WHAT DO I DO??? The Weekly Schedule

Hey all

I know some of you have been wanting to skype with me whilst I've been here and it's been confusing for you on when I am free to chat - my Mum is one of them... but I've finally gotten around to typing up a schedule so that you can see what my average week looks like in advance.

The yellow is usually a good time to skype me (my username is: peace-truth-love), as it's when I am supposed to be free, unless something comes up or I have weekend kitchen duties or one-on-one with my Small Group leader, so feel free to send me an email and schedule a time. :-)

And for those that are just curious at what I do each day, I'll give you a break down below the schedule of what each thing means and what it involves, etc.

I AM 17 HOURS BEHIND AUSTRALIA'S QUEENSLAND TIME AND 18 HOURS BEHIND NEW SOUTH WALES. SO PLEASE KEEP THAT IN MIND WHEN SCHEDULING A TIME.

*The Schedule Explained...*

Breakfast and pack lunch - This means we have to pack our lunch (usually sandwiches and chips), whilst breakfast is being served, otherwise unless going to the shops, which are an hour away, you will starve.

Free time - This time is set aside for us to do assessment, correspond with people back home, study for exams, have an hour with our small group leader (also known as one-on-one or discipleship time), go for a hike, watch movies with other people (or by yourself), go with a van load of people to the mall (or other locations), do extra ministry time with a van-load of people, sleep, etc.

Church - We have the option of catching a van to one of two churches: Bridgeway (http://www.bridgeway.us) which is based in Denver (over an hour's drive away) or The (Mile High) Vineyard (http://www.milehighvineyard.org/) which is down near Arvada (just over half an hour's drive away).

Monday Worship down at the YWAM base in Arvada - Every Monday we drive down to Arvada (from our base - Eagle Rock, which is located near Black Hawk) and join the other half of the YWAM Denver campus in worship.  There's usually 300 of us (staff and students) that are gathering (for this quarter) at the Ward St Faith Bible Chapel across the road from the YWAM Denver campus.

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Small Group - A DTS (Discipleship Training School) usually has 'small groups' as part of its curriculum.  This is a time where you, along with a few other people (of the same gender), gather with a staff member (of the same gender).  It's a time where you can ask questions, have discussions on specific topics, do fun activities and just get to know a group of people more familiarly than the rest of the school.  

This is my small group here:

From left to right: Amy (Small Group Leader - Colorado/Pennsylvania), Amber (Pennsylvania, USA), Me (Toowoomba, Australia), Maria (Texas, USA) & Lynelle (California, USA).

Laundry - Each Monday we get the opportunity to bring our laundry down and wash it at a local laundromat.  This can be a fun and also a mad experience where mishaps, adventures and a lot of laughs can happen.

Community Ministry - For a couple hours of each Monday we do ministry in the community.  This is usually anything from prayer walks (and van rides) to child minding at another organisation, to being a leader at scouts, to helping clean and do odd jobs at different missions around the Denver area.  It's a great time to focus outwards and see a lot more than the society you usually see.

Group Devotion - As we have a late night on Tuesdays, we are allowed to sleep in an extra thirty minutes (if we so desire) and instead of having a scheduled quiet time to do individual devotions (although you can still do them) we gather as a group and one of the staff members will do a devotional message before we start our week with the first lecture.

Outreach Meeting - The funnest meeting of the week. Once a week we gather in our outreach teams (Colombia, Costa Rica, Uganda/Tanzania/Rwanda) and unify more solidly, discussing outreach concerns, practicing Spanish, and just working through the logistics that get each team individually prepared for outreach.

This is the team that I am heading to and spending 2 months in Colombia and Peru with.
Back Left to Right: Jeremy (Japan), Brady (Kansas, USA), Taylor (Iowa, USA), Caleb (Delaware, USA).
Middle Left to Right: Emery (Oklahoma, USA), Alex (Oregon, USA), Jenna (LEADER - Pennsylvania, USA), Kelci (Greece), Paul (Colorado, USA), Micah (Pennsylvania, USA).
Front Left to Right: Hanna (Texas, USA), Maria (Texas, USA), Joel (ASSISTANT LEADER - California, USA), Kara (Toowoomba, Australia).

