Raw.Real.Relational.

My hands are perched ready to unleash all of the stories, the characters and moments that make up what my life has become. My hands are perched but frozen just inches over the key board, almost as if they are confused on the signal I'm giving them to - go - but my brain is rewinding, pausing, replaying and recalling all that I now have the responsibility to tell you. I stop. Sip some much needed coffee and all my thoughts seem to align, prepare and slowly play forward, careful not to skip a beat.

Type, delete, paste, type, delete, delete, delete. That seems to be my pattern as I try to give tribute to the characters of the memories I want to tell you about. How can I do justice to so many of my greatest friends that have left, that have been called to step into the next chapter but have left me blessed forever.  The truth is I can't. No words can fully describe to anyone how much they have all changed me. If I tried, I would mess it up. You would finish reading believing one man was better than the other or maybe that "she" was a little odd. Well let me tell you they all are odd and they all are better than the other in some way, in some form and in some amazing story you would have known that. I am grateful for the season God gave me with those that surround me. The best lesson I have learned at Surfing The Nations is not to become numb to those goodbyes, but to thrive in the change that is before you. Do not simply survive but thrive as change is only inevitable and it is for a reason.

I will not attempt the daunting task of replaying all that has happened since August. That would simply leave you confused, overwhelmed and lost between the spaces of how and why. I can leave all that confusion by saying it all is because of the grace and miracles God allows us to be a part of and it is all to further His Kingdom and to continue to live a life of adventure and creativity.

In regards to the story of Surfing The Nations, in respect to the amazing organization I work for. The "as of late" report is nothing less than a Cinderella story. We now are proud owners and occupiers of the Texas Club (strip joint), now redeemed and on it's way to restoration with prayers of a family friendly business to join the team. So after bleaching the walls, scrubbing the floors and watching the ugly step sisters continue to go to the ball. Seeing the enemy win over lives and take resident in the buildings, it was our time to shine. The glass slipper had finally found it's way to our feet and due to the decades of prayers and selfless service of the those in the community we were able to be apart of seeing The Top Hat Bar (longest running bar in Oahu), The Market 88 (drug trafficking Mecca) , Divine Pleasures (porn shop)  and Club Texas (strip joint) close it's doors and the Lord take ownership once again. From the brothel house tucked behind the buildings to the illegal trafficking that happened day in and day out it is now a house of the Lord and a refuge for the hurting.

Mere weeks before the Christmas season was hitting in full, I was in a complete whirl wind of what to do next. The majority of my close friends were leaving Surfing The Nations, my brother just found out they we expecting and with all honestly my soul was weary. I didn't want to be here alone, I want nothing more than to be more a part of my niece and nephews lives and I wasn't sure if I could endure much longer. I was seeking, knocking, screaming for an answer and it was a humbling call back to prayer when the peace that surpasses all understanding washed over me as intense as any Pacific Northwest coastal storm. To be comforted in knowing that my talents are required to be used and multiplied and my calling is like no one beside me. To be comforted in knowing God will always provide in ways of finances, family and friends. And to know that when we come to our ropes end it is our Savior that is always there with the strength we need. All truths I previously knew but in no honest reality of how to live them.

While I was home for Christmas I was focused on raising finances for the next season, spending time with my family and honoring my supporters. I flew back to Oregon knowing that upon my return it would never look the same. That was a hard to stomach but it wasn't that understanding that fueled me it was the excitement that I had expectant of an amazing new year of what ever God had for me. While I was home I was honored to spend time with a family that planted one of the largest seeds of compassion and lifestyle ministry deep into my soul. The Riley family invested in me, mentored me through some of the hardest choices I have ever made and created some of the best memories I have from those years that shape us all so much - college. I was re-united with my roommates, had countless coffee dates with friends and even got to see my 6th grade science teacher who little to her knowledge is a big part of my creative impulse moments. All of these amazing memories in just two short weeks reminded me that leaving them too once hurt as it does now with Timmy, Kyle, Renee, Kelly and so many more. I remember crying leaving the Riley family simply for the summer. I remember first meeting Heather and moving in with Kelli, I remember playing a lead role in Mrs. Thorsen's theater class and I remember how hard it was to leave them all. But if I hadn't, if I would have just stayed - I would have never been able to share with you the story of Surfing The Nations, I would never have been able to be shaped into the woman of God I am today, the leader I have been raised to be and the servant of so many. If I had never left and done the unknown, my life would be stagnent and I would have missed it. I would have missed out on the call upon my life.

But because I left that which is comfortable to me, God has done amazing things and I will continue to seek his adventure. I ask you to join me in this. Make a step that takes the bravest fiber in you to take, take the first step and trust that your foot is already in motion to take the next. God cannot guide us until we make the choice to walk. Our choice is ours to be brave, to take chances and to see what God has next. Be certain to walk in your calling and no one else. Use your talents and seek your identity.



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This is a privilege.

“If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength with support me.”

Psalms 139:9-10

[This is a privilege. This is my calling. This is my passion. This is my life]

This is what I am made for. If I could give you two words to describe my life in the latest update it would be “Dreams and Discipleship”. It has been a dream of mine since I was a kid to be able to write for Surfer Magazine and after college that dream became career minded. When I came to join Surfing The Nations my degree took a backseat, or so I thought. I felt as if I had to “give up” so much when I decided to stay full time in ministry. But little did I know that I was soon to learn the lesson that you can never out give the Lord.

