I'm State-side on my summer vacation...I can't believe that year 2 is over! This year went so fast...like so so fast. Did it go that fast for anyone else? I am so stinkin' proud of their teamwork and perseverance, being the first GAP class to finish with the same number that started! Graduation itself was awesome...ya know, not bad considering our venue burned down 2 days before...but God already had a plan and we moved our ceremony to a newly opened bakery and cafe that has amazing food and atmosphere. Within a few days of graduating, they were back in the States beginning their next mission adventure! Please continue to pray for them as they are working, going to school and pursuing God!!
I had quick and awesome 2 weeks back in the States to see family and friends before heading back to the DR to see a former GAP student get married! 6 other students from last year came down to celebrate. It was a wonderful ceremony and reunion!
I know that it seems crazy to some that I would return so soon after leaving and after just spending 9 months there...but my time was amazing. I was able to support and celebrate Anna & Filipe and also see 4-5 friends that I may not have otherwise seen. One of the coolest parts was seeing the students from last year and how the program has affected their lives. When they graduated and left a year ago I knew that there was a pretty good chance that I would never see them again, and some I may never even talk to again.
But the Lord is faithful! I am more excited than ever about the program, about what we do and why we do it and the impact it will have on the lives of those who participate. It doesn't matter why the students come down. It doesn't matter if they have a plan for the future or not. It honestly doesn't matter if they're a brand new Christian or have been one their whole life. What matters is that they're there and they participate. The Lord brings them down and puts the group together. In the Lord's perfect plan, each one has a specific role to play. He knows that truth and knowledge of His Word will be heard and seeds will be planted into the hearts of the students. And at the perfect time He will use everything that they have heard and learned for His glory!
There are still things I have to work on for this upcoming year...oh yeah, speaking of which...did I mention I'm going back for a 3rd year? I mean...how can I not? The Lord is growing me. The Lord is growing the program. And He's calling me back.
And I am SO THANKFUL for ALL OF YOU that have prayed, donated, encouraged and helped get me there and keep me there! You have already made a impact on the Kingdom!
Despite changes...there will always be changes...He is in control. We currently have 14 students enrolled for the 2015-2016 year...5 guys and 9 girls and we may even max out at 15 by the end of the month. The most we've every had! We have the same number of guys this year as the past 4 years combined! Did I mention that God is faithful??
So for the next two months I will be going back and forth between working, resting, visiting, studying and praying and I'm sure it will fly by! But I will be around the WNY area and would love to share all the God is doing!
While I'm home there are a few needs/prayer requests that maybe y'all can help with:
Odd jobs over the summer (babysitting, house sitting, etc)
A vehicle I can borrow here or there to visit friends and family
A financial advisor so I can get my taxes and financial future in place
Please pray for the future students and for the Lord to prepare their hearts for this upcoming year
Please pray that the Lord fills the spots that are vacant for this upcoming year
Please pray for my friends back in the DR...it's already been a really hot summer...so please pray for cooler weather or for extra funds so they can run their air conditioners more!
I'll also be putting together another fundraising campaign so please be in prayer about supporting me for this next year!