Work Duties - This is another part of YWAM's curriculum to help keep costs low, in which we have a quota of work hours that are to be met to pass the University of the Nations curriculum standards.  This time is usually spent doing the same genre styled jobs.  For example, I am in maintenance for the whole quarter that I am here.  The other styles of work duties up at Eagle Rock (for this quarter) are child care, receptionist, breakfast preparation, dinner preparation, house keeping, and clean up.

Quiet Time / Lights Out - This is a self-enforced guideline curfew of when you are to be in your room (quiet time) and then when the lights and everything electronic or battery operated is to be switched off (lights out).  On weekdays it is earlier, with the Internet also being cut off after 11pm, but it does ensure that there's no distractions for yourself or your room mates, during a time which should be fore your body to rest.  You can go to bed earlier, it's just a guideline to ensure everyone has a chance to get a decent night's sleep.

Outreach Prep - This is another class, but it is solely focused on preparing each person for outreach.  It covers topics like skits/dramas, presenting sermons, writing a testimony, learning languages, creating games for different age groups, etc.  This class I find extremely challenging, but I am also starting to enjoy it a lot too.

This can all sound like a lot of rules and a very busy schedule, but being in the mountains you don't usually realise that and just feel immensely blessed with all that God has done and is doing through you, your YWAM family, and the creation around you.

  

Welcome to Room 6, The Lodge @ EAGLE ROCK!!!

Second video clip of the 'Welcome to the heavenly blessed abode' shot, which allows a full shot of all images.  Hope you enjoy!!!

Welcome to Room 6, The Lodge, EAGLE ROCK!!!

Hey guys, here's a short (very) basic (and rough) video on what my room looks like at Eagle Rock and who I get the privilege of sharing it with.

I will be creating and uploading a more professional looking video (not so rough and basic) of the whole Eagle Rock campus (where I am in Colorado), near Blackhawk, when I get the chance, but until then, enjoy and have a great day!

Note: I've just realised that the border has cut off more of the images/videos than I thought, so I will try uploading a video without the border so that you can actually see everyone's name and location.

The Life of a YWAMer (Vlog #3 - The Trilogy)

Hey all,
Here's the latest videocast up on youtube, created by YWAM Denver, which entails what all their Fall quarter schools are up to.  There's some great video shots of the Eagle Rock Campus (which is where I am based) and the mountains surrounding the campus too.  So sit back, grab a Tim Tam and enjoy ;)

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lo2gvhQTh0)

IT'S A JUNGLE OUT THERE!!!

WHAT?!?!

WHAT DO YOU MEAN?

After a tough Saturday of tearing down walls and breaking chains, I awoke on Sunday with an utmost peace, amongst the confusion I was feeling, like I have not experienced in a very long time.  Two songs of praise were also in my head and I also had no doubts on outreach locations.

Previously I mentioned about the outreach locations being a choice of Uganda/Tanzania, Costa Rica, and Colombia!  Well, I was previously tossing up between Costa Rica and Colombia, and there was also a little aspiration to go to Uganda/Tanzania too... but with no qualms inside my spirit or soul, I've officially decided to go to...

I have not felt such a peace like this in a long time.  I am really looking forward to seeing what God is going to do, meeting the people and receiving a heart for this beautiful nation!

To get to Colombia I will need to raise $3, 200.  I am planning on sending out a general newsletter, and then a support letter to see if you could help in any way possible, even if it only appears small to you, it will all add up!  I am believing God will provide it through your hearts, as there is a peace in my heart, and hopefully I will learn a lesson of trust and obedience and maybe more through it all.  

A portion of this money is due in 2 weeks, so it's hitting me hard that I need to get the news out there.  If you could help in anyway, please let me know.  

Thanks for being so amazing and I hope you have a great week!

Have a great day and GBUG (God Bless U Good)

With lots of love,

Kara

THE LIFE OF A YWAMer - Vlog 2 (The Saga Continues)

ENJOY!