In April I was given the opportunity to lead a Surf Camp for the youth of the West side of the island, through this opportunity came the blessing of a lifetime. Bryan Jennings of Walking On Water and John Cobian of Cobian Sandals partnered with Surfing The Nations and sponsored a portion of our youth camp. With this sponsorship I was asked to write the Cobian advertisement in the August issue of Surfer Magazine.

The advertisement highlights our surf camp and the text is my testimony of what I do at Surfing The Nations. The reality of this hit me when I was in Sweden this past month and I picked up this issue. Across the world, in the most well known surf magazine, my story and the glory of God is being spread. It may take years for me to realize the dream that just happened.

I was on cloud nine of God’s crazy provision. The Surf Camp was a massive success, a leadership training ground and a place to fail forward from my mistakes. The summer was rapidly approaching and that meant Summer Challenge 2012.

It took twenty teenagers, two and half weeks and my life was impacted forever. Summer Challenge is a program designed to wreck the stubborn, ignite the lukewarm and bring reality to the adventurous Father God we follow. Drenching these kids with the Hawaiian culture, love for prayer, heart to learn and the fervor for a life lived for Christ – us leaders seem to walk away more changed than the students could imagine. Each and every one of the Summer Challengers touched my heart and opened my eyes to a responsibility of discipleship I will always strive to walk in. I know what it is like to have someone speak boldly into your life and I hope I too could have that impact.

When I was a sophomore in college at the University of Oregon I met the Riley family and from that day on my life was never the same. The mentorship gained from Stephanie and the patience and acceptance received from the entire family has left a stain of mentorship and lifestyle ministry I want in my life. This last opportunity of leadership has allowed me to walk freely in that call on my life. Getting on the airplane for Sweden was both exciting and impossible knowing I was leaving 20 amazing kids that had changed my life. Thank you Summer Challenge for ruining me for the good and opening my eyes to a major calling on my life. I ask you to pray for this crew to stay on fire for the Lord and to be agents of change in their communities back home. I also ask you to pray for me that I would learn to love like Christ and continue to fear nothing but the Lord.

Caleb, Sarah Sims, Libbie, Adam, Kiley, Jonathon, Kelley, Jessica, Michaela, Travis, Dakotah, Emma, Trent, Katie, Dallas, Alex, Tristen, Zeke, Maddi and Emily thank you for leaving a legacy and allowing me to lead you. My heart is forever molded by your hands and thankful for your investment.

            Somewhere over the great Pacific, our plane headed to Sweden and my hands grabbed the stack of letters from those who snuck them in my bags as I said my goodbyes.  Tears began to roll down my cheeks before the first one was even unfolded and my heart start to beat faster as the first line I read was, “ To my Stephanie”. I am humbled by the knowledge that God has used me to speak boldly into the lives of those you see above and I am brought to my knees in thankfulness I was blessed by the time I had with them.

            Sweden was another dream come true that was planted two years ago and came to reality July 16^th 2012. We left for Sweden to assist in establishing STN Sweden, help the Eriksson family move in as they commit full time over seas, reconnect with old friends and make new ones along the way. Go showed up in crazy ways as He always does and I was reminded of His fun way of showing His power and grace.

 (This photo is my dream list that I wrote August 14^th, 2011)

We took a five-day trip to Ireland to establish a Surf Outreach for STN Sweden to pioneer in the future. Five years ago I met a woman that would eventually drive us to Londonderry, Ireland and the spider web of connections and divine appointments would confirm our reason to be in Londonderry in search of a community in the rise of transformation. While we were in Ireland we met countless connections, arranged meetings to establish structure for the future outreaches and connected with Cornerstone Church. While with Cornerstone we had the opportunity to take their youth to the coast for a day of surf lessons. Yet again God giving me another dream come true.

 On our way back to Sweden to wrap up the trip we had an eight-hour lay over in London. These eight hours turned into one of the most God orchestrated moments of my life. A good friend of mine from college, Cyrus, was competing in the Olympic games and he happened to have the day off while we were in London on our layover. We got to meet up with him and spend a few hours reconnecting. My absolute favorite moment was when we got to pray for Cyrus as we stood deep in the London Tube Line. A place that is usually busy, loud and full of people too busy to even make eye contact all of a sudden went silent and still. All that I could hear was the sound of our prayers being blasted echoing against the walls of the underground railways. I am amazed by God’s reasons for everything.

The rest of the time in Sweden was an amazing ending to an intense 5 weeks. Within my five weeks away, I met some of the most beautiful souls, experienced a spiritually heavy culture unlike any other before and engraved another adventure on my road map of epic trails with Jesus. Thank you to all those who made this outreach memorable and thank you for those who opened their homes to us as we try to find Jesus in every corner and share Him in every moment.

 And a big Mahalo to those who supported me and made this trip possible, your investment is the pebble in the lake that ripples with endless affect.

“ Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord and he will do this:”

Psalms 37:4-5

On an adventure with Him,

Julie Nelson

Support Me Monthly

 julie.nelson@surfingthenations.com

1.503.440.7836

 Julie Nelson

C/O Surfing The Nations

Po Box 860366

Wahiawa, Hawaii

96786

I Surrender

"All to you. I surrender. Everything, every part of me. All to you I surrender. All of my dreams. All of me."

April 2, 2012.

