So it's my turn to post....... these last five weeks have been the fastest five weeks of my life!  We appreciate all prayers and support!  
            Well, my mindset has totally changed from the time we first stepped foot on this base.  I thought "Oh we are going to go on this wonderful 'candy-land adventure' and somehow change the world."  It is not and will not happen!  Don't get me wrong, we can change the world, but not out of our own strength. It can only happen through Jesus Christ!
             So as the Narnians say, "Aslan is on the move!" In the same way, God is on the move....not only in the Nations but also in my heart and life.  I am learning to listen and hear His voice and conviction. This expirence has been one of the best things I have ever done!
              Well, I feel we have all become so attached to this base and this wonderful community here!  God has done so much in these people's lives.  Many have left everything to follow Jesus Christ's call to the mission field!  Many have sold their businesses and homes to pursue the only One worth pursuing! God is and I believe will continue to grow me in his way!  Thanks again for all the prayers; we love you all!

-Jacob :)

Our Dodge-Ball team!!!

 

  

Hey this is BEN.  I have been enjoying YWAM.  It has been so cool, because I have made  ton of friends.  The teachers have been so awesome.  I have a teacher named Ben.  NO, it is not me.  He is 6' 4'' tall and is really funny.  I feel that I have been growing closer to the LORD.  There is so much to do.  It is hard to get bored.  Jacob, and Emi, other kids, and I are in a little worship band and I play the guitar.  Academic school has been kind of hard.  I don't enjoy it. The  cooks are amazing, and we love the food.  Some of the people here play football on Saturdays.

My dad and I went on a small plane over Colorado Springs.  It was cool.  We flew over the YWAM base.    The ride was kind of bumpy.  It was fun and scary at the same time.  The pilot works at YWAM.  He wants to be a missionary pilot.  By the way, I took the attached pictures from the plane.
-BEN                                              

                                                                                                                                                              

Our second week at YWAM was humbling for me.  I was caught off guard by the Godly kindness of the community here.  As you can see by the pictures, we had a special anniversary dinner.  It was prepared by a chef that is on staff working with the culinary school housed here on the base.  He and several others got such a kick out of helping Matt and the kids prepare this special meal and environment.  They voluntarily gave up their Sunday to prepare and serve this romantic dining experience.  We even had violin music and a photographer.

The dinner was not the only thing that has left me feeling blessed and pampered.  The staff and community in our class are pouring into out lives so sacrificially.  I am overwhelmed with God's love towards us through them.

This was really a continuation of how I felt leaving Pella.  So many of you were so thoughtful and giving in our leaving process.   We thank you.
Humbled and Grateful,
Cathy and family

First Day of Training...

Well, we have officially completed orientation...finally!  We had our first session today and it was refreshingly relevant.  Endearing is the word Emi used to describe our speaker.  My anticipation for the things God is going to reveal to each one of us is increasing.  The message today was such a sweet intimate picture of one man's walk with God.   I walked away not thinking a moment about the man, but in awe of God.

Thank you for your prayers...we have had a little warfare here.  Not big deals, just inconvenient road blocks and ailments.

-Cathy and family

the adventure begins...

We are off!  Our morning started out to be quite eventful.  After we had run around the house tying up loose ends, piled the last bags into the van, and were settling down for a long, uneventful car ride, we started the car...or attempted to.  Apparently, the battery had been run down since the doors had been open for quite some time the night before and that morning.  Needless to say, after much prayer and the use of some trusty jumper cables, we were on the road.  We are now in Nebraska where we are staying the night at a hotel and most likely purchasing a new battery. :)  We are looking forward to tomorrow and would appreciate your prayers!
-Emi and family