Counting the Cost (#1)

As I've started talking about going into missions full time, and wanting to go all over the world, one of my parents' biggest Biblical words of wisdom is "count the cost" (Luke 14:25-33). This morning I got to thinking about "counting the cost." At first, I was thinking about the reasons I gave my dad for purchasing a plane ticket to Denver this January before having all the funds for the school. The main reason I gave him being I firmly believe this is where God wants me going in January. It's a decision I've put a lot of thought and prayer into and I have faith that He will provide; buying this plane ticket is my act of faith, saying, "God, there is no way I can get the money in time for January without YOU; I have faith you can provide for this."

As my mind continued to race with "counting the cost," I realized how big of a bite it is to go into full time missions. Here I am, taking steps to go into a lifestyle of missions. I'm planning on moving to a different country, on a different continent. That's incredibly exciting! But what about once I've been there for a little while and the newness wears off? When I'm sitting on my bed, just wanting a hug from my mom? That, I realized, is part of the cost. When I wonder how I am supposed to pay for my necessities for the next week? That is part of the cost. Visas to be in a country not my own? Part of the cost. When I am frustrated, if God doesn't work in the ways I plan? Part of the cost.

Counting the cost doesn't just mean you have the money and are 100% set for your whole life. Counting the cost can mean being aware of what you're getting yourself into. Counting the cost is recognizing you don't necessarily have it all together, but you know God can make it come together.

In my counting the cost, I have realized I in no way have it all together financially. I'm going to have to rely on God fully and trust that He will make it come together. I have also realized I don't know what life is going to throw at me and some of the hardest times for me are yet to come. I will miss out on family gatherings. I will miss being home for holidays, family reunions, and birthdays.

But I know that what I am looking forward to and stepping into is held by my Creator. I also know that my God is worth all the cost in the world to rely on Him, rest in His security, and know that by His power, I get to go into all the world, outside of my comfort zone, and share the Love of my Savior with the world.

 “We are often hindered from giving up our treasures to the Lord out of fear for their safety. This is especially true when those treasures are loved relatives and friends. But we need have no such fears. Our Lord came not to destroy but to save. Everything is safe which we commit to Him, and nothing is really safe which is not so committed.”
—A.W. Tozer, The Pursuit of God

Back into the Swing

I've been home for almost a month now, and I can safely say it has been a month full of ups and downs. To be completely honest, it has almost been harder coming back home than it was to leave 6 months ago.

When I left for Denver, I sort of knew what I was getting myself into. I knew I would be meeting a lot of new people and I would be experiencing a lot of new things. When I left Denver to come home, I knew it would be hard; I didn't realize how hard.

In YWAM, you basically live in a bubble. It is laid out as such in order to help cultivate a lifestyle that stimulates spiritual, personal, and community growth. However, it is hard to leave the security of that bubble. It is hard to not have scheduled quiet times to grow in relationship with Jesus. It's hard to not be surrounded by people who understand exactly what you mean when you reminisce because they lived it with you. And among other things, it's hard to come home and fall.

When I was in Denver, I was away from my family so it was easy to not fight with them. When I was in Denver, the wifi was tracked, so it was easy to fight temptations. When I was in Denver, I was surrounded by people who helped keep me accountable when it came to getting enough sleep or having an intentional time with Jesus. When I was in Denver, it was a few of the most exciting months of my life.

It is frighteningly easy to sit here at home and think about how amazing that experience was and be satisfied with that. But I don't want to sit on my bed and be satisfied with living in the past. If we constantly lived in the past, there would be no new future to look forward to!

Rather, I choose to look toward the future and be excited about what is to come; also being thankful for being right where I am at this second. I choose to be thankful for fighting with my family because I have a family (who I love very much). I choose to be thankful for the grace of God, which covers me- both when I fall AND when I don't. I choose to be thankful for the amazing community God placed in my life for my season in Denver, as well as the ability to keep in touch with them (I will always be looking forward to seeing them all again!).

So as you sit reading this, thank God for the season you are in. It is doubtless that He has placed you in this season without reason. I promise you that He wants to show you something through this, whether it be about you or maybe it is something He wants to show you about His unfailing character. Whether you are floating through what are the best months of your life so far or if you are fighting just to stand up in the morning, press into God. Seek Him through it because no matter what, He loves you through it and He is forever worthy.

