphanage that one of our speakers founded, Cesta Nest (Streams of Mercy). In the second week we had planned a kids club for the neighborhood children. On day one we had 60 children and on the last day we had 110. It was EXHAUSTING but SO rewarding!! ages 4ish-18ish.... incredible! We did dances, skits, bible stories, games, songs, testimonies, prayers etc. Truly amazing.
The last 2 wks were the roughest since my mom passing. I have NEVER felt more emotionally drained (other than when mom died) in my entire life. We went back to the orphanage where it all started. It literally felt like we were arriving home as we pulled into Benum and Angela's. That was the refreshing part. The down side was we had a LOT of work to do with so short a time. While we visited Cesta Nest we found a new place to have Joy transferred to. The house was AMAZING she'd stay in and the people who'd be taking after her.... amazing! And apart of our goal was to have her moved there before we left. We knew it would be hard... we didn't realize how hard and why.
During the month and half on off days and free time Whitney and Anthony had been meeting and doing all they could to get the adoption process going. We kept running into hiccups but kept being able to overcome them due to God blessing us with more people who knew more answers. But the more we dug the more we started to question things. But not once did we question this was where we were meant to be.
Sunday came and we visited the children again for the first time. I was told by one of the kids all they had to eat was flour and water. Instantly our team decided we'd get them some rice for the week. Monday morning we brought them a big bag of rice and started to build 2 bedrooms for the boys. 30 plus boys were sleeping outside in the classroom on dirt and without misqueto nets (Malaria is HUGE over there and can be deadly if not treated in time.) We also built a laundry line to hang their clothes out on instead of laying them of the ground and a chicken coop and were sure to clean their sheets and bedrooms. Tuesday another organization brought 2 bags of rice for the kids and helped us with the projects above. Wednesday was the same. And then on Thursday we'd gotten back from lunch and one the kids came to me saying the older kids hadn't eaten. Confused as to why I had asked. They said "we ran outta food." Even more confused I went back to the kitchen and talked with the cook, who informed me that, indeed they'd "run outta food." Thinking this is impossible with all the food just delivered I went to Anthony and Tex overheard the news and went back to investigate. He found the food and then was told they were fasting. Confused as to what was happening and how the stories weren't adding up I decided to start asking questions. Im not gonna tell you how but just the info we discovered....
What we found out was that what basically happens is the person who runs the organization goes to kids parents and convinces them she can get them adopted by western people. What she doesn't tell them is that adoption through them isn't allowed at all. Then they will have the kids, esp the babies, be real thin and sickly so that when organizations go through they feel awful and because adoption isn't allowed all they can do is donate money. Then they will pocket the money and the children see none of it. They have found that babies bring in more care and money and so they've started to target them more. Hence why we are struggling to have Joy transferred. I was also shown 3rd degree burns that were done as punishment, they are not allowed to eat when being punished (2 babies were literally one DAY away from death), they are verbally abused daily and also caned if they ate food offered to them while they were being punished. The reason we cant just shut them down is because the kids who do have parents and thought they were giving their kids a better life will be arrested for abandonment and put into jail. And we don't want innocent people suffering for doing what they thought was best. And those who don't have parents will be left homeless. So, that's why I'm trying to go back there. I had a conversation with God and he told me that I must help one kid at a time and start with the most innocent.... which here is Joy.
This orphanage is the reason we were sent to Uganda. I have found my calling and that is the O.S.O... operation save the orphans. I plan on shutting down places like this and building new and better homes for these children. If you feel at all lead to help me in accomplishing this mission PLEASE talk to me! Whether finances or coming along and helping or just praying... however you can help PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE DO! These kids are the sweetest kids ever and are abused daily. I don't know how they are so wonderful! But Ive seen these things with my own eyes and I do need your help!! THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUVE DONE ALREADY!! THANK YOU! PLEASE SHARE THIS!!!
In Love with Uganda,
Krista June
Friday, June 14, 2013
Friday, May 17, 2013
Kids club in Jinja
The week started off by planning for a kids club that Ywam Jinja puts on. Matt Harr our school leader had his pastoral visit and so it started off pretty special. Getting notes from home and special treats like white chocolate....my fav! Thanks Sahara! With no real idea what we to do we tried praying knowing we hd 3 days of about 16 hrs totl that needed planning. London got we should do a 3 day story...what better than creation/the fall Christ dying and rising and Holy Spirit? So that's what we did. Skits from the bible and a few silly ones. I never thought we'd have such good actors on our team lol. But we crushed it. Lol. Matt being here was huge making each skit a little better. We ended up with 110 kids from age 3-17. Ptl. There were 5 from a nearby orphanage that appear to be in an ugly situation so we walked them home to check it out. Everything on the outside appears ok...but there's evidence that says otherwise...all circumstantial but my spirit doesn't rest well. So prayer is welcomed for the children there. There's somewhere around 13 kids there. When we went 'mother' the house taker wasn't there 'may return tonight'. As I said somethindoesnt set right in me. I think GAde our translator will be doing ,ore follow up and research on it. Our last day Celia and I had 49 kids 7 and under.... One translator and one other man.... Mayhem is the best way to describe it. But it was good! We each had groups and did lessons with them about what the skits were that day. Gods good and it all went great.
Tomorrow we head back to Kampala and start our work there. It's gonna be exciting! I'm stoked to finish up here strong! Keep us in prayer!!!! Love all of you!
Krista June
Tomorrow we head back to Kampala and start our work there. It's gonna be exciting! I'm stoked to finish up here strong! Keep us in prayer!!!! Love all of you!
Krista June
Sunday, May 12, 2013
The Ugandan journey
Hey friends, I'm so sorry it's taken me soooooooo long to write! Life here is crazy good! I'm on my friends iPad so I must make it quick but know that I and the team are wonderful! We have been touched deeply by the people here and are overwhelmgly blessed! We've been working within orphanages and our hearts are breaking and touched DAILY. I can't begin. To describe the joy they have in them slimy by us holding them! It's crazy! Whitney and Anthony my leaders who are wedding in aug of this year are now trying to adopt a 2 mon old that we met and fell in love with. Her name is joy and prayers are appreciated! We are currently in Jinja but will be heading back to Kampala earlier than expected after some long nights and days of praying! So in gods grace, the first orphanage we visited we will be heading back for the last 2 was here! There are 124 kids 7 workers...most which are volunteer and not always there. 5-7 kids per bed if under age about 3 and 3-5 any age older. Most don't have good health due to lack of food. Maria I the min runner of the place and hs the biggest heart I've seen. It's remarkable. There are twins bout a yr or so old who were literally left in the woods to die and she rescued them. Many have stories like this..Maria coming and saving them. It's insane. Prayer there is needed and for us a well . We plan to build toilet and a shower place for them as we'll as get more room for more beds and provide food. We've been so blessed by this place! The children are amazing and gods sent under! I have sooooo many things I'd love to share with y'all but I've not the ability just yet.... Other need the comp.if you feel lead to help in anyway message me!!!!!!! You can also send money to my Paypal for this. Orphanage and it'll help with our needs. You can find that info in my notes on fb under Ywam the journey starts!!! You can send things needed too clothes etc.... I'll update you next week on how if you'd like. Thanks folks!!!! It's awesome here! We're soooooo blessed! Love krista June
Saturday, March 9, 2013
Little Egypt
Friends!!
I glad to report life is MUCH better! I had a ROUGH start to the week this week. We were being taught how to study the bible and I realized, "WOW! I KNOW A LOT LESS THAN I THOUGHT!" not good!! I felt so STUPID that legit I was crying a few times. I had dinner with our leader and his wife (Matt and Erin and Liam of course) and they wanted to just get a chance to see how we are doing without everyone else around. Wed is was my turn. Im fairly certain Matt is a feeler so it was no coincidence. lol. It was good though. Just talking and hearing the wisdom together as a couple they pocess. Its truly amazing. In a sense they talked me off the ledge informing me of things Ive never really known about myself. I called my brother and asked him what he thought and he agreed. And so did another friend.
I feel extremely pushed here. And most days I hate it. I think if it was like day camp thing were we could go to our own homes and process alone for a little while it wouldnt be as difficult for me. But thats not the case so Im ALWAYS under pressure. Ive not since arriving felt a second of COMPLETE lack of guards up. Its not because the people, its just who I am. When Im with people I stress. Im not totally sure as to why, but i think its mostly wanting everyone to like me or me pleasing them that freaks me out. Im still praying on this. So needless to say I feel like Im breaking because even when Im in my room alone I know at anytime Celia or one of the girls could come knocking and come on in, and I could be asked to do something I hadnt planned in my day. Which bites! lol. Im a planner and stress even more when Im all of a sudden thrown into a place or situation Id not thought Id be doing. But again, Im growing in this area.
