The Past Year

     As I drive to preschool, I have a lot of time to think and talk to God. And honestly, it is when I am driving that He often speaks to me. When He told me to staff, it was while I was driving home for Christmas last year. Last week, He was talking to me about how he ASKS me to do things, rather than TELLING me to do them. And He says thank you when I choose to do as He asked.
     Today, as I was driving that long drive, with fields of corn stalk remains on either side of the road, God and I were looking back on the past year of my life. And remembering all the things I have seen God do, all the things we have done together.
     In the past year, I have learned how much God loves me, and how real that love is. How He loves me without any strings. Nothing I do or don't do will ever affect His love for me. I have danced around while waving huge palm branches during worship. I have seen Him provide finances for people in astounding ways -He provided about 5 thousand dollars to our school leaders in one day. I have seen Him heal people of their illness or injury -I have seen people go from extreme pain to none at all after a simple prayer. I have learned about the weapons of spiritual warfare, and the power I have in that area, and I have used them. I have taken down bunk beds and lugged them up to a stifling hot attic. I have spent two months living in Mexico, just because God asked me to go there. I have eaten oatmeal, beans, and rice every day for a week. I have spent thousands of dollars just to serve others, to be God's hands and feet. I have changed the poopy diapers of special needs women. I have collected beautiful, amazing sea shells and seen God's creativity and beauty through them. I have handed out hot dogs to people who live and work in a dump, people who never leave the smell and dirt of that place. I have lived in a building with fifty others, sharing a room with twelve girls. I have talked to a complete stranger about Jesus for over an hour. I stood up to speak in front of a group of people, not sure what I was going to say, until God gave me the words as I spoke them. I have listened as God asked me to go certain places. I have taken a 27 hour bus ride, halfway through which the military stopped us, ordered everyone off the bus, and scanned out belongings. I have met friends who now live all over the world -Africa, Mexico, Ireland, Japan, and more. I have learned a lot about who God is, and I have grown in relationship with Him. I have handed out free hot chocolate in the frosty night. I have learned to hear and recognize God's voice. I have worshipped God while gazing at the amazing ocean He created. I have seen Him bring a preschool into being out of literally nothing. I have seen God bring joy out of dreariness. I have seen Him meet people in  new ways. I have laughed with God -for almost an hour, non-stop. I have been searched at a border, and then denied entry to the county (America, of all places!). I have felt His gentle presence. I have seen God change people's lives forever. I have seen people accept Jesus into their lives, thanking Him for what He has done for them. I have begun to actually trust God with my future.
     God and I have been on a crazy, crazy journey over this past year. These are only a handful of the many, many things that I have done together with Him! My time with YWAM has been a crazy, fun, incredible learning experience and a crazy, fun, incredible time with God. And I'm so excited to see what else I get to do with Him over my next few months with YWAM Madison, as well as for the rest of my life, where-ever I may be!
     Blessings,
          Katie
     PS. I'm coming home! In two weeks, it is Thanksgiving break, and so I shall be home for a few days! I'm so excited to see everyone again! I miss you all!