Week of heartache

Hello everyone. I have a week left here in Perth and I cannot believe how time has flown by. I know I haven't updated in a while, but I got really busy and not a lot of interesting things were happening. But I will bring you up to speed now.


For the past few weeks I have been working on finishing Posters for the Wongi Warrior film that I got to Coolgardie to help finish filming. I made 2 different versions of the poster for them to use however they want. And then this past week they asked me to design a DVD case cover and the actual DVD sticker, and I got suckered into designing their Cygnet film logo as well. It was a lot to take on but I really took it as a challenge and really asked God to help me with the design process to make it turn out exactly like he wanted it so people will want to watch it. So far, I think they are really pleased with it and will hopefully finish it all this week.

I'm getting to the point now where I'm really struggling. The people close to me back home know that I don't like getting close to people because I'm so afraid I'm going to lose them, or they will end up leaving me at some point because that's what I'm used to. I really took a chance here and decided to open myself up so wide to people, so they could see me and I allowed myself to get really close to people here. Now its getting close for me to leave and I'm really struggling with it. I feel as if they won't remember me after I'm gone and they will just be lost friendships. Do they even really care about me? If they do, how will they continue the friendship? These are the questions I struggle with and I know Satan is just using all my hurts of the past to pull at me now and try to make me weak. Goodbyes are one of my greatest challenges in life. I hate them. Especially now. Will I ever see these amazing people ever again in this life? That seems so very depressing to me, because they have brought such joy, happiness, and laughter into my life. I hope I get to see them again. They probably don't even know how much they truly mean to me. I love them all so very much and they are very dear to my heart.

I ask for prayer as I say my goodbyes this last week. And also prayers that I can complete all these projects and they will be what they need them to be and so much more. But mainly for the goodbyes. I don't know how my heart is going to take it, so pray for strength to make it on the plane before I start my pitiful crying.

On a good note. I did have some amazing times this weekend and will get to have a few more this week. Last night we had a Christmas in July party because this is their winter and its cold right now. So, there was food, and Christmas music, and lots and lots of  people and it was just such a great time getting to hang out with friends and laugh. And tonight we are having a get together party for some of my friends to spend a little more time with me before I leave. I really appreciate them doing this because I do want to spend as much time with them as I possibly can. They are amazing people, why wouldn't I. And I think we are also having some team time this next week doing something as well.  I feel like it will be an amazing week, but a sad one as well.

As I look back on all the amazing things I have done in this trip, I just praise God for his amazing blessings in my life. I praise God that I was able to step out of my comfort zone and come halfway across the world by myself and do all this on my own. It was a big step for the shy small town country girl to come to a big city without knowing anyone and be okay doing it. God is so good, and I have learned so much on this amazing trip, and got to see things I never thought I would see.

I just want to thank all the people who supported me for this trip. Whether that be prayer or financial support. I am so thankful for you all and everything you have gave. This trip would not have been possible without you, so thank you from the bottom of my heart. Prayer for safe return as well. I hope you all have had an amazing summer. Love you all.

Love,

Regan Powers

To the Bush and Back

This past week has been a mix of emotions for me. I was a little sad because some of my really good friends left and I was adjusting, but I also was really excited for the amazing opportunity that I had the past 4 days. I got to travel with the Cygnet film team (part of the create team I work for) out to the Bush. Literately like 6 hours out in the desert to these small country towns and one aboriginal community. We got to stay in a really nice house while we were there and that was a total blessing. Cygnet films is currently making a short film called Wongi Warrior which I am designing a poster for. They had filmed most of their shots over 6 months ago and realized they needed some more shots to fill in the gaps in their movie. I volunteered to come with them and they let me go. I got to learn how to do sound/audio for them. I got to put all the equipment together and wear headphones and and hold a microphone out to record while they were filming. So that was one of the awesome things I got to do while I was there. The second was that I got to meet the 2 aboriginal kids that were acting in the movie. I got to see where they live and I got to play with them and talk to them. The 12 year old boy just really stole my heart. He was willing to act and let me take pictures of him, and I had some really good conversations with him, and got to play games with him. He broke my heart on the last day, asking if I was coming back when the screened the movie, and I had to tell him no, I would be back in America by then. But he kept insisting that I had to come back and see him. When I told him I had to go home and couldn't come back he was like "then just don't go back, just stay here." It just stole my heart for him. How can you feel so much love for a child you only knew for 4 days. And the little 6 year old girl that was acting as well was just adorable. She was full of energy that never stopped. She was climbing around the bus where we were filming basically the entire time. She was an onery little thing, but she was just too cute for her own good. One day on the way back from filming she fell asleep on me in the car. Again I only knew her for 4 days and she gave me hugs and just acting like she had known me forever. I was very sad when I had to say goodbye to them for the last time, knowing I will probably never get to see them ever again. But they will forever be in my heart and hopefully I will get a copy of the movie when they are done so I can always remember them.