We're coming up on outreach FAST! We leave first couple days in April on our state side and from there we leave to Uganda. Im SOO NERVOUS about this but trying not to fret on all the things they warn us about day in and day out. I know theres gotta be some normalece. I know already Im gonna be outta my comfort zone for Ill mainly only be allowed to wear dresses and skirts. :( So for me skirts, cause i HATE dresses. lol. But itll be ok. I expect embarrassing moments already regarding that. lol. Pray for me!!!
We already have gotten a small taste of outreach stories this week on our evangalism quest. I dont know if I have the liberty of sharing the story for it didnt happen to me. But just know it was WOW! Brave trooper we got on this team! :)
Last night we went into a small community of Egyptians. Its a complete culture within the states for sure! So much so they actually call it "Little Egypt". We went and played with the children as they were in the play ground. Remarkable doesnt even begin to sum it all up! I was mainly with a young, beautiful girl named Sohair. (Its not spelled this way she informed me but just so its easy for you.) She taught me many games and told me many stories. They are BEYOND loving and LOVE touch. There were little to no boundries. Im still unsure how I think and feel on that. We played soccer, trust fall, swung them around in circles, piggy back rides, basically anything you could think of that involves carrying one or two children on your back lol. Super glad to have more men around for certain! lol. They literally were trying to jump into our van and were jumping on the back of the van as we were trying to leave. They do this all the time Jacob says. (Jacobs how we were connected with this group). I had MANY questions about my hair from both the guys and girls. The girls almost were sad for me and the guys thought it cool. lol I had it in a fohawk. lol. Probably one of my fav quotes of the night was after Matt Knapp was playing soccer with a boy on his back he needed a break. His face was bright red and he was trying to catch his breath. The boy on his back as he was sliding off goes, "Well, this games no longer fun. The camel gets too tired!" and then ran off. lol. #cultureshock lol. Once we were all exhausted from the carrying etc and we were saying no more fights started breaking out left and right. I realized pretty quickly once Celia pointed out how it was happening everywhere (she was with the boys I was with a couple little girls) that these boys are filled with pride. One would kick the other, the other would chase him down and beat him harder. Then he'd get up and chase down the other one giving him a harder beating. As we were stepping in, holding back the aggresser, the "victim" to be would taunt him angering him more. I couldnt help but to feel overwhelmed and angered. The adults or older ppl there that lived there were just letting it go on. I dont know if I was more frustrated by the 10-12 yr olds or them. My heart really started to break to a point I wanted to escape. But overall, what an amazing outreach. I loved hanging with them. I hope we can go back.
Thats the basic update for this week. Im growing and its not easy but Im excited. I hope Ill start feeling like Im making a difference in others life sooner than before outreach. Keep me in prayer!!
Love Ya'll,
Krista June
I glad to report life is MUCH better! I had a ROUGH start to the week this week. We were being taught how to study the bible and I realized, "WOW! I KNOW A LOT LESS THAN I THOUGHT!" not good!! I felt so STUPID that legit I was crying a few times. I had dinner with our leader and his wife (Matt and Erin and Liam of course) and they wanted to just get a chance to see how we are doing without everyone else around. Wed is was my turn. Im fairly certain Matt is a feeler so it was no coincidence. lol. It was good though. Just talking and hearing the wisdom together as a couple they pocess. Its truly amazing. In a sense they talked me off the ledge informing me of things Ive never really known about myself. I called my brother and asked him what he thought and he agreed. And so did another friend.
I feel extremely pushed here. And most days I hate it. I think if it was like day camp thing were we could go to our own homes and process alone for a little while it wouldnt be as difficult for me. But thats not the case so Im ALWAYS under pressure. Ive not since arriving felt a second of COMPLETE lack of guards up. Its not because the people, its just who I am. When Im with people I stress. Im not totally sure as to why, but i think its mostly wanting everyone to like me or me pleasing them that freaks me out. Im still praying on this. So needless to say I feel like Im breaking because even when Im in my room alone I know at anytime Celia or one of the girls could come knocking and come on in, and I could be asked to do something I hadnt planned in my day. Which bites! lol. Im a planner and stress even more when Im all of a sudden thrown into a place or situation Id not thought Id be doing. But again, Im growing in this area.
We're coming up on outreach FAST! We leave first couple days in April on our state side and from there we leave to Uganda. Im SOO NERVOUS about this but trying not to fret on all the things they warn us about day in and day out. I know theres gotta be some normalece. I know already Im gonna be outta my comfort zone for Ill mainly only be allowed to wear dresses and skirts. :( So for me skirts, cause i HATE dresses. lol. But itll be ok. I expect embarrassing moments already regarding that. lol. Pray for me!!!
We already have gotten a small taste of outreach stories this week on our evangalism quest. I dont know if I have the liberty of sharing the story for it didnt happen to me. But just know it was WOW! Brave trooper we got on this team! :)
Last night we went into a small community of Egyptians. Its a complete culture within the states for sure! So much so they actually call it "Little Egypt". We went and played with the children as they were in the play ground. Remarkable doesnt even begin to sum it all up! I was mainly with a young, beautiful girl named Sohair. (Its not spelled this way she informed me but just so its easy for you.) She taught me many games and told me many stories. They are BEYOND loving and LOVE touch. There were little to no boundries. Im still unsure how I think and feel on that. We played soccer, trust fall, swung them around in circles, piggy back rides, basically anything you could think of that involves carrying one or two children on your back lol. Super glad to have more men around for certain! lol. They literally were trying to jump into our van and were jumping on the back of the van as we were trying to leave. They do this all the time Jacob says. (Jacobs how we were connected with this group). I had MANY questions about my hair from both the guys and girls. The girls almost were sad for me and the guys thought it cool. lol I had it in a fohawk. lol. Probably one of my fav quotes of the night was after Matt Knapp was playing soccer with a boy on his back he needed a break. His face was bright red and he was trying to catch his breath. The boy on his back as he was sliding off goes, "Well, this games no longer fun. The camel gets too tired!" and then ran off. lol. #cultureshock lol. Once we were all exhausted from the carrying etc and we were saying no more fights started breaking out left and right. I realized pretty quickly once Celia pointed out how it was happening everywhere (she was with the boys I was with a couple little girls) that these boys are filled with pride. One would kick the other, the other would chase him down and beat him harder. Then he'd get up and chase down the other one giving him a harder beating. As we were stepping in, holding back the aggresser, the "victim" to be would taunt him angering him more. I couldnt help but to feel overwhelmed and angered. The adults or older ppl there that lived there were just letting it go on. I dont know if I was more frustrated by the 10-12 yr olds or them. My heart really started to break to a point I wanted to escape. But overall, what an amazing outreach. I loved hanging with them. I hope we can go back.
Thats the basic update for this week. Im growing and its not easy but Im excited. I hope Ill start feeling like Im making a difference in others life sooner than before outreach. Keep me in prayer!!
Love Ya'll,
Krista June
Friday, March 1, 2013
2 wks summed in one.. All in fun
Im Sorry friends! The last few weeks have been CRAZY! We had the DTS of 32 students from the fall get home from outreach and we were booked getting to know them, serving dinner, and doing graduation things for them. So Lives been a little CRAZY!
Within that DTS I think its safe to say Ive met some good friends. Ive never seen such joy in so many of their faces. I dont believe it was all because they were home either. In Fact, some of them I think wished that they werent. The stories and inside jokes flowed throughout the house and I cant say that they were not entertaining to listen to. For the most part, menus the cleaning up after, I thoroughly enjoyed having them here. So, that was basically last wk! :) Im trying to think of stories to share but I cant really.
The other students made for an interesting time out of class but within it they had no affect. As usually YWAM found a Dimond in the Rough and blessed us with an amazing teacher, Wick Nease. Im mind blown. He spoke on destiny and the biggest point that he made was this, "How many lives will not make it into heaven if we dont act out the destiny in which God has called us to obtain." Yea, it struck me hard too! :) Makes you think twice before not doing something the Holy Spirit tells ya to, eh? lol But it was amazing! Im so incredibly lucky to have had him teach me! Amazing. And he acts out his talk! Doing HUGE work in the mission fields for orphans. Check out streamsofmercy.org! Him and his wife founded it! :)
One thing that ya'll should know about me if you dont already is I dont tend to sugar coat things or make myself out to be something Im not. I feel thatd be decieving ya'll. So with that being said, this week has been rough. By the end of last... like Sat night I was basically burnt out. Tex and I were up late and I found myself saying, "Man, I just want to be ALONE! ALL ALONE I Need to BUST OUTTA HERE!!" Of course I said this in my head. But I wanted breakfast alone. Me being the only one who can drive a base vehicle I felt like breakfast before church alone would be nice. But I knew that Tex and possibly others were feeling the same way and I couldnt neglect them. So, we made plans to go out to breakfast. And barely just got there! lol It was good, Brenna from home was with us, Celia, Matt and Tex all went out before church and just enjoyed eachother. It was really nice. But if Id known thats where the fun was gonna end Id soaked it all in that much deeper.
