Sarah's Story...God's Glory

THE "F" BOMB

2008-04-10T19:03:00.005-05:00

OTHER

Or maybe more appropriately the^F bomb. The F bomb dictates if I can sleep or if I can stay awake. It has total control over what I can and can't eat and if I will or will not feel sick when doing so. It determines if I will have knee pain/back aches/headaches. The F bomb is deeply effected by change is temperature, change in diet, change in bed, change in activity level, and change in weather. The F bomb deeply affects all areas of my life, it has a hand in how I am doing physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The F bomb is my constant companion, goes everywhere I go and 99.9% of the time shows up uninvited.

The F bomb doesn't just effect me, it effects everyone I get close to. My team here in Panama, and my friends and family in Canada, have to deal with the F bomb everyday right along beside me. When the F bomb is getting me physically they massage my legs or back, make hot water bottles, carry my stuff, run errands, make tea...When the physical makes a move on my emotions they comfort me, let me vent, hold my hand, make me laugh...when the emotions start to effect me spiritually they pray like crazy.

This week the F bomb has made me house bound. I can count the number of times I have left the apartment on one hand. I am going stir crazy and shack wacky. I have had tears of boredom, frustration, pain, exhaustion, fear and loneliness. Tonight I have had just about enough.

I don't like to be treated differently. I don't like to make a big deal out of it. I don't like to be showered with sympathy. I don't like explaining myself millions and millions of times. I don't like to sit on the sidelines watching so many times when I am unable to participate. I don't like the possibility that I might not accomplish all my goals and dreams because my body can't take it. And I especially don't like to be told that this chronic, life long condition is going to be gone by the time I leave Panama, and that maybe I haven't prayed enough about it, or maybe it is still around cause my faith is lacking, or maybe I really haven't surrendered it to God. As if those are the only possibilities for why I have a lifetime long condition and the person next door doesn't. I never asked for this.

But...

I have stopped asking God to take it away. Don't get me wrong, I believe God can, I have surrendered it to Him, and not a day goes by when I am praying that I don't PRAISE Him for it. Yes, I praise Him for the F bomb. When I get out of bed in the morning and am able to walk without pain, or when I swim laps and am able to push myself, or when eat a meal that doesn't make me feel sick, or when I have aches and pains that go away without meds, or when it keeps me up multiple nights in a row and I can still function, I know that it is God's strength and not mine. There is not one day that goes by when I am not reminded of who is in control and who carries me through each day. There is not a day that goes by that I can do on my own strength and I would rather spend my life married to the F bomb than forget who shows their strength in my weakness.

For those who are curious about what exactly is the F bomb is more commonly known as Fibromyalgia, I am not in anyway referring to the more socially common use of the term.

INTRODUCING...

2008-04-07T10:05:00.003-05:00

...MY NEW ROOMMATE!!!

So one of the things I am looking forward to when returning to Halifax is living with one of my best girlfriends! Senorita Tricia and I met a little over a year ago through a mutual friend, though it feels as if I have known her forever. I am going to be sad not living with my STINT girls, they are such a support emotionally and spiritually, but knowing that I am moving in with such an awesome friend and amazing woman of God gives me a lot of peace about moving back to Halifax. I am so blessed to have her in my life and as of July 1st sharing an apartment.

Tricia and I
(Our home for one night...we camped in a cardboard box to raise money for the homeless)

DAD CAME TO VISIT!!!

2008-04-05T14:05:00.008-05:00

So Dad was here last week for a few days. We had an awesome time together. Went to my soccer game, crossfire barbecue, national league baseball league, the canal, church, toured the old city, and hiking through the inner city rain forest. The rest of the time we just hung out and made fun of each other...couldn't have
been a better time! Here are a couple of photos from the weekend!

SOMETIMES LIFE IS JUST THIS GOOD...

2008-03-24T22:40:00.005-05:00

What you are seeing here is my clothing one floor down and two floors down!

What you are seeing her are my pants hanging over the edge over top of Panama City!

Disculpe la molestia,

alguna ropa del apartamento 9B cayó en el balcón suyo. Lo apreciaria muchisimo si me la puedes traer a mi apartamento. Si no estoy, la podrías dejar en la puerta.

Lo agradezco,

Sarah

TRANSLATION

Some of my clothing has landed on your balcony. I would really appreciate it if you brought it to my apartment for me. If I am not home, you can leave it at the door.

Thank you.

Yes...sometimes life is just this good. I have laughed so much tonight at the craziness of this situation. I left my laundry drying outside when I went out tonight and when I came home some was on the floor of the balcony, some was one floor down, some two floors down, and tonight somewhere after flying high over Panama City my undies are gonna land where some poor sucker is least expecting!! LOL. I have gotten back the stuff that landed one floor down. My roommates and I were laughing so hard the people below came out to see what was going on, and passed what had landed on their balcony back to me. I am leaving a note on the door two floors down hopefully that will get the rest back!

When I think about the situations that I get myself into that are just plain hilarious, they seem to out number the rest. I am convinced this is a good thing. Though tonight I do have to run some clothes through the washer twice...

THE BEAUTIFUL GAME

2008-03-04T22:17:00.005-05:00

Something that goes hand in hand with being a member of the Hunter family is soccer. My family takes the game pretty seriously, and I might have just offended some members in my family by referring to it is as "a game", in the Hunter house it is much more than that...it is a lifestyle. Now...here is the thing, I haven't played much since grade 11, nothing really except pick up on the field in the back yard with my siblings (Yes, my Dad built a field in our back yard). This is a serious sin in my family, ranks right up there with blasphemy. So as you can well imagine, not playing has been a pretty big deal.

But I have changed from my sinful ways, and like the prodigal son, have returned back to the beautiful game. I joined a team here in Panama, and was welcomed lovingly by the girls. The soccer is nothing serious, and the skill level is pretty mixed, but I am loving it. I scored twice last week, my knees are currently scabs only, and I have discovered a few muscles that I forgot that I had, so we're off to a good start!

(ME AND THE OTHERS GETTING SET TO PLAY ON FRIDAY NIGHT)

Thursday I am going to play with some guys from my church. I have been promised that it is pretty intense, so I am a little nervous, but looking forward to it in a big way all at the same time. I am planning on more humbling schooling and bruising than I got on Friday night. But I am pumped for that also, cause what doesn't kill you makes you stronger and you have to get schooled to get better.

Disclaimer: My parents have been and are fully supportive of my siblings and I exploring and getting involved in activities outside of soccer. My family also does take our faith seriously, and any comparison is in pure fun. I am no way mocking Christianity, but my family who I love very much and who will understand exactly what I am talking about. Please take this post with a grain of salt.

ON THE FLIP SIDE

2008-02-26T12:16:00.002-05:00

One week ago I posted on this thing, feeling less than encouraged, sleep deprived, unable to focus, a little lonely, scared, and disheartened. I was short $10 000.00 needed to complete this year, and had been made aware of one too many support raising miracle stories, and wondering when my "miracle God story" was going to happen. Instead of being encouraged, I was jealous.I had spent maybe 10 hours in 10 days outside the walls of my apartment and was going a little stir crazy. A "good nights sleep" was lasting about 4 hours, and my coffee maker had broken to top it off! Instant coffee is brutal in the best of times, and from my point of view, I was dead center in the middle of the worst!

But, here I am one week later, posting from the same seat, alone in the apartment with my computer and worship music playing accompanied to those same muffler-less buses and I have a totally new outlook from where I was one week ago.

My ministry will always have different seasons. For as long as I am in ministry there will be ups and downs, there will days when all I see through the haze is spiritual attacks and days when nothing is clearer to me than God's glory. Today, I am able to see God's glory shining much much brighter than I could a week ago. And I wonder how I could ever miss seeing something so powerful it at all, and realize that I didn't miss God's glory, I just chose to over look it like it wasn't there at all.

About a week ago during a sleepless night I accidentally woke one of my roommates by singing in the middle of the night. I was singing a beautiful song by Hillsongs, Through It All. That night my song was a claim on a promise that we have from God, that He will never leave us, never forsake us, and see us through it all. The song goes like this.

You are forever in my life You see me through the seasons
Cover me with Your hand and lead me in Your righteousness
And I look to You
And I wait on You
I will sing to You, Lord A hymn of love
For Your faithfulness to me, I'm carried in everlasting arms, You'll never let me go

Through it all

Today I am sitting with a steaming cup of coffee from my new coffee maker, a purchase that I held off making until I knew I would be staying in Panama until my intern year is up. I still have more to raise, but I know that it is coming. It was a faith purchase. No one else in my apartment drinks coffee as much as me, so unless I stay, the broken machine would not have been replaced. I am trusting that the God who has provided thus far will continue to provide for me as He continues to see me through it all.

Late Nights...

2008-02-19T00:41:00.006-05:00

It is 12:41am Tuesday February 19th. I desperately want to sleep, but it just won't come. I think I have committed myself to one more late night/early morning of support raising. Why can't I focus in the afternoon around say, 2:30pm...a much more civil hour. For some reason and I have no clue what that is, I am focusing better these days after the clock strikes 12 midnight.

Everyone else in the house has gone to bed, I am alone with my computer, some worship music, my Bible, and the sound of buses without mufflers rumbling down the street. I am sipping ice water and hot tea, wishing I had remembered to buy soy milk when I was out earlier, a bowl of granola would be awesome right now. Oh well, I'm not the hungry anyways.