As always, thank you for all the prayers- and PLEASE let me know if there is any way I can pray for you!
God bless,
Erin

Home Sweet Home

5 months. It's crazy to think that is how long it has been since I've sat here in my house or driven down the all too familiar streets of Centralia, or given my family hugs. Yet now here I am, with 5 months worth of experiences under my belt!

Last Saturday, as we flew home, seeing the brown hills of California was such a welcome sight, simply knowing we were flying over American soil. After some excitement in LAX with forgotten passports and our group being split apart, we all made our connecting flight and arrived in Denver late that night!

The week that followed was full of classes, reuniting with the rest of our school, and catching up with what happened over the last two months! It was awesome to get to be all together again, breaking curfews and making more memories until we went our separate ways.

On Friday, the YWAM Denver community gathered as 23 of us graduated from DTS. It was awesome to be able to testify to what God has done in our lives over the last 5 months as we dove into who He is and got to take His love to the nations. We walk away from this adventure as a DTS family. I am so thankful for all that has happened in the last 5 months and I look forward to when I get to be reunited with the people God placed in my life during this time.

The obvious question is, "What's next?" God confirmed to me over DTS that He is calling me into ministry in the future. As steps toward that, I will be working at home for the next three months, and then returning to YWAM Denver for more training in January! I look forward to seeing what God wants to do in my life and I am excited to keep you updated as I continue to seek God in what He has for me!

Thank you so much for all the prayers and encouragements over the last 5 months. As always, they are continually appreciated, even after arriving home. If there is any way I can pray for you, please let me know!

God bless,
Erin

Denver, Here We Come!

It's only been a week (or so) since I last posted, but it feels like forever!

While in Bogo, I got to fight being sick for the last half! I ended up spending a total of 6 days in bed with a day of travel back to Cebu and a trip to the doctor thrown in there. I was able to get meds from the doctor to get rid of the fever, sore throat, aches, and unrelated rash I had. Through being sick, I also ended up missing the last week of ministry which was really disappointing.

My team finished off their ministry with helping at a building site for houses in Bogo, as well as speaking in churches, working at YWAM Cebu's farm, and blessing people with prayer on a treasure hunt.

My meds kicked in and I was well enough to go with the team on our last off day to a waterfall where we got to go swimming, sing some videoke and then feast in the evening. Thursday was full of moving a large pile of dirt at the worksite of the base's dorm renovation, cleaning, packing, and our love feast in the evening where we got to enjoy some pork lechon (a whole pig roasted over the fire).

We left Cebu early in the morning on Friday for Manila, where we spent all day at the SM Mall of Asia. We ate delicious American style burgers, watched a movie, and ate some Korean BBQ. We finished the night with a ferris wheel ride while watching fireworks explode over the pier! It was a great ending to the last 2 months here in the Philippines and it was good to have a day off before the long day of travel ahead of us!

We are now waiting for our flight from Manila to Seoul-Incheon before our 11 hour flight over the ocean to LA, and then ending our Saturday in Denver!

It's good to be going home!
Prayers continue to be greatly appreciated as we have so much travel ahead of us, as well as prayers for a good week of debrief as we all close this chapter and get ready for what is to come next!

God bless!
Erin

Bogo City

We have been with YWAM Cebu for almost 2 weeks now! We spent our first week doing ministry around the city with children's ministry in the slums and speaking in churches.

For this week, we are in Bogo City, about 3 hours north of Cebu. We have gotten to speak at churches and help with the building of some of the houses that have been pledged to be built in the wake of the devastation of Typhoon Yolanda in November 2013.

This afternoon, we head out for ministry at a local high school and tomorrow, we get to do open air evangelism.

We are down to the last week of ministry before heading back to the US in about two weeks! God is still going to do big things! Thank you for all the prayer and support- as always, it is very appreciated!

God bless,
Erin

Cebu Bound!

Well, here we are, sitting in the airport waiting for our flight to Cebu. We've been in the Philippines for a full month already and we are now on our way to our second location!

We ended our time in Dagupan by doing open air ministry and handing out meals to the kids and participants in the Bible studies in the slums. It was sad to say goodbye to these wonderful people we've gotten to grow with while we were here. But it was an honor to get to bless them with food for their bodies in addition to the spiritual food we've been giving them.

