Yoh

Hey friends and family!

I arrived safely in South Africa last Saturday and oh you should've felt what I felt in my heart when seeing the country from above. So beautiful!
A thousand beats of joy in my heart for sure.

Walking through the airport got me all excited about what's ahead. I felt kind of nervous too. Its a strange feeling going to a place that has played a significant and intimate role in your walk with Jesus, knowing that you're not there for the same reason you were last time. Knowing that most of the people will not be the same. Knowing that the ministry you're serving in is not one with the greatest amount of people. For me thats fine because it challenges me even more to connect with people outside of that. My goal is to find a church to commit to while I'm here. During DTS I was pretty sure of the place I was going to on Sundays, but now I feel like God might have something different in mind. We'll see, but you're welcome to pray with me on that.

Its been great seeing the new DTS students adapting to this new environment and experience and I truly pray that these schools would impact their relationships with Jesus in amazing ways, leaving them and everyone here in awe haha! Now that's a good prayer to pray I think.
There are also a few other schools going on while I'm here and I know those will be wonderful as well. Obviously I'm getting to know some of these people as well haha, so there's no worry about being lonely for sure. I'm curious about the stories I'll hear. And the ones I'll capture too.

I went to the Media Department quarters on Monday and talked to one of the volunteers there (the head of the department is still in The Netherlands with his family until later this month). She told me what they've been doing and what they want to keep doing and we talked a bit about what I would be doing (photography for sure).
We also talked about the possibility of me doing some writing assignments, but we'll see what happens with that. I start off with taking photos though.

I'll be taking pictures during different events and sessions going on at base. So that anyone going through our social media channels could have a glimpse into what life and the different schools look like in case they themselves decide to take part in one of them. We definitely want to see more people coming in "to know God and make Him known". I'm being introduced to some new programmes that the department is using to create content with good quality and srategy, so that's going to be interesting and maybe even give me some ideas as to what to do back at home at my home church with the Creative- team there. I absolutely love a quote I just read from an orientation pack sent to me:

"The Christian shoemaker does his duty not by putting little crosses on the shoes, but by making good shoes, because God is interested in good craftsmanship." - Martin Luther

So good right?!

I've only been here for 3 full days, but I already have been reminded of some things God placed on my heart during DTS and its exciting to see them pop up again!
I most definitely have a special place in my heart for this country and especially the Muizenberg area. I would love to lead an outreach from Finland and work together with this base. I would really love to staff a school here too. That desire has most definitely become stronger. Descipleshiping in itself is just really sticking to me. Don't know when this might happen or if it even will happen, since I am still planning to start studying next fall. But all the studies I'm interested in doing would all kind of lead towards this direction anyway. I also have a special place in my heart for The Netherlands, so we'll really have to see what God has planned for me. People ask me what I want to do in the future and I usually answer with this:

"I want to work in an international environment with youth, equipping them with the tools they need. Discipling is important, sharing what God has done in your life is important. (I love love looooove testimonies!!) I want to encourage them to use their gifts, to have fun, to live out of grace pursuing to live a life that glorifies God instead of asking themselves constantly "how far can I go until I've gone too far?" I want to dance with them, to capture beautiful moments and stories with my camera and to bless people with this gift too." (So usually my answer is something like that.)

I would love it if you joined me in prayer about my next step. I listened to a podcast from Rick Warren today and he said some really good stuff about trusting God. I'll gather some of the things he said into one quote here for you:

"If you didn't have needs, you wouldn't learn how to trust God. He allows needs in your life so you can learn to trust him. He knows your needs.
You need to give God 1st place in every area of your life. Any area of your life where God isn't number 1, you'll have worry there." - Rick Warren

But now that I shared that, lets get back to this current season.
Its so so good to be back. I can't wait to dive in even deeper at the Media Department. I can't wait to see what I get to do with my camera as God leads the way. I want to grow, to be challenged, to learn new things and to give what I can to serve. I can't wait to see friends as they come and go. I spent a special 4-ish days with my beautiful friend Iris whom I was on outreach with during my DTS and it was so refreshing and encouraging! What a woman! She carries beautiful stories, wise words and so much more. She's currently living in Uganda. Maybe even for the rest of her life. God knows.

I love getting excited with people about what God is doing in their lives and where He's leading them! What an adventure hey.

Safety is always something good to pray for. I need to walk alone for different reasons on the streets here to get from my apartment to base and to "the Rock" where the Media Department is located. Can't do it in evenings, because its way too dangerous then. There are always risks during the day too, even though I do aim to use the main roads. Just gotta be careful with my valuables. And be smart. Another area to trust God in. For a local this might seem like an obvious thing or something I shouldn't worry about too much, but coming from one of the safest if not safest countries in the world to here...its quite a leap really.

I want to thank everyone for the beautiful and encouraging birthday messages I received on Sunday.
Also to everyone supporting me in prayer; I am SO thankful! I definitely couldn't have come here if I didn't have the support I have from all of you. I have most definitely been showered with people that know the power in prayer. Thankyou thankyou thankyou!

Also, if you'd like to support what the YWAM base is doing here, feel free to donate:
https://ywammuizenberg.org/donate/

All donations are celebrated!

More updates coming, hopefully at least once or twice each month!

-Katarina

bye 2018 (loved you), nice to meet you 2019 (you seem exciting)

 Hey friends! Its been a while!

Here's a bit of an update of what I've been up to since my June- update haha. And also a little glimpse into what's to come.

So, I got a job the first week of June and have been working since then until today. My life has consisted of work, serving at church, teaching dance and spending time with family and friends. Can't believe how fast time flies. However cheesy that may sound.

Life has been really amazing at times, yet some days have been really big lows. You might think that my life is all dancing on roses from my social media updates and mystories, or my smiles and laughter; but that's just me being optimistic and placing my hope and joy in Christ even in the midst of circumstances that seem really tough for me. Its genuine hope and genuine joy though. He really is Greater than my circumstances. No burden is too heavy to carry- with Him carrying what I can not.

My heart has gone through moments of disappointment after my DTS. The strong sense of community I learned to live and love and serve in during that season of my life is something I never want to let go of. I believe that is definitely what God intended fellowship to look like. We see a lot of examples of it in the Bible, but also the good fruit in general when relationships grow deeper, more vulnerable, more transparent; welcoming things into the light, getting out of our comfort zone, learning sacrificial love and just being moulded in truth and grace. And love. There is so much more I could say about this, but coming back to the moments of disappointment; I've been troubled by the excuses our culture and society give to distort this idea of fellowship, relationship and community. (or whatever you want to call it). There's always a reason to be too busy or to just get your social satisfaction out of instagram or whatsapp or snapchat or another such as. (I admit I have my moments of that too.) Then it gets easier to make more compromises in life, to get to a point where you don't get into conversations or friendships where you are challenged to grow and to be transparent. These same excuses come along when it comes to spending time personally with God. I don't know if its a discernment of some kind on my end, but I definitely get spiritually frustrated when a fellow christian starts telling me that I'm over spiritualising something or talking "too much" about God or what He's done in my life. These are things that have disappointed me, yet opened my eyes to see even more of this broken world and the enemy's schemes within the body of Christ. (=the church, for someone not understanding the terminology). There's a lot of good that God is working in me through all of this. I definitely know what I desire when it comes to fellowship and I know I desire to share that desire with others and hope they get that same revelation. Its scary to be transparent and vulnerable. But that's us stepping out of our comfort zone, out of shame and more into looking like fools in this world. Because we aren't of this world. I for sure believe I am a new creation in Christ and we most definitely shouldn't be conforming to the patterns of the world. Love should be evident, it should look different, it should be seen more, spoken of more and the definition of it should be unwrapped even more. I am not perfect. Honestly, quite often I suck at it. I get disappointed in myself all the time, but I find peace, forgiveness, new opportunities, truth about my identity and my purpose and my future (and so any more things!) in my King. In His Word. In His Presence.
I've beaten myself up so many times overthinking that I'm doing things the wrong way or am indeed overly spiritual or talking about God too much etc. But I've realised that there is nothing wrong about any of that. I recently had a really good heart to heart conversation with a good friend; really a sister, about this subject and my disappointment attached to it and she spoke such good truth over me. I felt like God opened my eyes to see His good work in me even more. He showed me his heart about all the things I've felt and experienced.
Honestly I think a lot of people are struggling with a lot of the things I've mentioned. And I definitely still do. But it needs to be spoken of. Disappointments should be shared, but shared alongside Truth and our hope in Christ.
I enjoy the fact that I can keep growing as a person, I can keep pursuing to know God more and see His love being so evident in my realizations of how small I am and how weak I am being the sinner that I am, yet Him choosing to use me for the glory of His Kingdom! I've seen so many answers to prayer this year, so many great things God has done in me and through me, in others around me and through them as well. Seeing bits and pieces of His Kingdom here on earth. It ain't no cheesy quote or ideology when I say that there are things in all of our cultures that are not of the Kingdom Culture, yet a lot of things that are and do most definitely glorify God. My prayer is to be able to discern the good and the bad and pursue to live according to the example of Kingdom Culture that Christ showed us.

