Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Welcome to Montana!

So it's here! I am currently in Lakeside, Montana and I have completed my 3rd official day of DTS (Discipleship Training School) with YWAM (Youth With A Mission). It has been amazing!
Starting off with a road trip with my parents, visiting the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Park, my journey to Montana had an amazing kickoff! Once I arrived in Lakeside I felt such a real and hungry desire from every person I encountered, that I was quite overwhelmed. "This really couldn't be any better." It's only been 4 nights and 5 days so far but already I have grown so close with the guys and girls that have given up their time, money, and heart to 'grow, go and serve.' (YWAM motto)
Today we had our first small groups as we divided into groups of 4-5 and will have times during the week where we can be accountable with other people of the same gender, and really grow together as we challenge each other, love on one another, and figure out what God is doing in our lives. It was in the small group today that I realized how good it has been for me to have the experience of Oral Roberts University and YWAM just in reason that I have been able to more securely identify who I am. After going to ORU my freshman year, I realized that I could become anyone I wanted to because no person there new me. I had the unique opportunity to take my life from Oregon and, in a sense, mold who I want to be. One fear I had was, "is this fake of me? Can I keep this up?" and what I realized in Tulsa, Oklahoma and even more now, in Lakeside, Montana, is that it is not fake but rather me receiving an AMAZING opportunity to live my life in a way that is a better reflection of Christ.  This has been
 completely rocking my world as God has been really guiding my thoughts, feelings, and actions
 as I have been genuinely caring about every opportunity that I encounter to create and further a relationship. 

... It's only been 3 days...  :)



Here's a couple pictures from the road trip. If you want to see more check out my facebook page by CLICKING HERE



Yellowstone



Grand Tetons