Saying goodbye doesn't get easier! I'm going to miss the amazing people we've gotten to stay with over the last 4 weeks. I'm so thankful for the ways we've gotten to grow friendships and I look forward to seeing them when we get to reunite! Thank God for friends from around the world!

As always, thank you for all the support and prayers! I'm excited to see what else God wants to do through us for the next 3 weeks before we head home!

God bless, Erin

Little Outreach Blessings

In the last week, we have continued ministry here in Dagupan. We have continued leading small group bible studies, as well as playing with kids, visiting the jail, among other ministries.

On Tuesday, we got to go to 100 Islands National Park. It was a beautiful sight as we looked out over the green islands dotting the clear blue waters. We were able to see giant clams, accidentally take in mouthfuls of saltwater, and jump into the ocean from a bat filled cave! Definitely a day to remember and an adventure I would recommend to anyone visiting the Philippines!

One of my favorite stories from the last week was when we were leading a Bible study. I was partnered with my teammate Jonathan and we had split up into different homes throughout the community. As Jonathan and I tag-teamed talking about Moses and the burning bush, the ladies would translate and share bits of their testimonies with us. Every time we enter into a group I am again reminded of the fact that everyone has a story and something to make them who they are today.

Each ministry time is different as we get to know people more. Each Thursday we've been here, we have gone to a youth fellowship (the same one each Thursday). Last night was our 4th and final evening with these young people (who are around my age). We got to participate in a worship and praise marathon and had our latest night yet, not getting back to base until after 11, with an early start in the morning. The youth that gather there are awesome! God is going to use that group to change the world. The way they pour out their hearts and dance with reckless abandon was another blessing to see!

We are down to only one week left here in Dagupan before we head down to Cebu for our last 3 weeks in the Philippines. It's hard to believe outreach is over halfway done and I only have 5 weeks left of my DTS (including debrief back in Denver). But if I know anything, it is that God is not finished yet with this time!

As always, thank you so much for your prayer and encouragement!
God bless,
Erin

This is Outreach!

It's crazy to think we have already been gone from Denver for 2 weeks! Time has flown by.

We are currently staying in Dagupan, Pangisnan, Philippines at the local YWAM base. The beach is less than a 5 minute walk away and it is so pretty!

The cool thing about YWAM Dagupan is that it is not a training base. They don't run any schools here. They currently exist to be a base for various ministries throughout the city. Each staff member has different ministries they have either built from the ground up or continued to build upon over the years- and these are the ministries we have been partnering with over the last two weeks!

Thursday afternoon, we got to start ministry. We began with a prayer walk around the slums where we would be doing the majority of our ministry. The kids were a lot of fun to play with amd get to know as we get to see them fairly regularly over the next month.

On Thursday evenings, we go to a church where for the last two weeks, we have gotten to lead the whole thing. I was given the honor (rather, forced by God) to speak on God's love and His Father heart. It was awesome to see how God spoke through me because I know there is no way I would be able to deliver a message without His words!

Over the last couple weeks, we have been able to lead Bible studies for parents in small groups in the slums. We've also gotten to hang out with kids in the slums, leading them in songs and games, as well as sharing Jesus with them as we simply get to love on them.

It's hard to believe that our time here is already almost halfway done. I'm excited to see how God continues to move in us, through us, and with us. I'm also looking forward to seeing how relationships continue to grow in the next 2(ish) weeks before we leave.

A few prayer requests; if you would pray for health for our team as well as against bug bites (it's crazy how much bites can effect a good nights sleep or going through the day while itching) as well as for God to continue to move through the city of Dagupan.

Thank you so much for your prayers and support! It is always appreciated!

God bless!
Erin

Welcome to the Philippines!

We are finally in the Philippines! Over Sunday and Monday, we lost a day and were in the air over 15 hours. We spent Monday night in a hotel a short way from the airport and reveled in the air conditioning, knowing it would probably be our last for a long while. On Tuesday, we woke up and walked to the bus station where we got on the bus and proceeded to ride for 6 hours.

Then we arrived in Dagupan, Philippines where we will be staying for the next month. It is hot and humid, but the beach and the beautiful tropical jungle areas help make up for it!