Im not going to share details. I dont believe its fair. But know that this week hasnt been the best, easiest, or even remotely close to not being the worse week here. A lot has happened and I even debated on not writing until next week in hopes that things would turn around and I could give you all the GLORY REMARKABLE things he did ONCE IT WAS OVER! One thing I realized is that we do that FAR too often. We pull through hard situations that noone knows we are going through all by ourselves and then once we are out of that situation share with everyone and praise god. We are called to be a body DURING hard times, not only after. We tend to only show the hunky dory days once the storms gone by. Ive done this most my life, afraid to say, "Hey I need your help." Biblically thats wrong. So friends, I need some prayer for wisdom and a softened heart.
Johnny Buckner was our speaker this week. A teacher who is 100% lead by the spirit. Its crazy! He was such a blessing to have around! I can honestly say without him whats happening right now would be MUCH harder and MUCH more unlikely to heal or be resolved. But his love is strong and perfect so he gave us Johnny! :) Guy is amazing. I truly cherish his heart!
With all that being said Im hoping to have all my work done tonight so that way I can just soak up time with Him tomorrow and have massive revelation on how to flip the worst week here to being the best week yet that follows. :) Say a prayer or two for me? :)
Love ya'll!
Thanks For letting me be real!
Krista June
Within that DTS I think its safe to say Ive met some good friends. Ive never seen such joy in so many of their faces. I dont believe it was all because they were home either. In Fact, some of them I think wished that they werent. The stories and inside jokes flowed throughout the house and I cant say that they were not entertaining to listen to. For the most part, menus the cleaning up after, I thoroughly enjoyed having them here. So, that was basically last wk! :) Im trying to think of stories to share but I cant really.
The other students made for an interesting time out of class but within it they had no affect. As usually YWAM found a Dimond in the Rough and blessed us with an amazing teacher, Wick Nease. Im mind blown. He spoke on destiny and the biggest point that he made was this, "How many lives will not make it into heaven if we dont act out the destiny in which God has called us to obtain." Yea, it struck me hard too! :) Makes you think twice before not doing something the Holy Spirit tells ya to, eh? lol But it was amazing! Im so incredibly lucky to have had him teach me! Amazing. And he acts out his talk! Doing HUGE work in the mission fields for orphans. Check out streamsofmercy.org! Him and his wife founded it! :)
One thing that ya'll should know about me if you dont already is I dont tend to sugar coat things or make myself out to be something Im not. I feel thatd be decieving ya'll. So with that being said, this week has been rough. By the end of last... like Sat night I was basically burnt out. Tex and I were up late and I found myself saying, "Man, I just want to be ALONE! ALL ALONE I Need to BUST OUTTA HERE!!" Of course I said this in my head. But I wanted breakfast alone. Me being the only one who can drive a base vehicle I felt like breakfast before church alone would be nice. But I knew that Tex and possibly others were feeling the same way and I couldnt neglect them. So, we made plans to go out to breakfast. And barely just got there! lol It was good, Brenna from home was with us, Celia, Matt and Tex all went out before church and just enjoyed eachother. It was really nice. But if Id known thats where the fun was gonna end Id soaked it all in that much deeper.
Im not going to share details. I dont believe its fair. But know that this week hasnt been the best, easiest, or even remotely close to not being the worse week here. A lot has happened and I even debated on not writing until next week in hopes that things would turn around and I could give you all the GLORY REMARKABLE things he did ONCE IT WAS OVER! One thing I realized is that we do that FAR too often. We pull through hard situations that noone knows we are going through all by ourselves and then once we are out of that situation share with everyone and praise god. We are called to be a body DURING hard times, not only after. We tend to only show the hunky dory days once the storms gone by. Ive done this most my life, afraid to say, "Hey I need your help." Biblically thats wrong. So friends, I need some prayer for wisdom and a softened heart.
Johnny Buckner was our speaker this week. A teacher who is 100% lead by the spirit. Its crazy! He was such a blessing to have around! I can honestly say without him whats happening right now would be MUCH harder and MUCH more unlikely to heal or be resolved. But his love is strong and perfect so he gave us Johnny! :) Guy is amazing. I truly cherish his heart!
With all that being said Im hoping to have all my work done tonight so that way I can just soak up time with Him tomorrow and have massive revelation on how to flip the worst week here to being the best week yet that follows. :) Say a prayer or two for me? :)
Love ya'll!
Thanks For letting me be real!
Krista June
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Opry and Art
Hey Family!
Ok, so Im not feeling the best so this is probably gonna be short. I may add on tomorrow or later if I feel well. Im sorry, I just wanna sleep and try to kill it quickly.
This week we had Art Collins as our speaker. An interesting man to say the least. Doesnt hold anything back, and truthfully, its one of those things that maybe he should. lol. Nah, he was good. He spoke on how to be a disciple and I can honestly say I love that he had us looking us verse after verse with him. Let me know my Bible better. :) He took a lot out of Romans, 1 John, 1 Corinth, and Matthew. Which was good because I didnt realize the depths of love that was within them for one another, not just Christ! :)
We watched the passion one night with him. First speaker to REALLY hang out with us. Troy did a little here and there but Art took us out to Dinner lunch and every break was at our side. It was cool. BUT explains why we're ALL EXHAUSTED! Celia actually woke only for breakfast to fall back asleep... Ill be joining her shortly. :) Though I saw a lot from Art the biggest things I learned from God this week wasnt in the classroom. It was outside in my own time. I MADE oppertunities to be alone. Like walking to class or from someones house, cleaning the kitchen, I popped in my headphones and just tried speaking with him. It was EFFORT but it was good.
God spoke to me a LOT about his DEEP love for not just US but ME. I was mind blown! For instance, can you think of ANYTHING GOD MADE, NOT man made, GOD made, that is EXACTLY the SAME in EVERY WAY!? ANYTHING? Ive been thinking on this for about a week now and have come up with nothing. Yea, cows, they're all the same right? But what about their colors? Or the snowflakes even? A Tree.... each branch extends in a different spot or curves a different way.... get the idea? Ive found nothing and what he revealed to me through this was that he has put DEEP thought into each of his creations and love into each. He hasnt just put us or anything into a machine and mass produced anything.... but hand crafted EACH thing! WOW!!!!!!!!! Pretty friggin amazing! Makes me feel special and loved, and I hope it does you as well. :)
God also spoke to me on unity. My team had been slowly letting things get to us about one another and tearing us slowly apart. A few of us were not ok with this and had spoken and agreed we should hang out and talk a little more. That "meeting" was kinda sucky but it was nice to have because the results have been amazing!! I got to pour my heart out to a mate and well, things have changed drastically because it wasnt just my feelings but from the others as well. Im stoked to be with this crew. Last week was good but man, challenging and it took me until Monday to be able to come around and make myself realize what was up.
This entire week Ive been crushed---- EXHAUSTED- in EVERY WAY! My body was KILLING me one day, and then, now Im feeling a cold coming on, and so my physical bodys been out of it. But as my pain was kicking my butt and just away from tears I found myself praying, NOT for the pain to fade but that THANKING him. I was mind blown by myself. lol. Seriously, Im just being honest. lol Talking to a friend I was laughing because I was reminded of how our bodies dont have to dictate how our spirits are. I found myself txting my small group leaders apologizing ahead of time that I wasnt gonna be the most energetic but that my heart would be in it. It was Valentines day that day so they had us making cards for others and giving words without knowing who they were for. It was fun and rewarding. I love how the Lord will speak to you.
Last night, WOW!! Ive not had that much fun in my life!!! Celia was amazing to go to The opry with. So full of energy showing and leading the way for me on how to have fun. I was so stoked. Cheering even at some points. Totally NOT me! But it was REDICT FUN! Tex and Marc were there as well and just soaking it in. Im SO blessed by them. Josh Turner was a SWEETHEART! Im officially a fan. :) Ah, just mind blowing. I loved seeing all the old acts and hearing how in 1967 she was the 3rd woman to ever win a grammy. Like, really? Im in the room with that talent and that skill!? SO many of them in the hall of fame? SHOCKED!
Before going to the show we went evanglizing, "Just being ourselves." It was great. Michael, London, Matt and myself walked around the Opry Mills Mall and spoke and joked with people. Never speaking about God but just loving them as God would. Which I think was amazing. I loved every min of it. Michael started singing Ms. Jackson by Outkast and it got in my head. So I started singing it and at one point the woman in front of us turns and says, "I AM FOR RRREEEEAAAL." lol it was amazing.
I love life. Gods so good. And He's working in me to be who I am at home here and Im excited. In the beginning of the week it was hard. I was conforted about something I shouldnt have been (in my opinion) and I was really hurt by it. And not knowing what to do I called home and was talking to a friend about it. I was adviced to basically get up dust myself off and start again. Which is what Ive been doing since and its been wonderful. Im stupidly grateful. Which reminds me of why we truly need eachother. Ah... thank you Lord Jesus! :)
With that Ive gotta go,
Hope life is good ya'll!