I kind of feel like I'm jumping from this topic to another in this post, but that's okay. This is just an outpour of whats going on in my head right right now.

But as I said earlier, "Life has been really amazing at times, yet SOME days have been really big lows" So its not like its all been downhill haha even though it may have sounded like that for most of this. I have a lot of reasons to be thankful. A lot of good conversations with amazing people I cherish. A lot of reasons to celebrate and praise God for. A lot of great things happening in my friends' lives that make me feel so so happy and excited!
A lot of new great people stepped into my life this past year too and its been so nice! So refreshing and interesting. So many new personalities and perspectives on life that I haven't seen or interacted with before. My prayer is for my eyes to be opened to see people the way God sees them, to hear them how He hears them. To feel for them like He feels for them. Its quite a scary prayer to pray really. But I most definitely want to grow and to grow from a place of intimacy with God. For my thoughts and actions and the words I speak to come from a genuine place. Just to glorify Him instead of myself.

I could say a lot more about all of this haha, but lets move on to what's next for me. (I think you kind of see what I've been thinking about these past months and what are some of the prayers and desires of my heart.) Thought this was a good share.

So to speed things up here, I'm leaving for South Africa in exactly 4 days. I leave on the 3rd of January and arrive on the 5th. Today was my last day at work, tomorrow we celebrate the New Year and then I have a few get- togethers, photoshoots and other fun stuff planned for my next days at home and then boom, I'm on a plane on my way back to this beautiful country and its' rich culture.
I'll be serving with YWAM Muizenberg. Mainly with the base Media Department, doing a lot of photography for sure, but a lot of other stuff too I think. The head of the department wants to talk with me about it all more specifically once I get there and that just adds to my excitement really; not knowing exaaactly what it will look like for me and what God has planned for my time serving there. Steps of faith and steps out of my comfort zone for sure, once again. I'm so thankful for everyone walking this journey of life with me. For everyone that has supported me in prayer and financially as well. I feel so blessed. I especially have my heart jumping for joy whenever I speak to someone who gets all excited about the steps I'm taking with God along with me. Its always fun to get excited and celebrate together! I would love to hear more of your stories and dreams and prayer requests, yet answers to prayer as well. We need more of these to be seen and heard and shared. No prayer is empty, no dream to big or small for Him who makes ALL things possible. He knows best and there's peace in trusting Someone greater than myself. He is good and His perfect plan and His goodness might sometimes be misunderstood by us when we fix our eyes on our bellybutton (tried translating a Finnish saying there haha) or our circumstanses. I say this a lot, but I'll say it again; I want to learn how to be content in whatever circumstance I'm in, taking Paul as an example as he worships God while in prison. That always inspires me.

I'm excited for this next step. Excited to use my passion for photgraphy to glorify Him. Excited to meet new people, face new challenges and to learn a lot from amazing personalities and gifted people. I'd love it if you would support me in prayer about all of this. I have a lot of things that make me feel a bit nervous, but mostly I'm excited and ready. (haha at least I think I am.)

2018 has been quite the year. 2019 I wonder, what you have to give?

With a lot of thank you's, smiles and curiosity- thanks for reading!

Until next time!

- Katarina

(p.s. Kaikille suomikavereille, jos oli vaikee ymmärtää jotain, niin pistä toki viestiä!)

JUNE THOUGHTS Attention Caught

Haha always the tricky "How to start?"

Okay, so good news!

I have a job now (thankyou God!) at a local burger place in my city. Its a job with a lot of pressure, so that's quite new to me since the jobs before this have been mainly cleaning and two weeks of different summer jobs here and there. Its interesting to have so many different people working with me and I'm surprised with how many small details there are to learn as well. Getting more used to it as more and more shifts come and go though, so I'm praying it will flow out of my system in no time. Honestly there have been days when I doubt myself and feel like I'm such a pain in the butt to my co- workers, but haha they've all been there so its actually okay to feel like a pain in the butt as long as everyone sticks to mutual respect and understanding right?! I have so much more respect for people working in these kinds of jobs, especially during shifts when there seems no end to the line of customers.

Another place and opportunity for me to put into practise everything I've learned before, during and after DTS. (The financial part is really great too though haha after being unemployed for over 3 months.)

Another thing;

 there are a lot of great things happening in my city when it comes to churches working together, but also in each church individually as things are changing and new seeds are being planted. There have been a lot of good conversations about different spiritual matters and especially with people from the church I serve in as we truly are going deeper into quite basic subjects like; how does the Holy Spirit move in our church? What does worship mean for us? How can we take care of each other? Accountability? Critisism? Lifting each other up? And so much more! Its been so encouraging and SO exciting! I can't wait to see what kind of fruit is being planted in this season. Let revival come! 

PRAISE JESUS!

My next step?

So a lot of people have been asking me about my next step. I've been trying my best to be careful as to what I say and with what confidence, because to be honest I'm still praying about it a lot.

I'm hoping to be back in South Africa by the end of this year. Sometimes I get insecure about it when I realize I haven't thought much about it at times and that makes me start questioning my love and heart for this wonderful country and that escalates to me asking God if it really is the place He is sending me to for this next season?

In those moments I am constantly reminded with everything I love about this place. The people, the culture, the joy, glimpses of the Kingdom that I've only had the honor to see and experience there specifically and of course YWAM in itself. I really feel like there is a place being prepared for me to serve in an international environment that not only works with discipleship, but also has so many other branches into the local communities and their needs. Its a place where one grows and has to step into a lot of challenges as well. And for me, it feels like the next place to be.

I have two options on my mind as to what I would be doing in SA and I feel like God is really just sitting back and waiting to see which one I'll pick, which on the otherhand is quite uncomfortable for me since I'd love for Him to just confirm one or the other for me and then that would be it haha.

• So I've thought about staffing a DTS starting in January (staff training befor that) and I feel like it would be a really good thing for me to do and a super good experience to learn more about leadership and discipleship in this specific international environment when different cultures and stories from around the world come together. (so interesting and wonderful really, not to mention challenging haha!) So this would be another 6 months in SA for me. Pray with me!

• The other option is that I would go to SA to volunteer with the YWAM Muizenberg Media Team for three months, which would also fit me perfectly because as most of you know photography has been a thing of mine for quite a few years already and I have a heart to serve with this gift as well. Internationally as well as in Finland too. Also I'm quite eager to go deeper into capturing moments of Heaven meeting earth in this place. Pray with me!

• There's actually a third option as well, but if that would be the case then I would be combining the two of these and start off by staffing the DTS and then continuing on to volunteer with Base Media. Gotta trust God with finances and boy oh boy that's a tough lesson to be in at times! Pray with me haha!

