These are some must watch videos to get a better idea of what God is doing...
Surfing The Nations
Sri Lanka and Indo Outreach
If you guys want more videos let me know -- I have loads!
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
A rough sketch
A rough sketch is the best I can produce at this point. I feel as if once the day ends there is too much to zoom out and process..let alone the fact it's been months since I have given "blogging" much attention at all. I know that last few posts were taken from my travel journal but so much more has happened and continues to happen. My time in Sri Lanka blew any expectation and challenged me daily. I had such a great time being able to be available to the Carothers family during a pretty crazy time in their life. Tiffany and Cody have two boys and are full time missionaries charging it hard for Christ in Sri Lanka. While I was there Tiff heard some pretty hard news about the health of her Dad and returned to California to be with him as he battles a rough case of cancer. (PTL the cancer is now shrinking).
While in Sri Lanka I got to spend some solid time with the women and I am beyond blessed by their hearts and willingness and want to know our Father. I wish I the time to relay story after story about my time in Sri Lanka but I would rather love to tell you (get in contact with me). My mind races as I try to back track to the month of June and I am bursting with stories, challenges, memories and life changing moments. From the culture to the traveling -- adventure isn't even a word to do justice.
Indonesia. Woah - yup another country. God is taking my comfort zone to a new level. On this adventure, which is a big change of pace from Sri, we visited Bali - Lombok - Sembawa & Nusa Lembongan. On those islands we got to spend time with the villagers and spread tangible donations and support. It was amazing. I spent 10 days with no running water, no electricity and all on the most isolated tip of the island of Lombok -- a spiritually dark and physically challenging village. I spent time on a boat with 20 other team members and had the most amazing fellowship throughout the entire trip. My prayers were answered, salvation was received, God was present and shoot -- I was 1/2 way around the world and no matter what -- it's the same stars, same sun, SAME GOD! He is everywhere.
Now I'm back! The transition "home" was a harder culture shock then the adventure of traveling to the places God has taken me. I didn't know how to dress, act, be, work, converse... it was crazy. I was socially awkward and confused in what my reasoning was for each day. BUT the funk finally released and it's good to be "back". Now what?
Well my job here is to assist in leading the SLS (Surfers Leadership School) along side some amazing co-workers. I get to mentor, love on, pour into and lead a crew of 10 students yearning to learn how to be a better leader. I love it. I plan all the activities (backpacking trip, leadership building days and am focused on harboring an apartment of growth - love - challenge and accountability). My other job here is to assist in leading the Surf Outreach. This is a once a week outreach that touches the shelters of the west side of the island. We teach these kids the skills to be able to enjoy the creation God has given them, not only how to surf but also the responsibilities and respect that comes along side it all. It's been an amazing year seeing these kids grow.
What is in the future? This October I have been asked to be apart of a PNW recruiting trip. I will be facilitating the Oregon section and I am STOKED to show my ohana my family back home. October also hosts our adventure trips for the SLS and I'm praying all details fall together. November 3rd my parents come out to my home away from home. I can't believe that are both coming to Oahu. So excited to share with them the ministry God has called me to. I'm giddy just thinking about being able to have my parents experience STN for real.
I'm excited for these next few months and those to follow. I hope this update didn't fill you up and your appetite is just beginning. If you are in Oregon get ready to have a buffet of information in October and for those who want stories and more moments of God's love and blessings - get a hold of me!
My biggest prayers right now are..
supporters! this is all made possible because of the support from those back home. PLEASE partner with me in prayer -- prayer changes things -- and if you feel led to financially support me allow God to use your blessings to bless others.
Much love and aloha.
Julie Nelson
While in Sri Lanka I got to spend some solid time with the women and I am beyond blessed by their hearts and willingness and want to know our Father. I wish I the time to relay story after story about my time in Sri Lanka but I would rather love to tell you (get in contact with me). My mind races as I try to back track to the month of June and I am bursting with stories, challenges, memories and life changing moments. From the culture to the traveling -- adventure isn't even a word to do justice.
Indonesia. Woah - yup another country. God is taking my comfort zone to a new level. On this adventure, which is a big change of pace from Sri, we visited Bali - Lombok - Sembawa & Nusa Lembongan. On those islands we got to spend time with the villagers and spread tangible donations and support. It was amazing. I spent 10 days with no running water, no electricity and all on the most isolated tip of the island of Lombok -- a spiritually dark and physically challenging village. I spent time on a boat with 20 other team members and had the most amazing fellowship throughout the entire trip. My prayers were answered, salvation was received, God was present and shoot -- I was 1/2 way around the world and no matter what -- it's the same stars, same sun, SAME GOD! He is everywhere.
Now I'm back! The transition "home" was a harder culture shock then the adventure of traveling to the places God has taken me. I didn't know how to dress, act, be, work, converse... it was crazy. I was socially awkward and confused in what my reasoning was for each day. BUT the funk finally released and it's good to be "back". Now what?
Well my job here is to assist in leading the SLS (Surfers Leadership School) along side some amazing co-workers. I get to mentor, love on, pour into and lead a crew of 10 students yearning to learn how to be a better leader. I love it. I plan all the activities (backpacking trip, leadership building days and am focused on harboring an apartment of growth - love - challenge and accountability). My other job here is to assist in leading the Surf Outreach. This is a once a week outreach that touches the shelters of the west side of the island. We teach these kids the skills to be able to enjoy the creation God has given them, not only how to surf but also the responsibilities and respect that comes along side it all. It's been an amazing year seeing these kids grow.
What is in the future? This October I have been asked to be apart of a PNW recruiting trip. I will be facilitating the Oregon section and I am STOKED to show my ohana my family back home. October also hosts our adventure trips for the SLS and I'm praying all details fall together. November 3rd my parents come out to my home away from home. I can't believe that are both coming to Oahu. So excited to share with them the ministry God has called me to. I'm giddy just thinking about being able to have my parents experience STN for real.
I'm excited for these next few months and those to follow. I hope this update didn't fill you up and your appetite is just beginning. If you are in Oregon get ready to have a buffet of information in October and for those who want stories and more moments of God's love and blessings - get a hold of me!
My biggest prayers right now are..
supporters! this is all made possible because of the support from those back home. PLEASE partner with me in prayer -- prayer changes things -- and if you feel led to financially support me allow God to use your blessings to bless others.
Much love and aloha.
Julie Nelson
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