This is the largest Fire & Fragrance school they've ever had! You may recognize the 2 radicals in front but you'll have to look closer to find Matt & I.
We are blown away by your generosity! We have met our upfront costs for outreach by your pledges & gifts!
Thank you for supporting our family. We are so happy to be here in Kona, with the peace of mind knowing God is providing for us through you as we go. After our first trip to Walmart for basics, we realize that we have under budgeted our monthly support needs. We are so grateful for any other financial gifts you feel lead to give.
The campus is packed with fiery, energetic millennials that are so "stoked" to be here and can't wait to get "wrecked" by God's love. Through all the high pitched squeals & zealous cheering every couple of minutes, I hear the sweet stories of how God has intimately invited and provided for each one of these students to be here. The campus is saturated with hope and expectation.
Our bus ride from the airport, "I can't believe we are actually doing this!"
From Alaska, Korea, Texas, California, and Canada (left to right)
Our first day in paradise included bed bugs and cockroach roommates but we were moved to another room that will be feeling like home soon. I am hoping they will let me paint the walls and add some charm. It is much easier to find rest and revelation in a place that is clean with simple design (I know some of you understand). That could be an incredible ministry itself. I am also sure that the rundown housing is preparing us to be grateful in all seasons and this may be considered luxury to most of the world. I am already challenged by my 'need' for beauty and design that can sometimes lean more towards materialism than stewarding God's expression of creativity. If I look hard enough though, I can find beauty even in the iridescent cockroach and toad the size of my face, but someone please get me some rubber gloves and and tweezers so I can remove the sunken gecko carcass from the bug strip:)
Our orientation yesterday was a traditional Hawaiian protocol of walking barefoot from the flags of the nations across the campus as Hawaiians sang prayers to welcome us. To be welcomed by the traditional people means you are "walking through the right gate- one of invitation and honor". They taught us that the word ALOHA means standing in front of the breath of life. Woa. When you greet another person with "Aloha", you are recognizing Christ within them- you are saying "I SEE you".
The Barefoot Welcome
Other students appreciate 'practical' design
There's a lot more sweat working out in Hawaii. Each session begins with prayer for coaches in the Middle East who have committed to 3 years of service.
Thank you, friends & family for making this possible! ALOHA
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