So, you can all imagine the amount of thoughts, questions and prayers on my mind right now, but please know that I really am enjoying life now in Finland. My family, friends and the different events going on are amazing and God is doing wonderful things in this country! I kind of feel like God is refilling some areas in my heart for a new found love for this place although I've always seen this place as home of course. I feel like a year from now I will be back here, hopefully starting to study either to become a professional photographer/graphic designer/visualist (some options there) or Youth Ministry (maybe even pastoral…)

I do feel like I will keep serving with YWAM in different ways and probably might do some specific courses within my field(s) at different bases around the world (perhaps SA all the time haha hey sistahs and brothas!)

But, I am one to not plan too far ahead, because its easy for me to get carried away. I would really appreciate all prayers when it comes to my next steps and this new season. Prayers for Finland and prayers for South Africa, prayers for my church in Jyväskylä and prayers for YWAM Muizenberg. A lot of places and people on my heart and a lot of dreams too.

I want to thank everyone who has been and currently is walking this journey with me whether through prayer, financial support, face to face (FaceTime counts too haha) conversations and fellowship. Even through texting on Whatsapp. Its all such a great big blessing and you all deserve a great big hug for that!! I miss many of you a lot though.

So many people out there that have my heart and have a special fingerprint on my life. Hopefully you know who you are. 

Oh I almost forgot!

I've been asked a few times now since I got home, if I could in any way be able to come and volunteer as a Coach at Teenstreet (Germany) at the end of the summer. I did tell these people that I haven't planned this into my financial situation and so I say each time that I would come in an instant if only I had the finances for it! Now there is an opportunity for me to be sponsored to go and serve, so please join in prayer and if you're interested in sponsoring me as well, please message me or the TeenStreet OM Office (Finland). I really have a heart for this week- long- camp and its been a life- changer in my journey with God as well, so I hope this will happen! I also feel like I have a lot to give and having the opportunity to journey with a smallgroup of younger girls would be a DREAM. 

Also, I have a wedding in Switzerland (if finances turn up) where I would be the photographer on the 4th of August, which would be perfect, since Teenstreet ends on the 4th but I could already leave for Switzerland on the 3rd! Seems too fitting to be possible but all glory to God! I already sent a wish to my boss for a week off from work for this time, so I really hope this happens.

I feel so honored and thankful to have people in my life that see potential in me to do so many different kinds of things!! Kind of gives me a glimpse into my Heavenly Father's perspective of me and what He knows I'm capable of doing. We are so loved and understood by our Father my friends, sisters and brothers!! Lets keep pursuing Him and His plan for our lives, realizing that it really does matter what He thinks and its always for our best interest. (Even when we don't see that aspect of it ourselves, which is quite often isn't it?)

I wonder what else I should say..

I'm happy. And I hope you are too. Life isn't easy, but it's so good with God.

Papa God is good and all the time. Ewe!

Have an amazing summer! Until we meet again…

(photo cred to Mitch)

I WROTE A POEM/SPOKEN WORD (whatever you want to call it) WHILE ON OUTREACH DURING DTS. THOUGHT I WOULD FINISH THIS OFF BY SHARING IT WITH YOU:

"The stem was bending to the left

the wind was strong

a petal slowly fell to the ground

and that ground turned

into a river.

The petal was carried along by the stream

a drop of water fell on top of it

and the sun kissed it, making it sparkle.

The petal drifted along

dancing with the flow of the water

until a sudden touch came along and

it found itself in an ocean of petals

each one embracing the other

and as a whole,

making it perfectly beautiful to gaze upon

by every person passing by

making them stop and stare

at the wonder of beauty."

Bye loves!

-Kat

Update!

Hey everyone! I tried to think of a creative title for this post, but my creativity seems to have escaped me for a moment there so here we go:

Its been quite sometime since I last wrote to you. Outreach, the end of DTS, coming back home to Finland...all of that has happened and there is so much to say about it. A lot of emotions and a lot of thoughts.

First of all outreach was amazing. Not the easiest for sure. Being in the Middle East was something I least expected for myself. I had never really had a great interest for it, yet I know it was the perfect place for me to grow as a person and depend on God in more ways than I expected. As a woman I had to adapt to a lot more restrictions and felt myself going through some sort of identity crisis, not being able to be the dancing around, trying hard not to laugh kind of person that I am who enjoys to express herself in the diversity of what she wears. Coming from a culture where equality is a big deal and men and women have pretty much the same rights. It was hard to be in a place that was so very different. Yet, like I said it was the perfect place for me. Dying to myself was something I had to face each day and laying down my rights to live in a specific way just allowed me to see the people and culture from a whole new perspective. I met so many people with lifestories that were heartbreaking. I saw so many families struggling to have enough to eat or money for rent. So many stories of death and lost relatives. Of people being bullied whether in school, or on the streets.

Being around these people and what they had to share made me realize again how truly thankful I was about things that I would never even think of being truly thankful for back home. I mean I was always brought up knowing I should be thankful for what I have, like the food and clothes always available for me. But now I can say I know it and mean it when I say I'm thankful for what I have. So many times I felt completely naked going into a local family's home, hearing their story and seeing their needs and realizing that I actually have to say something now. What on earth could I say to make things in any way better? How could I give them any sort of hope, when they know that I'm standing there in front of them with always a B- plan available for me to fly home and get a job that pays me even the lowest of sallaries? How will my story encourage them in any way whatsoever?

Katarina wake up. It's not you who will do anything. It is God through you! And that is one of the greatest experiences and testimonies outreach gave me. Really seeing what God was capable of doing when I had absolutely nothing to give. I had great moments of sharing scripture, praying for people and sharing bits and pieces of my testimony while God did the rest. He wants to use you and me. He doesn't need me, but He loves me and wants to do life with me. He wants me to keep realizing in my life that He truly is all I need and with Him all things are possible. One of my favorite lyrics of all time has become a lifeline for me during these past few years. "May we never lose our wonder." (You might know the song, wink wink all dem christian hits) I truly feel like God is revealing to me His diversity in a way that I really can't do anything but stand there "wide- eyed and mystified may we be just like a child staring at the beauty of our King.." (another great lyric from the same song).
Even if it were just these revelations that I recieved during outreach I would've been quite satisfied, but oh my there was so much more!

God showed me that I have so much to give with my words and the way I speak to someone. He taught me about communication and humility and the power of prayer through my amazing team. Each individual of the team had something significant to give.

