Full Swing

Friends -

An update!!

Life is in full swing out here in Wahiawa as we have officially finished our fifth week of work! It is hard to believe that we have already been here a month, but everyday STN starts to feel more and more like home.

Working for STN has been one of the most humbling experiences of my life, but it is my greatest joy to learn and serve with this organization. Each day I am gifted with bible based teachings that transform, challenge, and bring abundant life to my faith. In the afternoons we have the privilege of stepping out to serve the poverty struck of Wahiawa or bless our STN supporters in return for their donations. Whether weeding flower farms, picking up trash at homeless dumps, or even planting produce on yurt farms, getting my hands dirty has only grown my heart for Wahiawa and the relationships built through this organization. It excites me to know I will always have friends and connections beyond STN on the island, even after my ninety days here are up.

One of my favorite outreaches is getting to work with Feeding The Hungry. Weekly at FTH, STN and Whole Foods partner together to donate fresh food to over 500 lower-income families. Although most aunties and uncles do not speak English and sometimes get aggressive over the freshest produce, these people have become some of my sweetest friends on island. Whether from the Philippines, islands of Indonesia, or right here in Hawaii, aunties love to hold hands, talk story and share the secrets of life with us.

Auntie Dora is 94 years old and is a mother 14 children and over 20 grandchildren. She repeatedly has been one of the sweetest encouragements by always speaking joy and wisdom into our conversations.

Each week these aunties from the Philippines bring their favorite produce from their garden to add to the donations. They believe that you shouldn’t take without also sharing one of your favorite gifts.

Delilah is about 18 months old. She loves to play peek-a-boo and dance. Her aunt has recently begun to prioritize her relationship with Jesus in hope of changing Delilah’s future. Please pray the Lord would move in incredible ways of restoration for this family.

Week six begins today with our staff wide sabbath and fast. This week, I am fasting for the upcoming intern international outreach trip. Our class has the opportunity to pioneer STN's first ever trip to Fiji. If you are interested in coming along side us in prayer, please pray for safety and unity amongst our group as we embark on this 3 week journey. We are believing to be radically led in new opportunity while in this nation and for life long Fijian friendship. Very few plans have been made since our initial trip to Sri Lanka was canceled due to religious unrest, but we could not be more excited for the unknown. Prayers of peace are always a blessing and received in gratitude and I cannot wait to share what the Lord will do in our next Pacific Island adventure!