Hawaii Days

What a couple weeks it has been. It feels like I have been going just about nonstop with classes and projects. Now I shall try to give you a recap on what has been happening on this grand adventure. Hang in there, this may be a long one.

I was able to go on a road trip a few weekends ago with some of my friends to see the island. Quick fact, Hawaii actually has eleven of the thirteen ecosystems, which makes for an interesting variety of scenery. On this trip I was able to see some of the waterfalls here, but I must say, there are nothing like Oregon waterfalls. We spent the night at a "campground" where I got to sleep in a hammock by the sea. Best thing ever. Driving around is one of my favorite things to do so this weekend was grand.

The next big thing was my twenty-first birthday. Upon joining YWAM, we pledge not to drink during our DTS with that, my birthday was rather different than the norm. I welcomed in my twenty-first year in the prayer room on campus praying into revival in the Middle East. Cool stuff. I then went to spend the weekend with my second family, Lyle and Gloria Hooley, on the farm. Cold weather, cups of coffee, a surprise birthday party and good food made for a wonderful weekend.

As for classes, I have honestly been overwhelmed with the amount of teaching. Every week we focus on a different topic. And here they are: 

Hearing God's Voice 

The Lordship of Jesus Christ

Character and Nature of God

The Tree of Life 

Identity and Destiny

Fearing God, Evangelism, Discipline 

The Father Heart of God 

The Authority of God 

Holy Spirit

Spiritual Warfare and Relationships 

Cross-Cultural Communication

As you can see, these are fairly weighty topics. It is really difficult to even begin to understand one before we move to the next. Despite that, I know that God is working in me and refining my character. When I chose to do my DTS, I was under the impression that it lasted for six months then it was over. I couldn't have been more wrong. I have a feeling that twenty, maybe even forty years from now I will have revelation about things I was taught in DTS. I can honestly say that coming here was the best decision I have ever made. At times it is hard and I feel I am going nowhere, and yet other times I feel as though nothing could hold me down. Welcome to the life of a DTS student. 

One thing that I have come away with already is the importance of love. Not the falling head over heals glamorous Hollywood love, but the self sacrificing honest love that can only come from an overflow of love that we receive from Christ. I will be the first to say, I have never loved like this, not even remotely close. I have been a self serving person who looks for love and admiration from others, never truly satisfied. I am only beginning to love others the way we are meant to, but so far it's grand!

Now, here are some photos for your viewing pleasure.