A year ago I stood on the same lawn, watching the same coastline - questioning why God was wrestling with my heart to take a stance on the call on my life. The call into missions and the passion for surf ministry. One year ago I turned my head and ignored His beckoning and this last year has been a direct reflection of my inability to fully surrender. 

 

Yesterday the wrestling became too familiar and the fear of the Lord was beyond my control. This time I wasn't going to question, doubt nor fear the call on my life. I know I have been created to not only serve the Lord with my passions but also to walk with confidence as I proclaim I am called into Surf Ministry. 

 

I will no longer stand in fear of my future nor will I doubt my calling or believe the insecurity of my abilities. I am excited to take my life to a new level with Christ and truly give Him everything. My life is wrecked and I know it is going to get harder, but His love makes it worth it. 

I'm no longer with Surfing The Nations with the mindset this is just for a year, nor the attitude that it isn't my home. I'm no longer with Surfing The Nations with the heart of fear, nor the spirit of doubt and lack of faith that God is in control. 

I am here at Surfing The Nations for as long as I am called, this is my home. I will not walk in fear but in confidence. I will battle with faith and trust God with my life. I will be a woman of courage and direction. 

April 2, 2012 I recommitted my life to Christ. There will be no season off and there will be no discontent. April 2, 2012 I not only stood in front of my community here but I stood at the feet of my Father and said, "yes". Yes I will follow you every day of my life and with that statement I will walk in the calling on my life. The call to serve the Lord with all that is in me & to honor His will. 

 

"No turning back. I've made up my mind. I'm giving all of my life this time." 

 

I surrender 

Trust with your heart not your head.

An ironic message from a simple dove chocolate tin that I unwrapped as I sat down with a cup of coffee, to write this message to you. Ironic because my meat of this message will be an update of where I am, but with a reason to humbly ask you to come beside me in support. There is no way my head can comprehend that my needs will be met, but I know in my heart that God has better plans and more provisions than my head can compute.

As I write this message,  sipping a cup of coffee filled of Sleepy Monk, my heart wrestles with the feeling of home. My home is now here and there is no better time than to live by the saying, "Home is where the heart is." My ears ring with the sound of the song that makes me eyes instantly swell each time I hear it. How He Loves , by the David Crowder Band. My eyes rise with emotion a bit because just a little over a year ago was the first time I heard God say stay and I felt the peace that surpasses all understanding as I said yes. And as I was sent to my knees in surrender this was the song playing to the heavens as we all sang in worship that distinct morning in November of 2010.

Fast forward to the reality it is February in 2012 and what once was a porn shop is now the office I sit and serve from each week. What once was a three month missions trip is now a lifestyle that has wrecked my life for the better. What once was a blank passport now stamps more than a handful of countries. And what once was a wandering woman is a passionate follower of the Lord of Lords.

I want to invite you, yes you, to join me. There are countless testimonies I want to share with you from my life, praises I want to encourage you with, challenges and doubts because I want to be real with you and most of all questions so I can be praying for you. 

I ask with a sense of urgency for you to be praying for me. There is a rough reality of living within the trenches of spiritual and physical dangers. There is a harsh truth in knowing I can't do it all alone but a clear encouragement that God is with us and I am blessed to live within a community of vivid lovers of Jesus.

I ask you to pray for strength, health, a peaceful spirit and a financial backing. Strength to carry out each day no matter the challenge that I may face. Health as I continue to struggle through ailments within my stomach. A peaceful spirit because I truly wrestle with a worried soul and a financial backing because I am in need to see committed monthly support.

Just as sip my last drop of coffee and begin to think how I will end this message, I unwrap another dove chocolate and with encouragement it reads, "watch the sun rise."  So I end this with trust that God will, like he does every day, take his hand and with His power make the sun rise. And as I trust in a miracle we witness each day, I trust Him that through His power my prayers will be answered. Let the sun rise. 

Please consider committing monthly support. I would be honored for you to play an active role in my life.

Want to hear more? Testimonies, praises, challenges and prayers.
1.503.440.7836. julie.nelson@surfingthenations.com

I am believing and needing a budget of a minimum of $2,000 a month. Your assistance will make a difference no matter the amount. (check & automatic payment available)

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A tid bit of an update

 

Yup it's that time again. One week ago 40 new interns call Surfing The Nations home for the next three months. It's crazy around here. Hectic and amazing all at once. We have all walks coming through the doors, questioning faith to solid believers - it's a crew of growth bound to happen (as it always is but I'm stoked for this one). I can't believe that we went from under 50 to over 100 over night it seemed. Today I got the full blown privilege to walk through some "stuff" today with a few interns and specially one close to my heart. If you would join with me in prayer for the new interns, stand in the gap for those who still question their salvation and stand in encouragement for those who seek to know him more.

 

Sometimes the halls feels empty and even though there are so many people around there is a social loneliness that rings along the halls.  It's crazy but true. Sometimes I think it's because we all get so busy and we seem to just shut off at times. But then there are days like these, days of committed friendships, loving moments of honest in depth conversation and just straight up living life with those you love. It's drastic change (I know) but it's a true one. One moment you'll feel loved above all else and the next lonely with only doubt looming in your mind. I know that relationships are satan's biggest foothold on my life so I recognize the enemies work in my heart but I thank God for the moment of feeling like a truly have family in Hawaii. Pray with me as I continue to ask God for daily joy in Him.

