Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Catch Up

I think more than ever we get caught up in the busyness of life. We run from one thing to the next and try to fit in as much as we can to our days. If we aren’t “doing” something we’re thinking about what we need to do or making lists in our head. (This is me anyways.) Trying to remember what I’m “forgetting.” Kind of crazy, right? I host a Bible study with a small group of women and we recently did one that mentioned the reason for doing what we do, the people. Sometimes we get so caught up in our “jobs” or “ministries” that we loose opportunities to impact the people we’re doing things for. I care deeply for the students that come through our school and I work very hard to make things the best they can possibly be for them, but sometimes I miss opportunities because I’m preoccupied with things in the office. Now, this isn’t just my work but life in general. The people are the important part, I know we know this but it’s good to be reminded and refocused on why we do what we do.

I mentioned busy life, yes it seems to only get crazier every year! I cant’ complain though because it has been a great year! Some highlights so far:

We had a wonderful class of 7 students this year. At first I think we were a little disappointed that there were only 7, but we also realized that God brought those exact 7 and because there were so few it was an extremely close knit group. Every year feels like a family when we’re all together, but this year was exceptionally so as there were two young kids who drew us all even closer. God continues to use the school to train church leadership. We were so happy to not only see all 7 students graduate, but the changes that took place during their time at school was incredible. I love that we all encourage and challenge one another….students and staff alike leave changed. 

During our school session I had two cousins get married, I could only make it to one wedding which I was the maid of honor and also did the decor for.  We all had fun celebrating with Brent and Jodi, it was a pleasure to be there and witness this new phase in their lives! I have been missing Jodi now that she’s moved away, but am so happy for her and excited to see how God uses them as a couple in Papua New Guinea. They are heading out with New Tribes Mission in the nearish future, Brent flying and Jodi nursing. They have much to give, I know they will be used mightily. 

And now summer…wow I can’t believe how the days have flown by! My days are currently filled with spending time with people, the women in our study, family, mentoring, and friends. In what I shared above, I feel God calling me to walk alongside different people in different circumstances. I have been able to see God at work in lives, even in terrible situations. He is faithful and I am continually challenged to trust Him and I get to see first hand how He works in our lives. Even if it isn’t easy we can see Him in the midst of the craziness. I am thankful for the people God has placed around me and am trying seize the day and moments with each one. 

As we look to the future we’re constantly planning! Our next year will bring with it a second term, so that is very exciting! We have been trying to put it together for a couple years but it just wasn’t the right timing. But we feel that now is the time and the planning continues to come together. My job will be a lot crazier with organizing two programs at once but I’m excited to see how God will bring this all together. It will be like a small reunion having students return! It will be very good to be able to do more teaching, but also to be able to encourage them as they head back into ministry. We all need a breath of fresh air, spiritually speaking, as ministry can be draining at times. 

And near future, I am planning a trip to Canada to visit friends and family. My first stop will be in the Yukon to visit Brent and Jodi, and then the rest of the time will be in BC. I decided to get away in August this year because it’s about then that the heat REALLY gets to us down here!! Canadians are tired of the winter by spring and we’re tired of the heat by fall! Just looking at a pair of jeans in summer is enough to make you start sweating! This morning we were able to enjoy some clouds and rain, it was wonderful and refreshing. 

Well, the fact that I have started talking about the weather says something….yikes! Thank you for your prayers and continued support. I hope this finds you well and encouraged! 


-Katie