I guess the big thing here is that I realized that this can impact their community so much. I am just so proud to be a part of something so big. These communities really need this kind of influence in their lives. And it also made me realize, that no matter what gifts God has given you, whether it be Graphic Design, or filming, or nursing, or a handy man, or a stay at home mom, no matter what you are good at, God can use you. God can use your abilities for amazing things to impact the world. But the only thing is, we have to be willing. If we have a willing heart to do what God says, then he will use you in ways you never thought possible. I wish more people were willing. I wish I had been more willing earlier in my life. All I know is that I am willing now. I am willing to put myself out there to change the world, to change hearts, to change lives. God has revealed to me that I am worth everything to him, and that he can use my gifts and abilities that HE gave me to further his kingdom. All he wants is our willingness to give up our lives, and place them in his hands to do with what he wants. If we all did that, think how much we could accomplish? All I know is that God has increased my love for children, and increased my love for others. Increased my love for him and his purpose for me. God I am willing. Send me.

I hope this has encouraged you. God has been doing amazing things in my life, and has opened up my eyes to so many things. I am very blessed to have come on this adventure and to see all the things I have seen. God's creation is so beautiful. Thank you all for your continued support and prayer. I have also been praying for all of you as well. What gifts has God blessed you with in your life? Are you willing to let him use you?

In Christ,

Regan Elaine Powers

Revelation and Repentance

Hello everyone! I just wanted to share what God has been placing on my heart this week, and what I have been up to. First off, my projects that I'm working on for the Create International team here in Perth are going very well. So far, all the work I have done for them has been good, and they have really liked all my work. I really feel like I have gotten over my fear of being good enough, and just letting God work through my gifts to bless this team and to help them out in this area.

This week has also been heartbreaking in some areas as well. Some of my best friends that I've made here and gotten really close too have left to go back home, and won't be back until after I leave to go home. For me this is an area that I really struggle with. I hate it when people leave and I'm still here. It is heartbreaking but I think God is using this opportunity to stretch me and watch me grow, because it forces me into a situation where I have to get to know other people and to just really blessing others by loving them. It is a challenge for an introvert like me, but I do feel that this trip has really helped me in this area and has continued to stretch me all the time. But please pray for me as I will be very sad in the next couple of weeks that I have lost the best friends that I had to come half way around the world to find.

On Thursday even, my friend Kiara, a new student coming in names Chanc and I went all the way down to Freemantle to go out to dinner. Me and Kiara had wanted to do something before she left and so we decided to go out to dinner. Everybody that we asked said they couldn't make it so we thought we might not go, but Chanc was up and willing to go so we decided to head out on the town. We took the train all the way to Freemantle had a 10 minute walk in the rain and went to Cicerello's. The number 1 place to get fish and chips. I had never had fish and chips before, so this was a new experience for me. And oddly enough, I absolutely loved it. It was so good and so much food. not to mention we got to know Chanc pretty well and really connected with him. After we ate, and sat around and talked for a while we walked along the boardwalk, because this place was right on the water. And we decided to get ice cream. Then we headed back to the train and came back. I just had so much fun on this short adventure and got to laugh a lot with friends and try new food. It was just an amazing experience and blessing that God gave to me.

