That's right!
You've heard (read) correctly. God is telling me to pack up and move to America before September ends!
Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?
One question at a time...
Who/Why?
So this last year has been a battle of getting my health in order and also getting my attitude in order. I took a month away in New South Wales and Victoria to try and clear my head and look at my options. This however didn't go to plan, with having a car crash in Bathurst, just outside of my destination (Oberon) and meant that I had to change my plans around a bit. Some great family friends, Peter and Shirley-anne were very accommodating though and were able to drive me out to Bathurst's Charles Sturt University, in the third week of my stay, where I was wanting to find some information out on the Bachelor of Nursing / Bachelor of Paramedicine, which I had planned to start next year. After having a tour of the campus I found out however that the course had changed since I was looking at it 5 years ago and it was no long a dual degree but a degree in nursing first and then a graduate diploma in paramedicine. This news rocked the boat a little and whilst I was still eager to partake in the course it wasn't what I was aiming for.Within 24 hours (just over 2 weeks ago) I got an invitation from the YWAM (Youth With A Mission) base director in Colorado, who I had the privilege of being a student in his week long classes on Spiritual Warfare last year, to come do a DTS (Discipleship Training School) in Denver, Colorado, I was really surprised to receive this invitation as for me, a DTS was the furtherest thing from my mind. I still was struggling with hurts and fears from the one I attempted last year and wanted to be a lot stronger relationship with God, after running away from Him for 3-6 months, before I even looked at doing a DTS again. However, I asked God if this exact offer and timing was what He wanted me to do and He said "YES!". The more I tried to talk my way out of, the more it was confirmed that I was to do it! Several other confirmations took place to encourage me that I was hearing right from God and it was then that I started getting serious in filling out applications.
What?
What is a DTS?The Discipleship Training School (DTS) is designed to help you understand God more deeply, live more like Jesus and identify your unique gifts and purpose to use in missions. DTS is a full-time, residential training course which begins with an 11 or 12 week classroom phase, followed by an 8-12 week outreach time. The DTS emphasizes cross-cultural exposure and global awareness, preparing students to answer the call to "Go into all the world and make disciples of all nations" Matthew 28:19 (http://www.ywam.org/Training).
The paticular DTS I have applied to do is called Young Peoples DTS. Its aim is to reach the people under the age of 30, using people aged 17-25 years old. The Young Peoples DTS provides a place for rich community life; the chance to hike, fish and reflect on God's amazing creation away from the distractions and disruptions of the everyday conveniences of our normal lives, where one will be trained up and then sent out to show God's message, or as YWAM says it "To know God, and make Him known" (For more information of what I'll be doing check out: http://www.ywamdenver.org/training/young-peoples-dts/).
When?
As I have said above, I will be moving to America before September ends. This is because the DTS starts October 1st and will continue on until February 15th (with seven weeks in an International setting outside of the YWAM Eagle Rock). So I will be overseas for roughly 6 months.Where?
This DTS is located at Eagle Rock, Colorado. Just a hop, skip and a jump away from the Golden Gate National Park (https://maps.google.com.au/maps?q=39.832186,-105.433002&hl=en&num=1&t=h&z=16&iwloc=A&source=gplus-ogsb). Which will mean I will be in America from October 1st, 2012 February 15th, 2013.Why?
Because, as previously stated, I feel like God is instructing me to drop all plans and thoughts of the future that I have made and follow His direction. This includes moving to America.How?
This is where you come in! Without you, and God, I literally have no idea how I'm getting over there. God has provided enough funds (from the last time you supported me with interest) for me to book a flight overseas but with God's help I also need your help for the tuition and outreach fee. Tuition costs $3, 540.00 - This includes twelve weeks of tuition, food and housing. Course books, personal care and laundry are also on top of that price. Some of the teachers come from overseas; like how the Colorado base director, Peter Warren, taught our Spiritual Warfare class in Newcastle last year, there are lecturers all over the world, who are experienced in a topic, that come and teach at a DTS. Then, after the tuition/lecture phase there is the outreach phase. The cost for this phase ranges from $2,500 - $3,600. This covers 8 weeks of an International project and 1 week debrief at the end of the outreach. Air fares, visas, landing fees, housing, food, travel and additional outreach costs are included in this price bracket. Again, personal things like laundry, souvenirs, personal care, extra snacks, extra activities, etc., cost extra.Dot dot dot...
So this is what I believe God is telling me to do. I've applied. I've been accepted. Now comes the interesting journey of visas, plane tickets, packing, scheduling, and lots of surprises.I know God given me the challenges that I've faced these last couple of years for a reason. I don't know yet what it is, but I'm learning more and more that it's about the journey with God, not the awards and recognition you get from people around you - although sometimes that would be nice.
I would really appreciate any support you can give me right now, whether that is through prayers, hugs, encouragement, financial, or anything.
I really hope you have a great weekend.
GBUG (God Bless U Good)
Kara Martin
