i yam alive, i yam i yam

ohhhhh my friends, I apologize profusely for temporarily disappearing off the edge of the k5 blog world. Life has been... life. This summer was incredible, super difficult and exhausting at times, but beautiful...it taught me a lot about joy and finding it in our King, even in the monotony of making a gazillion milkshakes every single day. Myself and the camp store girls worked behind the scenes most of the time, so we didn't necessarily get to see camp in action, in all its glory, but that was just the nature of the position.... and God was so faithful to bless me with incredible relationships to keep me from feeling sorry for myself and to remind me of the richness of community. And, I realize I left most of you in the dark about where Lewis and I were headed after a really difficult beginning to the summer, and deciding to take a break... We realized after all of that happened, that it wasn't the best way to go about dealing with things, and so the break ended and we committed to engaging in ministry as a couple and seeing where God would lead us as the summer came to an end. It was really hard, since we didn't see each other very much and therefore each of us had to face certain demons in terms of fears, insecurities, etc... but God was sooooo faithful.... He provided so many opportunities for me to build relationships with the CITs that Lewis was pouring his life into... and I got my first real taste of mentoring in that.... and I am so proud and thankful to say that he and I celebrated two years together at the beginning of September, and things are going soooo well. :) It's not at all easy, in fact I will be bold and say that relationships suck sometimes...but they are often where God displays much of His glory, and even in the mess, we are blessed. We are still working through a lot of stuff, and would greatly appreciate your prayers as we move into this next season, and are thinking about the future ... just for wisdom and discernment and clarity. We've recently signed on as leaders for New Life's senior youth group which is SUPER exciting but also SUPER intimidating. Please pray for that as well. :D Oh, and New Lifers, you'll probably be stoked to hear about how Pastor Shane and Tammy are renovating The Hunger to be more 'seeker-sensitive' (I know, many of us have come to cringe at that phrase, but in this case its good, don't worry). Basically, they want to make it so that youth can bring their lost friends to this event and hopefully change their minds about Jesus. The music is going to be consisting of a lot more secular music, which shocked me at first, but I think it will be a really beautiful change and by the Spirit will influence many for the Kingdom. Pray!!!!
So, where am I now? I am living on Saltspring with my family, and will be for a few more months, waiting waiting waiting.... I am waiting for people to phone me back regarding a job at the Thrifty Foods here on the island. It's hard to not feel lame, after such a busy summer, to come home and literally have nothing to do. I know I needed the rest, but I'm becoming a bit restless, if ya know what I mean. Please pray that whatever job I get, I will approach it in confidence and hope... yeah, I really need those two things right now. Even though there are so many GOOD things happening... its hard to not feel discouraged with where I am... let's just say that there are many situations that I have to keep on taking to God in the knowledge of the fact that He already has the victory, regardless of the seeming hopelessness of the situation... my family is one of these things. Please pray for change... change in their hearts.
okay, this was really long I know but I felt so disconnected from y'all (my fault) and i wanted to share with you my heart and where I'm at. I love you guys times a billion, and remember, "he is able to save COMPLETELY those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them..." (Heb 7:25)
Signing off,
Ellanora the Brave
PS Oh, and ditto on the yearbook raves!! What a beautiful job you guys did, thank you thank you thank you Steve especially for working so hard on wrapping that up.
PPS just a heads up, I am currently talking to my church about being baptized in the next few weeks hopefully, those of you close by, keep your eyes open for the details because I would LOVE for you to be there!