 

My favorite part of any day. WORSHIP. 

 

I guess in theory it’s a simple concept but in living proof it seems to be a bit harder.  Today I was challenged with the words from Francis Chan, “ You think Jesus is a great Savior but you don’t think he is a great role model.” Basically saying, sweet Jesus died for me, he washed the feet of his disciples, he laid down his rights, his life and he was persecuted for my salvation. Rad Jesus, but I want none of that. After hearing those words, my eyes swelled with conviction and my hands in complete surrender of what I hold on to. Father, I cried out, I want to walk as you walked for I am blessed to simply be your child and I my life should be reflecting the living proof that you are a loving God not simply a story is a book. You are the WORD that lives within. 

Check out this link.

Please be in prayer for. 

- Finances (committed supporters)

- Wisdom (in daily conflicts, conversations and decisions)

-Discernment (when to speak and how to walk others through doubts)

-Direction (as I daily wrestle with doubts)

-JOY (because I want joy in the Lord with no hindrances)

Cheers to 2012

I can barely believe that I got to spend another Christmas with Grammy and Grampy. My eyes swell just looking at this picture knowing that I got to share another moment with them. Nick and Helen Nelson are without a doubt the most God loving, committed, honoring couple I have ever been blessed to have in my life. They show me so much but just their simple life and their hearts for Christ. Leaving this last Christmas to return to Hawaii was so bitter sweet. Knowing that each time I see them I am counting my blessings one by one, praying that I get to see them again is a hard realization but knowing their committed hearts to Christ allows me to walk away in peace knowing it will never be the last time. Never.

I am very excited to be back at Surfing The Nations and I know that there will be a load of new adventures I could never expect. So here is to another great year following God with all of my heart and here's to being blessed by having the honor of those apart of my story - those like you!

Cheers to 2012 - I'm all in.

The Missing Puzzle Piece.

Surfing The Nations is not just a simple non-profit organization, it is a multifaceted irresistible influential hub of love and hope - but the best part is the true family roots that stand behind it. I have had the joy to get to know the family that interlocks the woven dreams, drive and determination of Surfing The Nations. Tom and Cindy and two of their daughters (Charis and Christy) live on property with us and it is an honest honor to live life with them. Tom and Cindy's other two daughters live on the mainland, Cari visited just a few months ago and I got to fall in love with her little boy Bauer as well as her undeniable fun spirit that is nothing less then impeccable. But with this last night coming to an end I have met the missing puzzle piece, Carla.

Our apartment was transformed into a place of worship, prayer and the Word. Carla arrived with her friend Jamie (her pastor's wife) and we got the blessing of being able to get to know them a bit and share an intimate night of Christ. Charis and Mikaela opened up in an amazing spirit of worship and the apartment flew praise of songs out the doors, windows and any cracks of the old building. I was sitting there aside all of my close friends, in awe. I'm 24 and God has called me to a life like this, who am I to deserve such things. Mikaela, Charis and Emily have the three most soothing voices and I got to be lead in a time of worship with all of them belting out their love for our Father - I wish I could capture this moment to perfection to share the experience.

After worship and a full set of tears, Carla set into what she had prepared to share. I literally couldn't even take my eyes off of her to take notes, it was as if God was literally moving her mouth and speaking directly to me. Carla laid in the truth of what purpose the deserts in our lives have on our calling. She spoke not only about the necessity of those deserts but the necessity to embrace them with no fear of man but of God and to be steadfast in our actions no matter if we are at the highest of peaks of the lowest of valleys.. because God is still God.

One of the biggest revelations she spoke to us was, when you are in the desert that is when the true identity of who God is to you is revealed. Who do you believe the Lord is? His name or his true definition. That hit hard. Because if I truly believe the identitiy of Christ that I need to stand in, no desert would be lonely, no desert would be unbearable because even if it truly does suck and come on being in the desert place - sucks - God is still God and He will be perfect in his timing and purposeful in my equipping. For the call on my life is great and it takes great measure to be refined by his fire.

At the end of a message that brought my eyes to a foggy state the entire time we went into another time of worship and during this time Carla and Jamie prayed for us individually. Carla came to me and prayed over me and God is a God of a tender heart. She spoke simple but needed truth over me and allowed God to embrace me with the comfort I needed as she was a vessel of his love.  Last night was an amazing blessing and my spirit was lifted and my heart content.

God you are amazing and I thank you for where you have called me and to whom I get to live life with.

Jesus, You're Beautiful - is a song I have had on repeat this last week and with last night I can't get enough of this song. Enjoy

Thank you Carla and Jamie!

Cannon Beach Gazette =)

Well this is just a little fun tid bit. While I was home I got the chance to sit down with some of the local papers. The Cannon Beach Gazette just ran this story..


When it comes to community building, sometimes the board is much mightier than either pen or sword.

The surfboard, that is. Just ask Cannon Beach native Julie Nelson. The 24-year-old surfer has spent her early adult years traveling the world as a sort of humanitarian ambassador for the Oahu-based Surfing the Nations, a non-profit organization that aims to help surfers impact local and international communities through the twin tenets of surfing and service.

During that time, Nelson has seen firsthand the way that surfing ¬- along with generous doses of hope and love - can change lives for the better.

Nelson has made soul friends at falafel stands in Bethlehem, and she's frolicked in the sand with Bedouin youngsters. She's led fellow volunteers on grueling 11-mile backpacking trips and she's watched the sun rise over the Red Sea. And she's only just getting started.

