I’m not going to lie – this first month has been a blur. When I say it’s been a rollercoaster, I mean its been just as exciting and adventurous as California Screamin’ (my favorite Disney ride), but also that it has contained some serious ups and downs…
First off – the fun! I have had the opportunity to absolutely fall in love with Hawaii, which I’m sure none of you would have predicted, and explore some incredible sites! Although very limited on free time, the places to go and things to do are definitely limitless here! On the second weekend, 17 of jumped in the bed of a truck and convertible (how we all fit is a miracle in itself) and headed to Green Sands beach! A local with a falling-apart-way-too-small-for-17-of-us pickup truck offered to drive us through these tiny canyon paths to get down to the sand (pictured below), which is by far one of my favorite memories so far! We happened to stop at a black sand beach on our way to Hielo (the only other city on this island) and even jumped out to walk through a lava tube (don’t be too impressed – there was no lava) by the active volcano! Some of our other days off have consisted of locals showing us their favorite beaches and snorkel spots (because everyone that lives here is way too nice), camping, sunset picnics and devotions, cliff-jumping, turtle encounters, and hammocking!
Some other awesome things, not as glamorous, but just as exciting to me, are my times in the community and the classroom (which makes up the other 95% of my time here). My favorite part of my week is the Wednesday night feeding of impoverished Marshallese families, where I serve dinner and build relationships with strong mothers, purple-haired teenagers, hilarious young boys, and sweet kids. Two or three times a week, I spend time at a nearby nursing home – planning birthday parties, playing games, and hearing stories of inspiring people! I have also recently started tutoring and mentoring Jr. High students at a local school, loving math and students at the same time haha and looking forward to being a source of encouragement and support to these youth. On Sundays after church, I have been working the children’s service and am switching next weekend to the Jr. High ministry that meets in the Mexican restaurant next door! In the classroom, we have a mix of incredible missionary/Bible speakers and in my medical elective, trained doctors and professionals come teach each week. Although very hesitant at first, I am so eager to learn all I can medically to be able to help the most people in Papua New Guinea! I have learned about tropical diseases, malnutrition, physical therapy, dehydration, diabetes, and some other basic health care – information that will enable me to actively be God’s hands, saving and improving lives!
All of this makes up my view of the rollercoaster from the top, so it’s only fair to tell you about all the other parts and ask for your prayer and support 🙂 When I first arrived, I had no idea what to expect – no amounts of phone calls and research could prepare me for this. With each speaker comes new topics to wrestle with and grow from, full questions to struggle with. To be completely honest, last week I considered leaving to pursue another service organization. I know God is working in me and through me here, but its been hard to not see many results. The service opportunities described above were far from easy to get involved in – with people, time, transportation, and more people as obstacles. We walk everywhere and only have free time at lunch and dinner so my possibilities for community outreach is very limited. The homeless people around our base (at least 30 just on our block) are not very approachable and although I bring sandwiches or groceries and try getting to know them every other day, I don’t seem to be having may positive experiences. I have been struggling with different aspects of God’s plan for me and somewhat frustrated, despite His constant reminders that I am being trained for something awesome and to just rest in His peace and purpose while I serve the people around me. Amidst crazy amazing friendships being built here, there is inevitably the drama and insecurity that comes too, although I feel like that chapter (don’t worry it was only a couple pages) is hopefully over. The speakers have all brought cool insight and God-given messages, however some have sparked doubt/controversy/confusion in the group, which is always rough. Overall though, our group is uniquely united and never fails to amaze me how so many different people can get along so well!
Above all the twists and turns of this YWAM Rollercoaster I’m on, I love knowing that there is a loving, all-powerful God making “all things work together for good” (not “all things good” right now, but they are working together for good) and who keeps His promises for my life. He’s a pretty cool rollercoaster designer, even though sometimes I can’t see over the other side of the loop 🙂
Left: My Norwegian friend and I at the kids church service. Top right: November birthday party at the nursing home. Bottom right: My roommate and I with 3 middle school Marshallese girls 🙂
reshaped.live 