Love, Krista June
Ok, so Im not feeling the best so this is probably gonna be short. I may add on tomorrow or later if I feel well. Im sorry, I just wanna sleep and try to kill it quickly.
This week we had Art Collins as our speaker. An interesting man to say the least. Doesnt hold anything back, and truthfully, its one of those things that maybe he should. lol. Nah, he was good. He spoke on how to be a disciple and I can honestly say I love that he had us looking us verse after verse with him. Let me know my Bible better. :) He took a lot out of Romans, 1 John, 1 Corinth, and Matthew. Which was good because I didnt realize the depths of love that was within them for one another, not just Christ! :)
We watched the passion one night with him. First speaker to REALLY hang out with us. Troy did a little here and there but Art took us out to Dinner lunch and every break was at our side. It was cool. BUT explains why we're ALL EXHAUSTED! Celia actually woke only for breakfast to fall back asleep... Ill be joining her shortly. :) Though I saw a lot from Art the biggest things I learned from God this week wasnt in the classroom. It was outside in my own time. I MADE oppertunities to be alone. Like walking to class or from someones house, cleaning the kitchen, I popped in my headphones and just tried speaking with him. It was EFFORT but it was good.
God spoke to me a LOT about his DEEP love for not just US but ME. I was mind blown! For instance, can you think of ANYTHING GOD MADE, NOT man made, GOD made, that is EXACTLY the SAME in EVERY WAY!? ANYTHING? Ive been thinking on this for about a week now and have come up with nothing. Yea, cows, they're all the same right? But what about their colors? Or the snowflakes even? A Tree.... each branch extends in a different spot or curves a different way.... get the idea? Ive found nothing and what he revealed to me through this was that he has put DEEP thought into each of his creations and love into each. He hasnt just put us or anything into a machine and mass produced anything.... but hand crafted EACH thing! WOW!!!!!!!!! Pretty friggin amazing! Makes me feel special and loved, and I hope it does you as well. :)
God also spoke to me on unity. My team had been slowly letting things get to us about one another and tearing us slowly apart. A few of us were not ok with this and had spoken and agreed we should hang out and talk a little more. That "meeting" was kinda sucky but it was nice to have because the results have been amazing!! I got to pour my heart out to a mate and well, things have changed drastically because it wasnt just my feelings but from the others as well. Im stoked to be with this crew. Last week was good but man, challenging and it took me until Monday to be able to come around and make myself realize what was up.
This entire week Ive been crushed---- EXHAUSTED- in EVERY WAY! My body was KILLING me one day, and then, now Im feeling a cold coming on, and so my physical bodys been out of it. But as my pain was kicking my butt and just away from tears I found myself praying, NOT for the pain to fade but that THANKING him. I was mind blown by myself. lol. Seriously, Im just being honest. lol Talking to a friend I was laughing because I was reminded of how our bodies dont have to dictate how our spirits are. I found myself txting my small group leaders apologizing ahead of time that I wasnt gonna be the most energetic but that my heart would be in it. It was Valentines day that day so they had us making cards for others and giving words without knowing who they were for. It was fun and rewarding. I love how the Lord will speak to you.
Last night, WOW!! Ive not had that much fun in my life!!! Celia was amazing to go to The opry with. So full of energy showing and leading the way for me on how to have fun. I was so stoked. Cheering even at some points. Totally NOT me! But it was REDICT FUN! Tex and Marc were there as well and just soaking it in. Im SO blessed by them. Josh Turner was a SWEETHEART! Im officially a fan. :) Ah, just mind blowing. I loved seeing all the old acts and hearing how in 1967 she was the 3rd woman to ever win a grammy. Like, really? Im in the room with that talent and that skill!? SO many of them in the hall of fame? SHOCKED!
Before going to the show we went evanglizing, "Just being ourselves." It was great. Michael, London, Matt and myself walked around the Opry Mills Mall and spoke and joked with people. Never speaking about God but just loving them as God would. Which I think was amazing. I loved every min of it. Michael started singing Ms. Jackson by Outkast and it got in my head. So I started singing it and at one point the woman in front of us turns and says, "I AM FOR RRREEEEAAAL." lol it was amazing.
I love life. Gods so good. And He's working in me to be who I am at home here and Im excited. In the beginning of the week it was hard. I was conforted about something I shouldnt have been (in my opinion) and I was really hurt by it. And not knowing what to do I called home and was talking to a friend about it. I was adviced to basically get up dust myself off and start again. Which is what Ive been doing since and its been wonderful. Im stupidly grateful. Which reminds me of why we truly need eachother. Ah... thank you Lord Jesus! :)
With that Ive gotta go,
Hope life is good ya'll!
Love, Krista June
Saturday, February 9, 2013
In The Hands of the Potter
Why Hello Friends!!
Another week has come and gone and my fav day is here!! I love saturdays! Just a time to sit back with little mandatory activities before us and do whatever our hearts desire. I feel like ppls spirits instantly release stress and become more light hearted. I normally start the day writing this but today I did some homework first and so Im feeling a little more educated lol.
This week we had Brooke Gehman speak to us about The Father heart of God... aka the heart of the Ultimate Potter. Brooke himself is a potter so brought in his wheel and told the story of clay and the potter. How the potter knows everything and the clay is trying so hard to be anything but who the potter wants him to be. On day three we were taught more about eagles and how we're so much like them in the hands of God. Pushed outta the nest, only to be caught many many times by the mother (God) and brought back to the nest, to only be pushed out again and again... forcing the baby bird to learn how to fly and grow. Truly amazing. The last few days it was more on becoming yourself in God. And asking questions like does God ever actually take away someones free will, ever. My answer to this question is still in the air. But as Brooke said, God is just very powerful with persuashion. :) I thought of Jonah through this question, first thinking right away, "NO He never does." but then God planted the story of Jonah in my head and I couldnt resist bringing it to question. But it never said he made the fish swollow Jonah but simply provided one or had one near by. I encourage everyone to read the book of Jonah, it took me 20 mins and Im one of the slowest readers on earth, but was BLOWN away by it. Gods good. On Friday we did a very good thing about forgiveness and having grace towards ppl who may not have even asked for it. Im still struggling with this a little but understanding more and more about grace with each passing day.
With this same topic in mind we are reading a book "whats so amazing about grace", and I can honestly say Im being mind blown. Its truly a blessing to read and have a program focussing so much time on trying to better you within your faith. Im blessed.
There's more freedom coming about the air. and i love every aspect of it! Im grateful to have the oppertunity to grow and stretch the wings the lords given me. Im missing Bubs a great deal but am totally blessed by friends at home that are constantly staying in touch with me. Even letting me still part take in their lives the best I can. Im unsure why they're blessing me as they are, but BOY AM I THANKFUL!
We just learned a few mins ago that we are gonna go to the Opry this upcoming friday to see Josh Turner. Im kinda excited. Idk his music that well, but Im really wanting to go just for the experience. I figure theyll be a LOT of other extreme things Ill have to do and may not enjoy, why not take the oppertunity to not do something so scary but yet a once in a life time thing happen! Im so stoked. Gods just remarkable!
Im super excited to run free for a few hrs in Nashville and then boom hit up the greatest place on earth... the opry. Im excited to share that with ya'll!
Keep us in prayer guys! We NEED IT! Please keep the finances up in prayer... itll be a load of money we need! If you feel lead to give please please please hit me up for details! Its pretty much all on my FB page some place and Id LOVE to give it to you!! Much love and THANKS! Krista June
Another week has come and gone and my fav day is here!! I love saturdays! Just a time to sit back with little mandatory activities before us and do whatever our hearts desire. I feel like ppls spirits instantly release stress and become more light hearted. I normally start the day writing this but today I did some homework first and so Im feeling a little more educated lol.
This week we had Brooke Gehman speak to us about The Father heart of God... aka the heart of the Ultimate Potter. Brooke himself is a potter so brought in his wheel and told the story of clay and the potter. How the potter knows everything and the clay is trying so hard to be anything but who the potter wants him to be. On day three we were taught more about eagles and how we're so much like them in the hands of God. Pushed outta the nest, only to be caught many many times by the mother (God) and brought back to the nest, to only be pushed out again and again... forcing the baby bird to learn how to fly and grow. Truly amazing. The last few days it was more on becoming yourself in God. And asking questions like does God ever actually take away someones free will, ever. My answer to this question is still in the air. But as Brooke said, God is just very powerful with persuashion. :) I thought of Jonah through this question, first thinking right away, "NO He never does." but then God planted the story of Jonah in my head and I couldnt resist bringing it to question. But it never said he made the fish swollow Jonah but simply provided one or had one near by. I encourage everyone to read the book of Jonah, it took me 20 mins and Im one of the slowest readers on earth, but was BLOWN away by it. Gods good. On Friday we did a very good thing about forgiveness and having grace towards ppl who may not have even asked for it. Im still struggling with this a little but understanding more and more about grace with each passing day.