• Our team leader David (the frigga from Aussieland) with his amazing example of leadership hand in hand with humility and honesty. (So inspired and so thankful.) This man always pushed us to take steps out of our comfort zone and was always ready to challenge us in different ways. You could tell that He truly pursued to seek God in his secret place and that beared fruit for sure. Also this man is so much fun and loves to be in the kitchen making magic for us to enjoy.
• My Finnish sister Maggie with her talent in social skills, art, cooking and knowledge of the Middle Eastern culture. (Marco rakastan sua.) She is quite the woman of perseverance and of determination. She can make anyone's day and she breaks culture wherever she walks, staying true to herself. Maggie I think our whole team could say that outreach would definitely not have been the same without you. This woman is so WISE as well. Had to write that in caps to make a statement.
• My Norwegian sister Sara with her openness, thirst for fun and laughter and bold in speech. (She just got engaged!!) This woman went through some great breakthroughs and I had amazing times together with her talking about the life we've lived and the life we want to live. She is committed to the people she cares about. She loves to share about things she loves in her culture and the people in her life. It kind of gives a glimpse into the way God speaks to us about us and about the people around us He loves as well. Sara you truly are an amazing woman.
• Jana, my American sister with enough beautiful tears to fill a million oceans, words of love and affection and the greatest example of a servant's heart I have honestly ever witnessed in my life. What a wife and mother she will one day be! I look back on my conversations with you and the dance moves you weren't shy to share with so much joy. Especially that one evening talking with you on the rooftop, remember?
• Vuyo, my South African brother who was always ready to dance with me, speak about the wonders of life with me and to top all that; always ready to joke around and bless everyone around him with his gift of caring and eagerness to interact. (Theta nam Vuyo! Enkosi for being true to yourself!)
• Jurian, my Dutch brother with the gift to learn a language faster than I can count from one to ten. A wise man with a lot to give to the culture we were in, the team we served with and to you as an individual. I learned a lot from him about myself and men in general (could say that actually about all the 3 guys in our team. Such good men!). (Rauhoitu Jyri!)
• Iris, ik hou van jou my Dutch sister! Oh how I miss our talks and prayer moments together. This woman has a laugh that will start a chain reaction and a heart of gold. (Almost wrote golf instead of gold haha) She is so wise and a true, committed friend. Honest to herself and others and someone I really wish I could hug right now. She's doing the Children At Risk- school in South Africa right now and I couldn't be more proud and excited for her! (Ir you are amazing and I can't wait to reunite with you asap!)
• Rhodé, or Rhodi as I would call her. My other Dutch sister. (Somehow I always get blessed by these wonderful Dutch people in my life.) When this woman walks into the room, you can't but turn your head and stop to admire her. She walks in such beauty and integrity. When she speaks she speaks with authority and the voice of others around her. She is someone who asks the right questions when they need to be asked and and someone who will always have that twinkle in her eye for a good joke. This woman is motivated and strong, beautiful inside and out and seeing her growth during DTS has inspired many of us! I could say a lot more, but lets just leave more for the imagination haha.
• My German sister Ronja. Oh my what a powerful woman of God! Probably not the first time she's heard that. She is a woman of leadership and wisdom. Wisdom she has recieved when pursuing God above all else and a laugh that will literally make her gasp for breath after 10 minutes laughing non-stop. When she sings and when she prays you will feel the enemy tremble. Seriously. She has eyes of love that will stop for you and spend time with you. She is funny and sweet and truly an inspiration for me to keep praying like a warrior woman of God. She's like an Esther for me in the Bible. That says a lot in itself already.
• Tabita. My Italian sister. What an unbelievable package of strength, humility and fun she is. Her story is incredible and when you just observe how she treats others around her and how she speaks about God, you will see such great beauty and such wisdom in her speech and her eyes. She is a musician and has something powerful to give to all women and men with the opportunity to share life with her. I'm fascinated and inspired and your love for Pasta and Italy is so wonderful! You and your cooking skills are such a blessing and Italy should be proud to have you represent them wherever you walk on this earth. The world is waiting!
• Emma or as I would say (along with some Arabs we know); Ema. This woman is so diverse! So mature and wise, equipped with international experiences since birth and someone who will uniquely express herself and interact with you. When she smiles its like a flower blossoming in the spring. Seriously, its sweet and strong and my poetic words really do work in this situation haha. Ema by being you, you blessed the team with your presence. You shared wise thoughts and got along with everyone. You are so flexible and so comfortable to have around and honestly you and your parents should be proud of the woman you have become. I'm so curious to see where God is leading you and I'm happy for everyone that gets to share their day to day life with you. (She just had her birthday, so HappyBirthday beautiful once more!)
• And then there was me: blaaaah. (Just kidding haha)

When we choose to see the uniqueness and beauty in the people around us, at the same time we see a lot of what God sees and I for sure have realized that if I see already as much as I do in people in my life, than how much more does God see in them and in me myself?! I love the fact that I can spend the rest of my life always learning more about the people around me and of course who God has created me to be. The more I learn about that the more I see God in all His glory and greatness. I see my weaknesses as a place for Him to make it complete. I see my parents mistakes as a place for Him to make it complete and I see Him making it complete in areas my friends and others lack in. Even while writing this I'm re- realizing how true this is and it just makes me more eager to keep pursuing Him. The life we live here is short, but what we have in Him for eternity is, well eternal! So why not enjoy the adventure here and now, knowing that it will be a beautiful journey of revelations and an intimate relationship that will satisfy us even when the world stops trying. I feel like I always have so much to say and I get carried away, so I should go on now. Anyway, I am very thankful for what outreach was for me and for my team. The good and the not so good, the fun and the not so fun. I love you all and am so thankful for the journey we had the opportunity to walk together.

So outreach ended and we came back to Muizenberg with a little more weight and a lot more inside jokes. Just like most of the other teams around us. It was so emotional and so fun and encouraging to be back together with everyone at the base. I love and live for reunions and I hadn't realized how much I missed everyone until I saw their beautiful faces again. What a season we fellowshipped together friends. Beautiful testimonies, beautiful (and really hard) growth at times and memories we really will cherish forever as cheesy as that sounds.

We spent an amazing 2 weeks together and then it was time for the goodbye. Even thinking about it makes me feel uncomfortable, because as much as I love reunions, I hate goodbyes. This time it was one of the hardest though, because South Africa truly has my heart. When I was 6 years old I knew I wanted to come to this country. I didn't know why, how or when, but I arrived. And as soon as I did it felt like the right place to be. The culture, the diversity, the beautiful people I met and built strong friendships with. A home. I'm not sure if I'm called to be there for a short season in my life or perhaps for the rest of it, but God knows and what I know for now is that I'm going back, hopefully by the end of this year and the love God has shared with me for this country and its people will come with me.

So anywaaaay, the goodbye was tears here there and everywhere and lingering ones at the airport as well. And in a matter of minutes it was suddenly just me, alone at the airport on my way back to Finland.

Funny story, I had the opportunity to share about YWAM to a few people (through my tears haha) at the airport before stepping into the plane, so it was quite encouraging for me to start this next season of life with that. The travel home was hard, because all the processing I hadn't been able to do during the hectic everything of the last months and weeks had begun. A lot of people, moments, conversations and memories flashing through my mind, me trying to grasp hold of them and preparing myself to keep what was good and strip free of what was not intended as I came back to Finland.

It was wonderful seeing family and friends again, but I was not fully prepared (even though the debrief was extremely helpful!) for how hard it was going to be to get used to life here. I had like 3 weeks of mainly being at home and introverting to the max, until I had another few weeks of feeling really present and invested in life here. And now I've had again two weeks or so of feeling really confused, yet really confident at times. Kind of a roller coaster thing going on. I'm super motivated to find a job and get a rhythm into life again, but it hasn't been too successful for me yet. Still praying and applying to tons of places whenever I get the opportunity. I have faith, because God says He will provide. I would appreciate it though if you join forces with me in prayer over this. Thankyou!

My heart for SA hasn't changed one bit since I got back. I think about the country and culture quite a lot. About things I love in it and things I want to see God work in. I think I annoy the heck out of people around me with all the african music I've been playing in the car and when at home, but I just love it haha and I love dancing and sharing as much as possible about the many wonderful things I've seen and experienced. I have a new found love for Finland too though. It's nice to see different characteristics of God displayed in different ways in the different cultures and people of this world. "When you go to another country, it's like stepping into a new room in God's house." Lets be open to see God and His nature and character wherever we go and in whoever we meet.

I'm not saying I haven't felt disappointed or alone after coming back home, because that was for sure bound to happen after living in such community and fellowship for the past 6 months. There are a lot of things I wish were different and a lot of revelations I wish people around me would have received while I was gone, but honestly that's the case in every country. We always have new things to learn and its up to me to be accountable to God with how I live my life and what the Kingdom- culture looks like compared to the Finnish or the South African culture. Remember when I was talking about God making different things complete earlier? In the same way, what different cultures lack, God comes in with the Kingdom- culture to make complete and we can decide what kind of culture we want to pursue. But, in the end the more we focus on God and pursuing relationship with Him, the more we will see what the term "Kingdom Culture" even means. I'm sure, because I've seen glimpses here and there! Lets keep running after God's heart wherever we are and with whoever we are. It for sure is not always easy, but when was it ever supposed to be? Let's aim to persevere and to see the good. Its a choice you know, to see the good and when it comes to the bad stuff, trust that Papa knows best and He can use me and you to do anything! Come on; them sticks into snakes, five breads and two fish feeding hundreds? A seperated sea? Let's never lose our wonder and lets stay in fellowship. I need you and hopefully you need me too.