In my head I am starting a list of everything I could be doing right now; cleaning my room, choreographing a dance, making soup, getting ahead on some reading, painting my toe nails...where is sleep on that list? Oh yeah...it isn't there.

My playlist has been repeating the same 20 songs for about 36 hours straight now...still not bored of them. My Bible is opened to Ezekiel, sometimes I find the Old Testament hard to read, tonight I am just not awake enough to get anything that I can apply to my life from it...I am going to read through some of Mark, focus on the red letters. I'll pick up where I left off in Ezekiel tomorrow.

Is this spiritual warfare? I don't know. But I know that I need to do my part to allow God to work so I can stay here in Panama. I have 146 emails to send to supporters in the next 24 hours. And darn it, I forgot to phone my Dad like I promised. Make that 147 emails.

OFF WITH A BANG

2008-02-12T19:36:00.000-05:00

If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray, seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
– 2 Chronicles 7:14

It’s back to school and we’re back on campus!
(R-L: Steve, Trish, Jess, Jon, Lindsey, & Sarah)

6 Crazy Canadians
1 week
1 table
4 new Bible studies
Countless Bibles, Pamphlets, CDs, Explanations of Vida Estudiantil
1 NEW SISTER IN CHRIST!!!

Please stop whatever you are doing and take a moment to
Praise our Lord.
Praise Him! Praise Him! Praise Him!

To you, my family in Christ and partners in the Gospel; may God bless you. In your faithfulness to God, God has remained faithful once again to us and has not overlooked your obedience to Him. He has heard your prayers from heaven. He is forgiving sins; he is healing the land…one soul at a time. There is victory in the Gospel!

We have started off the year with a bang! For one week we blitzed the campus at Universidad Interamericana, surveying students about the Gospel, handing out free Bibles, DVDs with testimonies, sharing about the vision of Vida Estudiantil, generating exposure within the student population and sharing the Gospel.

By God’s grace, He has used this ministry to bring one more student into a personal relationship with Him. This is exciting always, but especially this time as this is the first student to come to faith since we have started our ministry at Universidad Interamericana, only a few months ago. What a miracle, what a blessing!

I have been reminded recently of how often people labor for the Lord for their entire lives and never see the fruit of their Labor while they are here on Earth, and it is not until Heaven that they see the results. What a blessing you and I have to see the fruit of our ministry. God’s word is real, God’s word is true, God’s word has a promise; “the harvest is plentiful” (Matt 9:37). As I walk around the campus at Universidad Interamericana, I am constantly reminded of how many students have yet to be counted in that harvest. I am surrounded by people who are entering into a stage of their life where they will have great impact regardless of where they go. My heart breaks, what if the message doesn’t get there fast enough? How can it get there faster?

We have surveyed 75 women you have indicated interest in Bible studies, but there are many more who have indicated wanting to know how they can have a personal relationship with Jesus. Imagine if all 75 showed up to Bible study, imagine if all 75 started sharing Christ with their classmates, and then, just imagine how abundant the harvest would be then.

I can’t do this on my own. My team can’t do this as just the six of us. But it remains, “the harvest is plentiful, and the workers are few”. Each new sister in Christ, like our new sister last week is a miracle, but as important as each new life in Christ is, we have come to Panama not just for the harvest, but for the workers.

As I look forward into the second half of my time here in Panama, I am praying that your legacy would continue on. I am asking God to provide not just a bountiful harvest, but the workers also to continue what you have started. Apple trees grow fruit year after year regardless of if someone is there to pick them. The fruit gets picked or falls off the tree and rots away. I want to leave Panama knowing that the seeds planted by God, through our partnership will not rot away, that they will be harvested, that the work will continue. It is our time not in the fields, but spent with the workers, training them, that is ensuring that someone will be prepared for the harvest years from now.

So how does that happen? Where do we go from here? I have once again included my mid year praise report and prayer requests to this update, as the year is still young, and the requests still the same petitions to our Lord. I would like to contact you within the week to reconnect and to chat about how we can ensure that no harvest gets passed by, and that there will be workers for many years to come here in Panama. I look forward to chatting and connecting with you once again in the near future!

God bless you.

Love,
Sarah

Nick-Names

2008-01-17T00:27:00.000-05:00

Since being in Panama I have acquired many nicknames. I have had nicknames growing up, but never have gained so many in such a short time. The names are as follows:

1) Canada - for obvious reasons, but the Panamanians have decided that no one else on the team is to be referred to as Canada, this is a reserved solely for me.

2) Fungus Feet - NOT, may I repeat NOT BECAUSE I HAVE FUNGUS!!! But because during cantata I gained some beautiful blisters on my feet. Fungus feet is much better alliteration than blister anything

3) Crazy Hair - I gained this one because of my uncontrollable red ringlets. I am quite possibly the only person in Panama with hair like this.

4) Papa Goose - My costume in Cantata was a dove. But my friends decided that it was more goose like than dove like. And why the papa part? I have no idea...

5) Cazadora - This quite simply is a translation of my last name. Hunter in Spanish is cazadora. I think it has a much softer less intrusive ring to it...sounds almost gentle!!

(Goose or dove? You decide!)

SO, those are the names I have gained thus far. I am pretty sure I will gain more in the future. My friends here have a wonderful habit of loving to continue adding to the list...

Like Nutcracker But Better...

2007-12-25T11:02:00.000-05:00

What Christmas show could possibly top The Nutcracker? I think I have finially found one that does. Now, I am a die hard Nutcracker fan. I love it. Christmas means enjoying the Nutcracker in some form either dance live or on video or even just listening to the music and remembering the dances and steps. The Nutcracker is a classic Christmas story centered around believing that your dreams can come true. Christmas isn't Christmas without including the Nutcracker somehow but...I have just experienced something that blows Nutcracker right out of the water!

(Final rehearsal before moving to the theatre)

The show is called Noel. My church here in Panama, Crossroads Bible Church, in collaberation with some other churches in the city pulled their talents and gifts in the performing arts to put on a spectacular Christmas cantata. The show used naration, music, and dance to share the Gospel and use the medium of live theater to present it to the world. Performed in both English and Spanish the show carried a deeper message to the people of our city. In a place where English and Spanish often cause division, they were used together to demonstrate the unity that we have in Christ.

(Me with the other Canadian, an amazingly talented professional sax player from Montreal, Quebec.)

I spent almost 10 hours a day in the national theater of Panama. It was awesome. For the last few months I have been choreographing and rehearsing with a Christmas Cantata and Gospel presentation here in Panama City. It has been wonderful. After dislocating my knees I did not think that I would dance again ever and that God had closed the door on that part of my life forever. As I watched the dancers perform my

(Going over my steps with an other cast member) choreography and waited backstage for my number, I was totally overcome! This whole show was for Jesus. I danced for a really long time, and I can't say that before this, it was ever for Him. The final performance was amazing, the dancers (mostly youth) nailed their dances...I was so proud of them. But what made me the most proud and emotional was after the show. They presented me and the other choreographer with flowers, and began to chant our names..."Sarah, Yeal, Sarah, Yeal, Sarah, Yeal"...the chant morphed though, it became "Cristo, Cristo, Cristo, Cristo"! I was speechless. These teenagers got it. The show was not about any of us...it was about God. God gave us the gift of dance...we need to use it for Him.

It is funny to think that had I not dislocated my knees I would never have come to Panama. And if I had not returned to Panama I would not have started dancing again. I love dance so much, and in the past couple years had forgotten how special it is to me.

(Getting the position just right)
I have once again been bitten by the dancing bug, and am going to be taking a class with some of the dancers I met through this show beginning in January. I realize now, that dance needs to be in my life...I am not sure how I got by without it the last two years. It is exciting to be dancing again. I am working to get my strength back...needless to say, taking two years off doesn't help ones fitness level. I don't know why God has chosen this time to bring dance into my life again, but I am so glad He has. I am excited to think about how He might use it! God is (Post show hug with the girls I worked with the most) so good to me!

Thanks so much for your love and support. This has been an exciting adventure for me, I had to share it with you all!

(The final scene of the show, the curtain is about to close...Can you find me??)

For video of one of the dances go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHEU5e2xnk8&feature=related

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow!!!!

2007-12-16T11:29:00.000-05:00

IT SNOWED IN PANAMA YESTERDAY!!! My Church rented a snow maker, and a huge 18 wheeler filled with blocks of ice, and filled the parking lot with snow! It was crazy. The Panamanians were complaining about how cold it was, but I was playing in a t-shirt! Some of my friends from church, decided it would be fun to make the Canadian freeze, so they picked me up and held me in front of the hose that was shooting out snow. I had snow down my pants, in my pockets, down my shirt, in my ears and up my nose!!! It was crazy. I had so much fun! It was probably the last thing that I thought I would ever do in Panama! The rest of the team teased me a lot about intensity in the snow, apparently I got a little hard core! But I have no shame because it was a some of the best fun I have had in a long time! I guess I have been missing the snow a little more than I thought! Anyways, enjoy the pictures of me in my first and probably last Panamanian snow ball fight!!

Santiago

2007-12-15T22:14:00.000-05:00

I have had a wonderfully awesome week in so many, many ways! This week has been one filled with adventure, relaxation, encouragement, and plain good old fashioned fun!