With this same topic in mind we are reading a book "whats so amazing about grace", and I can honestly say Im being mind blown. Its truly a blessing to read and have a program focussing so much time on trying to better you within your faith. Im blessed.
There's more freedom coming about the air. and i love every aspect of it! Im grateful to have the oppertunity to grow and stretch the wings the lords given me. Im missing Bubs a great deal but am totally blessed by friends at home that are constantly staying in touch with me. Even letting me still part take in their lives the best I can. Im unsure why they're blessing me as they are, but BOY AM I THANKFUL!
We just learned a few mins ago that we are gonna go to the Opry this upcoming friday to see Josh Turner. Im kinda excited. Idk his music that well, but Im really wanting to go just for the experience. I figure theyll be a LOT of other extreme things Ill have to do and may not enjoy, why not take the oppertunity to not do something so scary but yet a once in a life time thing happen! Im so stoked. Gods just remarkable!
Im super excited to run free for a few hrs in Nashville and then boom hit up the greatest place on earth... the opry. Im excited to share that with ya'll!
Keep us in prayer guys! We NEED IT! Please keep the finances up in prayer... itll be a load of money we need! If you feel lead to give please please please hit me up for details! Its pretty much all on my FB page some place and Id LOVE to give it to you!! Much love and THANKS! Krista June
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Life in a Fort
Friends,
Wow! What a time to start writing! After a night like last night I dont even know where to begin. My excitement in the night is far more than anything else in the week. However, I dont wanna rob you of a great week.
This week we had Troy Sherman speaking. I shared before that we had Dean Sherman's lessons and they were amazing, well, Troy is his son, and so like Father like son, he's teachings were also pretty amazing. I had been sick on Sunday and Monday so had to miss the first day but listened on audio. Right away I knew I was gonna be challenged. But with a great way. Challenged to walk more like a CHRIST-ian and NOT a SALVATION-ian. <- a line he used a lot. Meaning, we are NOT called to save people but instead be LIKE CHRIST! And through that ppl will become saved because of being like him, just as he did. The truth behind these comments has already played a role with me and Im blown away. To be walking in your own skin with Christ there in you, and only walking as he desires is crazy.
Troy also spoke a lot about being the answer to your own prayer. Meaning dont sit there and beg and pray for change that you can make. He shared this story where a woman had been hearing the voice of God for the first time after seeing many miracles, and God told her to go heal this man. So she went over and prayed over him and NOTHING happened. She was bummed and down and went to him. So he asked, "How much money you have on you?" she replied, "$50" At which point Troy said, "Ok, if you go to that store up a little ways you can buy the medicine thatll heal that man for $1. Tomorrow go and bring the man the medicine and he'll be healed." She would be the answer to her own prayer. He spoke a LOT about this kinda thing and it was mind blowing.
With that I now challenge myself and also YOU, can YOU be the answer and change to your own prayers? Also, he shared in the USA alone we spent 450BILLION dollars on christmas this year. It would take 10 billion to make sure every mouth was fed in the WORLD! Again, I challenge you, can you make a difference? He shared that in India over 1/3 the crops of rice are eaten by rats but they wont kill the rat because its a God. 1/3 could feed every starving mouth in that country. I again ask, can we do something? You may be thinking, "How its their country and I cant travel there and stop it?" Well, let me say this, theres a LOT of truth to the 6 degree rule. (For you who dont know that means that in every 6th person you can connect that person to someone else you know or have encountered). So, if you act as a CHRIST-ian 24/7 EVERY person you run into sees it and sees the TRUTH for what it is. Are you telling me that eventually people in India wouldnt be touched by the TRUTH of Christ, esp if you're praying for them? We are the change guys. We are what makes the world either more like Christ or not. Its up to you.
This week has been a break through. Ive been struggling with being 100% myself regardless whats happening. This week basically thats been torched. lol PTL! It was like once I was over being sick I was myself. Weird, did God literally take it all outta me when he took at my energy? I truly feel so. Theres still a few things I need to work on but Im getting better and LOVING it MORE! Hows that real IDK but I am! On Thursday I had a great talk out in the open with the two leaders and said exactly why certain things had upset me and let them know a little more about how I function and how to avoid getting the stubborn forget you attitude. lol. It went really well because I feel I understand them a little more and that what I thought they were wanting from me wasnt right. I shared how I felt about sharing my testimony on one of the first days and that it made me guarded because I was being forced to share something not for the reasons God wants us to.
(Pam here's the things Gods revealed to me. Sorry it took so long.)
In the beginning of December I was asked to share my testimony at church. I was COMPLETELY willing. I wanted to in fact. I had 2 wks to pray on it and figure out what I was going to say. As I was praying the Lord told me, "You are not to share your testimony. You are to give words to people." I sat there and was like, "well, ok Lord, but how are they to know me then? Im sharing to raise money for this trip." He then told me 2 things the first kinda blew me for a bit, "Child, know you? To know YOU is why you tell your testimony? No, child, you've been misunderstanding, your testimony is MY TESTIMONY! Its why I am the truth and the LIFE! NOT about you child." And the second thing he said was, "I will let them know you. You are to play a song." (after I prayed harder and for days he revealed which song, which was one of my own and shared my heart.) I had struggled with this, both of them actually. But everytime I went through what I thought maybe I should share of my testimony (because yes I was planning on disobeying) he told me, "What are you doing?! this is wrong." And I felt VERY CONVICTED! I was very much upset by this and untrusting. But while practicing with Danielle for the song we had talked a few times about obeying God and wanting to be in his will. Which basically confirmed to me that I shouldnt do it and I should listen. (Thanks D.) After that day in church I felt like I shouldnt just being sharing my testimony for people to know me but to make sure that people are hearing the glory of God through it each and every time I do share it.
I am NOT saying that it is wrong to share testimonies. Im saying I feel, for myself, very convicted that testimonies are meant to bring Glory to the Lord and NEVER so that people just know your history and life. I feel when its done that way 90% of the time Satan is getting much more glory than Jesus, and who wants that? Not I. So I wont share it just so people know me. I realize there are times I may hafta a little bit but I will never go any further than what the Lord tells me.
Friday night we went to the nursing home here in Adams. Its legit 3 mins away. We played music and sang TONS of hymns. That was really humbling. (Whitney if you read this Im sorry if I get the story way wrong. I only heard what Im attempting to share.) So Whitney was asked by a resident to go down to their bedroom with her. Whitney was kinda hestitate because the resident said she wasnt following the rules. But Whitney felt lead to go so she did. The woman pulls out 25 CENTS in PENNIES and hands them to Whit and says, "I wanna help you (I THINK in regards to raising money) out and Gods been SO good to me and Ive been saving in order to bless someone, and I wanna bless you." 25 CENTS people! This woman was of her right mind. She wanted to do everything she could to bless others, yes its not a lot but it was EVERYTHING she had!! I wont expand anymore, but I will ask you all to take a min and meditate on that and ask the Lord to give you revalation on that. Cause I was rocked in a HARD WAY!!!!!!! Thank you Jesus!!
In the night we went over to our leaders house and played Wii and with their son, Liam. I love that boy. I was EXTREMELY EXHAUSTED , HUNGRYAND FREEZING so when we left my intentions were to shower and go straight to bed. BUT, as always in DTS, nothing goes as planned. lol After my shower I chose to get some food, while I was doing that a classmate started talking to me so I say with him and another mate, at which point we got into a great convo. I love my bros. :) The others had finished their movie and honestly I thought we'd only been talking 20 mins but we'd been talking 2.5 hrs instead. lol...love talks like that. Well, Sam squared has what we call a bro-mance. lol and they were having it. Suddenly before we knew it there was 2 mattresses in the lounge and Sams are snuggling. lol yes folks, this is truth. lol Well, like the natural encourager I am I thought Matt should get in on this... so we had all three the boys like this... Matress, Sam then on top... matress Sam.... on top matress Matt... and then pics of course. lol. After it fell over this tower of bros. I suddenly was like "DUDES WE SHOULD MAKE A FORT!!!" and of course.... boys being boys and Celia and I being us... GOT INTO IT FAST!!! in a matter of seconds 7 matresses were in the lounge and the fort building began. After which we hung out inside the fort played truth or lie. Basically the group finds a question they wanna ask one person. that one person gets to answer either honestly or as a lie. then the group each gets to ask a question and after decide if it was true or not. and then the person says if they told the truth or not. It was SO FUN! We got busted at about 12:30--bedtime is midnight. But the leaders thought it was great and joined in for 20 mins or so and then made us go to bed. :) It was SO much fun! ive not had that much fun in the LONGEST TIME!
I thank God for these siblings. I love them. We have so much fun and are always just enjoying life. But yet we can be serious and enjoy one anothers serious moments too. Im blessed!
I love you guys!
Krista June
Wow! What a time to start writing! After a night like last night I dont even know where to begin. My excitement in the night is far more than anything else in the week. However, I dont wanna rob you of a great week.