I will try to keep you all updated more often. I love writing and I get quite carried away when I do, so I should do it more frequently to keep the length smart.

Be blessed yall! I also want to thank everyone who supported me financially during this experience. I hope, when reading this you will be rewarded greatly and please know it truly has been a gift I do not take for granted. Thankyou thankyou thankyou! Hugs!

-Kat 

mholweni December!

*IN ENGLISH*

Hey friends, family and anyone else who's interested (shoutout to all you stalkers out there), welcome to the outpour of my mind and heart from the past month or so, it's going to be good.

Well well here I am, two more weeks left of the lecture phase and then I'm off to another country for my outreach. (exciting!) Time goes by so fast! I feel like I just wrote my last post a few days ago, but it's already been over a month. Crazy.

Anyway life has been really good here! We've had a week on Lordship, Identity, Holy Spirit, Biblical Worldview and now we're in the middle of Dignity/Destiny with our base director Edwin. A lot to think about! And a lot more information to recieve in a time period like this one. I love it! Someone here once said that you learn more here than you'd learn at church in a year, and I'm really seeing where that statement is coming from right now. We've had really good, wise and inspiring teachers, gifted with creativity and good examples of what it truly is like to live a life totally dependant on the Father. It has been very eye- opening and quite often I've left class with a refreshed dose of excitement and desire twirling around in me.

I'm actually going to get my notebook, so that I can go a little deeper with you, so I'll be right back!


I'm back!

So, Lordship...

"Everyone who comes to Christ is like a diamond in the rough and a diamond doesn't reflect its true value and beauty until its taken out from the soil, polished in the hands of a skilled gemmologist, mounted in gold or silver and displayed for all to see. (There's a goal in the diamond's end result and that goal is us being created for a purpose). Through the process of descipleship, through Christ we have been cleansed, polished and we become a light to the world. We become reflectors of His beauty and splendor." We all have something going on in our lives that needs a little or maybe even more than a little polishing, something going on that isn't really reflecting the beauty of the Lord. We were truly created in His image and I for sure want to walk through life learning more and more about God's original intention for me and the relationship between us.

We also talked about the importance of obedience and submission, which was really good I think! I really want to give my life to Jesus daily and learn how to lay down my rights, to become more humble (not pushing myself down; there's a big difference.), but to allow Jesus to take the wheel and me to just listen, obey and respect everything He has in store for me. We tend to want to be in control of everything going on in our lives and in our minds, but again and again we realize how impossible that often is. It's true love how we've been given free will, but sometimes I wish it were a bit easier. Don't we all though haha..We got a good list of ways we can humble ourselves and here's a few for you: routinely confess your sin to God, acknowledge your sins to others, recieve correction and feedback graciously, choose to serve others ( are you choosing to be seen or what is your motive to serve others? such a good question!), be quick to forgive, treat pride as a condition that always needs embracing the cross...and so on. Really good ones right? They sound good and managable, but in reality how often do we succeed in all of these daily? Exactly; a good daily challenge for sure. With the grace of God.
 We also talked about our attitudes. I won't share much about that one since I want to keep going, but one thing that stuck out to me was this: "Attitude. Its' roots are inward and its' fruits are outward, its our best friend or our worst enemy, It's something that either draws people to us or repels them." and:

It is the liberation of our past
It is the speaker of our present
It is the prophet of our future


All this might sound strange to you if you don't understand the nature and characteristics of God, but I can tell you that He is love. He made us, we all need Him, He gave us eternal life, He is our Father, He gives us peace, joy, humor and so much more! He is the creator of all planets, galaxies, stars and yet He wants you. He chose you. He called you. Today's thing for me is thankfulness, so that's my standpoint in all of this today. I'm very thankful for a lot and I can't wait to investigate more reasons to rejoice and be thankful in Him. I could write so much more on this, but I'll save that for later processing my friends! Next one..

Identity...

It's good to know where we come from, who we are and where we're going. The more you learn about God the more you learn about yourself and who you were created to be. Especially when life gets hard it's extremely important to know who we are and where we stand. So often our confidence gets hits and we start trying to mutate into someone else based on what we see as cool and interesting in people around us. Why would you want to be a copy instead of an original? The devil absolutely loves it when we focus on ourselves and everything that's "wrong with us"..He tries to keep us in this annoying turmoil; breaking what's originally meant to be with us and God. Anyway..
Here's another good question: " When all my securities are gone, what is left? -Identity."

A few other good points I wrote down from this week:

- Change needs to be desired from within
- How can we make a difference if we can't see the difference in our own lives?
- We try to make God like us instead of making ourselves more like God.
- We need to be aware of our strengths and weaknesses, we need to be more open and receptive
- What is defining your choices,- circumstances? To get recognition?
- What speaks into your identity through your relationships?
- What do you feel gives you value?
- Does the culture dictate my identity, or does God dictate my identity?

I feel like I'm going to just start copying all my notes down here as I'm getting all excited over it again haha

Kat, calm down.

Okay moving on..

Holy Spirit week came next and it was really interesting! I experienced the Holy Spirit in more diverse ways than ever before. Its not the easiest subject to teach on since there are so many different views and opinnions this world of ours has on it. Our teacher though did an amazing job with it and we all felt very comfortable and inspired! He truly lives out what he teaches and that was really great to see! It was a lot of fun and he was very creative as well. I enjoyed it so much! Sometimes we get so focused on Jesus that we forget the Father and especially the Holy Spirit. They truly are one though, so we should be equally aware of the whole Trinity. I want to be open to everything and trust in His guidence. I sound like such a super christian now with all this flow of deepness and wise words, but in reality all of this is a daily challenge for me. For us all actually; I believe. I really don't want to be painting a perfect picture of myself; I want to be as real as possible with all of you.

The next week was all about the Biblical Worldview. We looked through Theism, Animism and Secularism.

Theism= The ultimate reality is personal
Animism= The ultimate reality is spiritual
Secularism= The ultimate reality is physical

It was a really interesting week but I had actually heard a lot about the subject before since I have a friend who had done her DTS and SBS in Hawaii and shared a lot about this subject back at home. Lots of reminders though.
We also learned more about the uniqueness of the Bible which I had also heard before, BUT I think its important that we remind ourselves with these fun facts, just because sometimes we begin taking the Bible for granted and it becomes just another book among books. Here's a few of these facts:

- It was written over a 1500 year span
- Originally written in 3 different languages: Hebrew, Greek and Aramic. Now translated into 2527 different languages!!! More than any other book in the world.
- It's also unique in its survival through prosecution. If this truly wasn't a book of God, man would've already succeeded in making it perish. (so true!)
-The Bible doesn't fail.
-...etc.

And tadaaa today we had our first class on Dignity/ Destiny. I'll probably share more about that later, since we only just started. Edwin is a lot of fun though, lots of dancing and whistling in class today haha I love it!

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Outside of lectures it's also been really good. Not always easy inside since I like to challenge myself with things I've learned during lectures and sometimes it can be quite painful, when I realise another thing in my life that needs some polishing or another right that I know needs to be laid down. Good steps into more growth.

