The World Is MAD

Got outreach options today. Now I'm trusting the Lord to reveal where he would have me go.
Australia

India

Russia

Germany/Czech Republic

Peru

Japan/Saipan

God break my heart for the things that break yours. 

Ain't Nothin But A Heartache

Here is a collage of the lip-syncing competition. It's long but you have to watch the whole thing!

Enjoy. Courtesy of the lovely Lucy Mills. 

Breakthrough. Ministry. Fellowship. Opportunity. Culture.

The past few days....

What a blurr it has been. I am officially starting my second full week today and that is a little hard to beleive. The journey so far has all ready been one of laughter, tears, creativity, hard work, fun, worship, challenges, intercession, tasty treats and so much more than I could have ever imagined. And I am without a doubt thankful for every aspect of it.

So, the past few days have been full of exciting adventure. I was able to perform my testimony and share what I feel the Lord is doing in my life which was such an encouraging experience. Breakthrough.

We had sport in the park on Wednesday where we were able to get out and run around some and enjoy the unbelieveable weather here in lovely Australia, all at the same time, minerstering to the locals who chose to join the fun and games. Ministry.

Yesterday, we all took a shift and volunteered at a local Fate (festival) at a primary school just down the road. It was such a nice break to be around the locals kids and just a great time to be goofy and play games and eat some delicious food. Side note: the kids here are so fashionable. Fellowship.

This week was also a week full of birthdays. We had Friday night off so we hit the town to celebrate two of the girls. Downtown Brisbane at night was one of the most beautiful places I have been. The streets were filled with tents and mini shops selling little treasures. The smell of all the food was blending to create a sensational aroma. It was such a treat to all the senses. This is where I discovered the most tasty chocolate eatery of my life, Max Brenners. I am talking chocolate coma. Downtown was also where we met what would be the most interesting part of our weekend. A group of us, six or so girls, were walking on the beach (smack in the middle of the city, odd) when three guys popped up out of nowhere. They orginally approached us to ask us to join them at a party they were headed to but we ended up talking to them for about an hour about why we were in Australia and Christianity. If they happened to wake up the next morning and remember any of what was said, I think there may have been some really cool seeds planted. Such a fun night. Opportunity.

This brings me to today. Because we go to church in the evening here, a bunch of us woke up this morning  and hit the sreets. The farmers market that it. Every first Sunday of the month here all the locals come out and flood the streets with all their produce, meat, and hand made things. I got a bucket of strawberries and some apples. I would say it was quite a success. Culture.

Here are some pictures to sum up the week.

At Max Brenners

One of the guys we met on the beach

Kaeli and Froydis "working" at the fate

Rachael, Sarah, Lucy, Courtney at the Farmers Market

Farmers Market goodies

More Farmers Market goodies

I Think Yall Are Ready To Daaaance!

Let's hear it for today. For today is a new and wonderful day. Well not exactly considering I am writing this at dinner time. But you get the idea. Second day of lectures. Done. First day for our Art Focus. Done! If you didn't know this about me....I kind of like to dance every now and then. So, naturally, I could not have been more pumped when they said it was finally time to dive in. Until I heard the next words. 6AM. How exciting. But it all honestly, it was absolutely worth the early morning. A time to relax and stretch and move our bodies for the first time in a while was desperately welcomed.

There are so many exciting things up ahead for the next six months. Improv, group and solo choreography, ministry. However, the first assignment on the list is dancing testimonies. This particular assignment is slightly frightening for me and always has been, for the simple fact that I don't feel as though my testimony is exciting enough for any amount of choreography. This was until I took a step back and remembered what the word "testimony" truly means to me. It is not about the never ending story of my past, while that is certainly a piece, but more about how I see the Lord working and moving in my life today. To look for His hand in my life today is a much easier a task for me.

I will let you know how it goes. Sorry I don't have any fun pictures for today.

Staycation or Holistay

Here is a look into the past two days of my life....

Best time of my life. We were challenged to a lip-syncing contest, so naturally we chose the classic Backstreet Boy's "I Want It That Way. Naturally. 

This is just outside my door. ANIMAL. 

Testimony time.

Sorry these are blurry. Not sure why that is happening. 

The Journey Down Under

Home

Well I have officially arrived and settled into Australia and it was quite the journey. I left Charlotte Monday night and arrived in Brsibane Wednesday morning. I know, it's a little confusing. Everything went pretty smoothly save a little confusion in the most giant airport, LAX. However that was where I met a guy also coming to YWAM so we traveled the duration of the trip together.

Upon arrival we were given a quick tour of the base then it was time for lunch. After lunch I was basically ready to hit the bed, however that was not an option considering my friend, jet lag. So what to do? A trip to Target! The base is in walking distance to a ton of awesome stores and eateries, which is so fun. Both days I have been here we have taken a walk to the mall or various street stores. After dinner I was finally able to call it a day. Or maybe night. By this point I had no clue which it was. I have never slept better in my life.

It is such a dream world right now becuase we do not actually start orientation untill tomorrow so for now my day to day consists of eating meals prepared for me and shopping. I know right? THE LIFE. Not to metion all of this is in the middle of beautiful Australia. I'll catch up with you later when things start to really get interesting. For now here are some photos to keep you entertained and to spark your jealousy...

Inside Dining Room

The walk from our room to the main part of base

Lovely courtyard for eating and gatherings

'Cause there's no greater animal than a kanga

We are the "Go Center"...

...so we are going places. Duh. 

Threes Company

What are the chances that three people from the same town end up going to the same YWAM base? Not good right? Wrong. 

This is one of those times (there aren't very many) when I am thankful for facebook. Through a MAD DTS (Music, Art, and Dance Discipleship Training School) facebook page I came to learn I would not be the only Carolina native making my way to Australia this October. After a quick get to know you dinner it was clear that we all actually knew each other much better than we had expected. Charlotte is definitely a small town. I am so incredibly thankful for these two great girls the Lord has laid in my path. Now we can fundraise together, travel together...you get the picture. It is great to have some friends to go into this with. Please be steadfast to pray for continued financial support and most excitingly keep your eyes and ears open for a combined fundraising effort from the three of us. Thanks so much! 

Sarah