Then tonight is the big subject I want to talk about. God just convicted my heart tonight in every area of my life. Tonight this lady at the base spoke about Comparison. She told her life story and how she has always been compared to other people and how she herself compared herself to others. But when we start to compare ourselves with others we begin to produce an anger towards other people and at God. And it causes us to withdraw from people and begin a separation. This often produces ungratefulness and resentment of ourselves. If we can't love ourselves, we can't truly love others. We often feel the need to protect ourselves from further hurt and that just opens a door to the enemy in our lives. When we compare ourselves to others we often reject our own selves and who God made us. God made us all with different gifts that when brought altogether in the body of Christ works beautifully together. If we compare ourselves and deject ourselves, we don't accept God's will for our lives. Sometimes this all stems from not understanding our identity in Christ but trying to find it within ourselves and others. If we are insecure in who we are and God calls us, we usually won't step out in faith because we think we are not good enough. We need to be secure in who God's created us to be, This is who I am!! It's like we are telling God "I want what they have because I don't like what you've given me" How could we say that to the creator of our lives and of this world, that his creation is imperfect. Especially since he made US in HIS image. Often comparing ourselves to others leads to greed which is idolatry because we are holding onto things in our life and putting them above God. Most of the time we don't recognize this because we justify it. It doesn't matter what anyone else says, it only matters what God says and who God says you are. We need to be grateful for the way God made us. We need to cultivate gratefulness in our lives so we will be more focused on others and not on ourselves. If we want to compare ourselves, compare your life with Christ for he is the one we should be most like. God has made us into a beautiful creation. We are one in a lifetime masterpiece. To overcome this comparison to others we need to focus on serving others and on serving Christ. Treat others as more important than yourselves and really love them by serving them. Don't come to be served, but serve. As we repent of this sin in our lives, God will bring healing and revelation and joy beyond comparison. We need to depend on God in our lives and not on ourselves or others. Above all, don't compare yourself to others, only follow after Christ everyday and be grateful that he chose to give you a life and make you one of his beautiful creations.

This message was just so convicting to me. I have struggled with this as long as I can remember. I am constantly comparing myself to others and feeling inferior to them in so many ways and just finding all the faults in my life. But this just totally opened my eyes to how I have been sinning against God by having these thoughts about myself. That I'm not beautiful, that I'm not worth anything, that everyone is better than me. God just shook me finally and said, "I love you, you are my beautiful creation, and you are priceless to me. Come to me, and I will make you whole."...... The weight of this just knocked me down. after the message they had a time of prayer and I started crying and I asked for his forgiveness of this major sin in my life, and a weight just lifted off of me. I felt so free. I know that I will probably continue to struggle with this because it came a habit in my life. But I just need to focus on Jesus and not on myself and remind myself every day that I am a "One of a kind Masterpiece". I hope that all you have gotten something out of this, because I totally did. I want everyone to know this and feel set free as I did.

But I have probably talked too long, thank you guys so much for reading and your continued support of this trip. God bless you all.

Mission's and Friends

This past week has been a very busy one. YWAM had an in-house mission's conference. They had worship every morning, morning tea, morning session, lunch, they had afternoon sessions, dinner, and then an evening session. It was a long week but I learned so much. They told a bunch of stories about famous missionaries and there was one that really stuck with me. Her name was Amy Charmichael and she was a single woman who moved to India and basically lived there the rest of her life, and was working to save the children there from prostitution and slavery and keeping them from being homeless. It was her life goal to save the children from there. They also told me a mindblowing statistic that there are about 500,000 to 1,000,000 people/children who are in slavery in India alone. That breaks my heart. But what amazes me about this is that she was only one person who did so very much. I just draw strength from that, because for a long time, I have never wanted to go it alone and be by myself. But I think this week God has been telling me that it is okay to be alone and to go your own way as long as I am serving him I will be fine. It will be my biggest trial time and time again. But it is something I desperately need to learn.



This weekend, I went to a going away party for one of the friends I have made since I have been here. He is done with his school and is going back to Norway for a couple months before coming back here on Staff. I was super impressed by him and his roommates. They went out and bought all the food, and cooked all the food themselves and set everything up. It was spectacular. They even let the ladies go forth. They were true gentlemen and I appreciate them so much for how they treat others. But I had so much that day. We were there from like noon until 11 p.m.. We played games and we had a bonfire, and we danced, and we talked, and to top it all off we set up a projector and had an outdoor movie with popcorn. The gift of friendship is so strong here. I feel like I have made some really good friends during my short time here. But they are all getting ready to leave and I feel I'm going to have to start all over again. I'm very sad that they are leaving. Especially since I don't know whether I will ever see them again. Its hard to leave friends that you know love you for you and actually truly care about you. They will be sorely missed. But I know God is just working on me some more while I'm here. Making me face all my fears in the short amount of time I'm here. He is refining me through the fire, and its painful but I know I will be better on the other side of it all.



I hope no one is dying of the heat back home. I am enjoying the nice 60 and 70 degree weather here. I'm going to be in shock when I come back in August. I wish all of you the best. And thanks for all your prayers and support. I wouldn't be doing this without you.