Today we had a simple orientation followed by some free time in which we walked over to the beach, which is a short walk from where we are staying. In the afternoon, we went into the city to a mall where we were able to exchange our money and wander around. It's interesting how many American businesses are here. and it is awesome how cheap things can be compared to the US!

Tomorrow we will be starting our ministry times with a prayer walk through the slums. Over the next month we will do a variety of different ministries including speaking in churches, leading bible studies, prison ministry, and beach ministry. I'm looking forward to getting to build relationships with the staff here on base as well as getting to meet the Filipino people.

Thank you so much for your prayers and support! God is going to amazing things here!

A Bittersweet Goodbye

Last Monday, we finally got to start our outreach prep week by learning multiple dramas, dances, and skits. I am excited to see how God uses these things we have learned to change lives in the Philippines!

This last week has been the week of "lasts." This morning we had our last hour of worship with the whole base! We also got to pray over each of the schools and bless them as they head into their next step of what God has for them.

After that, we had graduation for the secondary schools (SOW, WISE, and SOMD). It has been such an honor to be able to spend these last three months with this amazing group of people and I am honored to call them my friends. God has grown in all of us in huge ways and I am excited to see how God uses them.

In two short days, on Sunday morning, my team and I head out for the Philippines! It's crazy to think that it is only two short days away, but is also invigorating! We have about 30 hours of travel before we reach our home for the next month!

As always, thank you so much for all the prayer and support. God has not stopped showing Himself ever so faithfully!

As I am on the road, I will do my best to keep you updated, but as WiFi may not be available, I can't make promises!

God bless!
Erin

Electric Mountain Round 2

It's funny how a trip seems shorter the second time you make it. On Sunday those of us from DTS who are going to the Philippines (and our staff) headed back up to Electric Mountain! We got up the mountain just in time for dinner.

Our speaker this week was Peter Warren, one of the directors (and founders) of YWAM Denver. He spoke on Fear of the Lord. I knew this was going to be a challenging week, but it was definitely a beneficial week! Once again, what I was expecting to be taught was not what I received. Peter talked a lot about challenges we may face as we go through life and how having fear of the Lord, rather than fear of man can help us make it through that. The way he taught was incredibly organized and because of that, it is really easy to look through and see the various points he touched on.

Because Peter had to leave on Wednesday, our schedule was very different from any other week- including a night class on Monday. It was nice, in a way, to have our schedule so mixed up because so often we simply get stuck and forget that there is so much more outside of what we try to plan.

We got to do a lot of random things throughout the week. On Wednesday, we got to go to the reservoir and have a bonfire. On Thursday, we got to go to the closest town, Paonia, which was about a 45 minute drive out on the gravel road. In Paonia, we got to go to a local ice cream shop- it was delicious! Because it was one of our group's birthday, we had cake outside and with the leftovers, we offered it to people walking by. It was fun to see their reactions and have mini conversations with random people on the street.

On Friday, we made our way back to Arvada. It's always nice to come back to base! It's sad to not have the other half of our DTS but I'm looking forward to getting to grow as an outreach team before we leave in just two weeks!

Thank you so much for your continued prayers and support!

God bless!

What Is Your Culture of Revival?

This week we hit the double digits of being here with Week 10! For class, we joined with School of Worship and WISE school (and doubled our class size) and our speaker was Tommy Green, the lead singer for the hardcore Christian band Sleeping Giant!

Tommy Green talked about a Culture of Revival. He had us write out what we would want to see in a culture of revival, then went more in depth of what that means, what a heart culture is many other things. One of my favorite things he covered was Sensational vs Significant. He talked about "sensational" in the Kingdom as something which elicits more of a "whoa" response, such as prophesy and healings. Significant would be things that change people, like someone being healed and their life being radically changed. He talked about how in the Kingdom of God, we should be seeking significance over sensational.

On Friday during small groups, we got to go to the Celestial Seasonings factory in Boulder! It was fun to learn that the mint that goes into their tea is actually grown in Oregon and Washington at the foot of the Cascades! We also got to try some delicious teas and go on a tour of the facility that makes all the tea distributed from Celestial Seasonings!

