YWAM madness

I have absolutely no desire to go to Orlando. I've been to Florida three times. It's nothing special. Disney World IS pretty fun... but from my experience in England/France/Spain last summer, I know that the tourist scene is not something I enjoy. So why do I feel called to Orlando? I could go just about anywhere in the world. Mom thinks I should go to New Zealand. So what if it's expensive? I have money. It's beautiful there. And it's safe. For about a year I was set on getting an education degree from New Zealand. I’ve only heard good things about it - the scenery is breathtaking, people are friendly, cool accents, etc. Yet, I don’t actually think I want to go there at this point in time.

Next year, I have an incredible opportunity to do what is called a Discipleship Training School(DTS) with a missions organization called Youth With A Mission(YWAM). This is the deal: 3 months of training in a classroom setting with approximately 30 other students, but with little homework and lots of practical, hands on stuff. We learn about God’s character, the Holy Spirit, Missions... and at the same time, live and work in the community, ministering to kids, the homeless, the prostitutes, the drug addicts. Once the training phase is completed, we’re off to our outreach destination, which is usually in a cross-cultural setting, often in developing countries. It’s sort of a surprise - I think we decide as a team where to go. This is where we apply what we learned in the training phase. From what I’ve heard, this is an amazing time. I am blessed to have friends that can tell me all about their experiences - Kathryn in Thailand/Argentina, Meghan in Romania, Laura in India, Candace, Angele... even some random facebook people that I’ve been in contact with.

This program is like a dream come true for me! I am beyond excited about it. To be able to devote six months completely to God, learning about Him and serving Him... it’s such an amazing thought. It’s funny... when I was in first year, I remember Candace telling our girls' small group about her YWAM experience, and how she had to share her testimony with her DTS. I was terrified. I could NEVER do that, I thought - it was so hardcore. I placed YWAM and the DTS on a pedestal, thinking that only exceptionally spiritual people could do it.

And here I am. I definitely wouldn’t consider myself exceptionally spiritual, but I have certainly grown in my faith and changed a lot since first year.

So, people, this is my problem. I’m also interested in a base in Mexico, the Mazatlan DTS. It sounds AWESOME. I spoke with the director yesterday and left with such a great feeling about it. What a fantastic time it would be - learning Spanish, being immersed in a different culture, being able to start a kids’ ministry program, doing outreach in Tanzania... it seemed to all come together. But something is telling me to wait, to keep thinking about Orlando. I’ve chatted with quite a few people about Orlando, and I’ve only heard amazing things about it. I’m fairly confident that this is a solid base, which is what I’m looking for.

I haven’t decided yet. Prayers are appreciated!

*Dear Jesus, You alone know where I need to be in September. I pray that you will help me to figure out where that is!! Help me to be patient, and to completely trust You, God. I am so thankful for this opportunity, and I pray that amazing things will happen for Your Kingdom here... that people would see You, experience Your love and peace. God, you are REAL. Thank You for saving me, for loving me, and for taking care of me, always. You never let me down, God. You never fail. You don’t make mistakes. I love you so much. In Jesus’ name I pray this.. Amen.*