The Life of a YWAMer (The Video Snippet Saga)

Hey all,
Here's a short snip of what the first week looked like at YWAM Denver... I'll be adding these up here when I see them.  Some of them I'm in, some of them I'm not (see if you can spot me - WHERE'S WALLY?), but they are totally good to just watch for an informal laugh and to put a smile on your face for the day ;)

I'll load week 2 up this morning as well, as it's currently 0530, and hopefully chuck an update up of what has been happening and what is going to be happening, as well as where I'm going on outreach!

Have a great day and GBUG (God Bless U Good)

A PARTY IN HIS HOUSE

It's only been just over one week since I've started the Young People's DTS and boy what an amazing time it has been.

Even though it's my second time, I am learning so much. But I have also had some challenging times with frustrations, fears, tears and confusion.

Some of these came on expectantly, some of it came on by surprise. One in particular was while I was climbing up Eagle Rock mountain, pictured below. In climbing this massive, rocky mountain, we were told to stay to the left of the mountain. "Sure" I thought. "That will be easy" I thought. But in what I thought was just a smooth hop scotch turned into me being stranded between 10 and 30 metres up a cliff, 3 metres before the top but with no way to get up.

Even though God directed my feet to safe footholds, there was no where else I could go. Thankfully one of my leaders was able to climb up, and after one and a half hours was able to help me down.

This taught me multiple lessons. One, my stubbornness can be really dangerous. Two, you really need to listen to leaders and follow them to the dotted line. Three, even if you think you'll end up on the same flat path as everyone else, it isn't always the case. Four, this can apply to other aspects in life, thinking that a temptation is only a soft core temptation compared to the hardcore temptation you were previously tempted by. However, it is still as dangerous as the hardcore temptation as it can cause just as much harm, if not more harm, than the previous temptation.

There has been so much more that I am learning about and so much that I want to share, but that will have to wit until another time.

(Eagle Rock)

(The view I saw looking down from the cliff face - where I was rescued)

(YWAM Eagle Rock Campus from the unofficially named Eagle Rock Mountain)

Outreach Locations!!!

So, this is just a random post of outreach locations.  I will eventually fill you in more if you haven't been getting the newsletters.  I'm still praying about the location, but this is the details of all the outreach locations that I am praying about.

Colombia - $3,200
"I would love for you to join me on outreach to the beautiful country of Colombia where you can use your giftings to minister and love on people! For the first three weeks we'll be in the city of Pereira working with a new church plant, building relationships with the local people, evangelising ministering at an orphanage, and interceding for the city.  Then we will go to Leticia which is in the Amazon.  We'll be working with the YWAM base there doing evangelism, helping with their medical brigade and putting on a children's program.  The people of this country are so warm, loving and welcoming and it will be a life-changing time of building friendships and sharing Jesus' love!" - Jenna Cassel

Uganda and Tanzania - $3,700
"AWAKENING! Our 8 week outreach will be divided between Jinja, Uganda (5 weeks) and Dares Salaam, Tanzania (3 weeks).  The Lord has been birthing incredible things in both locations and it is such a joy to partner with Him as He awakens millions of hearts and minds to His glorious truth and light!  We will be involved in a myriad of activities ranging from showing the Jesus Film to unreached people groups, ministering in jails, hospitals, children's homes and orphanages, and meeting some practical needs via building, painting, and cleaning projects.  Be prepared for wildness as we, rooted in radical intimacy with the Lord, boldly proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ and make/train disciples!" - Andrew Farland

Costa Rica - $2,400
"A week working on the Pacific Coast with children at risk, doing arts, crafts, dramas, games and perhaps even teaching some surf lessons! One week of wilderness survival training in the forests of Cartago Province (NIKO).  Serving an indigenous community in the Talamanca Mountains, Earthquake relief work in the Guancatse Province, possible even a boat trip to a remote tribe! We will be doing work projects of various kinds, local evangelism, intercessory prayer, speaking and working with churches, youth, skate kids and definitely doing some Bible distribution!  These outreach opportunities are diverse and once in a lifetime! My heart is to serve the people of Costa Rica, show Jesus in every circumstance, let our lives be the most powerful and attractive evangelism and just enjoy living the good life with our Lord!" - Lars Lindguist

America?!??!?!?!

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