I have a lot of fun here! I've been blessed with amazing people to surround myself with. We laugh a lot, but tears have been experienced as well...
Yesterday I was in the prayer room for quite a while reading Colossians and crying because of constipated feelings but also just because God was speaking to me and everything He was saying was and is so true! Also one of the staff members from the other DTS going on had to go home so that was a sad goodbye, but a hopeful see you later.
Also Nceba, a guy I've really connected with at the base and have so much fun with; has left now after serving at the base for quite a while making amazing food and bringing daily joy. But it wasn't a goodbye so meow to that I'd say!

I've watched some ridiculously funny movies while I've been here. And they have a long term affect on the humor moving around, which has been quite entertaining yet confusing to many.

Life really feels good right now. I know I'm in the right Place with the right people and I feel and know I am blessed. I have a loving family back at home that supports me. Good friends as well! My best friend Milla is soon leaving Hawaii for her outreach in Bangladesh and I am so excited for her! It won't be easy, but it will be a great experience for sure. Waiting to hear a lot of testimonies on what God is doing there through her and her team. I love her so much. I pray that everyone could have a heart- to- heart friend like her in their life. Miss you Milla! Rakastan sua.

Also my sisters. Wow what beauties they are! How funny they are and how happy I am seeing what life looks like for them right now. Just facetimed my older sister today and texted with the younger one as well. Brightens up the day. Even when the day is already bright haha.

I just feel really thankful. Outreach coming up in two weeks and its super exciting! Can't wait to see what God has in store for us. I love my team! We are going to laugh a lot I tell ya!

Oh almost forgot! I was made the student co- leader in my outreach team which is really exciting and interesting. Curious to see what God will teach me through that experience. God is good! Always.

Something to pray about:

- Outreach finances, for me (I only need 500€ anymore! You can find my bank account details in the previous posts) and others.
- The outreach teams overall
- Our health
- Goodbyes, since that will be hard (I'm so bad at goodbyes)



I wish you could see the smile on my face right now and the joy in my heart! I feel so at home. I feel loved and known. I feel like I've grown so much already. When I eventually go back home for a while (I know I'm coming back to South Africa) I know it will be a challenge to put everything I've learned here into practise, but I definitely do not want to take steps back in that sense. I know I won't go home as the same person I was when I left. (Actually that's another good thing to pray about).

Thankyou for everyone who's been praying for me! It's so powerful and it means so much to me to have that support. I love you and appreciate you.

Enkosi! (= Thankyou)

 Until next time! Enjoy the pictures:

Be blessed and have joy!

-Kat

What, It's already November?

Moi vaan kaikille ja hyvää alkanutta Marraskuuta!

Tuntuu hassulta ajatella, että kohta on joulu vaikka täällä on kokoajan kesä. Kaupoissa on jo joulukoristeet esillä ja itse vaan tallustelen sisään rantahiekat varpaissa ja kesäbiisit listoilla. Suomalaiset kaverit julkaisee kuvia lumesta ja pakkasesta ja mä katon mun palaneita olkapäitä ja kiitän Jumalaa siitä, että tämä vuosi tulee olemaan erilainen! Kaipaan kyllä hetkeä, kun ensimmäisen kerran katson ikkunasta ulos ja ensilumi asettelee itseään huurtuneen maan päälle ja joululaulut alkavat houkutella. Melkein kävin läpi koko tunnemaailman, kun näin ensimmäisen kuvan lumesta kotoapäin. Nauttikaa ystävät! Tehkää pari lumipalloa munkin puolesta.

Koti on ollut muutenkin viime päivinä paljon mielessä, muutamat videopuhelut on tullu sinne soiteltua ja rakkaiden kasvoja nähtyä. Koti itseasiassa tuntuu kyllä mulla olevan ripoteltuna nyt vähän joka paikkaan, kun isosisko on Australiassa ja paras ystävä Hawaii'lla. Tulee siis soiteltua vähän joka puolelle maailmaa. Oon kyllä niin innoissani siitä, mitä mun läheisten elämässä tapahtuu ja nautin muiden seikkailujen seuraamisesta paljon. Taivaan Isä on niin hyvä! Rakastan teitä jokaista.

Viimeiset viikot on ollu aika intensiivisiä. Me osallistuttiin 2 viikkoa kestävään DNA- konferenssiin, jossa Loren ja Darlene Cunningham oli mukana. (YWAMin perustajat) Päivät oli pitkiä ja uuvuttavia, mutta inspiroiduin ja innostuin paljosta. Kuultiin hurjia todistuksia siitä, mitä lähetyskentällä on tapahtunut ja tapahtuu edelleen. Rukoiltiin ja ylistettiin paljon ja oli tosi mahtavaa! Mä iloitsen aina siitä, kun saan mahdollisuuden ylistää tanssien, koska se on minulle niin henkilökohtainen tapa purkaa mun ajatuksia ja tunteita liikkeisiin ja koen aina olevani todella lähellä Isää ja Hänen ajatuksiaan. Plus, meille on liikkuvuus syystä luotu ja haluan mun vartalolla ylistää sen Luojaa. Joskus aina tajuaa vaan uudestaan, miten iso siunaus se on, että on toimivat raajat ja pystyn tanssimaan. Haluan todella, että voisin tämän kanssa olla Jumalan käytössä. My gifts are for His glory! Ja mä todella nautin mun lahjoista, vaikkakin välillä tulee epävarmoja hetkiä ja vihollinen yrittää pistää käsiään peliin. Isä on kuitenkin aina hyvä.

Tällä viikolla meillä on Aiheena "The Father Heart Of God" ja on kyllä ollut yhtä tunteiden vuoristorataa. Paljon prosesseja meneillään ja paljon kasvua! Eilen meillä oli tunti anteeksiantamuksesta ja me istuttiin piirissä luokassa ja meidän keskelle asetettiin pieni ämpäri, jonne meidän oli tarkoitus laittaa jonkun henkilön nimi, jolle ollaan päätetty antaa anteeksi. Oli se sitten joku toinen ihminen tai minä itse. Mulle se oli tosi vaikeeta ja jouduin lähtemään luokasta, koska oli pakko päästä jonnekin itkemään ihan kunnolla ja miettimään asioita vähän kirkkaammin. Jumala puhu mulle tosi selkeesti, että kenelle tulee antaa anteeksi ja mistä asioista. Oli tosi vaikeeta ja itkin niin paljon, että oli pakko ottaa päiväunet myöhemmin kun ei silmät meinannu pysyä auki..

Menin sitten takaisin luokkaan ja astelin aika pian jo ämpärin luokse. Päätin sanoa mun asian ääneen, tuoden sen samalla valoon muille, että se olisi oikeasti out there eikä vaan minun sisällä omassa myllyssä, jos tiedätte mitä tarkoitan. Sitten heitin sen paperin, jossa kyseisen henkilön nimi oli ja tuntu siltä, että iso taakka olisi tipahtanut mun sydämestä. Kiitos Jeesus! Tuntui niin hyvältä!

Minulla on edelleen tosi paljon asioita ja henkilöitä, joita pyörittelen minun mielessä ja annan uudelleen ja uudelleen Taivaan Isän käsiin ja olen täällä oppinut käsittelemään mun asioita paljon paremmin, kuin kotona olen koskaan osannut. Tekee hyvää, mutta on tosi haastavaa. Mä näen ja tunnen kyllä selkeästi kasvavani täällä ja kiitän kyllä joka päivä Jumalaa paljosta! Saa muistaa rukouksin mun ajatuksia ja sydäntä.