Our team has spent the last ten split in two groups of three. The western half of our team (Lindsey, Steve & Jess) headed of to David, while the eastern contingent (Jon, Tricia & I) went to Santiago. Our missions were to cast some vision to the students who are involved in Campus for Christ in those cities and to make some preparations for when a team of 50 plus Canadians come to Panama in May for six weeks. Lord willing we will send a team of students to each of these cities as well as with us in Panama City. It was so encouraging to be in Santiago and to see what God is doing in that city. The city itself reminded me of Fredericton New Brunswick. I definitely fell in love with it.

Because the students are currently in exams, there was a limit to what we could accomplish on campus, so with a little extra free time we had an great time slowing down the pace of our daily activities and really got to enjoy the time. We took some time to walk around the city to get to know it a little, enjoyed a fun little market where a lady offered me "papas bonitas" or beautiful potatoes, LOL. I decided not to indulge.

I am continually amazed and humbled by the people I am serving next to here in Panama, the people in Santiago just the same. What an amazing group of students and volunteers that God has working in that city. We shared with them what Campus for Christ has happening around the world, and challenged them to take hold of that vision and run with it on their campus. I hope and pray that this time in Santiago was as encouraging to them as it was to us. Please join me in praying that a team of students would be able to go help the ministry in that city in May, and that a STINT team might be present there next year.

Christmas Update

2007-12-11T10:38:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas…Feliz Navidad

I was in the mall this weekend and the loud speaker was playing “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas”, I had to laugh, because quite frankly, it looks nothings like Christmas to me at all! The absence of snow and the thirty degree weather make for a very non-Canadian like winter wonderland. The evergreen trees for sale on every corner (all imported from Nova Scotia by the way) are a constant reminder that Christmas is just around the corner! This year is going so fast. Thank you for allowing God to work through you to bless me. Your support, words of encouragement and prayers mean so much to me. Muchas gracias!

(The tag on the tree reads 'Nova Scotia Balsam Fir'!)
The semester is rapidly coming to a close, but I am anxiously anticipating the New Year. I am and will continue to focus all of my efforts at Universidad Interamericana. Since first becoming a presence on this campus, only a few weeks ago, God has answered our prayers by connecting us with a core group of students to work with. Tricia, Steve and I (Team Interamericana) are experiencing a very different type of ministry. A much harder climate spiritually, the students are slowly warming up to the three of us, and the rumors that have been spreading about why we are around are seemingly yesterday’s news. Amazingly we have already been able to challenge students into discipleship at Interamericana. One of these students is a girl named Laura, who has not only has accepted the challenge to one-on-one discipleship, but has stepped up to be the key student leader at her school. Laura is taking a big step of faith in this. Together Laura and I are going to be looking at the book of Ester, a beautiful lesson in overcoming your fears and stepping out in faith. Please pray for Laura as she is taking a very big, public stand for Jesus in a place where His name is used most commonly uttered in vain as profanity.
(Laura, Tricia, and I )

It was the university campuses in Panama City that I wanted to impact for Christ this year. God had other plans. We are currently working on fulfilling what God has planed in other cities around Panama and internationally in Dominican Republic, the first Panamanian ministry partnership! To continue my ministry here in Panama, and to aid in founding of the partnership with Dominican Republic, and to cover the costs of some Biblical training here in Panama and in Costa Rica I need to raise $10 000.00 to ensure that I am able to fulfill my calling to the ministry here. Would you please consider a special Christmas gift to help me reach my support goals? You and your family have already played such an important role in this ministry. It is such a blessing to know I am partnered with you taking the gospel around the world. Thank you once again for your encouragement and prayers.

Many blessings this Christmas,
Love, Sarah

2007-11-16T09:29:00.000-05:00

I just went to go make tea but can't find the kettle. How do you loose a kettle??

Father, Son, & Holy Spirit y Dios

2007-11-04T17:45:00.000-05:00

The rest of my team is off to Bajo Grande for the weekend, a small town in the mountains for a short-term missions trip with some students. I am left holding down the fort here in Panama City as my current physical condition isn't at a place where I can handle the conditions. So...it's me, myself & I along with 1 000 000 Panamanians for the weekend. But I have decided to forgo the Independence day celebrations that the rest of the city is partaking in to spend some quality time alone with God. And this is where my title comes in...

Father, Son, & Holy Spirit y Dios. A couple of weeks ago my team was jokingly discussing how Dios (God in Spanish) is the forth part of the trinity. Maybe not theologically correct, but there is an element of truth to the equation. There is a new side of God that I am experiencing for the first time here in Panama, Spanish God, Dios.

I think a lot of it is language, English is missing some words. Take the world 'love' for example. In English we say "I 'love' pizza" in the same breathe the we say "I 'love' my sister". Do we really feel the same way about pizza that we do our families? Spanish on the other hand has more than ten words for 'love'.

The same is true with God. El Senor, Dios, Padre, El Rey, our Lord, our God, our Father, our King. We came to Panama to show Panamanians how they can know God personally, but in doing this we're getting to know God personally in a whole new way. Being placed in a situation where you can solely depend on God you're given a unique opportunity to get to know God in a whole new way. It is really too bad that language stops us from experiencing all there is of God, or maybe more correctly being able to rely to others our exact experience.

While on STINT we are blessed with the opportunity to take one day a month as "a day alone with God". I look forward to these days, they are refreshing like nothing else. Its incredible, after a four day weekend interacting with few other than a couple of store clerks and a couple of phone calls home to friends and family, I crave nothing more than what I will experience on Wednesday, even after this weekend. I highly encourage you, if you don't take an entire day once a month or every six weeks for yourself and God, do it. He'll rock your world. I am not suggesting a day of solitude, though if that's what you need, go for it. I am suggesting a day free of distractions, a day completely free of responsibilities with school, or at the office, or whatever...clear the day and let God direct it. Maybe you'll be blessed by experiencing God in a whole new way, like I am experiencing Dios here in Panama.

DANCE, DANSE, DANZA, DANCE

2007-11-01T16:29:00.000-05:00

To Dance - To move rhythmically usually to music, using prescribed or improvised steps and gestures, an artistic form of nonverbal communication.

For those of you who are unaware of my past, dancing took up most of it. I dedicated the majority of my time outside of school, and much time suppossed to be spent in school to dance, or something related. It became more than a passtime or hobby, it became a lifestyle. Blessed by the opportunity to study many forms of dance, ballet, jazz, tap, highland, modern, swing, folk, the list goes, has left me unable to decide my favorite! Fusion of multiple forms is probably where I find my passion lying.

Dance has been a creative outlet, a way to blow off steam, a way to connect, a way to disconnect. There are few feelings that come close to the feeling one gets after nailing a show infront of hundreds of people, or finially getting an excerise correct in class, watching students master something you've taught them. Dance never fails you...regardless of if its in your living room dancing for only you, or on stage for a packed house, the feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment is next to nothing!

Dance, however has not played a role in my life for almost two years now. A knee dislocation stopped my plans in dance right in their tracks. My body was unable to do what was required of it and I made the decision to stop dancing and study religion and psychology at SMU instead. My life the last couple years has looked completely different to those of the previous. But alas, I don't post just for nostalgic reasons...I post because once again I am back in the studio.

I forgot how much I loved to dance, and realised how much I missed it! I am currently working with a show that my church here in Panama is putting on for Christmas. I am told that thousands of people will watch the show live, not to mention the numbers that will see it on TV! I am so excited for it...though it is a very humbling experience...my body isn't what is was, so I'm now in the process of re-teaching myself everything I once new so I don't humiliate myself! But I love the challenge it provides and the opportunity to get to know an entire new group or Panamanians!!

"a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance" - Ecclesiastes 3:4

Prayer letter issues...

2007-10-24T19:00:00.000-05:00

I love sharing about what God is doing here in Panama. I know I haven't blogged in a while, so evidence might lend you to assume other wise, but I am having some prayer letter frustrations!
1) My biggest frustration comes in deciding what to say. So much goes on, and so much is wonderful I hate narrowing it down to only a few stories. To solve the problem...resolution to blog more often!

2) I always send at least one of my emails out, placing everyone's addresses in the "To" category not the "BCC" option. I am sorry to those of you to whom this error applies. To solve the problem... I've just got to double check!

3) I also always send at least one of my emails without attaching the actual update letter. I also apologize to those of you who get two emails from me . To solve the problem...same as above, must get in a better habit of double checking before sending!

4) Formatting...Mine is really boring! And in my quest to format in a more interesting way, I always end up deleting most of what has been written...and not on purpose. To solve problem...take both Lindsey and Jon up on their offers of formatting lessons!

SO...those are my frustrations due to prayer letters. Really since this is probably my biggest frustration at this time I have no real reason to complain. Not a big deal...and I do love letting people know the awesome things God is doing here!

Stay tuned, resolution to blog more begins now!!

The Ants Go Marching Two By Two...

2007-09-06T00:24:00.000-05:00

On a completely different note to my last post...

...Panama has lots and lots and lots of ants! Now, outside they are the most interesting little guys. They are so co-ordinated and co-operative, very impressive! But, from inside my bedroom they are not so impressive. SO I would gladly accept any suggestions at getting rid of ants! I have never seen so many in my life!!!

BIG PRAYER REQUEST

2007-09-04T19:55:00.000-05:00

I have a very big and urgent prayer request that I would appreciate your prayers on very much. Panama has recently changed the regulations for visas to enter the country, and our team has not been granted long term visas. As of this moment we are only able to stay in the country until September 18th, exactly one month from our entry date. At this time we are planning on traveling the 32 hours to Costa Rica and back to re-enter the country on tourist visas. Tourist visas only last one month. To get a long term visa, a police back ground is necessary. I have not had one done before, and the time it takes to get one done internationally is 4 - 6 months. At this point, I don't have that time! Please pray for me and my team. Pray that the Panamanian authorities would grant us favor and allow us to stay in the country.
Thank you so very much.