Friday afternoon, we got to spend at our YWAM Denver Eagle Rock campus. It is about 30 minutes from the Arvada Campus and it was beautiful! We got to see all the rooms and what the campus had to offer and I think most of us wished we had been able to attend our DTS there because it was so beautiful! For my Arizona friends, it reminded me a lot of Camp Pinerock- specifically the smell! It was good to be able to spend a last time with just our school before the ATW team left for outreach.

When we got back to base, a group of us watched Aladdin as a last hurrah before we woke up to say goodbye to the ATW team at 5 o'clock Saturday Morning. There were many tears, but there is such an anticipation for what they get to do over the next eleven weeks as they travel through Colombia, Turkey, India, Nepal, South Korea, and Mexico! They are an awesome group of world changers, Kingdom shapers, and freedom fighters and God is going to use them in amazing ways!

On Sunday, those of us who are left leave for Electric Mountain Lodge again, up in the mountains. A week of seclusion for our last week of teaching which will be taught by Peter Warren, YWAM Denver's director! I am excited to hear what he has to say about the fear of the Lord!

A continued thank you for all your prayers and support! In just 3 short weeks, my team and I leave on outreach for the Philippines! If you would like to specifically be praying for safety for the ATW team as well as my team as we are finishing preparations for our outreach.

Thank you and God bless!

Holy Spirit

During week 9, we were taught by MaryJean Powers. She was intense, for lack of a better word. Honestly, going into the week knowing we would be talking about the topic of Holy Spirit, I was nervous. I've always grown up knowing about the Trinity and hearing about spiritual gifts and knowing they existed and were of God, but I really wasn't sure what to expect and speaking in tongues and healings and having a "Holy Spirit party" scared me.

But my fears were put to rest early on. We had 3 papers on the wall, each with a title. One with "Names of Holy Spirit," one with, "Holy Spirit Day to Day," and the last with, "Characteristics of Holy Spirit." Through the week, we memorized Acts 2:1-4, as well as Acts 2:42-47. The week was more focused on learning about Holy Spirit and who it is, rather than learning what Holy Spirit can do for us.

There was so much information given to us, and I really look forward to looking back through my notes, doing more research into what we've been taught.

On Fridays, we have small groups. My small group combined with another small group and we went over to my leader's house and we got to watch the movie Big Hero 6 (totally worth watching, if you haven't already!) and then we got to sit down and have a full lasagna meal with a delicious salad and gluten free homemade lasagna! We got to sit and have a family style meal and just got to talk and grow as a team

On Saturday, a group of us walked to 7-11 to get slushies! Then, because there was another 7-11 only a mile or so away, we walked to the second one as well and got a second free slushie. Also, because our ATW team was scheduled to leave in one week, we hiked up Tabletop Mountain as something they had wanted to do since we all got here, yet hadn't had a chance. The view was beautiful and it was great to have another memory together before they left for their traversing of the world!

Thank you so much for all your prayers and support! God is continuing to do so many things in our lives and I am excited to see what he continues to do in us!

Simply Week 8

So much happened last week that I can hardly just title this post relating to the topic of the week in class.

I am continuing to love everything about YWAM Denver! I love the base location, the amazing community, the worship, the speakers, the atmosphere (or lack there of in the mile high city!) There is always something to do- . There's almost always someone playing volleyball after dinner, or someone hanging out in the basement and sometimes that means going to get frozen yogurt at 9:30 at night with a random group of people.

Last week, Greg Devries spoke on evangelism. It was interesting to gain a new perspective. As he spoke, the excitement to go on outreach continued to grow at the prospect of getting to share the love of Jesus with people every day in tangible ways!

Like the rest of the United States, we had a three day weekend- which was so appreciated!

On Thursday night, we kicked off 24 hour worship that went from Thursday night at 7pm to Friday at 7pm. All through the week, they had announced the opportunity to sign up for an hour slot in order to lead worship. I thought about it, but decided that it was outside of my comfort zone and I didn't want to do it... God had different plans. On Wednesday during class, Greg repeated something I've heard throughout my school here, "You'll get out of it what you put into it." Conviction. I left class and immediately looked for someone to play guitar so I could help lead a set and put more into this season so I can get more out of it.

Needless to say, at 5 Friday morning, I was up on the stage helping carry the torch and worshiping my God. I spent a lot of time in the worship center over the 24 hours. God showed me himself again in ways I hadn't felt in a long time and it was so refreshing!

