Genesis 5

Before you read any farther I want you to pick up your Bible and turn to Genesis 5. Got it? Okay, now read through the genealogy. That's right, the genealogy. Usually we skim through these chapters not really thinking about what we are reading or paying attention to any of the names. It's seems as though it goes on forever. This though is going to change your view a little bit about these genealogy chapters. In our society we really dont think about the meaning of names anymore we like a name, we name our child that right? Well in the biblical times, that's not how it worked. Everyone's name had a meaning behind it, about there identity. So hear are the names and meanings of the names in Genesis 5. Adam = man, Seth = appointed, Enosh = mortal, Kenan = sorrow, Mahalalel = blessed God, Jared = shall come down, Enoch = teaching, Methuselah = his death shall bring (the year he died was the year of the flood). Lamech = the despairing, Noah = rest and comfort. ALRIGHT, now that might not mean much now all separate but lets put the meanings of the names together and read it as the Hebrews would read the genealogy "Man appointed mortal sorrow the blessed God shall come down teaching His death shall bring the despairing rest and comfort" Cool eh??

Lectures

I have entered into the lecture phase, and as previously thought, it is intense. It's intense in a good way but its still intense. Having people tell you in lecture something that you have been struggling with in your faith so simply is so overwhelming. Having God send images to people to tell you that its okay, and that God knows what you are going through is such a humbling and awesome feeling. To really know, and to hear from God - to hear him explain something you've been dealing with for so long in such a simple way is freeing. Let me try to explain. My leader was given an image for me from God, this was the image: She saw me bending down and picking up rocks. Rock by rock I would pick up and then put down again, all the time looking for the key to enter into God's gate, until finally I just look up and see that the gate is already open, that I do not need to find a key to enter into God's presence. Its so easy to be looking for an answer and a solution, a way to receive God's love. God's love is something that we can never earn, it is a free gift! It's up to us to fully receive what He has for us. Its such a simple lesson, but it's so meaningful when you fully grasp the freedom of His love and grace!

First week in Maui

So its already been over a week since I moved here, in some ways it seems like I just got here and other ways it feels like I've been here for so long. I still dont know how to find my way around the island very well which would be very helpful for hitch hiking, but when it comes to knowing the 19 other students I find that I know them all fairly well. With us all in the same boat and going through the same things helps us to bond! So... exciting news for you all. I know where I am going for my outreach, Bangladesh!! This country is one of the most populated countries, and one of the poorest. I've also learned that half of the population or more is 15 years old or younger and 80% of the people are Muslim. While I'm there I will be doing children's ministries, dramas and teachings at churches while working with pastors and elders. I'm really excited and nervous for this part, since its so different from everything I know. I have three months to prepare though, and my lectures and homework start tomorrow, its going to be intense!

Exodus

So I'm sorry I dont have any pictures up yet but do not worry I'll be getting around to it soon. Let me first update you on how I'm doing. I made it to Maui! I have 12 roommates and there is 20 students all together for this dts. 13 girls and 7 guys. The first day was weird and hard, it takes a while to get used to but they dont give you much time to dwell on it. On Sunday morning I went on an Exodus. This entail was a camping trip where I had very limited clothing, a sleeping bag, and yup thats pretty much it. Firstly we were put into groups and dropped off at different locations. From there we had to hitch hike to different locations to pick up things at different stores for a scavenger hunt. Number one I have never hitched hiked before and Number 2 I have no idea where anything is on this island. But we made it there fine, and ended up at Ieo Valley, which was in the mountains... soooo beautiful. From there we went to set up camp - thankfully we had tents but that was about it. We ate Ramen (mr noodle) and oatmeal for the next three days...ew. we went to tide pools, had mud fights, bathed in a river, and the best part was sharing our testimonies around the fire while looking up at the stars and hearing the waves crash against the shore. Yesterday evening we had a love feast which was a complete surprise for us all b/c we all thought that we were still on exodus. Steak and Salmon has never tasted so good in my life!! umm... we also got our feet washed as a humbling thing - just like Jesus washed his disciples feet. Ive had it done before so I know how awesome of a feeling it is - too bad my mom is a foot nurse and Im used to having it done.... there is so much more to say but thats about all I have for now. Love ya Heather

Last Day in Canada

I'm not sure how I feel about today or tomorrow. With today being my last full day in Canada until June I feel sad, but with tomorrow being the first day of a journey I've been looking forward to I should be excited. To be honest with you though, I'm feeling rather stressed. Getting all last minute things done and having to cramp all my stuff into a suitcase and a hiking backpack is a lot of work... as you can see.

For right now though, I just want to thank everyone for reading this, for thinking about me and encouraging me a long the way. It's been an incredible journey so far with an overwhelming amount of love and encouragement and I'm hoping we can continue to encourage eachother throughout this trip!