God Bless,
Sarah

Mountain of God

2007-08-29T19:31:00.001-05:00

Panama from the mountain top!

Third day has a beautiful song called The Mountain of God. If you have never heard it before, may I suggest hitting up itunes and splurging for it...or grab their whole cd next time your at the music store. But moving on and getting to my point, read these lyrics. I saw these lyrics come to life yesterday. The song is about getting through hards times, and though yesterday was not a hard day at all, this song came to life!

Even though the journey’s long
And I know the road is hard
Well, the One who’s gone before me
He will help me carry on
After all that I’ve been through
Now I realize the truth
That I must go through the valley
To stand upon the mountain of God

As I travel on the road
That You have lead me down
You are here with me
Yes, You are here with me
I have need for nothing more
Oh, now that I have found
That You are here with me
Yes, You are here with me

Let me explain, we went hiking yesterday. Panama City has a beautiful rain forest in the centre of the city. The hike took about an hour traveling uphill through the most beautiful greenery you could ever imagine! Such beautiful plants, interesting flowers, everything you would expect a rain forest to be and more! As we hiked to the top, all I could think was wow, wow, WOW!

From the top of the hill you can see all of Panama City, the view is like nothing I have ever seen before! And God met me there. He said "Sarah, I want you to see this, understand this, to really appreciate the beauty of the view from the top you have to experience the bottom from time to time, but I created both just let me show you, and there is beauty in both, just let me show you, and I am there in both just let me show you ."

God is so good to me, it was such a treat to see the beauty he has created here in Panama, my first thought from the top of the hill was "wow, He's bragging a little...this is perfection!" Created just to show us that if He wanted to, He is more than capable of perfection. My second thought, "I wish I could share this experience!" I can't adaquetly describe to you the view, the beauty, and the vastness of what we were able to enjoy. The pictures don't do it justice.

The team after making it to the top...hot, sweaty, ready for more!

(L-R) Me, Lindsey, Jessica, Jon

(In Front) Tricia & Steve

So it wasn't a hard hike, or a long one...not a real trial by any means, but the contrast between between the top and the bottom was so extreme. And just like the lyrics in the song, He was there with me, and is here with me.

Lindsey and I on the way back down...we found a crazy leaf!

News things to get used to...

2007-08-28T11:11:00.000-05:00

So as one often does when in a new place, they compare the old to the new. I have been trying to do that, I don't want to make Canada and home an unrealistic fantasy land, but that being said there are some things that I just can't help but compare!!

To start, the weather and how people deal with it. At home, everyone goes inside to escape the cold and to warm up. This in Panama is not the case, here people go inside to cool down and escape the heat. A second observation we've made is steam. My friend and teammate Tricia had an ice cream yesterday and we notice one very bizarre occurrence, her ice cream steamed! At home hot things steam, here the cold things do!

In serious though, the biggest adjustment that I have had to get used to is the racism. In some ways I am glad that I am experiencing it, in others it is just plain horrible I hate being judged by the color of my skin. Just walking down the street and people honk their horns, roll down their windows and yell racist remarks at you. "Gringo, gringo, gringo", it is disgusting. Panamanians generally don't like Americans as a rule, and in some ways it is understandable...they have quite the history. But no one wants to hear that I am Canadian...not American.

On the upside of things, those you love you, love you a lot and would do anything for you. And I have met some wonderful people even only after being here a week have made some great friends. I have also found a wonderful church to worship at here, it is very mission centered, and I have felt right at home there. The message is preached in English, and those who only speak spanish listen to it on headphones via a translator who sits at the back. The worship is very moving, sung in both english and spanish. I am hopefully going to be joining a small group and they also as a church have wednesday night soccer, I am looking forward to going to that each week. I am so glad I brought my gear with me from Canada.

my love to all,

Sarah

Aug-Sept Update...

2007-08-25T10:26:00.000-05:00

Hola from Panama! It is so good to be back. We arrived just a week ago after exhausted after19 long hours of travel, but our excitement was all that was needed to keep us going.
We’ve had such busy days since arriving. Settling into a new country is proving to be a much longer and challenging process than we anticipated. The language barrier is definitely a challenge for us daily; I am finding this especially challenging and frustrating at times as I currently have next to no Spanish. The people are so gracious and are helping me out so much, each day I am doing a little more with out the help of someone to translate for me.
Finding and securing apartments has been no easy task either. Preference is given to Panamanians over foreigners and much more documentation and requirements exist for us. We have managed to secure one apartment for the girls, and we are still looking for one for the boys to move into. I am looking forward to moving into the apartment this weekend and making it a home away from home.
We went to campus for the first time yesterday, it was wonderful. Attending the weekly meeting of the Campus for Christ ministry was such an encouraging time. About twenty students were there, and about half of them first years. I can’t wait to be on campus full time, working with these students and others.
The Panamanian staff of C4C organized a Jericho prayer walk for the week and have been walking around the perimeter of the campus once each day, while praying. On Sunday the walk will be completed by walking around the campus seven times. Because classes start at 7:00am, the prayer walks are at 6:00am so students can join us, this makes for very early rises in the morning!!
God is moving here in Panama, I feel so blessed to be able to see so vividly and clearly the hand of our Lord at work. Thank you so much for your prayers and kind words of support. They mean more to me than I can properly express. God Bless you.

Love,
Sarah

A Couple Prayer Requests…

-for my Spanish, that I would be able to overcome the challenges of learning this new language so that I can share the Gospel to the Panamanians in their native language
-for an apartment for Steve and Jon
-for my homesickness, I feel a great peace about being here finally, but deeply miss home, family and friends
-that the remainder of my financial support would come in so that I am able to stay for the duration of our ministry

Late Update...

2007-08-20T21:21:00.000-05:00

Hola, / Hello,
¿Como estas? / How are you?

I am so exited to be writing this to you! Our Panamanian adventure is finally beginning. In just over a week I will be no longer in Canada and in Panama City, Panama. The summer until this point has been a whirlwind. Tramping between Truro and Halifax, Nova Scotia and Sackville and Fredericton, New Brunswick, spending time with family and friends before leaving the country. I have been so blessed by so many people as I have had opportunity to share with so many the way that God has been working in my life, thank you so much for being a part of it.

The next couple of weeks are going to be crazy to say the least, On Monday I will be travelling to Guelph, Ontario for training and orientation. It promises to be an exciting week as international teams going to North Africa and East Asia will also be there. It will be the first time our team is together in the same place. It will be nice to finally meet the rest of the Panama team face to face.

The day that makes us all a little extra jittery is following Friday, August 17th. That is the big day we step onto the plane and fly off to Panama! It still feels very surreal to think that is only one week from now.

Before sharing a couple prayer requests with you, I would like to introduce you to the rest of the team. There are six of us. Steve, from British Columbia, has just graduated from University of British Columbia with a degree in agriculture and Commerce. Moving eastward, Lindsay from Alberta. Lindsay has also just graduated with a degree in sciences. Jessica is from Saskatchewan, and graduated last year with a degree in studio art from the University of Saskatchewan. Jon is from Columbia, though he now calls Ontario home, he has just graduated with a degree in International Development Studies from York University. And Finally Tricia, also from Ontario, Tricia has just completed her 2nd year at McMaster University she is currently studying Fine Art. I am really looking forward to serving along side each of these wonderful people. Each is passionate for the Lord and equally as passionate to take His message to the People of Panama. I am so blessed to have them as team members.

As I look forward into the next few weeks and months I would like to share few praise and prayer requests right away.
- Please praise God that we are sending a team, but pray for our financial support as three team members (myself included) are still trusting God to provide us with the entire financial amount we need.
- Please pray for safe travel, we are going to be in transit quite a bit over the next couple weeks. Also for our travel visas, there was some issue with them, so please pray they come through so we can leave for Panama on time.
- Please pray for our team, though the next couple weeks will be exciting, they will also be stressful as we transition and settle into life in Panama. Please pray for unity within our team, and that we would continue to loo to God as our source of strength and comfort.

May God continue to bless you.

Count Down Begins...

2007-07-22T16:52:00.000-05:00

...So to be totally honest, I've been counting down to take off for Panama for quite some time now, but after saying some final good-byes to people at church, this Panamanian adventure is becoming more and more real. In three weeks from now, I will be packing my bags for the last time (probably getting Greg to zipper while I sit on them, trying to get them closed), trying for the life of me to remember what it is I have forgotten!

I went for a walk around Halifax this afternoon, I am really going to miss this city. Over the past three years that I have lived here God has taught me so much, about Himself and myself. I am a little scared to leave this place, something about shaking a comfort zone does that too you. I am entering terrain where I don't know east from west or up from down. I was thinking about places in particular that I am going to miss in Halifax, and why I will miss them. In the spirit of nostalgia, in special tribute to someone who has played such an important role in my life, building me up in my faith, and encouraging me to follow Christ's call on my life, I have come up with a list of my top five places I will miss in Halifax...

5) The Farmer's Market - Starting a Saturday of on the right note is never hard to do with a trip to the Farmer's Market. I love the whole atmosphere. And my I suggest spelt apple cinnamon rolls, a tasty treat found just inside the Hollis st entrance to the market. Coupled with an earl gray tea, and a leisurely walk down the waterfront and you are guaranteed a great day!