"My parents taught me a love of the ocean, and this opportunity has allowed me to take that love to the nations," she said.

A call to service
In many ways, Nelson's been prepping for her work with STN all her life. Growing up on the North Coast, she was a water baby from an early age.

"I've always been in the water, teaching surfing and just being heavily involved in the surf culture," she said.
Her mother, Debbie Nelson, recalls a "very sensitive and very athletic" girl who loved to be outdoors and was crazy about the ocean.
As a teen, Nelson worked at Cannon Beach Surf Shop, where she washed wetsuits, helped out around the shop, and benefited from the mentoring of owner Mark Mekenas, who encouraged her to hone and share her skills.

"Julie was one of these kids that had drive, so we just kind of kept pushing her to do more and more, and we taught her to be an instructor," he said. "She was always a hardworking kid."
After high school, Nelson attended University of Oregon, where she studied journalism. She'd grown up in a deeply religious family, and when graduation came, she started thinking seriously about how she could use her time and talents to minister to those who suffered. Her thoughts turned to the sport that had shaped her so profoundly, and how she might share that gift with others.

So she got on the computer, Googled "three-month surf outreach," and picked up a trail that would lead her to STN and its octopus of internships, programs and outreaches.

Nelson initially committed to a three-month internship working for founders Tom and Cindy Bauer at STN headquarters in Wahiawa, Oahu. A year-and-a-half later, she's still there, now as a full-blown volunteer staff member.

Nelson currently holds the positions of Leadership Coordinator and Waianae Surf Club Director. Her work with STN has taken her all over the planet, from Egypt, Israel and Jordan to Sri Lanka to Indonesia, but there is also plenty of work to be done right outside the front doors of STN's offices.

‘Surfing is our common language'

Wahiawa, a stop-off on the way to Hawaii's fabled North Shore, is a rough place by anyone's standards. Poverty runs rampant, and local kids often grow up surrounded by drugs and domestic abuse. STN is positioned right in the thick of it, on ‘Ohai Street, known to the locals as "Blood Alley" for its violent reputation.

When Nelson first arrived, STN's main office (house in an old bar) and the apartment complex where she and the other volunteers live were surrounded by a porn shop, a strip club and a market hawking a variety of dubious products.

It was "the ghetto of the ghetto," according to Nelson.

STN has worked to counteract the scourge at home and abroad through a multitude of outreach programs built up around surfing, which Nelson describes as an inherently community- and trust-building activity.

"Tom founded the organization based on the idea of surfers giving back," Nelson said. "We're bringing the message of love and hope through the nations. Surfing is our common language, no matter the nation."

The work of STN changes as the needs of the places it serves change, but reaching out to the youngest members of society is always key. In Wahiawa, STN offers local kids language lessons, hip-hop lessons, swim, surf, life skills lessons, and the benefit of stable, loving role models.

STN focuses on finding simple solutions that respond to basic needs, and the formula is gaining ground.

"We saw a huge need for kids to be mentored and loved on," Nelson said. "We see the needs and we respond. These kids are missing consistency, commitment, love and hope, so through our actions and our lifestyles we show that."

It is work that can't help but change you, even as you're busy changing the world for others. When Nelson describes her adventures since graduating school, the word "blessed" comes up over and over.
Brave also belongs in there: she's negotiated illegal border crossings and mighty language barriers, and she's learned to barter hard, to travel and eat like a local.

Don't mistake the work she does for tourism, though. Nelson and the other STN volunteers live spartanly, and they travel that way, too, with the bulk of their luggage allowance dedicated to packing in gifts and supplies for the natives in the spots they visit.

‘I'm right where I'm supposed to be'

Debbie Nelson loves the fact that Julie Nelson has found a way to turn her love of surfing into a ministry.

"She has wandering toes so I think this suits her really well," she said. "When I came back from visiting her [in Hawaii] the last time, I described her in one word, a verb: ‘thriving.' She's where she should be. These are her people."

Mekenas, too, is proud of the woman Nelson has become. Throughout the years, he's hired and mentored many local kids, but she was one of the first, and he says the success of the local girl he still fondly refers to as "Bird" is a testament to the way a little positive regard can help a kid to turn a passion into a life calling.

"She's making a difference and I'm behind her," he said. "She's a driven person and I have nothing but the highest respect for that kid."

For her part, Julie Nelson is thrilled with the place Wahiawa is becoming. STN is now the largest private distributor of food on Oahu. The owner of the neighborhood porn shop recently sold the building to STN, a change which Nelson credits fully to ardent prayer. They've turned the place into offices and a community area. For Halloween this year, they held a festival in the parking lot for kids who had up till then been too afraid to trick or treat in their own neighborhood. The sketchy market recently shut down, so STN bought that, too. Today, it is being transformed into a family-friendly shave ice shop. Now, they've set their sights on taking over the strip club.

"Before you came, I was scared," one local boy told her. "Now, I'm not scared anymore."

Each night, Nelson goes to sleep beneath a sign given to her by her mother that reads: "I may not have gone where I intended to go. But I think I have ended up where I intended to be."

Indeed, she seems to have hit upon a magical formula, one that encompasses all the things she knows and loves the very best: surfing, writing, faith, photography and teaching.

