Off and running

This last week was the kick off of the spring DTS here at YWAM Ozarks, the first which Josh and I are leading this year. Arrival days were the 1st and 2nd of March, this past Saturday and Sunday. Our five students arrived from North Carolina, Missouri, California, Arkansas, and Cambodia. We were in for a surprise though Saturday evening when Josh's cousin Ryan from Minnesota let us know that he'd be joining the school as well. So by Tuesday morning we had our full complement of six students from around the country and world!

It's been a whirlwind week for us. I have to admit I'm looking forward to getting settled into the schedule and over the first few weeks of craziness. With responsibilities in the kitchen, leading worship, graphic design projects, and running the DTS I find myself pulled in a hundred directions. I am learning in new ways what it means to rely on the Lord for the strength and grace to get through each day.

We are so encouraged by the students God has given to us. All arrived with eager anticipation for what God is going to do in and through them during the DTS. They are entering in to the activities and class times with enthusiasm, for which we're very grateful!

Pregnancy is progressing well for me. I have the energy I need for the days, and no nausea since before Christmas. I'm hoping to be involved in all of the outdoor activities planned for the DTS. Sometimes I almost forget I'm pregnant with everything going on here at YWAM Ozarks! Our anticipation for our child is growing though as the days progress. It's hard to believe we'll be parents so soon!!!

All in all I am feeling full and satisfied with the days at hand. We had our first Community Night get together in quite a while on Thursday evening. Jim and Barb shared with everyone the story of coming to Arkansas to begin YWAM Ozarks. Afterwards one of our students said to me how it amazed her to think how much work and time had gone into actually arriving at that evening, whether through prayer, physical labor, etc. I had to laugh and agree as I thought back over the years of prayer, hard work, challenge, tears, discouragement, joy, and coming to know the Lord in more intimate and varied ways than I had imagined when I first signed up to be a part of this crazy endeavor.