4) West End Baptist Church - my church, I love it, the people that is, though I think the building is incredible. I have made so many great friends and have many wonderful memories that have that place as the location. I have really been blessed by the love and support that I have received from so many people I have met there. Also being the location of my baptism, for these reasons it will always hold a special place in my heart.

3) Starbucks - Not just because of the coffee, but the quality times spent there with close friends dishing, discussing, debating, and dealing with all of life's possible ups and downs. Regardless if it was a large group of us or just two of us, I am so grateful for the tears, the laughs and everything in between that have been shared over many teas and coffees.

2) "The Office" aka Loyola Tim Horton's - No, not just a caffeine addict, but this coffee shop on the SMU campus holds a special place in my heart. On any given day, at any given hour it is more than likely that one will find at least one or two C4Cers hanging out, sharing their faith, praying together, or discipling someone. Many people have placed their faith in Christ for the first time in that place, and God has used that favorite SMU hangout to do some awesome things.

1) Point Pleasant Park - One of this cities most perfect places. Perfect for quiet times with God. Perfect for shooting C4C project videos. Perfect for taking a nice walk and sharing a heart to heart with someone. Perfect for running, especially in the early morning. Perfect for reading a good book. Perfect for marveling at the wondrous creation of God's hand, the park always makes me stand in awe of our Lord. Somewhere between the peacefulness, the business, the vastness, the simplicity, and the intricacy of it all, God always amazes me, always makes me want to draw closer to Him when I'm in the park. It is incredible the perspective that one can gain and can desire to gain more of from one little place.

He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, He has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from beginning to end.
-Ecclesiastes 3:11

So at "T minus 3 weeks" I'm sitting in my living room in awe of the beauty which God has created in so many areas, and finding myself strangely contented not knowing about tomorrow and what it will bring, but finding comfort in the fact that God does.

2007-05-06T19:34:00.000-05:00

Wedding Bells Are Ringing

I just arrived home from a wonderful weekend in Fredericton with Greg for the wonderful celebration and joining together in marriage of Miss Jenny Thompson and Mr Ryan Drost. It was beautiful. Jenny looked stunning and Ryan also looked handsome. It was a perfect day, and the rain stopped at the correct times. I had the honour/responsibility of getting the groomsmen to all of their obligations on time, such as pictures before, the church, pictures after, and reception. Hanging out with them all day was memorable to say the least, but I would do it again in a heart beat. It was great getting to hang out with Greg's parents and friends from home again, they are all really great people. We also went to Greg's church this morning, it was really nice, I really liked it their. There was an awesome speaker who preached a great salvation message. All in all, a great weekend with some awesome memories for all who were involved!

2007-04-30T21:03:00.000-05:00

Leaving on a jet plane...

I love airports, normally they one of my favorite places to be there is something exciting and adventurous about them, but after spending some time in a couple this weekend a few new realities about airports have dawned on me. One, airports can be really lonely places if you have no idea when you will return and see people again. And two, airports can be really lonely places when there is no one there to greet you when you arrive.

2007-04-22T19:12:00.000-05:00

Lessons

So it's been a while, and even a while since Gilberto mentioned to me that maybe I should post again. So here is anything but what I've been up too (really it's quite boring it has mostly been exams and papers and all things related), sort of...a few lessons I'm learning.

1) Grace...very important, and if grace is given to me I have to give it. And since that is the case, I've got no excuse not to give second chances, God gives them to me every day and third, forth, fifth, and sixth chances for that matter.

2) Honesty...never a bad thing. It can cut like a knife and sting like crazy, but it's always better to know the truth. Always. (This is not always the easiest to see at the beginning, over time it becomes easier to see the upside to harsh honesty)

3) Time heals all wounds. Life never gets easy (where would the fun be in easy), but time will make the rough stuff better. A good nights sleep does wonders.

4) Friends are amazing and NEVER over rated. True friends are hard to come by, so when you find them, make sure you are everything to them that they are to you. Who fits into this description may change over time, but they are always needed. The person who says they can do it alone isn't telling the truth. *side note...if you fit into this category for me, I am ever so grateful!

5) Walking - seriously under rated. Walks clear the mind, calm the heart, and settle the spirit. Let alone the fact the positive physical effects of a good walk, but the emotional side effects are enough to make you not want that bus pass and to leave the car at home! *side note again...I doubt I will give up the pass (LOL)

2007-03-18T16:02:00.000-05:00

Totally Not Related...

Today on the way to church I had a tea (thank-you Greg) and I won Roll Up The Rim! I was 0 for about 15 before today. I am not sure though, if I won or Greg did since he treated...

Something else that's on my mind...

The power of prayer. The extent of it's power is so great, I would even guess that I have no real grasp on the true extent of it's power. I would even fathom a guess that it is really beyond all comprehension. But here is the thing; when I am placed in a position where the only thing I can do to help is pray I feel like I am not useful. I am action, I crave doing. Prayer isn't passive by any means, so why do I feel so passive when placed in a situation where that is the sole thing I am called to do? I want to lead a revival, a revolution, and I am told to sit back and pray. That is my job.

Why do I feel so useless? Why do I even argue with God over this one? I should take the tasks and rolls He gives me, and treat them with respect and honour they deserve. Where is my humility? I seem to have lost it somewhere along the way between God choosing me for this task, and me getting the message. I want to come before the Lord, and humbly lay everything at His feet. Why can't my head and my heart reconcile and realise that prayer can be one of the least passive, greatest, most important actions one can take.

I have seen the power of sincere prayer in my own life. I think of the ministry at SMU and how God has taught me so much about patience and prayer using that ministry as the vessel. I can't deny that prayer works. I know it does. It all comes back to my pride. God hears my prayers, no one else. By praying no one else will see my crusades. I crave the spotlight. I long for the visible front lines when God's will is being played out, not the invisible one. I need to get past this pride that blocks true potential.

Lord God, Help me to understand the incomprehensible power of prayer. Help me to crave prayer. Help me to appreciate the people that pray for me that much more. Help me to pray sincere prayers. Help me come to you with humility. Help me not to fight or resist your perfect plan. Teach me to pray as you would have me pray. Lord, make me the woman you want me to be. Amen

2007-03-11T14:11:00.000-05:00

Killing Two Birds With One Stone...

*Just a side not this post has nothing to do with killing, birds, or stones, but it is for sure a bunch of posts in one!

So, last year the wonderful Kelley Myles was my disicipler, but since she is no longer at SMU I am being discipled by the wonderful Heather Harman. I love being discipled by Heather, she is an incredible woman and such a blessing in my life. The flip side to the equation is though, that I do miss Kelley and seeing her at the weekly meetings is just not the same as our weekly opportunities to catch up and hang out. So, since I am experiencing the symptoms of Kelley Myles withdraw, I thought I would dedicate a post to her in true KM style, SO...

MY TOP FIVE WHO NEED FACEBOOK!!!!!!!
1- Kelley Myles
2- Angele Comeau
3- Tricia Jagt
4- Courtney Creelman
5- Robyn Hunter

ALSO...

Greg and I had house guests from Fredericton this weekend and it was a pile of fun. Tricia, I can't wait for you to move in, we are going to have such fun. Though I have never been in such reputation creating/compromising shops in my life!!!

and

Greg totally burned me, I never thought that I was one to really make people wait that long, but I guess I am wrong. I always thought that when Greg comes to pick me up he phones from the front of my building like most people. NOT SO, he phones from the top of my street so that when he arrives at my place he isn't having to wait as long to be let in. Thing is, he still beats me to my front door by quite some time. This is not good, so new goal, to be ready to leave before he reaches my street and meet him at the front door!

2007-03-07T20:22:00.000-05:00

Musicals...

So you may or may not know, that even more than dance, I love musical theatre, and have been blessed with the opportunity to perform in many musicals. Something like 30 I think. One of my favorite things about musicals are the lyrics. There is always a great balance of profound and silly. Here are some of my favorite musical theatre lyrics. (And by favorite, I mean favorite this week. I love just about every musical so my fav is always changing.)

Musical: RENT
Song: Life Support

There's only us
There's only this
Forget regret or life is yours to miss
No other road
No other way
No day but today

Musical: Les Miserables
Song: Finale

Take my hand
And lead me to salvation
Take my love
For love is everlasting
And remember
The truth that once was spoken
To love another person
Is to see the face of God.

Musical: Guys and Dolls
Song: Marry The Man Today

Marry the man today.
Trouble though he may be
Much as he likes to play Crazy and wild and free
Marry the man today
Rather than sigh in sorrow
Marry the man today
And change his ways tomorrow.

Musical: Aida
Song: My Strongest Suit

In life one has to face a huge assortment
Of nauseating fads and good advice
There's health and fitness
Diet and deportment
And other pointless forms of sacrifice
Conversation? Wit? I am a doubter
Manners? Charm?
They're no way to impress
So forget the inner me , observe the outer
I am what I wear and how I dress

Musical: Jesus Christ Superstar
Song: Heaven On Their Minds

Listen, Jesus, to the warning I give.
Please remember that I want us to live.
But it's sad to see our chances weakening with every hour.
All your followers are blind.
Too much heaven on their minds.
It was beautiful, but now it's sour.
Yes it's all gone sour.

2007-03-04T18:51:00.000-05:00

Question...

...Are you more wise with or with out your wisdom teeth?

2007-02-28T07:26:00.000-05:00

FIVE...

