From hot and humid to 

cold and not humid

It was this day, 11 months ago, that God rocked my world.  There I was, living in Indonesia, ready to serve God there for the rest of my life. 

Then BOOM! God throws a curve ball to me.  

"I want you to go back to America and start a new YWAM base among your own people.....the South".  

I would say I was completely surprised but to be honest, God had been dropping hints to me for the last 2 years that something of this magnitude was coming.  I just didn't expect it to be THIS big.  Pioneer a new base?? ME?? 

YWAM is a training ministry.  We train people with Biblical values in order for them to take the Gospel to all the world....no matter what country, sphere of society, or people group. We train.  Therefor we operate similar to university campus.  We have dorms for students, apartments for staff, classrooms, dining hall, administration offices, etc.  And God wants me to start one....AAHHH!!!  

So, what now?  

First:  take a training course in Perth......done

Second:  join an existing base in America to learn the in's and out's of leading an American base (legal requirements, admissions for students, website, etc).  

Third: get a team to join me

Fourth: be commissioned by the base I'm trained at, go and pioneer a new base (while being covered by the sending base)

The step I'm at is #2

I've joined the YWAM base in Denver, Colorado.  This is a strong base with strong leadership.  They are wise and experienced in pioneering bases.  

This past June, I moved home from Indonesia.  After spending time with family, I started making my way across country (first time) to my new home.  

I just happen to be in Knoxville, TN visiting my brother's family when the total eclipse went over.  I got to see the full thing. Apparently, your shadow's edges become extra clear during this event.  

On I went.  It was a good trip until........KANSAS!!!! If you never driven through the entire state of Kansas, let me explain.  The road becomes very straight and very flat.  You think "oh good! easy traveling!".    Then, after about 1 hour,  you start seeing these wind thingys.  Again you think "wow!!! so many!! how beautiful!!! this should be cool!"

8----EIGHT hours later, all you're thinking is "dear God, help me!!!"

After 3 days of driving, I see this glorious site!!! DENVER!

 

I join YWAM Denver

This is what the base looks like......beautiful!

 

Not too long after I arrive, I see this.....what is it again?  uuuhhhh.....

In October?????

Us Southerners never heard such a thang

I think I dealt with the cold weather well.....don't you think??  

The last 8 years has been spent with high humidity and high temperatures, with little air conditioning.  I forgot what it felt like to NOT sweat. My Bali blood don't know what to do with this

  At the moment, I'm half student, half staff.  

For people who want to join staff here, they are asked to go through this 3 month course called School of Ministry Development.  Here, I'm a student. 

But, because I've already taken many schools like this and they have a high need for someone to help in Admissions, they are letting me audit the course and spend my other half of the time working in Admissions.  

This means I process all applications for future schools.  I contact them, pray for them, answer question, organize their arrivals, and send vise letters for foreign students.  I love this job because I get to have an impact on every student that comes to us.  Meaning, I impact up to 6 different nations and up to 30 students every 3 months.  So, in 1 year, I have impacted 24 nations and 120 people every year (not including staff). 

Which means for those who support me, YOU impact 24 nations and 120 people every year.  

 

Being a student means I'm in a small group. This is my small group of amazing girls!  

As a base, we worship and do intercession over the nations 3 times/week

I'm also involved in helping with the prayer/prophetic ministries.  I've already organized 2 prophetic nights (in which people can come and get a prophetic word of encouragement) and I've taught a prophetic workshop where I teach people Biblical principles about the prophetic gifting and then have them practice it in a safe space. 

A sunset from my balcony

And who wouldn't want to end with this???

Brisket!!!

Prayer points:

1) a team to join me
2) I'm going to a gathering of all East Coast bases next week.  This could be my only chance to meet all the base leaders.....which is important because I'll be pioneering a base near them.  I need divine appointments.
3) Continue financial support.  With a base in my future, the needs are increasing.  Also, living in Denver is A LOT more expensive than living in Bali.

Praise

1) Even though I do still have a need, I HAVE seen an increase in my monthly support.....so thank you everyone who has joined me in this new adventure!
2) I am learning more than I thought I would quicker than I expected.
3) I have quickly found my place on this new base.  I am already making good friends and I get many chances to speak into the younger lives here on base.  I'm loving it!!!