Nelson can't help but feel she's being guided by the hand of God as she moves forward.
"I'm right where I'm supposed to be," she said. "When we're where we're supposed to be and our passions are lined up with our faith as our drive, there's nothing else to do but go ... We're called to love people."

Surfing the Nations - along with Julie Nelson and her fellow volunteers - depends on donations to do its work around the world. To learn more about volunteering or contributing, go online to www.surfingthenations.com. Checks can also be sent to Julie Nelson C/O Surfing the Nations, PO Box 860366, Wahiawa, HI, 97786. Make checks payable to: Surfers Church. Questions? Email Julie Nelson at Julie.nelson@surfingthenations.com.


If you want to read the article online go to The CB GAZETTE. ( a few pictures to go along with it)

NCFF and our last day

Oh boy I get all sad just writing this. Though it was super fun speaking at the church at four services. Yeah we had the blessing to speak at both services at the main campus and also at our satellite service. The girls killed it at NCFF and the boys hit up the Cove. It was amazing and fully encouraging. A big thanks to NCFF for allowing us to share with God is doing in our life.  

 

This is when Glen (our pastor) called me up and had a small interview time - after watching a video of my year and giving a solid sermon on missions and passions. 

After each service the girls helped me with a information table and just had time to share with people on all different levels. 

After we all got back from church we headed back to my house for lunch and some time to relax. The team was heading to California the next day so there was some getting ready to do. We put on "Goonies" to show a bit more of Oregon and of course connect the sights to a good 'ol movie. It was a time to relax, re-pack the team and get ready for one last epic dinner. 

We were taken out to lunch after church (blessed by the Franks and the Higgins) and then we were being filled up with another amazing meal at the Nelsons - steak! 

So we had one last dinner, Brendon jetted off to Washington and the rest of us hunkered in for the last night together :( Sad moment. Then it was wake up at 3:00am and off to the airport. 

Man this was an amazing trip and one I will forever be blessed by. So loved, so encouraged, so supported - SO blessed!

Day in the Euge + some

The days are ending and today was all about connecting with some college kids from the night before and letting the team soak up the beautiful campus I lived on for three years :) That morning we had an amazing breakfast at the Rileys and a good quiet time before we truly hit the day. Steph wasn't feeling so hot but I like to think our prayers and rest got her back to her feet.

'

Look what we found on TV right before we left.. yay for Mikayla watching iCarly

We then headed over to Kaela's house to say hello!  Just one week before she was in Hawaii visiting me at STN so it was pretty fun to go see her house. I think the small amount of time we spent with her was not only a joy for her but the team too. :) LOVE!
 

 

 

The team hit campus and met up with a Katie for a little cruise time and we ended up at the AO house for a free lunch and some connecting with the ministry there. 

 

FALL LOVE

 

The teams photo shoot :)

Re, Katie and Charis (Pray Katie comes to STN)

After that is was campus cruising and off to REI and John's work to say our final goodbyes :( BUT we got to pray for him at his office and then head back to the Riley's for a goodbye to the rest of the family. We were praying for Steph and Mikayla (Brayden was still at school) but before we got out the door, my little brother was home! It was good timing to be able to lift them all up in prayer and say a proper "see ya later". Hoping later is sooner. 

In the car and off to Monmouth to see the Sheldons. We arrive a bit before dinner and were there just to hang out and soak up some much needed time with Janet and Dennis. Janet and Dennis came to STN some months ago to just give up a month of their time because they believe in what we do and they have a crazy heart for God. Janet and Dennis instantly felt like family (and well sort of are ;) But truthfully they were such a huge encouragement to me when they came to STN. It was right when I was sick and having a parental around just seemed needed. I was beyond excited to come visit the Sheldons and we were so blessed by our little visit. 

We  got to meet one of our interns family, figure out I am distantly semi related, have a soup feast, an epic breakfast, hear her testimony about battling cancer with God taking her places she never expected and simply got to be loved on. God is too good and too perfect with his timing.  Gosh the Sheldons are a simply encouragement just by being around them. 

From the Sheldons we were off to West Linn to hang out with some Young Life kids and just share about what God can do when you commit your life to him and hang on to the passions He gives us. It was a pretty solid time and I think again our team continues to get more encouraged then we could possibly give to those we share with. We got to connect with Lexi (the daughter of the family we were at) and she was an amazing encouragement of how God gets a hold of us no matter our age. I wish I had her focus on Christ when I was in High School. (oh and the Ducks won their game!)

From West Linn we were off to meet up with Joel and Ash and see their new house. =) The joys of life! I can't wait to have my own house someday... someday. From Portland it was back to the beach for some more Nelson love and of course my parents were still up awaiting our return.. they are too good! Mom fed the team again and it was off to bed for our final full day in Oregon.

Day 4 and amping on life

Day 4. =) We woke up had another epic breakfast.. Did I mention how amazing my Mom is? Well after a good breakfast and a little bit of work, I was pretty set on getting us in the water. Even though the day before was prime - I had high hopes we would get some swell. I was beyond bummed my Dad wasn't in the water with us because I know he would have loved it. But I called Micah and had the troops ready. We were all strapped up from the day before so all we did was hop in the car and head up to the beach. And yes! the swell was still good.

All dressed up NW style.

