I'm here!

Townsville is incredible. I’m not completely sold on the heat or humidity but there are so many people from all over the world and it’s just so fun to meet everyone.

We arrived just after lunchtime on Friday and the heat was quite overwhelming. I guess wearing a cardigan wasn’t necessary. As we got to the base, we were shown our rooms and a quick tour of the base. It was a lot bigger than expected. It was a hugely nice surprise to find some presents on my bed from Mum and Dad.

In my dorm room there are 10 girls. The people in my DTS (Discipleship Training School) are from the US, Canada, Switzerland, Germany and Australia. It’s been ridiculously fun working out random differences and just sharing our cultures with each other. We have kinda settled in and chucked our things in our drawers and shelves. I’ll try to get some pictures up soon so you all know what I’m talking about.

Saturday was a fairly free day, filled with a little shopping, the arrival of more students and the continuation of fun with all the other people.

On Friday night I went to bed with this small feeling of “I couldn’t do this” or something. It was foreign and I wasn’t sure where it was coming from. I knew that God had placed me here but for a moment I gave into doubt. I prayed God would fill me with peace and that I would be able to trust Him and hold fast to His promises.

When I work early on Saturday morning I showered and went to the girls common room for some quiet time with God. The passage I was up to was from Jeremiah chapter 1 and in verse 7 it says: “But the LORD said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the LORD.”

It was a real assurance that God IS going to challenge and stretch me in ways that I can’t even imagine right now, but He will never let me go. He’s never going to give me more than I can handle. I’m excited.

I had asked Him to stretch me even if it was painful and uncomfortable and I believe the real work hasn’t even begun yet.

Today is my birthday! It’s fun being with everyone and getting to know everyone on a much deeper level than facebook. We have all bonded well so far (I mean it’s only been a couple of days) and we are able to jump right into sharing our lives with each other.

I went to church on the base with a lot of other people this morning and am having lunch while updating you all. We will begin orientation and OFFICIALLY start at around 3pm today (Sunday)! Love you all and thank God so much for the input in my life as you have helped me grow and get me to this place.

Please facebook, email, text or Skype me because I’d love to hear from you!!

J