This week we had Troy Sherman speaking. I shared before that we had Dean Sherman's lessons and they were amazing, well, Troy is his son, and so like Father like son, he's teachings were also pretty amazing. I had been sick on Sunday and Monday so had to miss the first day but listened on audio. Right away I knew I was gonna be challenged. But with a great way. Challenged to walk more like a CHRIST-ian and NOT a SALVATION-ian. <- a line he used a lot. Meaning, we are NOT called to save people but instead be LIKE CHRIST! And through that ppl will become saved because of being like him, just as he did. The truth behind these comments has already played a role with me and Im blown away. To be walking in your own skin with Christ there in you, and only walking as he desires is crazy.
Troy also spoke a lot about being the answer to your own prayer. Meaning dont sit there and beg and pray for change that you can make. He shared this story where a woman had been hearing the voice of God for the first time after seeing many miracles, and God told her to go heal this man. So she went over and prayed over him and NOTHING happened. She was bummed and down and went to him. So he asked, "How much money you have on you?" she replied, "$50" At which point Troy said, "Ok, if you go to that store up a little ways you can buy the medicine thatll heal that man for $1. Tomorrow go and bring the man the medicine and he'll be healed." She would be the answer to her own prayer. He spoke a LOT about this kinda thing and it was mind blowing.
With that I now challenge myself and also YOU, can YOU be the answer and change to your own prayers? Also, he shared in the USA alone we spent 450BILLION dollars on christmas this year. It would take 10 billion to make sure every mouth was fed in the WORLD! Again, I challenge you, can you make a difference? He shared that in India over 1/3 the crops of rice are eaten by rats but they wont kill the rat because its a God. 1/3 could feed every starving mouth in that country. I again ask, can we do something? You may be thinking, "How its their country and I cant travel there and stop it?" Well, let me say this, theres a LOT of truth to the 6 degree rule. (For you who dont know that means that in every 6th person you can connect that person to someone else you know or have encountered). So, if you act as a CHRIST-ian 24/7 EVERY person you run into sees it and sees the TRUTH for what it is. Are you telling me that eventually people in India wouldnt be touched by the TRUTH of Christ, esp if you're praying for them? We are the change guys. We are what makes the world either more like Christ or not. Its up to you.
This week has been a break through. Ive been struggling with being 100% myself regardless whats happening. This week basically thats been torched. lol PTL! It was like once I was over being sick I was myself. Weird, did God literally take it all outta me when he took at my energy? I truly feel so. Theres still a few things I need to work on but Im getting better and LOVING it MORE! Hows that real IDK but I am! On Thursday I had a great talk out in the open with the two leaders and said exactly why certain things had upset me and let them know a little more about how I function and how to avoid getting the stubborn forget you attitude. lol. It went really well because I feel I understand them a little more and that what I thought they were wanting from me wasnt right. I shared how I felt about sharing my testimony on one of the first days and that it made me guarded because I was being forced to share something not for the reasons God wants us to.
(Pam here's the things Gods revealed to me. Sorry it took so long.)
In the beginning of December I was asked to share my testimony at church. I was COMPLETELY willing. I wanted to in fact. I had 2 wks to pray on it and figure out what I was going to say. As I was praying the Lord told me, "You are not to share your testimony. You are to give words to people." I sat there and was like, "well, ok Lord, but how are they to know me then? Im sharing to raise money for this trip." He then told me 2 things the first kinda blew me for a bit, "Child, know you? To know YOU is why you tell your testimony? No, child, you've been misunderstanding, your testimony is MY TESTIMONY! Its why I am the truth and the LIFE! NOT about you child." And the second thing he said was, "I will let them know you. You are to play a song." (after I prayed harder and for days he revealed which song, which was one of my own and shared my heart.) I had struggled with this, both of them actually. But everytime I went through what I thought maybe I should share of my testimony (because yes I was planning on disobeying) he told me, "What are you doing?! this is wrong." And I felt VERY CONVICTED! I was very much upset by this and untrusting. But while practicing with Danielle for the song we had talked a few times about obeying God and wanting to be in his will. Which basically confirmed to me that I shouldnt do it and I should listen. (Thanks D.) After that day in church I felt like I shouldnt just being sharing my testimony for people to know me but to make sure that people are hearing the glory of God through it each and every time I do share it.
I am NOT saying that it is wrong to share testimonies. Im saying I feel, for myself, very convicted that testimonies are meant to bring Glory to the Lord and NEVER so that people just know your history and life. I feel when its done that way 90% of the time Satan is getting much more glory than Jesus, and who wants that? Not I. So I wont share it just so people know me. I realize there are times I may hafta a little bit but I will never go any further than what the Lord tells me.
Friday night we went to the nursing home here in Adams. Its legit 3 mins away. We played music and sang TONS of hymns. That was really humbling. (Whitney if you read this Im sorry if I get the story way wrong. I only heard what Im attempting to share.) So Whitney was asked by a resident to go down to their bedroom with her. Whitney was kinda hestitate because the resident said she wasnt following the rules. But Whitney felt lead to go so she did. The woman pulls out 25 CENTS in PENNIES and hands them to Whit and says, "I wanna help you (I THINK in regards to raising money) out and Gods been SO good to me and Ive been saving in order to bless someone, and I wanna bless you." 25 CENTS people! This woman was of her right mind. She wanted to do everything she could to bless others, yes its not a lot but it was EVERYTHING she had!! I wont expand anymore, but I will ask you all to take a min and meditate on that and ask the Lord to give you revalation on that. Cause I was rocked in a HARD WAY!!!!!!! Thank you Jesus!!
In the night we went over to our leaders house and played Wii and with their son, Liam. I love that boy. I was EXTREMELY EXHAUSTED , HUNGRYAND FREEZING so when we left my intentions were to shower and go straight to bed. BUT, as always in DTS, nothing goes as planned. lol After my shower I chose to get some food, while I was doing that a classmate started talking to me so I say with him and another mate, at which point we got into a great convo. I love my bros. :) The others had finished their movie and honestly I thought we'd only been talking 20 mins but we'd been talking 2.5 hrs instead. lol...love talks like that. Well, Sam squared has what we call a bro-mance. lol and they were having it. Suddenly before we knew it there was 2 mattresses in the lounge and Sams are snuggling. lol yes folks, this is truth. lol Well, like the natural encourager I am I thought Matt should get in on this... so we had all three the boys like this... Matress, Sam then on top... matress Sam.... on top matress Matt... and then pics of course. lol. After it fell over this tower of bros. I suddenly was like "DUDES WE SHOULD MAKE A FORT!!!" and of course.... boys being boys and Celia and I being us... GOT INTO IT FAST!!! in a matter of seconds 7 matresses were in the lounge and the fort building began. After which we hung out inside the fort played truth or lie. Basically the group finds a question they wanna ask one person. that one person gets to answer either honestly or as a lie. then the group each gets to ask a question and after decide if it was true or not. and then the person says if they told the truth or not. It was SO FUN! We got busted at about 12:30--bedtime is midnight. But the leaders thought it was great and joined in for 20 mins or so and then made us go to bed. :) It was SO much fun! ive not had that much fun in the LONGEST TIME!
I thank God for these siblings. I love them. We have so much fun and are always just enjoying life. But yet we can be serious and enjoy one anothers serious moments too. Im blessed!
I love you guys!
Krista June
Saturday, January 26, 2013
A Walk with Peter Iilyn Through Life
Hey Guys,
This week hasnt been the most exciting on base but still really good. I found myself sleeping a LOT during the evenings and on Friday even though I had the rest I had a MASSIVE headache from the moment I woke til I went to bed. I was prayed over many times but it didnt seem to make it fade for more than a few mins at a time. But the group was getting behind it so unity is hitting and at a rapid rate.
Today Im headed out to Nashville with friends not from the base. Im very excited about that. To see some home friends.
But lets go back throughout the week. It was a very connecting week with my class. We shared our testimonies, and not one of us wasnt real. I feel really good about it because we were all kinda not the most excited about doing it. I feel theres a strong sense of the human nature of well, I only wanna give whats given. Which I totally understand but am praying against. A few weeks ago a friend who was living here said that the word they kept getting for us was "determined". After hearing the testimonies I have to say, I know why.Gods so good!
Ive started to find my way opening and being real with certain people. And can honestly say I have some of the most amazing new friends in life. Im SO stoked that I have SO much more time to get to know them and love on them. Not just the 10 days that Im used to in missions.
Im basically loving every aspect of it except being forced to ALWAYS share my feelings or thoughts on things. Honestly, even when I dont have anything Im being pushed to share. Im super frustrated with that but God will work me through it. Ive been staying in touch with some of my friends from home and theyve been amazing support and help!