So, I've been tagged by Deb. My instructions are to write five things about me that no one knows, then tag five other bloggers to do the same. Here I go (hopefully new things will be learned)

1) My middle name. So many will know that my middle name is Lindsay, but most will not know how I got it. I was named after a man named Lindsay Smith. He was a grandfather figure to my Mom. I'm told I've met him, and photos would also support this, though unfortunately I don't remember him. I do have though a beautiful jewelry box that he carved by had for me.

2) I love airports. There are a few reasons for this. One, I love to travel and the excitement that goes along with that. Two, when I travel alone I feel very independent, the sky literally becomes the limit to what I feel I can do. Three, I like people watching. (It's not that creepy, secretly you know you love it too!)

3) One day I could be queen. Okay, so many of you may know that I am in line for the throne of England. I originally thought I was behind most of Europe. NOT SO!!! I'm somewhere like
25 000 down the line. That's like only the population of Truro or the combined total of DAL and SMU together. This is totally do-able! Hiring one hit man...

4) I've left my mark on the education system in Nova Scotia. If you're ever bored and chose to read the rules and regulations for science fair projects in the provincial competition, you will notice a line that reads something like this, "No animals or livestock may be used in experiments". I won't fill you in on the details now, but it's all because of me baby. You can take a girl out of the boonies, but you can't take the boonies out of the girl...

5) The woman I aspire to be the most like in the Bible is Ruth.

Okay...so I tag:
Tricia Jagt cause she's just started blogging
Lindsey Davies cause we've got a name in common (though we spell it differently)
But mostly I tag these two cause out of the blogs I read I know these two the least. That will change though, they're on my STINT team!
Kelley Myles cause after that angry blog I've learned it had to do with not being tagged. Next time I make the top five, I don't want to be on that list! Plus, I love her and don't get to see her as much anymore.
Gilberto De Melo because he volunteers for the IWK, and that place saved my little brothers life on the weekend.
And finally, Matt Rice cause well according to Matt Clarke, "he's Chuck Norris!" and that just cracks me up. I'm laughing with you Matt, not at you!

2007-02-19T18:37:00.000-05:00

Battle Cry

The first step to winning a battle is actually acknowledging that you are in one. Today I have come to that realization. Now don't get me wrong, I have known that there is a spiritual battle going on for quite sometime now, but I have finally seen how I have fit into the picture today.

I had a quiet time today. Now don't get me wrong, I have them most days. But today was real. And I am realising how stale all my quiet times have been for almost a year. Yes, a year. God and I chatted, really dialogued today. And it was wonderful, refreshing. He definitely showed me how for the last year there has only been one set of footprints in the sand, and they haven't been mine. And, the exact weekend stuff started to go off the rails in my life and He picked me up and carried me.

It was a crazy weekend, my Grandma was rushed to the hospital for emergency heart surgery (her pace-maker started poking through her skin). That Friday, I decided once and for all that I had to give up my dream of dancing for a career, something that I'd dreamed about for a long time (good-bye National Ballet School). There were the performances of a ballet that I was originally cast in (my lead role was given away because of my injury and inability to dance). And to cap it all off, stuff with my roommates started to go really down hill (this due in part to me a slight identity crisis not really knowing who I was outside of dance and part due to my roommates and I realising that all we had in common was dance and now not even that.) Life as I knew it was not going well at all, and without even realising it, I lost complete control.

So here are a couple of realisations I've come too...

1) I've been relying on God's strength more than I even realised.

2) God showed me some places in the last year where He could have let me go, but held on tight. I am loved by Him more than I will ever be able to understand.

3) That it's time for us to walk hand in hand with two sets of footprints, He's not going to leave me, ever, but I am ready now to walk on my own.

4) Putting on the "armour of God" has to be a literal thing. (This wasn't a suggestion put into the Bible just for kicks, we really need it. Daily.)

So I'm able to see how God has carried me through the battle for the last year. But now, I need to take some ownership and fight. So, some changes are going to be made in my life. Nothing to drastic, but now that I can see how close the enemy has come in the last year, I know what I need to do.

2007-02-13T12:09:00.000-05:00

Kindness

I want to introduce you to someone. His name is Justin Halleran. He's a 5th year student at Memorial University in Newfoundland. He plays varsity basketball and is the starting shooting guard for his school. I'm told he is also one of the top players in the league. I've never met Justin, but his kindness has impacted me greatly. The following is a recap of something that has transpired over the last few days. It was written by my mother, but I agree with everything she is saying.

This is the story of two young men, both of them dedicated athletes, who met this afternoon in the locker room of the Dalplex in Halifax, NS. One is a swimmer who had just finished competing in the pool, the other a basketball player getting ready for his game. I do not know all that transpired between the two when they met, but what I do know, I will share.

When the swimmer returned to the locker room after his events, it was to find that one of his shoes was missing. He searched carefully but to no avail. No one wants to lose a shoe. No one wants to go outside barefoot in Feb., especially in the midst of a cold spell such as we are presently experiencing.

The swimmer's father went looking for his son. It is unusual for him to be so slow leaving the locker room. He found the swimmer sitting on a bench holding a large size 11 basketball shoe. The second size 11 shoe was on one foot, while his own remaining size 6 shoe was on the other foot. When asked, he explained to his Dad that the size 11's had been given to him by a basketball player who was getting ready for a game at 3pm.

The father went looking to try and return the shoes. He asked the Dalhousie players and no one knew about the shoes. Throughout the field house there were masses of young men playing basketball. Who to ask? The son insisted the player who had given him the footwear was going to be in a big game at 3pm, so the father returned to the court, this time walking towards the Memorial team players. One player raised his hand ever so slightly in a small wave. The father asked if the shoes were his, and he acknowledged that they were. Would he take them back? Justin Halleran would not consider that. "Everyone should have a pair of shoes to wear out of the gym."

It is not easy for an athlete in the midst of game preparation to take their focus from their own game. That Justin Halleran took that time to talk with a young man who happens to have Down Syndrome, and without a second thought give something of his own up to help another out of a tricky situation, showed he is a worthy ambassador of both Memorial University, and his home province, Newfoundland.

I do not know how he did on the basketball court today, but I hope he did well! I do know that in that larger, more important game - the one we call LIFE - Justin Halleran certainly proved himself a true team player.

So Justin, thank-you. For your kindness to one great kid who many overlooked that afternoon. It has not gone unnoticed.

2007-02-09T22:17:00.000-05:00

Crying at Movies...

So I cry at almost anything, especially movies. Last weekend I cried at a movie. Now I have no shame in this, but the situation is rather funny since I was the only gal at the movie and went with 4 of my best guy friends. Though they didn't even know until I told them...LOL.

Tomorrow night, I will once again cry at a movie. Greg and I are going to watch the Notebook. (Relationships are all about compromise so we are both watching a movie we wouldn't normally and are trading one chick flick for one shoot-em-up-testosterone-fest and I picked the biggest, most chickest of all chick flicks I could think of!) He has no idea what he is in for! This movie makes me cry every time I see it, and it has been a while, so I will probably flow like Niagara Falls. LOL. I hope he has tissues on Hand. (*sigh...I get all girly just thinking about the movie.) If he is smart, he will take notes, though cheesy there are some very romantic ideas in this movie. (Like a letter everyday for a year, how sweet is that? HintHint)

Now here is where the story gets unfortunate, every gal knows that waterproof mascara is genius, perfect for times like the above, I at this time have none and won't have time to pick some up. So tomorrow I will be left with one of two options, one wear no mascara at all or two, wear mascara that is bound to run. What's a girl to do? (LOL)

On a complete other spectrum, tomorrow before our movie date, I will be babysitting so won't be able to pick up the movie. Greg is going to have to go by himself to do it. Now he isn't normally one to feel awkward about stuff like this, and I'm sure he hasn't even thought about the situation enough to consider that it might be awkward. Though if my favourite blog stalker reads this between now and then, he may feel just a little self conscious about the whole situation. It's fair though, I'm watching Sniper...

*To make up for the fact this post is somewhat shallow, I will do my best to drum up something a little more profound for my next post

2007-01-28T19:11:00.000-05:00

OFFICIALLY GOING TO PANAMA!!!

That is correct everyone! STINT team complete, It's Panama or bust! I am officially a short term international intern with Campus for Christ, and I'm going to Panama!!!!

Praise God!

2007-01-22T20:06:00.000-05:00

Some nice stuff that has happened to me in the last little bit...

I had my dishes washed, I had my groceries carried, I was suprised with a tea, was walked to work, was treated to dinner, was told I am beautiful, was prayed for, was given a much needed hug, was given a foot rub, had my garbage taken out, was walked home, had some sciencey stuff explained, was teased, was thanked, had a deep conversation, had more than one light one, laughed at a cd, laughed at a bad joke, laughed at bad pun, just plain was made to laugh, made someone laugh, shared a laugh, was comforted, was given advice, was made to feel special, was able to see a glimpse of just how blessed I am.

2007-01-15T20:17:00.000-05:00

Love, Laughter and DGs

My DG is wonderful. One of the high points in my week is getting an opportunity to lead this DG. The girls are incredible. I don't want to sound cocky but we may have the best DG ever! I've heard it described as epic. This DG is going to go down in History at SMU as "THE DG". 50 years from now students will still be talking about it.

What is it about this DG that sets it apart from all others? To begin, it is the incredible heart for God that each girl has. There has never been a more diverse group of girls, from all walks of life, from all corners of the earth, each at a very different place in their walk with the Lord. But each comes each week willing to humble themselves before the Lord and each other to learn whatever they can, and to encourage each other in every way possible. I love how each week they come excited to share with the group how God is working in their lives and the lessons He is teaching them. Wanting to know more about him.