Challenges and Adventures

This week has been such an amazing week. I have still been working on the same projects I have been working one for the Create team here. They are going good except I'm running into some design trouble with one of my projects. Just hit a wall and can't get around it. But I keep pushing away and hopefully I will find something that they all agree on.

But within the office and the people I work with it has been amazing. I have gotten to know them so well and I hope that I can do that with everyone I work with. They are all so kind, and just so fun and full of love. They are rather a onery bunch of people. They all play pranks on each other and its rather fun to watch. But this week I actually pulled one myself. It was actually pretty good. I was pretty proud of it, until the person I pulled it on was actually getting upset so I had to tell them what I did. I also loss a quote war on Facebook and had to buy goodies for a couple of people in my office as well. It's just been a really fun week.

Then this weekend, I got to go to the beach finally. This was the first time since I've been here that I have gotten to go to the beach. We went to Cottlesoe beach which wasn't crowed and was really pretty. We played Frisbee and played in the waves. One of my friends actually threw it in the ocean twice and he had to get it once and I also had to go in and get it as well. Therefore, we were soaking wet all the way up our legs. That same person also rubbed a handful of seaweed in my hair because I got him wet. We walked along the beach taking pictures and collecting sea shells. And we watched the sun set. It was just an amazing day. I had so much fun. Just being on the beach just makes me feel so close to God in a certain way. It makes me want to be a child and play and just enjoy his beautiful creation. I feel so close to him on the beach and in nature like the mountains. I just thank God that he gave us these amazing places to enjoy and to just be in his majestic beauty there. It makes me so  happy.

This next week, we have a mission's conference at the YWAM base, so I won't be getting a whole lot of work done, but I hope I get to meet a lot of new people, and hopefully make some more friends. But please pray that fear will not hold me back from making more friends, and that I will be able to get involved this next week. It's amazing the power fear has over me sometimes. It grips me and I can't do anything. So that is what I ask for these next couple of weeks. Is to not be overcome by fear.

Thanks everybody for reading and supporting me this summer. It's amazing to see God working from here, all over the world. Hope you all are doing well back home. I miss you all so much. Can't wait to bring these stories back for you all to hear. Love you all.

In Christ's Love,

Regan Powers

Stirrings of the heart...

Hey everybody, I just wanted to give an update to what I've been doing this past week. We have something that we do almost every day of the week as a base, or as a team that I think is rather cool. Mondays we have worship for an hour in the auditorium, which is really great just to come together and worship to start off our week. On Tuesday's we have intercession, which is where we pray for other people or other nations that we feel like God has placed on our hearts to pray for. Wednesdays we have short pray time in the morning with our team. On Thursday evenings we have evangelism or outreach teams that go out into the city and do work. My group went and cleaned a guys house who was unable to do it for himself. He was such a nice and lovely man, but no one has put in the time to get to know him and help him with things he can't do. It was great to be able to do work for someone else. And Friday evenings we have Friday Night meeting, which is basically like a church service.

This week I have been working on Posters for the Wongi Warrior film that the film crew is editing and making as we speak. I've hit a couple of rough spots on it, but am still going strong on that. The other project I'm doing right now is a Newsletter for Create Perth. I haven't got too far on it yet, but I think its coming along nicely and God is helping me with his vision to how it needs to look.

I have made some amazing friends since I've been here, which is a big thing for me. I'm not used to opening up so quickly, but in doing so...I have gotten to know so many more people. The team that I work for and the office that I work in are truly amazing people, and God has blessed me to be able to work alongside them in their works.

In other events, this weekend was an exciting one!! If any of you saw on Facebook, you saw that I got to pet some Kangaroos this weekend. It was a disaster getting to the place to the Kangaroos, but I persevered and made it to Harrison Island to pet the Kangaroos. The island was so pretty and it was such a beautiful day. The roos were so cute. They were tame, so we could go up and pet them and take pictures. It was so good to get outside and soak up some sunshine. But the walk there and back was kind of a long one. I was exhausted when I finally got home. But I enjoyed the time with friends, and got to take lots of pictures.