Peter Iilyn spoke this week on Repentence. Well, to be honest it was a LOT of stories and I had to search to see the connection to the word. But in the end I found myself humbled and realizing I dont need to put any effort into having God love me but that he does without effort. Not only that but the realization that I too can hurt God was mind blowing. Like our sins against him hurt him. Yes, he forgives, but he hurts too. Ive never seen it in that light before.... makes me have a new loving for him. I summed it up like this... we know he bore the nails for our sins.... and the nails friggin' HURT... why wouldnt our other sins? Kinda knocked me in the gut. But Im so thankful. Peter talked a lot about accepting Gods love and trusting in his voice and will. Some of the stories have me blown away and I hope I can share some of them to the amazingness he had. I bought his book on his fathers story which some of you Ill let you borrow when I come home. Its worth the read!!! :)
Its hard for me to decide what is import in these updates and whats me just being stupid and rambling about. So if theres anything ya'll wanna know more about please lemme know. I'd love to share.
All I can really say is that Im incredibly thankful and blessed! Ill be sending out some newsletters as well, so if youd like one please send me your email or mailing address and Id love to share some of that with you as well!! Im trying HARD to share some pics on here but how I did it before isnt being allowed.
Pray for Tex he has the massive headache I had last night. :) Thanks ya'll :)
Love, Krista June
This week hasnt been the most exciting on base but still really good. I found myself sleeping a LOT during the evenings and on Friday even though I had the rest I had a MASSIVE headache from the moment I woke til I went to bed. I was prayed over many times but it didnt seem to make it fade for more than a few mins at a time. But the group was getting behind it so unity is hitting and at a rapid rate.
Today Im headed out to Nashville with friends not from the base. Im very excited about that. To see some home friends.
But lets go back throughout the week. It was a very connecting week with my class. We shared our testimonies, and not one of us wasnt real. I feel really good about it because we were all kinda not the most excited about doing it. I feel theres a strong sense of the human nature of well, I only wanna give whats given. Which I totally understand but am praying against. A few weeks ago a friend who was living here said that the word they kept getting for us was "determined". After hearing the testimonies I have to say, I know why.Gods so good!
Ive started to find my way opening and being real with certain people. And can honestly say I have some of the most amazing new friends in life. Im SO stoked that I have SO much more time to get to know them and love on them. Not just the 10 days that Im used to in missions.
Im basically loving every aspect of it except being forced to ALWAYS share my feelings or thoughts on things. Honestly, even when I dont have anything Im being pushed to share. Im super frustrated with that but God will work me through it. Ive been staying in touch with some of my friends from home and theyve been amazing support and help!
Peter Iilyn spoke this week on Repentence. Well, to be honest it was a LOT of stories and I had to search to see the connection to the word. But in the end I found myself humbled and realizing I dont need to put any effort into having God love me but that he does without effort. Not only that but the realization that I too can hurt God was mind blowing. Like our sins against him hurt him. Yes, he forgives, but he hurts too. Ive never seen it in that light before.... makes me have a new loving for him. I summed it up like this... we know he bore the nails for our sins.... and the nails friggin' HURT... why wouldnt our other sins? Kinda knocked me in the gut. But Im so thankful. Peter talked a lot about accepting Gods love and trusting in his voice and will. Some of the stories have me blown away and I hope I can share some of them to the amazingness he had. I bought his book on his fathers story which some of you Ill let you borrow when I come home. Its worth the read!!! :)
Its hard for me to decide what is import in these updates and whats me just being stupid and rambling about. So if theres anything ya'll wanna know more about please lemme know. I'd love to share.
All I can really say is that Im incredibly thankful and blessed! Ill be sending out some newsletters as well, so if youd like one please send me your email or mailing address and Id love to share some of that with you as well!! Im trying HARD to share some pics on here but how I did it before isnt being allowed.
Pray for Tex he has the massive headache I had last night. :) Thanks ya'll :)
Love, Krista June
Friday, January 18, 2013
Walking with the Lord in DTS
Hey Friends,
Wow, so I apologize from the depths of my heart, not answering you ya'll on fb. The biggest question asked so far is how am I? Well folks, Im STOKED to announce Im SUPER!!! God loves me!! Life here is WONDERFUL! EXHAUSTING but WONDERFUL! I feel Gods called me to be in missions for awhile and that this is just the start. Im thrilled. I was praying today as Bob and Kathy Walker were sharing their testimonies and whelp, I truly feel Im called to the field. How that looks after the Dts Idk, but its in his hands.
This week we heard on relationships from Dean Sherman, and let me tell you... MIND BLOWING! and HILARIOUS! BABY ON THE FLOOR! PLEASE go and check him out! Ive never heard such GREAT talk before in my life in regards to relationships! TRULY makes a difference. We, as a class, have been immatating him all week! lol Youtube him... so funny. Other than that the weeks here have been pretty much filled with laughter, studying, and praying. I can honestly say something that shocked me since being here is how much "Praying" is listed on our "MUST DO" list. Im NOT complaining I LOVE it!!!
The leaders here are wonderful! I was struggling a little at first with trusting everyone, Im not gonna lie. The spirit said to and the flesh said "you know what you know from yourself." and well, I lost in every sense. BUT BUT! Ive caved and have allowed truth to win. So to my knees I fell and we're good now. lol. Ok, so real moment, I literally looked at myself in the mirror last night and asked myself "Who is that person!? Thats NOT Krista June!" and so I fell and gave it all back up and well... in the words of Anna, Freedom. Lol So to say everythings been hunky dory would be a lie. Ive struggled a little with old ways but Im proud to say only in the smallest of ways and only really affected one small group session. But Satan no longer resides here with me. So PTL! :) He is victorious!
My friends here are amazing! We all have a heart for the lord and worship. Im stoked about it. We all came in with simlar goals and we WILL accomplish them. The word that the staff kept getting for us.. before meeting us was "Determined"... when asked to define what that meant it was answered "In every way they will be determined". Which to this point has been very true! We are! but we are EXTREMELY Loving! Im learning so much from each person. Celia- how to have fun and simply laugh to laugh. <--- biggest prayer being answered there for me. Sam (AKA TEX)- how to serve without regret and forgive without records. Sam (London)--- willingness to change for the lord not only impacts oneself but those witnessing it. Beautiful. And Matthew, the comfort zones are just our IDEA of saftey and God intends on wrecking that idea. Also that worship is from the heart nothing else. Im mind boggled by these "mates" of mine. I can sincerely say Ive got EACH ONE OF THEIR BACKS NO MATTER WHAT! Id defend each one as if they were blood. I agree with Tex when he said, "Im most blown away that its only been 2 wks and already we're this close. Like how do we all just get along?" This isnt to say everything has been always smooth. But we're human but the fact that we ALL submit ourselves to humilty and try and help and love on one another and our hearts are PURE and loving changes that fleshlyness to "Lord help us, we need you." We ALL have that heart. And we all wanna serve one another. This is what I Feel at least. Im completely mind blown by these friends.
I suppose I should tell ya'll kinda what our days typically look like. We wake at 7am... probably should be 645 but Celia and I are alike... up late and snooze button it in the morning. lol. 730 alone time with God. 830 depending on the day, either worship, worship AND intercession, or just intercession. 930 class until 1220. Unless Wed. on Wed Celia, London and myself watch the children that live here while their parents are at a staff meeting (Tex and Matt cook lunch with Maddy), lunch and work duty (cleaning kitchen) is basically until 3-330 then depending on the day, back to class, small group, outreach prep, or group reading (which is reading a chapter on the new testiment outloud together).... Fridays are a little different because at 3pm we instead do evangalism training and then we put what we learned into action... but monday- thurs at 530ish we eat and the for the most part we are free for the night... this usually results in playing cards til 11pm. We all love cards and games so its fun. We laugh A LOT! Which is SO GOOD for my soul!
Both wks so far Ive been completely rocked by the speakers. Im not a very good student but Ive taken and had great notes daily and TRULY am interested in it all. I cant believe how much Ive already learned and retained. Im super excited for the reminding time and nervous about whats to come after cause I only have this planned and then Im back running on faith lol. But I can honestly say Im excited for where the roads leading.
I feel like I should do a character outline for each person Ive met and know but I feel thatll hafta wait until tomorrow or another time if I indeed am convicted.
Holy spirit lead us!!
Right now Im asking for prayers for discernment. If anyone needs prayers pls seek me out Id love to. To those whove already, I have been and will continue to! I love you guys!!
Kris
Wow, so I apologize from the depths of my heart, not answering you ya'll on fb. The biggest question asked so far is how am I? Well folks, Im STOKED to announce Im SUPER!!! God loves me!! Life here is WONDERFUL! EXHAUSTING but WONDERFUL! I feel Gods called me to be in missions for awhile and that this is just the start. Im thrilled. I was praying today as Bob and Kathy Walker were sharing their testimonies and whelp, I truly feel Im called to the field. How that looks after the Dts Idk, but its in his hands.
This week we heard on relationships from Dean Sherman, and let me tell you... MIND BLOWING! and HILARIOUS! BABY ON THE FLOOR! PLEASE go and check him out! Ive never heard such GREAT talk before in my life in regards to relationships! TRULY makes a difference. We, as a class, have been immatating him all week! lol Youtube him... so funny. Other than that the weeks here have been pretty much filled with laughter, studying, and praying. I can honestly say something that shocked me since being here is how much "Praying" is listed on our "MUST DO" list. Im NOT complaining I LOVE it!!!