After to ritual coffee sipping, swell watching, surf deciding moment - we were suiting up. It was pretty classic how we were all dressed - so of course we had to document it. Another classic moment was the reaction of my "home town crew". It was like they were sizing up the new "crew" in town. Like I said before... bringing people to my home town is always a bit interesting and especially introducing them to those I used to cruise with. Well long story short. They watched them suit up, paddle out and catch a few waves before they decided -- okay they aren't that bad.
 

So honestly having my two lives accept the other was a moment I won't forget. I think ... I know it was huge for me to see them realize.. oh.. this isn't just a phase -- this is Julie's life. So with the east winds, solid surf, warm water and straight up fun in the surf it was time to get back to things. I loved how each day had a little fun and relax mode with loads more of ministry and God moments.

 

I honestly don't think we will ever separate :) 

 

Ninja style.

We headed home for some hot cocoa (made my Renee) and more amazing food. We were loaded back in the car within 45 min and on the road to Eugene. It was now time to hit the college years. We drove down the I5 for 3 hours and only stopped for some pumpkins and ice for the party. We got to the Rileys and ohhh boy was I excited. Brayden and Mikayla met us at the car and they just swung their arms around me - I love them!

The Riley house is always a sanctuary of relaxation and coziness.. but again for some reason I was worried a bit about how the team would feel. I don't know why because again they felt at home. It was pretty big for me to have the team along for any of this trip but the Riley's was one stop that was a must and for a good reason.

 

Home away from Home

John and Steph were really the first family I met when I went off to college at UofO. I would say with quite assurance they are a big reason that I have sought God out the way I have. When I went to school in Eugene my grip on God was pretty loose and my respect for others was some what interesting (namely because I wasn't so good at trusting people). So instantly John and Steph took my in to their family and not only loved on me but challenged me big time. In a real and caring way. They both stretched my comfort levels and pushed me to be not only bold in my faith but own it because it's a privilege to be a child of God. I still remember the first time Steph challenged me to pray out loud. Yeah I was 21 and still was super uncomfortable to pray out loud. John would constantly challenge me with the way I loved others and especially within the relationship I was in at the time. And the best part was Mikayla and Brayden (their kids) were a huge influence on me too. Literally the whole family.

I think the most amazing testimony I was challenged with within the Riley's life is simply that... their life. They showed compassion and love in a way I had never seen before. Their door was always wide open and their ministry was with "us". College kids that had nothing to offer and needed lots of help. Seeing a family live out their call in life, using their passion for people and their relationship with Christ to influence their community in a irresistible way. It was infectious. I held tight to that. To the realization that I need to grab my passions and attach my relationship with Christ to it. I needed to - no matter what - be living life as a missionary - because our missions field is where ever we are. Being a missionary isn't just sitting in the dirt, in some random village in Africa, eating rice and loving on kids. It's life. And I got to see that lived out right in front of me. The whole family - Mikaela, Brayden, John and Steph - the lived life with God beside them, knowing their call was to love on college kids and it was impacting Eugene in a way - much larger then I'm sure the understand.

So with that said. Having my mentoring family meet my life beyond the boundaries of Oregon was big for me.

 

Mikayla, Renee, Me and Charis =) 

 

H and J =)

 

Charis, Me and ReRe

 

Steph, Me and Stephie. 

All of these photos is from the pumpkin party that Steph set up and I was overjoyed with being able to see old friends and new ones. It was a good day and we made some epic contacts and God allowed us to pray for people and just simply love on them as well as us be encouraged.

I knew God was going to use Eugene in a way I didn't expect but for sure the encouragement from this night was beyond what I had imagined.

PNW - Day 3

This was a jammed back day of go-go-go. We woke up and were headed off to speak at Ecola Bible School. I was super stoked when I called them and asked if they had a moment or a place for us to share and they were ready and willing to accept the request. It's pretty trusting given the fact they had no idea what Surfing The Nations was, but with the small town perspective on my side -- I grew up with the dean of this school (he may have even babysat me) so I think there was an element of trust. It was an amazing opportunity. Brendon (one of the team members) even graduated from this school a few years ago. 

 

We got to speak to the whole class and a few of the team members got to share about their involvement and why they went. We even got to show a little video of our Middle East Tour. After we chatted we handed out some information and we were off to the next adventure. Some of the team member really connected with a few of the students so we set up a time later on in the day to meet a few of them at Bella Espresso. From Ecola we went up to Seaside to speak at my High School. One of my favorite teachers in High School was Mr. Hawes and he was more then willing to let us crash his class with a little inspiration for his kids. We planned on talking to his class of Seniors for about ohh 30 min max and an hour later we were all surprised to hear the bell ring. It was such a solid speaking opportunity. One of the most rad aspects was how responsive the class was, they were full of questions and totally engaged -- even Hawes stepped in with some solid questions that allowed us to swing the door wide open to share about our Faith. It was a divine moment for sure. The kids at SHS have to do a set amount of community service before they graduate.. and being able to connect that dot for them.. that giving back is a lifestyle not a requirement -- I think really hit home and opened their eyes a bit. It was a rad moment and so fun to see my old high school. And on our way out the soccer team was headed to a game -- so I got to run into my old coaches :)

The surf was PERFECT this day and we all wanted to get in the water so bad but with the prior speaking engagements, divine moments and impromptu coffee dates -- we knew what was more important. But we still checked the surf and needed a little down time for all the speaking times I had set up for us. I think the team was a little thrown into the masses :) So we headed up to Indian Beach to check the surf and over to Ecola State Park to speck the sights some more. Renee was feeling a bit better so she was charging the day and got to see a bit of Cannon Beach too.

