And to think…it happened at Applebe*s….

Two months ago, in the mist of worry and doubting about the DTS, YWAM, finances… I was encouraged by a friend to go to the Thursday night Prayer meeting at our church. The Thursday prayer meeting is a huge group of people who get together pray for each other and our nation, I had heard lots of wonderful things so I was excited but a little nervous. Since there were a lot of people I had to wait a long time, but it was WELL worth it! Pastor Frank and two others from the church prayed for me. They didn't know that much of my situation and God totally used them to confirm my path and also to encourage me. Pastor Frank in particular prayed that God would raise me up as a Deborah. I was greatly encouraged, but a little overwhelmed too and I confess about the whole Deborah thing a bit like…are you sure God?? Well, the weeks went by and I had been becoming more and more dissatisfied with my job…the cesspool of sin I work in ….or prison …which ever you prefer to call it. Anyways, I was very frustrated with the lack of God's presence at my work. Then last Sunday, during a particular annoying day, three motorcycle gentlemen came in. They were very sweet and all my grandpa age, somehow we got talking and we discovered that we all went to Northwest Church. After further discussion we started talking about how I was going on a mission trip this summer. Then one of the gentlemen just started praying for me. He asked that the Lord would give me wisdom and that I would be a light wherever I went and then he looks up at me and goes, "I feel like you should start studying Deborah, God wants you to know her backwards and forwards." I nearly dropped the coffee pot I was carrying and with a big smile on my face told him that he had just confirmed a prayer that had been prayed over me months ago! I was sooo blessed. God gently reminding me that it isn't where we are, but who we have in us (the Holy Spirit), that makes life a living heaven or hell. Also that promises that He has put in my life that I might not understand now, WILL someday come into fruition…. in His timing and even in the most unique places...like Applebe*s.

 

The Hunt for the Great White Whale and for good coffee and laughter and our sanity...

Well, this week brought about the 2^nd Annual Crazy Beach Day with my gal pal from Oregon Bethie! Last year we had the crazy idea to go to the beach even though it was the middle of winter…in the end we didn’t even let snow stop us from going wave jumpin’.

This year though, we were blessed with a balmy 40 degree weather and most importantly no snow! We meet in Cannon Beach (since I was coming from Seattle) and then headed for lunch and sight shopping; Geppetto’s Toy Shoppe (isn’t that greatest name?) was closed but the candy store was open!!!

After dragging ourselves through ninety thousand art galleries, (and trying, really we TRIED) to understand modern art, we rewarded ourselves with a wonderful cup of coffee from Bella Espresso. Bella’s is one of the BEST coffee shops in Oregon.

After harassing the poor Barista into taking pictures for us, we decided to venture forth for the real reason of this journey….to freeze our bodies in ocean and of course search for our friends the Belugas. We did find one and he informed us that his name was Bubba..or at least that was Bethie interpretation…

Beth braved the inlet river, while I protected our belongings from the many people on the packed beach.

I did eventually make it down to the water where I tried to stay dry, but the sneaky ocean caught up with me….drenching me to the bone. I had thoughtfully brought extra shirts, socks and sweaters, but failed to bring pants….It was an ‘arcticly’ cold girl that made her back to the car.

But the day was diffidently revived when we found a Pirate Cove, our future husbands and deep-fried mac and cheese.

What a blessing it was to hang out with one of my very missed-we-need-more-dates-like-this- galpal for some quality time before I leave. I love you, Bethie!

Speaking of leaving…I found out today that our Outreach will most likely be to South Africa this summer!!!!!!!!!!!!!