I Know Where I'm Going.... ;)

It seems like it's been such a long while that I've been wondering where God will call me to go during DTS outreach this coming April. As most of you know, I had my definite idea of where I was hoping to go. However, when I arrived in Honolulu, I began to realize that, regardless of whether or not that happened during this DTS, I knew I would eventually make it there. So, I've been able to simply be excited about where God is planning to send me.

Yesterday, I desired God to give me an idea of even one country that would be an option. Throughout the day, I began to have the slightest inkling that the Philippines would be one of the options given us to choose from. So, about 10 minutes before finding out our options, I felt prompted by God to make a list of three countries that, should one be given as an option, I would choose. The Philippines was the third on that list. I have never had a desire to visit the Philippines, nor did I have any idea about the culture, climate, religious affiliation, or even whereabouts of this country. So, you can imagine my surprise when the two options written on that whiteboard were Bangladesh and...PHILIPPINES! I laughed, and then confidently wrote "Philippines" on my little piece of paper, handed it off to my DTS staff, and began to thank God for His unbelievably clear direction in this decision.

God knows me so well. This is the type of decision that would typically cause hours of toil and prayer, greatly desiring to make the right decision. Of all the decisions I've made - including the one to even come on this DTS - it is rare that I have a clear direction given by God. In the past couple of years, many big decisions have been God allowing me to choose where I would like to go. But, not this time! This time, there is a clear calling to a specific location. On top of which, I had three staff - after the fact - tell me that, through prayer, they knew I would choose the Philippines. So great!

There were only three students feeling led to go to the Philippines. The other seven will be heading to Bangladesh. We will have two DTS staff with us. Another very incredible God move: the only guy going to the Philippines is Hakon (from Norway). Get this! When he bought his ticket to Honolulu, he didn't need to get a visa as long as he could prove - via airline ticket - that he would be leaving America within 90 days. Because he had no idea where to buy the outreach ticket for, he randomly chose the Philippines, planning on changing the destination later. Thus, when this was one of the outreach options, it was incredibly clear to him where he was to go. God is soooo good!!!!

So, over the next few months, I'll be learning more and more about this foreign country I know nothing about. Just thought you all should know!!! :)

~Megan

Week One

Where to begin? Well, I just experienced my first rain in Hawaii since I've been here. I love it! I struggle to find words - unrelated to weather - to describe what I'm feeling and going through right now.

God is so good. That I can say for certain. I am so unbelievably grateful to be here with greatly minimized distractions, able to focus on what the Lord is saying. He has been saying a lot. Here is where I will start...

Typically, upon arrival, DTS students are settled in, celebrate a fun Aloha Day at the beach, and then, the following day, are introduced to the curriculum, calendar, and base/house rules. But, not our team. Instead, we went on a camping trip. Given a minimal packing list - with such items as deodorant and toothbrush absent - we began to mentally prepare for our departure the following morning.

All I can say is, thank you God for this experience. Timing is everything, and this camping trip is exactly what I needed. We were taken to Kualoa Ranch (www.kualoa.com), and allowed to camp two nights in exchange for some small labor projects. It is an incredible privilege to be able to do this. Kualoa Ranch is not open for public camping. It is only by special relationship with YWAM Honolulu that we were able to do this.

During our trip, we were able to go on an eight-mile hike around the mountain, sleep on a tarp from a beautiful vantage point of the valley, and grow closer as a team. Having been stripped of so many comforts (cell phone, watches, knowledge of the time, what was being planned, when we would be coming home, toothbrush, deodorant, changes of clothes, etc) we were forced to rely solely on the strength of the Lord and encouragement from each other. What a blessing!

One of the things I felt God speaking to me during this time is simply the riches we get to enjoy as His children. Here we were, camping in a beautiful valley, rich with history and experiencing something that most people will never get the opportunity to experience. This is our inheritance in the Lord. The extraordinary! He offers the invitation to ALL but it is only those who accept His invitation for relationship with Him that are welcomed into the experience of the extraordinary.

In just a short week, I have been unbelievably challenged. I am blessed with a dedicated and mature team of DTS staff who are dedicated to our spiritual and emotional growth during the next five months. I am being stretched and know that it will only continue in deeper ways.

The people are wonderful and diverse. We are a small team; just ten of us. Young adults coming from Canada, Australia, Catalina Island, Kentucky, Chicago, Norway, and Seattle. There is a Korean DTS team here, as well. Their program is entirely separate from ours, but we get together for all-base worship on Monday mornings. And, let me just say that being a part of worshiping the Lord in different languages is so beautiful.

There is so much more I could say, but I am still processing. Please continue to pray for me as we are studying the character and nature of God this week during lectures. Pray that I gain everything from this experience that He is desiring me to grasp.

I love you friends!

~Megan

Here I Go!

I've been planning for DTS for the past several months, and now I leave in six days. Though I have had to accomplish a lot in order to be prepared to leave next week, God has been teaching me more and more about the importance in living one day at a time. That's all He gives us; one day. That's it. Nothing more, nothing less. Just one day to listen, obey, and follow after Him. To enjoy everything that is around us. The people He puts in our lives and the circumstances, be it good or tough. For as much of a planner as I am, I've been finding so much freedom in living one day at a time.

So, I'm spending as much time as I can with the people I love. All the while, I am beginning to anticipate all of the wonderful friendships I will make. I'm nervous, but incredibly excited. I'm slightly scared, but looking forward to the boldness and confidence I know I will increasingly gain during this experience. I may be unsure of my circumstances right now, but I am ever confident of His presence. He is with me. This I know. He is with me. For better or worse.

I have a feeling this experience is going to change so much of how I live my life and view the rest of the time He has given me in this world. And, for that I am incredibly grateful. I am ready to be put in difficult circumstances, trials, and for Him to shape me more and more into the woman He intends me to be.

I will miss you all! Please keep in touch and let me know what is happening in your lives.

~Megan