Together we go

Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

~ 1 John 3:18 (NIV)

"The higher we reach to the stars, the deeper our roots must burrow into the soil." ~L.M. Montgomery (Anne of Green Gables)

It has been two months since we returned from India and completed DTS. Our time on Outreach in Canada and India tugged on my heart, reunited me with old friends and introduced me to new ones. There has been much to reflect up and new things to look forward to...

Nelson

We spent 10 days in Nelson, BC for the first stage of our outreach. Some highlights included helping with the Salvation Army Christmas Hampers, singing Christmas carols with seniors and in downtown Nelson, and praying with YWAM Nelson staff as they shared their vision for the future. I was challenged to consider how even the smallest gesture helps us die to our selves a bit more and choose others first.

Ahousaht First Nation

Our next stop was Flores Island, home to the Ahousaht First Nation. While enjoying the beauty of the Pacific Northwest and staying with host families in the reserve, we were blessed to share songs and "chamas" (desserts) with families in their homes. We also trained with their basketball team and cheered them on in some games. I was privileged to hear stories of love, loss, courage, and family which brought tears to my eyes and forced me to re-evaluate my priorities.

India

This is my third time serving in this part of India, and so there were some familiar faces there to greet us. After an unexpected stay in a 5* hotel in Mumbai en route, we spent most of our time helping local pastors and their wives improve their English Language abilities. During some opportunities to connect with the pastors' home churches, our team gained a better understanding of life in this part of the world. I was challenged to consider how does it look like to be myself and submit to another culture at the same time.

A Heart For my Home

A highlight of this outreach for me was the time we spent in Canada. This was an opportunity for our students and staff to get a bigger picture of what breaks God's heart in my home nation. It is wonderful to travel, but there's always lots to do at home too!