The second reason for why I love this group, and the reason that required me to get back to the blog is the collective ability to talk and to listen. I have just gotten home from my DG which started at 5:30pm this evening. Our DG is meant to last an hour and a half. Tonight we didn't do a study, but shared about our Christmas breaks and caught up with each other. We finally decided that is was not academically responsible for us to continue at 7:30. At 8:30 we finally left. Time really flies when you are having fun. We laughed for three hours straight tonight.

I am going to miss these girls next year. They are such a blessing in my life. I have seen them take incredible steps of faith over the last couple of months, and continue to see these steps being taken, and I can't help but get excited for what God is going to do through them. I am looking forward to awesome stories of the evidence of God's power as He works in and through the lives of these girls. I love my role in the ministry at SMU, and I am going to be sad to leave it. But I know that there are some remarkable women who are more than capable to carry on the torch.

As I think and pray about where God is taking my life, I can see one of His reasons for calling me to Panama is so that the movement at SMU can really take off. By going to Panama, I am forced to give up my leadership role on the campus at SMU, and to really teach others, to build into them, so that the gospel can truly be taken to all nations. One of the areas in my life that need to improve on is my desire to always be in the centre of what is happening, going to Panama is forcing me to let go of that, and in that, watch these girls grow in leadership and as spiritual multipliers, and to understand that they are capable of being a part of the fulfillment of the great commission right where they are. I am so excited to come back to Halifax in a year and a half from now to see where God has taken the ministry at SMU.

My prayer is that I can return and that there be so many people capable and willing to lead a DG, or disciple someone, or take on roles in the other aspects of the ministry that I am not needed, but wanted. I pray that whatever my role is when I return no matter how big or how small it be given to me not because there is no one else to do it, but because it is the best for the ministry that I do it. I pray for humility as I watch others take roles of leadership that were once mine. I pray for patience as I watch them do things maybe not as I would. I pray for wisdom to know when to step forward into responsibility and when to step back and give others an opportunity. I pray for my girls, that God would bless them as He has blessed me, that they would one day understand how God is using them to take the gospel to our campus and to the world. Amen.

2006-11-16T21:33:00.000-05:00

ONE YEAR LATER

One year ago today I was sitting in the doctor's office listening to him explain the consequences of a dislocated knee cap. Any dancer realises that an injury will change our lives, at least for a little while. I had no idea that day how drastically my life would change as a result. I can remember hobbling into the studio on crutches and seeing the expressions on the faces of the staff at MCPA watching them go from shock to horror back to shock and then pure panic! Realising they had to re-cast a show as a result. Feeling at that point that not only had I done myself in, but also was bringing everyone else down with me. And everywhere I turned around having people give my sympathetic regards. I hate when people are overly sympathetic. I was up to my eye balls in sympathy for months, and I'm still dealing with it. At the time I can remember being mad at myself. Now I know I can't control when my body starts to give out on me, but I was so frustrated. I hate watching dance classes. The worst thing you can do to a dancer is make them watch a class. It is pure torture. For the next four months all I did was watch dance classes. I was so unhappy. I began hating going to the studio. I hated to see the other girls dripping in sweat after a great class. I hated knowing that that would not be me again. Closing the door on a chapter of your life is never easy but when it comes as a surprise it is beyond difficult.

I still have questions. Why me? that one comes up a lot. I believe I do know the answer. But that doesn't stop my heart and my head from going back to it from time to time. I will always wonder if I would have "made it". Or would I have come home, head down and tail between my legs ashamed having not? At least I would have known. If I had taken one last class that day, would my body have lasted longer? Probably not, but who knows. If I had been that much more careful about my technique, would that have helped?

I firmly believe this was God's plan for me. And I know He's got me under His control, I don't need to worry about it. And when I was over thinking this, I came to this conclusion, that I don't believe the answers to these questions are out there. God has one plan for my life. One. I don't need to spend time contemplating the shoulda, coulda, woulda's of it all. He has got it all figured out. Time spent on that equals money wasted on Advil. Why give myself a headache over something I don't want to change.

That's right, something I don't want to change this situation. Now I could handle to get rid of the constant physical pain that I live my life with everyday, a daily reminder and side effect, but I wouldn't give anything to go from where I am today to where I was then. God has taken my life flipped it upside down and inside out and I am finding more satisfaction in Him than I have ever found in a day at the studio. I would never trade the lessons I have learned for any amount of time spent dancing. Ironically though I do miss blister competitions...LOL

2006-11-13T20:37:00.000-05:00

THANK-YOU BOYS

This is just a short note to thank Luke, Matt, and Greg for their hard labour on Sunday afternoon. The couch and chair fit very nicely into the apartment. Perfectly to be exact. Thanks for giving your time and "guns" to move it in for me! I really appreciate it. And Luke, please thank your folks for me. This is so good of them. I really can't thank them enough! Here is an invitation for a party on the roof...

2006-11-11T17:22:00.000-05:00

THE SADDEST THING I HAVE EVER READ!!!!

During Down Syndrome Awareness Week 2006 personal stories about and by a family who have two children with Down syndrome were published in newspapers. Referring to one of the articles we received a comment from a reader who expressed his views on the article.

Hi, I am writing about the article featured in the Saturday paper regarding the parents of 2 down syndrome little girls. To tell you the truth I would not want to be in those parent's shoes. My wife and I terminated two pregnancies once we found out our babies were going to be downs. There was no way we were going to bring special need babies into our family. Those parents in the paper say they are happy however deep inside I am sure they are struggling emotionally. They are not blind. Obviously they have not been around normal babies. With all the resources available nowadays to find out early about the genetics and gender of the baby, why would anybody put themselves thru this kind of life. Just wanted to share my views on this subject.

This is the saddest thing I have ever read. My mom sent it to me today. I cried as I read it, and have tears in my eyes as I read it now again. This one hits a little too close to home. I feel hurt and angry. I feel personally assaulted, offended. This makes me want to scream and yell and to act irrationally. I feel so frustrated! How can anyone think like that? I am deeply insulted. I can't think straight. My mind is going 100 miles an hour but nothing is being accomplished. I can't get my thoughts in order. I hate how wrong he is. How selfish he is. How mislead he is. I feel attacked. I feel disheartened. I feel maddened. I feel heartbroken. I feel discouraged.

Have the efforts put forth by those in the past been fruitless? Have we gone one step forward, three steps back? Will the barriers of misconception ever be brought down? Matthew has your perseverance been in vain?

Matthew, please know, I love you. Our whole family loves you. More people than we can count love you. We would never trade you for the world let alone exchange you for nothing. Matt, we struggle more when you are not around than when you are. We need you Matt. And please don't flatter yourself, your "needs" are no more "special" than those of anyone else. Matt I want to protect you from people like that. But I won't, you don't need my protection. You are inner strength personified. I aspire to one day have the work ethic, compassion for others and to take pleasure in the small things the way you do. You inspire without even knowing it. Never give up or give in (not that you would consider doing either). Swim fast. Never be anyone else but yourself, you are responsible for a small part of each of us and our family would not be the same without you. Never change, I...we want you just the way you are.

More than anything I feel sorry for the author of the above article. He has no idea of what he is missing in his life, twice over! I think though, that my mom put it best. The following is the final paragraph to her responce to the above letter. (if you would like to read the whole thing let me know)

You know JOHN, we have brought five children into this world and each of them has and will continue to have "special needs". There is no such thing as a "perfect child". It is unlikely that our son with Down syndrome grows up to be Prime Minister of this country, but it is also unlikely any of our other children will either. He will not get paid the salary of a school teacher, but he will spend his entire life teaching and showing those around him what can be accomplished through hard work. Already he has changed lives and he will continue to do so. "Why would anybody put themselves thru this kind of life"? Because it is not a burden, it has been and is a gift. We are so much the richer for it! And as I write this letter JOHN, I grieve for you, as it is a gift you will now never know.

I could not agree more!

2006-11-10T23:19:00.000-05:00

2006-11-06T20:07:00.000-05:00

TO PREACH OR TO SEND...

(13) for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."(14) How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? (15) And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"
Romans 10:13-15

I'm between a rock and a hard place. Both options breed Godly outcomes. Both with appeal. Both life changing. Both promise adventure, challenge, and excitement. Both will contain laughter and tears, joy and sorrow, victory and defeat. Both with lasting consequences...Good and bad. Both tug at my heart, pulling it in two very different directions. Both will see students won for Christ, built into, and sent out to fulfill the great commission. Both will see God glorified. Both will see God Praised. Both will see God honored. Both will be used by God. One is in His will.

2006-10-31T07:25:00.000-05:00

APPRECIATED THINGS

Again with the lists. One day I am going to find some time to write something other than a list. Maybe I will do that on the day I can throw out my "TO DO" list...Wouldn't that be nice! But alas some things that have stuck out in the last little while.

