Change isn't change unless there is change
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| Sunny day on the Baltic Sea in Helsinki |
Many things are the same as they were when I left, both within myself and also here at the base. But then there are things that are very different.
The base is currently hosting the Organic Agri-Nutritional Training School--a six month secondary school which focuses on training trainers in organic agriculture, healthy lifestyle, and natural medicine. The presence of this unique learning community is inspiring change at the base and it's very exciting. In the past week I have enjoyed spending time with the students and staff, eating different kinds of foods, and sitting in on some of the lectures. This week as we learned about alternative treatments to pharmaceutical drugs I was brought back in time to my invertebrate zoology course when I learned the cycle of malaria transmission. The biologist within me is curious
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| Hiking with some of the OATS and base staff/students. |
During my last three weeks in Finland I spent a lot of time being counselled and counselling others. I was also blessed with a week of holiday in Helsinki with some new friends I met in the course. This time of rest and counsel allowed me to take another step in my process of growing and changing. My eyes were opened to some wrong beliefs and strategies I had been using to cope with life. For example, the way I speak to others when I feel insecure is not respectful and distances me from actually listening. I have learned just how much I cling to others' affirmations through words and actions to find a sense of value. The light has shined on my belief that if I make myself plastic perfect then I won't have to deal with pain anymore. These
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| Studying during the counselling course. |
In 1 Kings 8:46-51 King Solomon prayed a prayer over the temple he built which reminds me of my desire to see real change in my life as a result of these revelations. He talks about the inevitability of sin, which I have come to understand as unhealthy choices in my lifestyle or relational patterns. Solomon doesn't stop there though, he goes on to suggest that a change of heart and repentance are a possibility as well. He pleads for the Lord to forgive his people who are the inheritance he brought out of Egypt. God not only answers this prayer, but has a greater solution in the person of Jesus Christ. It is so incredible to think that we have all been given the gift of inheritance (see 1 Kings 8:51) to be
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| Enjoying another sunny day in Helsinki. |
As I re-enter life in Canada I am trying to walk in a different way: mentally, spiritually, and physically. Trusting in God's promises and forgiveness, making positive changes for my physical health, and becoming more aware of my relational strategies with others. I will continue to serve as base staff here in Oliver as we prepare for the next Discipleship Training School which begins in September. I will also be taking on a small part time position working with one of the local churches in the children's ministry program until the middle of September.
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| Dinner with new friends in Helsinki. |
- God's provision of food, lodging, and most importantly precious new friendships during my time in Finland especially during the last week
- Sunshine and warm temperatures, both here in Canada now that I have returned and also during my last week in Helsinki
- Safe travels
- Continued transformation of my mind, Romans 12:1-2
Prayer Requests
- Strength and perseverance to change
- Continued growth in unity as our YWAM community grows in size
Exploring Talinn, Estonia. - That God would be glorified through the fruit of His Spirit (patience, grace, compassion, love…) in this new job opportunity I have
Thanks again for your prayers and support. Please check out my Facebook page for photos from my recent trip to Finland.
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