Love God. Love People.: Goodbye Winter Term.

Life has been quite an adventure this term. There have been really difficult times and there have been some really amazing memories made. I am beyond thankful that God has allowed me to stay here at Ecola. I may not understand why He has allowed this and I am okay with that. The lessons and growth God has produced this term within me are things I hope to treasure for the rest of my life. I have never felt so close yet so far from God. That may not make sense to you and that's okay.

God has continually stretched my faith when it comes to finances. Each week a payment was due I never knew whether I would be packing my bags or staying. Yet, God gave me peace during it all and I can't fully explain how I felt in those moments but all I can say is God is good.

In the midst of not feeling like I fit into the community here at Ecola, God has blessed me with some friendships that are meaningful and go much deeper than that surface level crap. I am thankful for the people He has placed into my life at this time. Through these friendships, He has been constantly teaching me how prideful and jealous of a person I can be. I have been learning as hard and awkward as confrontation can be it is a crucial thing that must happen and be brought up. And friendships are never one-sided. As you pour into others, you should be getting poured into as well.

My mind can't fully process all that has happened this term. I wish I could put it all to words but at this moment I can't. Maybe this is because God has been really working on my heart in very personal ways...

There have been some phenomenal teachers this term that have really stretched my thinking. The opportunity to soak in all of the wisdom being provided to us at our fingertips is something I pray I will never take for granted. To be able to invest this time learning more about who God is, is something truly special and rare. I pray God will continue to draw me closer to Him and that He will continue to be at the center of my life.

This week has been a good one. Banquet, long boarding, final class of the term on Apologetics, and I feel like I have finally let go of stuff and have begun to realize the significance of what Jesus means when he says...

So, Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

John 8:31-32

This is a freeing verse especially when one can begin to fully embrace its meaning and allow it to sink in to your own life. I suppose this is all for another blog, another day.

Anyways [insert lil' kiddo voice]...

This term has caught up with me. I am ready to get away for a couple of weeks. The thought that tomorrow we (the Philippines team) hop on a plane tomorrow evening to begin our journey to Manila is just unreal to me!!! The moment we have been anticipating and preparing for is upon us. I have no expectations but...

TO EXPECT GOD.

I have a couple of prayer requests for ya'll....

For everyone...

safety for each mission team that is heading out in the next couple days

Portland, Haiti, and Philippines

health for those on the mission teams
unity for each mission team
humility for each person on the mission teams
willingness to allow God to use us while serving Him
to be with each person going home or just traveling over spring break

For me...

finances to come in for spring term
to fully rely on God as I head to the Philippines

I have never been outside the states.

to remain focused on God taking my eyes off myself
counting others needs greater than mine
a willing and servants heart

Well this is the last post for a lil' bit, but I cannot wait to share the adventure that's to come with ya'll. Thanks for taking the time to read my ramblings and for your prayers. Here are a few pics to end...