The leaders here are wonderful! I was struggling a little at first with trusting everyone, Im not gonna lie. The spirit said to and the flesh said "you know what you know from yourself." and well, I lost in every sense. BUT BUT! Ive caved and have allowed truth to win. So to my knees I fell and we're good now. lol. Ok, so real moment, I literally looked at myself in the mirror last night and asked myself "Who is that person!? Thats NOT Krista June!" and so I fell and gave it all back up and well... in the words of Anna, Freedom. Lol So to say everythings been hunky dory would be a lie. Ive struggled a little with old ways but Im proud to say only in the smallest of ways and only really affected one small group session. But Satan no longer resides here with me. So PTL! :) He is victorious!
My friends here are amazing! We all have a heart for the lord and worship. Im stoked about it. We all came in with simlar goals and we WILL accomplish them. The word that the staff kept getting for us.. before meeting us was "Determined"... when asked to define what that meant it was answered "In every way they will be determined". Which to this point has been very true! We are! but we are EXTREMELY Loving! Im learning so much from each person. Celia- how to have fun and simply laugh to laugh. <--- biggest prayer being answered there for me. Sam (AKA TEX)- how to serve without regret and forgive without records. Sam (London)--- willingness to change for the lord not only impacts oneself but those witnessing it. Beautiful. And Matthew, the comfort zones are just our IDEA of saftey and God intends on wrecking that idea. Also that worship is from the heart nothing else. Im mind boggled by these "mates" of mine. I can sincerely say Ive got EACH ONE OF THEIR BACKS NO MATTER WHAT! Id defend each one as if they were blood. I agree with Tex when he said, "Im most blown away that its only been 2 wks and already we're this close. Like how do we all just get along?" This isnt to say everything has been always smooth. But we're human but the fact that we ALL submit ourselves to humilty and try and help and love on one another and our hearts are PURE and loving changes that fleshlyness to "Lord help us, we need you." We ALL have that heart. And we all wanna serve one another. This is what I Feel at least. Im completely mind blown by these friends.
I suppose I should tell ya'll kinda what our days typically look like. We wake at 7am... probably should be 645 but Celia and I are alike... up late and snooze button it in the morning. lol. 730 alone time with God. 830 depending on the day, either worship, worship AND intercession, or just intercession. 930 class until 1220. Unless Wed. on Wed Celia, London and myself watch the children that live here while their parents are at a staff meeting (Tex and Matt cook lunch with Maddy), lunch and work duty (cleaning kitchen) is basically until 3-330 then depending on the day, back to class, small group, outreach prep, or group reading (which is reading a chapter on the new testiment outloud together).... Fridays are a little different because at 3pm we instead do evangalism training and then we put what we learned into action... but monday- thurs at 530ish we eat and the for the most part we are free for the night... this usually results in playing cards til 11pm. We all love cards and games so its fun. We laugh A LOT! Which is SO GOOD for my soul!
Both wks so far Ive been completely rocked by the speakers. Im not a very good student but Ive taken and had great notes daily and TRULY am interested in it all. I cant believe how much Ive already learned and retained. Im super excited for the reminding time and nervous about whats to come after cause I only have this planned and then Im back running on faith lol. But I can honestly say Im excited for where the roads leading.
I feel like I should do a character outline for each person Ive met and know but I feel thatll hafta wait until tomorrow or another time if I indeed am convicted.
Holy spirit lead us!!
Kris
I tried to add pics but youll hafta look at FB for those... sorry :( God bless
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
The First Days
Hey Guys,
Sorry its taken me a bit to get my stuff in order. Im officially at YWAM and enjoying every moment of it. Im currently in a "Must be alone" state so forgive me if its brief. Im VERY interaverted as many of you know and unless Ive been sleeping Ive been with ppl. And even then... Celia is just 4 ft away. lol. The good news: Celia and I are the only girls. So that means that the room is clean and that I can escape into my room for short times to collect myself.
So Erin and Whitney (my dts leader) picked me up on Saturday and things started instantly. I never thought I could be asked and ask "Where are you from" so much in such a short time. Im loving it. We have 2 from NH... Celia and I. 1 from London, England, 1 Texan and one Wisconsin. Its a complete and total blessing. Im not sure I coulda asked for a better group. Small but good.
Campus life is a little what I expected and nothing of what i did all at once. I both love and hate having someone to talk to all the time. lol... that interavert thing can be a killer at times. But we're basically go go go from 630am-7pm. Its nice to be doing so much and being around so many ppl in love for the Lord.
I think I surpise some ppl so far. The older staff members. Ive spoken with most of them and when it includes times like intercession I seem to take them off guard. I feel in a good way though. One thing Danielle, Brandon and myself spoke about the night before leaving was just being myself. Plain and simple. Ive taken time to remind myself daily that I am who Gods made me to be and be confident in that. Dont change the way I talk or the words I use because others may not understand. But take hold of how he's made me and push forth.
Ive also asked God to reveal to me how he sees the ppl around me and let that take place of the possible first impressions I may have concluded to. And to be completely real... Ive been mind blown like never before. Its the most incredible way to view ppl Ive found.
The biggest thing Ive learned thus far is to trust in myself within the Holy Spirit. As Kathy said on NYE night "you know what youre doing. Youre equipped. Force nothing and listen to him." Ive found myself reminding myself of this often and being blessed just as much so. Ive had to oppertunity to pray over another DTS team... well.. a couple students Id literally met that morning. I gave word and they receieved it without question. I think they too were a littel shocked that someone on their first day of classes would act so "boldly". But not in a bad way. I spoke with them for about an hr ...maybe 2 after and cherish their hearts. Theyre in Cambodia currently. (left that night)
So we are headed to Africa. Though unsure which country we know its touching Lake Victoria. I feel the Lord is saying Kenya. But we'll wait, pray and discover.
So friends, life is really good. Im sorry this is so brief. I know I keep saying Ill update later because Im too tired or too something... but this is really the best I can provide right now. Im SOOO blessed and dont worry... Ill give anyone who wants it a chance to see the entire journey through my eyes when I return home. It may be later than hoped but it will be an option.
Much Love and thanks for all the support,
Krista June
Sorry its taken me a bit to get my stuff in order. Im officially at YWAM and enjoying every moment of it. Im currently in a "Must be alone" state so forgive me if its brief. Im VERY interaverted as many of you know and unless Ive been sleeping Ive been with ppl. And even then... Celia is just 4 ft away. lol. The good news: Celia and I are the only girls. So that means that the room is clean and that I can escape into my room for short times to collect myself.
So Erin and Whitney (my dts leader) picked me up on Saturday and things started instantly. I never thought I could be asked and ask "Where are you from" so much in such a short time. Im loving it. We have 2 from NH... Celia and I. 1 from London, England, 1 Texan and one Wisconsin. Its a complete and total blessing. Im not sure I coulda asked for a better group. Small but good.
Campus life is a little what I expected and nothing of what i did all at once. I both love and hate having someone to talk to all the time. lol... that interavert thing can be a killer at times. But we're basically go go go from 630am-7pm. Its nice to be doing so much and being around so many ppl in love for the Lord.
I think I surpise some ppl so far. The older staff members. Ive spoken with most of them and when it includes times like intercession I seem to take them off guard. I feel in a good way though. One thing Danielle, Brandon and myself spoke about the night before leaving was just being myself. Plain and simple. Ive taken time to remind myself daily that I am who Gods made me to be and be confident in that. Dont change the way I talk or the words I use because others may not understand. But take hold of how he's made me and push forth.
Ive also asked God to reveal to me how he sees the ppl around me and let that take place of the possible first impressions I may have concluded to. And to be completely real... Ive been mind blown like never before. Its the most incredible way to view ppl Ive found.
The biggest thing Ive learned thus far is to trust in myself within the Holy Spirit. As Kathy said on NYE night "you know what youre doing. Youre equipped. Force nothing and listen to him." Ive found myself reminding myself of this often and being blessed just as much so. Ive had to oppertunity to pray over another DTS team... well.. a couple students Id literally met that morning. I gave word and they receieved it without question. I think they too were a littel shocked that someone on their first day of classes would act so "boldly". But not in a bad way. I spoke with them for about an hr ...maybe 2 after and cherish their hearts. Theyre in Cambodia currently. (left that night)
So we are headed to Africa. Though unsure which country we know its touching Lake Victoria. I feel the Lord is saying Kenya. But we'll wait, pray and discover.
So friends, life is really good. Im sorry this is so brief. I know I keep saying Ill update later because Im too tired or too something... but this is really the best I can provide right now. Im SOOO blessed and dont worry... Ill give anyone who wants it a chance to see the entire journey through my eyes when I return home. It may be later than hoped but it will be an option.
Much Love and thanks for all the support,
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