Rukousaiheista puheenollen, edelleen saa muistaa rukouksin mun taloudellista tilannetta. Multa puuttuu vielä n. 19 000(Zar) eli noin 1200€. Edelleen tämä haastaa mua luottamaan vaan enemmän ja enemmän Jumalaan, mikä on tosi hyvä asia, vaikkei aina helppoa todellakaan. Kamppailen tosi paljon sen kanssa, että täällä on myös monta mun ystävää, joilla ei ole vielä edes kaikkia heidän opintovaiheen rahoja maksettuna ja aika käy vähiin. Ne jotka mut tuntee, tietää, että oon aina todella halukas antamaan. Musta on haastavaa olla vuorostaan vastaanottajan roolissa, mutta vielä haastavampaa on se, ettei mulla oikein ole nyt mahdollisuutta auttaa näitä mun ystäviä täällä. Halusin kovasti auttaa jotenkin ja niinpä mulle tuli mieleen, että hei minähän kirjoitan blogia ja mulla on monta ystävää, sukulaista ja tuttavaa, jotka lukee minun päivityksiä ja vois innostua lähteä tukemaan tarpeessa olevia!

Niinpä siis heitänkin tähän rukouspyyntöä ja sitten ihan konkreettista pyyntöä, että jos haluat lähteä tukemaan mua tai mun ystäviä, niin tässä on mun tilinumero: FI29 5290 0220 4222 63, jonne voit tehdä tilisiirron. Kerrothan samalla kenelle raha on, onko se minulle vai mun ystäville. Kiitos jo etukäteen!

Alempana on pieni pätkä mun ystävän Amandan tilanteesta ja hän on kyllä todella ihana ihminen! Ollaan samassa DTS:ssä ja pienryhmässä JA ollaan myös huonekavereita. Suurella sydämellä varustettu nainen for sure!

Rukous on kuitenkin ehdottomasti edelleen tärkeintä! Kiitos kaikille, jotka olette muistanut minua jo rukouksin ja lähettäneet rohkaisuviestejä ja fiilistelyviestejä. Ne merkitsee paljon ja minusta on ihanaa iloita yhdessä paljosta!

Hello I'm Amanda, I'm from Mpumalanga, South Africa. I'm 25 years old and I love to sing and write songs. I'm currently doing my DTS here in Muizenberg. I came here to get to know more about God and find out more about my identity in Him and so far I'm really enjoying the experience and all the different people from the nations. I have six more weeks left of the lecture phase and I will be going on outreach in December to Germany and Belgium. I'm very excited about that and going out of South Africa, meeting a new culture and its' people. I'm still short of my fees and I'm trusting God with it, I need about 48 000 Rands still, which is about 4000 euros. I have to have all my fees paid soon, before December and I just wanted to share this, so that more people would be aware of my situation. There are still a lot of people here at the base that don't have all their fees, so it's just a really good thing to pray about overall. Thankyou! - Love, Amanda

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Kirjotin tuon kaiken viime viikon lopussa ja nyt jatkuu uu uu kun on taas hyvä hetki kirjoittaa! Toivottavasti teillä oli hyvä viikonloppu, koska minun oli super kiva! Älkää yhtään ihmetelkö miksi kirjoitan niin puhdasta suomea (tai ainakin yritän), koska haluan tehdä tämän mahdollisimman helpoksi minun ulkomaalaisille ystäville käännettäväksi, jotta kaikki on tyytyväisiä. Mutta jos tämä ei toimi, niin rupean ehkä kirjoittamaan englanniksi, niin enemmistö ymmärtää.

Minun viikonloppu oli siis tosi hyvä! Otin todella rennosti ja nautin minun ystävien seurasta ja hyvistä keskusteluista. Olin ensimmäistä kertaa keittiössä hommissa tekemässä päivällistä ja sain vietettyä peräti 90 minuuttia minä- aikaa ilman häiriöitä kuunnellen musiikkia ja istuskellen auringossa. Vähän väriä alkaa naamassakin olla haha! Lauantaina en ehtinyt edes syödä meidän tekemää ruokaa, kun mulle tuli äkillinen kutsu mun ystävältä Ncebalta tulla yhteen ylistyskonserttiin, jonne muutama ywamilainen oli menossa. Ja oli muuten huippu konsertti! Tykkäsin tosi paljon heidän tyylistä ja laulujen sanat puhutteli paljon. Bändin nimi oli siis We Will Worship; kannattaa kuunnella! Lähemmäs konsertin loppua menin konserttitilan takaosaan tanssimaan- ylistämään ja rukoilemaan. Pian takariviin ilmestyi pieni, kaunis tyttö, noin 6- vuotias ehkäpä...koin Pyhän Hengen kehotuksen mennä kysymään työltä haluaisiko hän tulla minun kanssa tanssimaan ja tyttö oli heti sillei, että JOO HALUAN! Ja niimpä me sitten ruvettiin heti tanssimaan ja puhuttiin ylistämisestä ja tanssista ja oli tosi ihana hetki. Rohkaisin häntä jatkamaan tanssia ja hän kertoikin, että hän haluaa oppia tanssimaan montaa eri tyyliä ja kehittyä. Tuli hetkeksi flashback niihin tanssitunteihin, mitä olen suomessa tanssikoululla pitänyt saman ikäisille tytöille...On kyllä ihanaa olla Jumalan käytössä ja tuoda Isälle kunniaa tanssin kautta! Kiitos Jeesus, I love to move and worship in this way! Toivon, että tämä rohkaisisi myös muita rohkeasti ylistämään itselleen luonnollisella tavalla. Todella vapauttavaa ja paljon aihetta iloon! Muistetaan kuitenkin myös se fakta, että ylistys on niin paljon enemmän, kuin vain musiikkia ja liikettä. Meidän tulisi ylistää Jumalaa meidän koko elämällä, eli myös kaikilla elämän osa- alueilla ja kaikella mitä meissä on. Usein aika haastavaa, mutta todella tärkeää ja paljon mahdollisuuksia kasvulle. Kiitollisella mielellä on mun mielestä tosi merkittävä rooli tässä asiassa. Pursue that.

Anyway, konsertti oli tosi ihana! Muuten viikonloppu oli sitten kotiviikonloppu, eli en lähtenyt minnekään, muuta kuin kävelylle minun suomisiskon Magdaleenan (Mags) kanssa, joka on muuten yks maailman ihanimmista naisista! Tosi hupsu ja rakastava ihminen! Hoi suomi teillä on täällä vahva edustus! Meitä on peräti kolme suomalaista täällä hahah best. Lisää vaan tänne meikäläisiä, eli jos oot ajatellut jotain DTS:n tyyppistä juttua, niin eikun vaan googlettamaan YWAM Muizenberg ja se on menoa siitä eteenpäin sitten eiksjea!

Nyt on sitten maanantai ja ensimmäinen päivä uuden teeman äärellä takanapäin. Tällä viikolla aiheena on Lordship ja aihe on kyllä jokaista meitä haastava! Yritän avata sitä teille paremmin sen jälkeen kun viikko on ohi ja olen ehtinyt prosessoida kaikkea...mutta meillä on kyllä tosi huikea opettaja! Paljon intohimoa aiheeseen. Bueno homma!

Jos teillä on mitään kysymyksiä minulle, niin laittakaa rohkeasti viestiä minun sosiaaliseen mediaan jonnekin, tai mun s-postiin kata.lahtela@hotmail.com ! Kiva kun jaksoitte lukea ja palaillaan toivottavasti pian! Meidän missiomatkan puolesta voi kyllä muuten rukoilla! Ei enää kauaa niin istutaan koneessa matkalla kohteeseen...jännittävää, mutta niin mahtavaa! Ihanaa alkanutta uutta viikkoa jokaiselle ja nauttikaa näistä seuraavista kuvista mitä olen täällä ehtinyt jo räpsiä:

(Such a beautiful place! Can't believe that this is my home now!! Crazyyy) See ya!

- Katarina

Täällä ollaan!

Noniin täällä sitä tosiaan ollaan ja tuntuu jo tosi kaukaiselta se hetki, kun istuin lentokentällä valmiina lähtöön. Uskomatonta.

Oon tosiaan ollut täällä kohta kaksi viikkoa ja on ollu jo kyllä vaikka ja mitä kaikkee!