I would classify Fourth of July weekend as one of my favourite weekends so far during this DTS! I am so thankful for the community of YWAM Denver and the blessing of getting to be here! A large group of us walked a mile or so to the sports complex down the road and got to enjoy just hanging out, playing frisbee, laughing together, and living in freedom- and watching some really cool fireworks!

As always, prayers are so appreciated! If you would like to donate, feel free to contact me and I am absolutely willing to get you some more info on how to do that!

Thank you so much, and God bless!

The Halfway Point and Spiritual Warfare

This week, we had teachings on Spiritual Warfare from a local pastor named Jason King. It was good to get another perspective on what exactly Spiritual Warfare is. One thing that stuck out is that spiritual warfare is an everyday thing, even if we are not aware of it. The way we choose to live our lives every day has an effect. Our attitudes are an important part of who we are and we are called to live a life with which we honor God.

My team and I also had our first outreach meeting. We will be leaving on August 9th to head out to the Philippines. We will be spending about two weeks in San Fernando, then about two weeks in Dagupan, and then around four weeks in Cebu. Of course, things can change and we try to be flexible in order to let God use us in the best way possible.

I'm looking forward to what God has planned for us in the next many weeks as we have passed the halfway point and are continuing to get ready for outreach and preparing our hearts for the adventure.

I realize that my updates are generally very vague. If you would like to receive a more detailed update or hear what else God is doing, feel free to message me on Facebook and ask! I am more than willing to let you know what's going on! Also, if you would like to support me financially, you can also message me and I can give you more details on that.

Thank you so much for all your prayers and for following along with my YWAM adventure!
God bless!
Erin

Power, Faithfulness, Mercy, and Love

This week, we had Blake Mattocks speaking on The Nature and Character of God. It was an intense week, covering everything from contentment to honesty. With each speaker we are able to glean more information. I'm glad we get to take notes, otherwise I would probably miss 80-90% of what is said!

One of my favourite parts of this week was outreach prep; the lesson we got this week was for children's ministry. Because of that, we got to learn what ways we can connect with kids effectively to show them the love of God. Many of those ways are simply loving on them and doing activities with them so we got to learn some different designs for facepainting as well as how to make balloon animals! It was like a welcome little flashback into childhood!

This coming week, we get to learn about Spiritual Warfare from Jason King. I am really excited for this week, also, because the students from Electric Mountain Lodge are staying with us this week and doing life with us. It means more people, but it also means getting to grow in community with more people!

Thank you so much for your continued prayers and support! It is absolutely appreciated!

It's A Choice

What a week! This week, we got to enjoy hearing stories from the outreach teams that just got back from the corners of the world. Our speaker told us his crazy story of what his father went through as a refugee from Russia into China and eventually into the United States.

I would love to say life is all rainbows and flowers, but it has been a hard week. I've been missing home and being tired all week wears on you!

The bright spot of my week was Friday, getting to be at the DTS graduation and getting to see where my classmates and I will be in 4 months! We got to hear some crazy stories and eat some delicious food!

This coming week, we get to hear a local pastor speak on "The Characteristics of God". I am looking forward to it!

Thank you so much for your continued prayer and support!

God bless!

The Relationship Week

This week was so good! If you have never removed yourself from internet and cell service and society (or haven't recently), I would strongly encourage you to do so! There is something so freeing about not having the pressures of expectations and society's hold- which is a lot stronger than we like to think.

This week, my school and I got the opportunity to go up into the middle of the Rocky Mountains and spend a week growing in community, hearing from our amazing speaker (who also happens to be my school director) and soaking in God's amazing creation. The location at which we were staying used to be a hunter's lodge YWAM Denver was given by the owner

Through this week, our speaker, John Murphy, covered the topic of relationships. His vulnerability, practicality, openness and content was such a blessing! God gave him the words to speak and I would say every person between the two schools he was speaking to was impacted by one part or another. Also, having grown up in the church and hearing "Relationship talks" every year for the past many years, it was nice to have a fresh perspective and new layers to all the aspects of relationships (both romantic, and platonic).

This coming week, our speaker is Peter Iliyn, who will be speaking on "Lifestyle of Repentance." Even though I'm not sure what exactly it will entail, I am looking forward to what the week will hold!