Since the surf was perfect.. we were hoping it would hold for the morning. I took the team to CBsurf so they could get suited up and meet the boss. It was an easy suit up and fun to just cruise my old shop for a bit. It was HUGE for me to share this part of my life with my boss.  

Ha Charis trying on a hoodie for the cold water :) She was stoked. 

From there it was off to the coffee shop to meet up with some new found friends. I got to meet up with a buddy of mines little brother and I think he might be pretty set on coming to STN (along side dragging his brother now). 

 

The team just got to love on some of the students and for sure God has us there for a reason. 

From there it was back to the house :) My parents were over the top with loving on the team.. but the best part of it was it was so natural. I felt like they all just fit so well into my life back at Cannon Beach and the RARELY is the case. For me that is.. I always feel so odd bringing people home.. the whole coastal beach little baby town feel is hard for people to get sometimes.. but gosh... it was all too perfect. I for sure would have cruised with all of them if they were around in High School. I am way too blessed.

Tuesday ... THE TEAM!

 

You have no idea how much pent up anticipation was boiling by this time. I was up and running around Tuesday morning, plotting and planning their arrival. Micah and Kate came up to be there when the team arrived and man was I amped. I was standing outside in the freezing fall weather waiting for them to turn down the road. It was like I hadn't seen them in years.. ;) Out role Charis, Chris, Brendon and Renee. As soon as the team got there we just hung out and relaxed for a bit before we hit the town. I walked the team around the town so they could get a better idea of the quiet little beach town I grew up in. After a bit we were off to my favorite coffee shop for a little run down of the week. Yay for Sleepy Monk Coffee + Waves of Grain Bakery + My Mom's tab. Thanks MOM! After a little coffee love it was back in the car and off to some fun view points. I took them to a place called God's Finger and a look out of the coast. 

I wanted this day to just be a relax moment for them to breathe in some coastal air and get to take a moment before the real week hit. Renee wasn't feeling super good so she was resting at the house as we trecked around the town. Charis was stoked getting to pick some real life blackberries :) 

and she even found a little garnder snake. She was tripping out because of course the islands of perfection don't have creepy crawlers like snakes.

 

She carried her little buddy around for a good hour it seemed. After feeling the fall air, sight seeing for a bit, scoping my Dad's work (and the air compressor) and just bonding as a team it was back to the house to prepare for the BBQ.  I wish I had photos of the BBQ but it was amazing. My parents went over the top with hospitality the whole week and for sure this was a kick off to greatness. I think around 30-40 people showed up to support the team. We had a chance to share about STN and what God is doing. It was pretty rad for me to have both my worlds collide and to share about it all, a load of the attending community are not Christians -- so to have a chance to share my passions, my ohana and my life with Christ with them was an amazing moment. I think we even hit home for  a few of the "old people" to come out and spend their vacation with us. 

It was so key having the team there to connect with my friends and family. To be able to share God in a tangible way and share how STN is simply one vehicle out of the many that allows us to reach the same goal - a committed life to Christ.

First day was a success and I couldn't be happier. My heart is full and ready for day 2.

PNW Tour 2011 (a little early)

Okay well I'm not sure if I should break it up in days or if I should just bombard with one big 'ol post. =) I'm thinking one big 'ol post. Because the week was that amazing.

Well I got to sneak a few days in before the team got there and not a second passed once I landed that I wasn't smiles from ear to ear. Mikaela took me to the airport and I was ready to roll. One flight later and I'm in Oregon. 

Kelli and Heather (roomies from college) came and picked me up. I love it. We live in three different places and we all still come together and it seems like no time has passed. The girls tricked me when they picked me up and instead of a nice lovely hug that I expected coming my direction they attacked me with an old joke from college. Gotta love it. From the airport we were off to the Tin Roof a great place in the NE area of Portland. Then we were off to the coast. We got to catch up over dinner and the great 2 hour ride home. We rolled into Cannon Beach pretty late and just slipped in the house and off to bed. Well I planned on slipping into bed. I walked into a house full of surprises. My sister flew in early ( I wasn't certain I was going to see her on the trip ) and brought her two munchkins with her. I haven't seen Ryder since he was born and Taylor was under the impression I lived in heaven. So I was glad to clear that up.

In the slightest! Heather -Loo came down with her Papa and sis. Holly just had a new born baby and I had yet to see my new little cousin and Heather .. it's been years since I have seen her. UHG so much love.

Us girls hit the beach for some fun photos and just some good 'ol time together. It was time to update our documented fun and this time we wanted to some "cute" ones according to Kelli. So with that we were all having a blast and from there is was back for some family time, a solid dinner and then the girls jetted off to their real life. 

Monday came and it was jammed packed with appointments, interviews, luncheons and simply errands. It seemed like it was the fastest day ever and maybe it was but then again... I was so amping for the team to come I could barely handle it. Monday night was just family loving and watching "Tangled" for the first time with Taylor. She kept saying " JuJu do you really like it? Really?" I loved it! She is being Rapunzel for Halloween and Ryder is Pascal (her little lizard sidekick).Too cute. I could barely handle the reality that I was home. My sister was there and I was just loving on my little babies like it was nothing new.

Well that is the first section of being BEYOND blessed in Oregon. Then Monday night comes and guess what is next. Tuesday :) And Tuesday = the team!