The thing that has really been on my heart is that God can use whatever ability a person has and use it for his great purpose. YWAM uses all sorts of gifts and abilities and uses that for a specific missions field. There is a sports DTS, and music DTS, and medical DTS, and media DTS, or construction, or skateboarding. It's all here. They do 3 months of training and 3 months or outreach. So, they train them in the ways of using their gifts to spread the gospel and then they send them out into the world to do it. It just made me realize that anyone could do something like this. We all have different talents and abilities and are in different situations, but God can use anyone to do his will. We just have to be brave enough to step out into the world to do it. Trust God that he will use what he gave you, to further his kingdom. If all of us stepped out in faith, how amazing would that be. How quickly could we see the gospel spread through the unreached areas of the world. It blows my mind to think about. My not my will, but God's will be done. I just ask that he uses me in the ways he wants me to be used. That I can be brave enough to take that step out of my safe door, and into the world.

I hope all of you are having a wonderful summer back home, and know that I miss you all so much. I can't wait to come back and share all my experiences that I have gained over this summer. Thanks for all each of you has done to get me here. God Bless!

My first Week

This was my first full week of work here at YWAM. So far, I really like working here. My projects, even though they are not that important, are working towards something. So, I feel like I'm a part of something bigger. Like in a small way, God is using me to help. This week I have been working on poster deigns for a short film the Create is making. Let's just say, going into it I really didn't believe in myself that I could come up with a good design, so I was worried. But several people in our group prayed specifically for inspiration and I do say, I think they are turning out great. It's amazing what the power of prayer can do. But I have started to get to know more people and I always seem to be busy. No matter what time of the day it is, there is always something going on. Which is different than back at home, but I am adjusting. I still get my to myself time on the weekends, which is good for me, I need it.

Although everything at work is great. I have been feeling lousy this past week. Kind of like my body is trying to fight something off, so I'm exhausted, and I have been running a fever, and coughing and stuff. I would just ask that you pray that it goes away and I will be in good health while I'm here. And also, these houses don't have any heat, and it seems to trap in the cold no matter how warm it gets outside. Just pray that I stay warm and can keep from getting sick. Those who know me well, know that I get sick at every opportunity my body finds.

This morning I did get to go do some thrift shopping with some of my housemates. They took me to this sort of community thrift market. It had everything you could possible think of. I described it as "A thrift store on steroids". But I went because I was needing some warmer shoes, and clothes to wear since its pretty cold. I just pray that God keeps me warm over the 2 months I'm here, because I wasn't prepared for it.

I feel God molding me in ways that I can't explain. It's like a deep stirring of my heart in who I am and who he says I am. He has given me such amazing people to work with. I'm so glad that I get to work with them while I'm here. But for an example of the whole growing thing... I actually sat at a table where I didn't know anyone the other night!!....And....I survived. HAHA I would never ever ever do that before, but I'm stepping up and doing things I never would before. It's kinda hard to be shy here, when everyone (and I mean everyone) comes up and just starts talking to you. You don't have the chance to not talk. Which in a way, I guess is what I really needed.

I am sad that camp is starting...today actually, and I won't be there. This is my first summer away from the camp, so it is very bittersweet for me. I'm happy because I'm here in Australia do work for the Lord, but I'm also sad that I don't get to see all the kids faces on the first day of camp, and watch them grow and change for the Lord. I guess I'm the one doing the growing a
and changing this summer.Any ways here is something to brighten up all of your days!! This is known as the ugliest piece of public artwork in Perth. Let me know what you think of it, or if you know what it is.

New experiences

Hello everyone!! This weekend has been awesome and emotional in several different ways. Friday night, they have what they call "Friday Night Meeting" which is basically like a church service. I was tired that night but I decided to go anyways. I have been to several different church services but that was an experience. It was so loud in there from EVERY single person that was singing. No one held back or were embarrassed. It was quite a sight to see. People falling to their knees in the middle of worshiping our Lord. It just made me think about some people are so concerned with how they appear to others that they don't stop to think about how God views their worship. But anyways, it was a great experience and something I will definitely have to get used to. Then on Saturday I got to go into the city a little bit. Some friends took me to this shopping area called "Harbortown" and let me tell you, they know how to do sales. If any of you know me, you know I usually won't buy anything unless its on sale. Well, EVERYTHING was on sale. It was great. I got a couple of things that I needed for my stay here.

 But getting there and coming back was an experience. I'm not from a big city where you have to use buses and trains to get where you need to, so when we got on the bus to get to the city I was overwhelmed by how many people could fit on one bus. There were lot's of people invading my personal space and then some. It was crazy!!