Ekat pari päivää oli tutustumista ja asettumista, mutta koska kaikkien kanssa löyty tosi nopeesti yhteinen sävel, niin jo muutamassa päivässä on syntynyt sellaisia ihmissuhteita, joista kovasti iloitsen! Rukoilin ennen tänne tulemista, että täällä olis paljon huumoria ja hauskoja tyyppejä ja niitä kyllä piisaa!! On hyvä olla.

Meillä on ollu oppitunteja jo seuraavista aiheista: Worship, Cross Cultural Communication, Intercession ja Hearing God's voice. On ollu ihanaa oppia paljon kaikkee uutta, mutta on myös tehny tosi hyvää, kun kaikki sellaiset vanhatkin asiat, joiden olin luullu jo unohtaneeni on noussu esille. Kaikki opettajat on opettanu ja jakanu tosi selkeesti ja inspiroivasti meille näistä aiheista, enkä muista millon viimeksi olisin keskittynyt jollain oppitunnilla näin hyvin. Tuntuu kyllä niin siltä, että oon oikeessa paikassa. Oon tosi kiitollinen tästä kaikesta. Pitkään tätä odotettiin ja rukoiltiin ja on ihanaa olla nyt täällä.

Kaikki nää ihmiset täällä basellä on mahtavia! Ekana iltana me kaikki ylistettiin jo yhdessä ja ilmapiiri oli tosi rento. Sikakivaa! Oon pitkään kaivannu sitä, että saisin olla sellaisessa ympäristössä, jossa kaikki on halukkaita oppimaan ja kasvamaan, poistumaan oikeasti omalta mukavuusalueeltaan eikä vaan puhumaan siitä. Puhun nyt siis myös itsestäni, mutta tiedän, että nää asiat toteutuu tässä paikassa, kun näistäkin syistä tänne tulin ja uskon todella, että Jumala tulee tekemään tän ajanjakson aikana tosi ihmeellisiä asioita! Justiinsa muutaman mun kaverin kanssa fiilisteltiin sitä, että me todella tullaan muuttumaan täällä ja jo nyt näkyy erilaisia muutoksen siemeniä. Saa muistaa rukouksin sitä, että me oltaisiin alttiita kaikenlaiseen muutokseen, kuulemaan Jumalan ääntä, sekä ottaa käytäntöön kaikkea opittua. Pahinta olisi tulla takaisin suomeen ja mukautua heti vanhoihin tapoihin ja aatteisiin. Mä todella haluan tulla enemmän Jeesuksen kaltaiseksi. Yks hienoimpia juttuja tähän mennessä on ollut se, miten paljon täällä tuodaan asioita valoon, eli ollaan oikeasti tilivelvollisia ja rehellisiä toisillemme siitä, miten meillä menee, mitä ollaan tehty väärin, miten meitä kohtaan on toimittu värin, mikä pelottaa, mitä riippuvuuksia meillä on yms. ja sitten ollaan vaan julistettu ittemme ja toistemme ylle totuutta, koska Jumala oikeasti haluaa, että me ymmärretään minkä vuoksi Jeesus oikeesti kuoli meidän puolesta. Saatana yrittää sotkea kaikkea kokoajan ja me kaivetaan itellemme vaan syvempää kuoppaa mitä vähemmän turvaudutaan Jumalaan ja toisiimme.

Viime viikko oli tosi rento just kun oli sellaista tutustumista ja sopeutumista, mutta tää uus viikko on ollu kyllä yhtä vuoristorataa! Meillä on nyt ollu oppitunteja aiheesta "The Nature and Character of God" ja on ollu kyllä tosi haastavaa. Kuulostaa tosi simppeliltä ja helpolta, mutta kun me mennään täällä niin paljon syvemmille vesille et välillä on niinki syvällä, että melkein aivot räjähtää, kun joutuu ajattelemaan niin eri näkökulmista ja tulee niin paljon tietoa yhdellä istumalla. Mut tän takia myös tänne tulin. Ihanaa saada tietoa ja ymmärrystä lisää!

Pari kertaa on tullut jo myös itkettyä ja näytettyä vakavampaa naamaa. Mutta en oo kyllä ainut hehe

Halusin, että tää postaus vois olla yhtä vuodatusta ja tietomerta, mutta tuntuu siltä, että ajatukset on vähän kaikkialla vielä, niin tää on tämmönen hupsu postaus sitten.

Oon tosi innoissani tästä tulevasta viikonlopusta, kun saan nukuttua vähän lisää ja aivot saa lepoa. Plus on enemmän aikaa taas hengailla monipuolisemmin erilaisten tyyppien kanssa. Täällä on niin mahtavia ihmisiä oikeesti!

Mut arvatkaa mitä! Me saatiin jo nyt tietää meijän outreach vaihtoehdot! Malawi ja Etelä- Afrikka (ei Capetown alue), Kreikka ja Kypros, Jordan ja Saksa/ Belgia!! Niiiiiiiin cool!!

Ja arvatkaas mitä muuta! Me saatiin myös jo tietää minne me päädytään, eli....

mä lähden Jordaniin!! (En tiiä kirjoitetaanks se suomeks Jordan vai Jordania) Tosi siistiiiii ja uutta itelle! Malawi oli mun kakkosvaihtoehto, mut oon ja olin aikalailla vaan auki sille miten ja missä Jumala haluaa mua käyttää, joten I've been happy about all this. Sen puolesta voi siis rukoilla. Haluan kuulla Jumalalta jotain outreachia varten ja valmistautua mahdollisimman hyvin koko kokemukseen ja rukouksella on iso paikka siinä hommassa right?! Kiitti jo etukäteen.

Ainii ja tänään meillä oli eka local outreach ja se oli tosi ihanaa kun kohdattiin yks nuorisoporukka ja hengattiin hetken aikaa, sekä rukoiltiin niiden kanssa. Ihania nuoria! Ja sit mentiin vielä yhelle leikkipaikalle ja hengattiin siellä muutaman lapsen kanssa ja se oli kyllä hauskaa. Yks yritti opettaa mulle whip nae naen paremmin (yks netissä erityisesti pyöriny cool tanssijuttu) koska I suck at it ja sit yks ihana poika jolla oli pyjamat vaan päällä niin se tuli leikkii mun kaa yhelle urheilutelineelle ja se jopa muisti mun nimen, kun se kysy et haluisinko ostaa sille ranskalaisia (=french fries for everyone translating this into English). So cute! Oon yllättäny itteni kyllä täällä, kun oon ottanu itteeni enemmän niskasta kiinni ja haastanu asioissa, joista vois päästä myös helpommalla. Pyydän, että voisin kasvaa vielä lisää ja jopa herkemmin kuulla Jumalan ääntä. Mä todella todella haluan vaan tutustua Jeesukseen lisää! (Siinä taas toinen hyvä rukousaihe hehe)

Mutta tosiaan ihan hyvin menee ja tiedän kyllä, että oon oikeessa paikassa. Taloudellinen tilanne aina välillä nousee pinnalle ja aiheuttaa stressiä ja harmia, mutta haluan todella luottaa siihen, että Jumala pitää musta huolen! Jos saat sun sydämelle tukea mua, niin mun ensimäisessä blogipostauksessa on mun tilinumero, jonne voi siirtää rahaa :) Myös voi laittaa viestiä s-postiin (kata.lahtela@hotmail.com), jossa voin myös sitten antaa sen tilinumeron yms vastailla kysymyksiin, jos teillä on sellaisia mulle.

Tässä vielä pari kuvaa meijän viime viikonlopun vuorireissusta. Oli upee paikka! En voi uskoo, että asun nyt tämmösessä paikassa! Niin kaunista kaikki ja ihmiset on ihania! Kaikki on iloisia ja suurin osa valmiita juttelemaan tai edes vaihtamaan pari sanaa. I like it!

God is SO GOOD.

Till next time!

-Kata