If you are interested in supporting me financially, text me or message me on Facebook for more details!

As always, thank you so much for your support and prayers!

My Friend Jesus

This week, we had Dave Powers speak. He rocked my world! How often do people think about the fact that when they are praying, they are indeed talking with the Creator of the Universe, but they are talking to the same man who died on a cross for our sins. How crazy is that?!

I am continuing to learn more about who God is and what He has for me. As I am getting to know Him better, I'm able to hear Him better and know His heart more.

This week we are headed up to another campus run by YWAM Denver called Electric Mountain Lodge. We'll be out of service and I am so excited to see what the Lord has in store for this week as our school director, John Murphy is speaking on relationships! I am so excited for it!

This week if you could be praying for my outreach finances ($1,500 due by Friday!) and our community life as we are thrown into another situation with more new people as we get to do life together this week.

If you would like to donate, you can contact my mom via Facebook for more details (Kellie) on how you can do that or go to ywamdenver.org and follow the instructions on donations (again, my mom is able to answer most questions!)

Thank you so much for all your support! I look forward to letting you know how this week goes!

God bless, Erin

Father Heart of God

Last week, Claude Bonjour spoke on "The Father Heart of God." It was so good! I don't know how else to put it! Learning about another side to God and seeing how he wants to renew and restore through forgiveness and revealing what his true heart is for us as his children.

My favorite part of Claude joining us was that he would start each class with prophesying over a few of the students each day. It was crazy to see how God uses people to speak to others and how sometimes, God may confirm things through a random person who knows nothing about you.

It has also been good to get to know people more here on base. I have also learned that I am really bad at pool and I'm thankful that doesn't keep me from being able to play with random people. It is especially fun to learn about the differences in cultures, even the differences between words in Australia compared to here- and getting to practice my Spanish (which is extremely rusty) with all the Spanish speakers here.

I am looking forward to seeing what else is in store, especially as this week, we are being taught by Dave Powers on the Person of Jesus. I am so excited and expectant for what God will be doing through this week!

A Week Long Introduction

This week has been a whirlwind! So much information and orientation crushed into a short amount of time.

This week was an introduction week. We got to meet everyone and go over the rules and figure out what we're doing over these next many weeks, like starting lectures on Monday with the Father Heart of God. We also found out that we get to go to the Philippines for outreach!

On Friday we got to drive about 30 minutes over to Boulder. I loved it- except the pot smell as we stood and watched the street performers. I loved getting to visit the shops and see all the unique people. It's a good thing we aren't closer to Boulder otherwise I would probably spend all my money trying the different restaurants!

It is so good to be on a base with such a heart for worship and community. We get to have community worship with everyone three times a week as well as all our meals together. It's weird to be sharing a room with 6 other girls but it also makes for a variety of entertainment, laughs, and opportunities for giving grace in the little things.

I'm really looking forward to growing as a community and seeing what the Lord has in store for these coming weeks (as well as outreach)!

As always, thank you for your prayers- they are greatly appreciated!

Erin

Adventures Beginning

There is so much anticipation when I wait for a flight!

I love adventures and I like turning the mundane into something I can call an adventure- no matter how small it may be. I get excited with the knotting stomach as I sit and wait. Or the clenching of the arm rests during take off. Things that many people are terrified of, even if I feel like I look terrified, I also feel a sparkle in my eye as I look down over the beautiful land. The shadows of clouds, the peaks of mountains and the winding of rivers.

I am forever grateful for the amazing opportunities I have been given in my longing for adventure and I am so excited for what this adventure has to give me!

Let the Future Begin!

Yesterday was my last day at Domino's. Very bittersweet moment, walking out the door for the last time as an employee, wanting to do my best Terminator impression, "I'll be back," but knowing that I probably won't be back (as an employee, anyway).

But today I take another step towards what's next. I have boxes in my bedroom, waiting to be packed. A backpack, waiting to be filled to go with me on its first adventure.

In 5 days I leave for Colorado and get to start a huge, new adventure and I am so excited for it! Yeah, I'm going to miss the things that have been so familiar to me, but it's going to be an amazing chapter in this adventure called life!

So in the words of Chris Tomlin's song God's Great Dance Floor: "Let the future begin!"