 But altogether it was a fun day with friends, and good to be outside in the sun. Its been warmer the past couple of days so I have been in a better mood. Then on Sunday, I slept in and used the day as a Sabbath day. Just a day of rest. I did a lot of reading my bible, and other books, and writing in my journal, and napping. It was such a relaxing day sitting out in the sun and soaking up some vitamin D.

 I think it was just what I needed. Then today was my first day of full work, and I believe it went very well. I went to the base, and everyone does morning chores to clean the facility since they don't hire people to do it. Then, at 8:30 they had an hour long worship session. This is literately an hour long of singing praises to God. Again, I was blown away by how these people worship. Everyone expresses themselves in different ways, but still it is still amazing to see people worshiping God in reckless emotion. It lifted my spirit to see all these amazing people worshiping God as one. And I was also amazed at how everyone in the entire room seemed to be amazing singers. They all sounded so good. After the worship session, I started work with my group. Right now I'm working on designing business cards, and movie posters for various things they are doing within the organization. I'm having fun using my skills to help them out. But in all this, I have had to grow and really stretch myself. I'm not the most outgoing person there is, but it is kind of hard not to be in this environment. People are always talking to you, and you always have to go find someone, or meet people and start working with them. I can almost see God smiling looking down on my saying "I knew you could do, even if I had to push you into the situation". But I know this is good for me, and I'm excited to see in what other ways God grows me.

Day one and two

First off I want to say thank you for all the prayers that were sent on for me for my trip over. I did run into a little bit of a bump when I got to Sydney. I missed my flight over to Perth and had to wait for the next one. It wasn't a big deal but it was more time than I wanted to spend traveling. I got to Perth and got picked up by Jenny, one of my leaders, dropped off my luggage at the house I will be staying in, and went straight to the YWAM base. It was amazing that even though I was exhausted from traveling I was still able to stay awake through the tour and all the introductions that were made. I got announced and welcome at supper(they call it dinner) with over 300 students and staff there. That was a scary one for me. Not to mention that everyone thinks that my name is pronounced Ree-gen in stead of Ray-gan.  But that's okay. I got introduced to Ben the person that I will be working with all summer. And all the students that he has with his DTS school right now, that I will also be working with. I met so many people it was kind of an overload for me. Then after supper my new housemates and I walked home which is about a mile away and I showered and went to bed around 8 p.m. their time (would be around 7 a.m. your time). I tried to sleep as long as possible but for some reason my body and mind woke up this morning pretty early and I ended up waking up with the other girls.

For my second day, I walked back to base and went to the Create office where I will be working. I talked with all of them for a while and then one of the girls took me into town to buy some things I needed. This was definitely a new experience for me. To get to "town" or basically their shopping area, we rode a bus into town. Never really done that before so that was an experience. And they took me into the some of the stores there to look for pillows and blankets and shower stuff. The first store we went into was Target. By the way, it is nothing like the Targets we have back home and they are much more expensive here. But I ended up getting a pillow and comforter that were on sale. Then we went to this store called the discard shop. It has a lot of odds and ends at really low prices. So I got some shampoo, conditioner, and body wash there. They took me into one of their food markets and everything was different. The girl I was with wanted to buy a few things, and then we headed back. But this time coming back we took the train. Oh my goodness, I don't know how they do it. They have to wait on trains, and buses to make it back and forth for where they need to go. I think that is one thing I will miss is having my own car and getting to drive when and where I want to. But then we came back to the office, and Ben came back and I had kinda two orientation sessions about YWAM. The first was before lunch, and then we ate, and I went on a walk with one of the girls in his DTS school, and then had the second session. I got to learn a lot about YWAM, and how they run and operate, and what I will be doing while I am here. Then I brought all of my stuff home, and and I am going to take a little nap and wake up for dinner, and stay up for a little bit, and then go back to bed.

I feel very blessed to be surrounded by such nice and welcoming people. I feel they will take care of me while I am here and that I will get to know a lot of new people. I am very excited to see how God will use me and my abilities this summer for this organization. The devil still tries to plague me with doubts but I think that these people will be appreciative of my work and will accept me for who I am and what I can do. Thank you all for your prayer and support. I'm sure I will have more stories to come. I haven't had a lot of time to take pictures yet but hopefully I will get some up the next time. As the Aussies say their farewell:

Cheers!

On my way...