1- Getting facebooked my a long lost friend...
2- My uncle getting facebook...If facebook was ever cool, it is now
3- Getting together with a group of C4Cers for a vision night...So very exciting!
4- An e-mail in response to an e-mail from my parents.
5- A chance to lead a Bible study at church...And the responses from people in the congregation
6- Watching Pride and Prejudice
7- Sharing secrets with a wonderful group of girls after watching P&P
8- Making chili, and the smell in my apartment...SO good
9- Beautiful flowers from someone special...Nope didn't buy them for myself
10- Genuine excitement for various reasons from Jessie
11- The girls in my DG...The desire to learn and grow
12- Discipleship time with Kelley, always appreciated, but yesterday was exactly what I needed
13- My relationship with my parents...I love our phone calls, especially ones like last night
14- The leadership within my church...Going out of their way to help me out however they can
15- A great walk put me in awe of our creation, and made me appreciate just how I fit in to it all

2006-10-15T12:15:00.000-05:00

A FEW MORE THINGS

Since midterms are upon me, lists lacking in detail are necessary because time is of the essence! Will it ever slow down? The truth is I hope not, though sleeping in someday might be nice. So in point form, a few key high lights from the past week.

- An e-mail from Dubai. (From the mother of one of the girls in my DG. A few kind words of encouragement and letting me know that I am being prayed for. It made my day!)
- A new baby cousin. (Rory Donald Smith Cameron was born on Thursday morning.)
- Baby sitting Rory's older sisters. (Three wonderful little girls, who are a joy to play with, and are so excited to have a baby brother!)
- Dinner at the Harman's home. (It was a wonderful evening. They are an amazing family, I am blessed to have them in my life.)
- A decision to start C4C at Mount Allison University. (SMU is going to be partnering with MT.A to reach that campus and the nations for Christ. I am looking forward to getting to know Fraser better through this adventure!)
- A beautiful letter from a very dear friend. (Courtney, I feel so blessed to have you as a friend.)
- Matt came into work. (And he came up behind me in a sneaky way only he can do! What a crazy little brother!)
- Saw The Guardian on Saturday night. (A very good movie. My company for the evening was wonderful, a great time was had. More great times to come.)
- A good friend of mine got engaged! (Congratulations!!! Jessie and Dave I am so happy for you.)
- Breakfast after church. (As per-usual, breakfast after church was time well spent with great friends.)

2006-10-09T16:15:00.000-05:00

CAN'T BEGIN TO COUNT THE THINGS I HAVE TO BE THANKFUL FOR

What a weekend! I can't believe that it is almost over, only a few more hours. I have decided to for all intents and purposes measure the weekend via true Hunter style, and measure it in meals.

The first meal was a wedding feast! And what a feast it was, but the food is not the focus here. Yes, the first of the Hunter cousins got hitched over the weekend in a beautiful ceremony at White Point Beach Resort. It was perfect in every. I am so happy for Chantal! And Adam is a wonderful addition to the family. (interesting side note, we knew Adam was a keeper when within 10 minutes of meeting my part of the larger Hunter family, he was already in a pillow fight with my youngest brother, Charlie. Anyone who feels that comfortable with my family really should be an official part of it!) The wedding took place outside, beside the beach, just before the sun went down. It was beautiful. And for those of you who are wondering about the dance...It was not half as bad as I was anticipating. I did dance with each of my brothers once, but there were lots of friends at the wedding, not just family as I was lead to believe, so it didn't get overly awkward! My youngest brother, and the youngest guest at the wedding graced us all with his dance ability by doing the worm for everyone...I have imparted some great dance knowledge and ability to him!

The second feast was Sunday brunch, now there is no real event to mention along with this meal, but the meal itself was so good it was worth blogging about! It was an all you can eat buffet brunch, and since the weekend is being measured in meals, enough said!

Third meal, TURKEY DINNER!!!!! Oh yeah, it was awesome. Also in true Hunter style we had a massive spread and a massive group of people to enjoy it with, 16 all together. A full stomach and a good time was had by all!

So what am I thankful for? Well the food for sure, but that isn't where the list begins or ends. I'm not sure if I could even begin to list everything that should be on that list. And I am not even going to try because I know something important will be left off. So to actually pull the title into my post, I really can't count what I am thankful for. But the grace of God needs to be mentioned. How thankful I am that God sent His son to die for my sins and to stay with me forever. I think of the phrase so commonly used eternally grateful, it takes on a whole new significance.

Thank-you Jesus.
(And a special thanks to Greg for the lift back to the city, you made the trip much more enjoyable!!!)

2006-10-05T14:13:00.000-05:00

RE-CAP...WHAT'S BEEN GOING DOWN
(interesting tid bits from the last little while)

1- Discover I really like pistachios, and it is a really close race for favorite nut between them and cashews
2- Started Spanish lessons
3- Still folding clothes at Reitmans
4- Leading a women's DG at SMU
5- Joined the worship team at church
6- Learned how to make meat balls
7- Beat my little brother (Charlie) at internet checkers
8- One of the girls in the SMU ministry thought I was on staff with C4C
9- Go camping...proper camping, not tenting in the back yard
10- President of the SMU Campus for Christ (well, co-president with John but he knows who is really running the show...lol)

anyway for all of you who say I never update my blog...SO THERE...lol

Blessings

2006-07-31T17:36:00.000-05:00

"CAN I HAVE YOUR POSTAL CODE PLEASE?"

At work before we are given the total amount for the purchase we have to ask each customer for their postal code. Now the computer isn't smart enough to know if what is typed in is an actual code or not, so for those of you who happen to be a little cautious about such information you can really give anything you want. No one at Reitman's will ever know the difference. Last week though after I had finished scanning all the items the customer had, I as per usual asked for the postal code. The lady gave it to me. I then realized that it was also my postal code as well. Neither of us wanting at first to say exactly where we lived gave points of reference as to where our homes were. We discovered that not only do we live on the same street, we live on the same side of the street and on the same block, and yes, we live in the same building. Now, we are not on the same floor, but if we were on the same floor we would be right across the hall from each other! Crazy eh! We are now constantly bumping into each other and when we do I receive a hearty "Hello Neighbor" and have a chance to smile at the crazy coincidence of it all.

2006-07-10T18:12:00.000-05:00

MATT THE CAT

Matt is a crazy kid! I think if I could sum him up into one word only, it would be extraordinary! It's funny but I have no idea where the nickname Matt-the-cat came from. Probably something Dad gave him because it rhymed. Interestingly enough, Matt played a cat this past spring when his high school put on a production of the Broadway musical Cats. So he was literally, Matt-the-cat. But I digress.

The reason Matt is on my mind at this moment is that he is staying with me for the week. At "the hotel" which he calls my apartment building. He is going to swim camp at Dal for the week and living the high life as he goes about life with no responsibilities or cares. Except swimming...and the excitement of swimming was what woke me up at 5:30am Monday morning concerned we were going to be late! In the last two days though, he has been sleeping until at least 6:30...a much more civilized hour(sort of).

2006-07-07T08:42:00.000-05:00

DISCONNECTED

I have been without a phone for exactly one week. It is so true that you really don't have any idea on how much you rely one something until it is gone. Now it is not that I am missing out on hundreds of phone calls a day or anything but it is the inconvenience of not being able to contact whomever I want, whenever I want that is frustrating. For the last week I have been planning my phone calls around each other. I have been waiting until I have had at least three calls to make before I walk from my apartment over to school to use a payphone. I have also stopped phoning anyone just to catch up or chat. Using the phone has become something that I do only when I have no other option. It has also been an inconvenience when I have had people over. Because the intercom system is hooked up to the phone line, when people come to visit, I have no way of knowing when they have arrived. I have to make my best guess and go down stairs and wait. (This will be especially annoying tomorrow when I have a 3 hour window for when the repair man is to show up!!)

This might be a distant parallel, but think about the phone as Jesus for a second. As a Christian I don't even want to think about what my life would be like if I had to go a week without Jesus in it. I rely on Him for everything. Imagine if He wasn't there all the time to talk to whenever about whatever! Or if we had to wait until we had at least three really good prayer requests before we were able to speak with him. Or if He was like my broken intercom system and I had to make a guess about when He was actually going to show up to listen to my prayers. Imagine if we couldn't talk to Jesus about the everyday happenings of our lives, if He would only listen if we had an extremely necessary request that couldn't wait and had to be dealt with. What a life that would be.

The truth of the matter is, that I never have to worry about any of that. Jesus is always there to listen to my prayers, no matter what. And it doesn't matter if I have one request or one hundred, He is going to listen to them all. But how often do I take advantage of that? I know that I have a pretty good prayer life, but how often do I keep things to myself instead of passing them onto Jesus? How often do I wait until something is an urgent necessary matter before I start praying about it? Why as Christians are we so often reactive with our prayers instead of proactive? Why is it that we so often turn to pray as a last resort when it seems there is no other option?

Ah...It seems as though I now have one more thing to talk to Jesus about...And then I will go find a payphone to make some necessary "can't wait till later" phone calls.

2006-07-04T16:02:00.000-05:00

Now, I don't like to brag, but since this is on behalf of someone else I think it might be ok, especially since he would never brag...ever. My little brother(I say little but he towers over me at six feet tall) has just made an all star soccer team for 15 year olds from across eastern North America. Now, it is not as if Sandy woke up one morning and was all of a sudden really awesome at soccer...he has worked crazy hard to get to where he is. Infact he has been cut from his fair share of teams. But he works hard...he trains in some way eight days a week. He has earned every oppertunity that has come his way through soccer.

But it's not his soccer ability or work ethic that make me so proud of him. It is his desire to put God first in his life. Sandy was baptised just over a month ago, and as his sister I can honesetly say it was one of the proudest moments of my life. My "little" bother has decided to live his life for Jesus and nothing could make me happier or more proud of him. My pray is that he will continue to grow in his faith and use his soccer as a platform to spread the gospel.