Dearest friends and family,

Much has happened since I wrote last. The lack of updates is of no one’s fault but my own; I apologize. We are already on our fifth week of DTS; I have been here for just over a month. That is so crazy! Some days it feels as if I have been here for years and known these awesome people that I am meeting for my whole life, but other days it feels as if time is flying by too fast. I find myself thinking of six months from now where my emotions are sure to be conflicted as a result of looking forward to going home and seeing those I left behind, but I fear I will also dread having to leave my new friends behind. Alas, this time will come but I shall do my best not to think of it just yet, but rather soak in every moment of the present.

Last week was “story week” where staff from the base came into our class to share stories that testified to the goodness of God and how amazing the plans he has for each of us really are. Throughout the whole week I was really inspired and encouraged through the people that shared and through the experiences they went through. We also learned more about Pick A Pocket, which is an arts ministry founded by people here at this YWAM base. This ministry is such an exciting and admirable venture; it uses art to share the stories of less fortunate people and to also raise awareness and support of these people. It provides a bridge between missionaries working in lands that seem far off and those back at home who are able to support them. The last speaker of the week, his name is Uli, shared more about how his experiences shaped his relationship with God. He talked about qualities and characters that he has acquired over the years from God that show his godliness and faithfulness to God. It was a really challenging but helpful talk and I really appreciated it. All of the stories shared were so inspiring and I am glad I was able to have the opportunity to listen to these stories and to be able to hear how God has shown us his goodness over and over again.

This week our speaker’s name is Fiona and she lives in South Africa. We have only had one day so far with her, but she is an incredibly intelligent and engaging and entertaining speaker. I am really looking forward to learning from her all week and to seeing how we can grow both individually in our walks with God and also as a community of believers.

Onto non-school related matters! I went to Prague this weekend! It was so amazing; Prague is such a beautiful city with lots of rich heritage and history. I had a fantastic time and am so thankful for the blessing I have to be able to travel and to get a glimpse of this wonderful world.

I find myself getting so caught up in keeping up with school and all that entitles as well as staying in touch with those I love back home and with building relationships here, that I tend to neglect God throughout the day. I know that I am here with Christians and am learning about God and being involved in everything that relates to God, but I am realizing that that is not enough. I need to specifically still set time aside out of my day to spend time with my Creator and Father, so that is something that I am challenging myself with this week.

Although I am quite busy, everything here is going well! I had a good weekend and have a solid-looking week ahead of me, and every day God shows me new mercies and shares with me in new ways his love that he has for me; I am so blessed.

My prayer that for everyone that reads this may be able to seek God and find him when you seek him with your whole heart. He is longing for you to come to him and he desires to have a relationship with you. He is always waiting for you. I pray that you may be encouraged and inspired in your daily lives and that you may also be able to see the blessings that God has given you and has in store for you.

God bless. :) I will be in touch!

Love always,

Fina

p.s. If you wish to see pictures from my trip, check out the album that I posted on facebook! Enjoy:)