Today I will get on a plane and I will not be coming back until August 6. This weekend has been an emotional one. I got to see my sister graduate from Ozark Christian College. I got to see my best friend, and I had to say goodbye to: my sister Tasha and her family, my best friend Kristi, my best friend/roommate Jocelyn(for good), and my dad. Then I came up to KC with my brother and mom to stay with my sister Bethany before I leave. I am so nervous that I'm making my stomach act up. Today I will say goodbye to my other sister and her kids, my brother, and my mom. If any of you know my mother she has already been crying this morning. She is going to be the hardest one to say bye too because she will be crying the whole time. I love her to death, but she will probably make me start crying. Good thing I'm not putting makeup on.

Today I would like to ask for prayer. There has been storms up in KC all last night and there are suppose to be more today. Pray that I don't get delayed, and that I will have safe travels as I go. I would also like prayer to calm my nerves. I don't know if I've ever been this nervous in my life. I know I shouldn't be but my stomach is just in an uproar over what I'm doing. I just need to be strong, confident, and calm most of all, so I can have my wits about me when I'm traveling. But I also wanted to take this time to thank every single one of you for the part you have played in this trip. I know that I could not have done this without you, and it gives me comfort to know that I have so many people who love and care for me. But most of all I know that God has called me to go, and it will be the biggest challenge in my life so far that I will have to face and overcome to grow in my faith. Faith to put myself in Gods hands and not rely on anyone but him. It has been a struggle to do this, but I know I need to do this. God please give me strength to face the day, and let your spirit dwell within me and give me peace and rest. I love you all, and I will update you soon when I get to Australia and get settled in. Good bye for now!!

The devil is the master deceiver, but God is the Redeemer.

Today has been a rough day for me. I came back to pitt after a weekend at home, and all of a sudden everything that has been building up inside for this entire semester just came out. All of my doubts and fears laid bare. I was already emotional from being stressed for finals coming up and then this added to it and I exploded into tears. It's like a weight was tossed on me and I just couldn't hold it up any longer.

I'm scared. I'm scared that I won't be good enough, that I won't be able to contribute to their mission, that I won't get out of my comfort zone like I need too. I'm scared of flying by myself overseas for the first time, to a place I don't know, and won't know anybody. I'm afraid I won't have enough money to pay for it all, plus the bill for school and rent. Let's just say I was having a breakdown.

So, I went to the only logical place I could for comfort. I went to my bible and searched some versus about fear and worrying. And God delivered. Here are some of the ones I found:

2 Timothy 1:7

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

1 Peter 5:7

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

I also thought of one of my favorite songs, Still by Hillsong.
 "Hide me now under your wings, cover me within your mighty hands"
"When the oceans rise and thunders roar, I will soar with you above the storm, Father you are King over the flood, and I will be still and know you are God."
"I rest my soul, in Christ alone, know his power in quietness and trust"'
"When the oceans rise and thunders roar, I will soar with you above the storm, Father you are King over the flood, and I will be still and know you are God."

God has redeemed me so many times from my unfaithfulness and doubt and fears, and yet I still allow Satan to get to me. God has provided everything for me so far to go on this trip, he will never leave me nor forsake me.

All I ask is for prayer. Pray that I will find my strength in Christ alone. That I can be Gods vessel, and use me for his good purpose this summer. Pray that I shall not be weak but strong in the Lord and my faith. And the wisdom to do all that I need to do this summer. I also shall be praying these things for myself. Thank you to all who have and are praying for me and this trip this summer. You all mean so much to me and thank God that he has placed all of you in my life. 

Awaiting Departure

I have 2 weeks left of school and roughly 3 weeks till I leave for Australia. For those of you who know me, you should know just by the look of me that I am stressing out. I'm trying not to think about it yet, so I can focus on finishing school strong, but man is it hard. I have started to think about all the things I am going to need to do between now and then, and things I want to pack, and nervous about whether I will be good for their organization or whether I won't be any help at all. I pray will all my heart that I will be of some service to them. I want God to use me for his good purpose in whatever way he can. But doubt plagues me. I doubt myself and my abilities. I know that its just satan trying to make me lose faith, but it is hard to overcome.

For all of you who are reading this blog, I ask that you would pray. Pray that my nerves will be calmed, that my heart will be strong, and I won't stress out every time I think about this trip. Pray that God will show me my way and lead me into doing things I never thought possible for myself. I thank all of you for helping me through this both financially, emotionally, and with prayer. I know I could never have done this without all of you. So thank you.