Christmas!

It will be a white Christmas this year, the weather is a bit cold - but beautiful. The sun is shining and the snow is "squeaking" when it's being walked on - that is what I call a White Christmas.

My parents and I will celebrate Christmas with my oldest brother and his family this year, New Year will be celebrated with my sister and her family. They live in Oslo, and have very graciously opened their house for me until a door opens for a place to live/stay since I’ll be moving and living in Oslo for the next 3 years because of nursing school. Exciting and a bit nerve wrecking.

Don’t know much about the school yet, but have been told that they have small classes and there will be good opportunity to be interactive in the class. The school has opportunities to do some assignments overseas (something that I’ll of course look into =) ) which is not a shocker to anybody who knows me LOL.

The school starts 5th of January, and will end 18th of December 2013. Hm, seems long – but it’s almost 2011. Time goes by so fast, and I do believe this is the next thing God has for me. And before I know it I’ll be out on the field again. Yet I was told yesterday, by a good friend of mine, that I need to keep in mind that wherever I go is a field to do what God has called us to do. The school now is the next field/season, and He will receive the glory.

With these few words,

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all!

Winter!

The snow has come, and it seems like it's going to stay - so we might get a white Christmas this year =) knowing that the weather here in the south of Norway changes very fast. We have had more than -10 celisius over the last week, which is quite unusual for us. There are been quite the cold wave going over the southern part. Good clothing, and layers upon layers - not my favorite, but rather that then being cold.

Yesterday I got accepted for nursing school. =) For the first time in years (over 20) I know what's "happening" the next 3 years. A new way of thinking, yet it feels good! The school will start on the 5th of January, the first little while I'll be staying with my sister and her family. My prayers are that I'll find a place to stay, with all that that intales; and that it will be home for the next 3 years. So if you find your way to Norway, let me know!!

Almost winter!

So what's happening.... never a dull moment in my life, and I hope there never will be.

Getting a job hasn't been easy this time around, but I've been able to get something to do. I've had two different jobs since I started to work in mid September; the first one was as an assistant in 3rd and 5th grade. That was a lot of fun, and WOW teachers need more salary =) they are doing an amazing job.

Now I'm working at National Oilwell Vargo, classifying items for toll. It's been very interesting and lots of new things to learn about Oil drilling. This is a project so by the end of the year it will be over.

A friend of mine heard that I wanted to take a bachelor in nursing, and she said there is a school that starts full time in January. I looked it up, but the application date had passed with 20 days. She texted me and said: look again. They had reopened the application process, and I jumped on that and applied. So now the application is in, and I'm waiting for a reply. If this goes through, I'll be starting my studies in January of 2011.

Why nursing, some might ask! i believe it will be helpfull when being on the field, adding to what God has invested in me already.

Fall in Norway!

Time goes by so fast, and I've been in Norway now for almost 3 months. I'd been thinking that the blog should be blogged at least 1 time per month, yet.... haven't happened.

This time around in Norway has been different from other times. Pretty much every time I've been back here getting a job has been fairly easy. Jobs do not grow on trees, (never have =) ) but still. The ink (key board) was in use very freequent, yet the jobs didn't come.

One day, while painting my old room the phone rang and a principal from a primary school here in Kristiansand called me. If I was interested in a job! I changed clothes and drove over to the school, and got the job. It's an assistant job, and I'm helping in 3rd and 6th grade. The lady that usually work there is on sick leave! So until she comes back, the job is mine.

I must say that teachers today have a job that is a bit difficult, I don't remember ...... yes it's been a while, but still..... it being so noisy and distracting in the classroom - and the volume in the classroom. But like I said, it's been a while.

Last month Sally and I went to Rome, a fantastic trip and a beautiful city. Would love to go back there someday, there is so much to c and more footage to be done. We walked an average of 7-8 hours a day, if you don't believe me.... just try to find Sally she will confirm. =)

But Pompeii was probably what made biggest impression on me, also the Colosseum ofcourse, and Peter's church and...... just kidding. Pompeii for sure, it was amazing. Didn't make it to the 16th chapel, cuz we went cooking instead =) good food, nice wine... and the chapel will be there next time. One advice, bring good walking shoes... don't walk in flipflops (yes i did :D)

In Norway!

It's been way to long since I've updated my blog and there is no excuse, just plain laziness =)

The IPHC (Introduction to Primary Health Care School) ended on the 19th of June. Then on the 20th I left Perth and flew over to Brisbane to visit a good friend of mine and her husband. I stayed with them for a bit over 3 weeks. Christy showed me around on the East Coast and it was beautiful. She also took me to meet her parents and show me where she grew up in Victoria State. There we did some sightseeing, stunning scenery. Went and saw the 12 Apostles, but there are only 8 standing.

Then back to Brisbane! After that we went to visit a mutual friend of ours Amanda and her husband further up north. There Amanda took us to visit an indigenous reservoir, where we were introduced to 2 amazing ladies. The place has quite the history and there has been done a lot of injustice there, among other places all over the world. My time in Queensland was amazing, and I'd love to go back there sometime.

After Queensland I flew back to Perth for one day, where I attended a short seminar called "Not for Sale" amazing. They have a web site with the same name if you are interested in looking into it. Then on the 15th of July I boarded the plane that took me to Kuala Lumpur, then quickly onto the flight to Amsterdam, before boarding to Kristiansand. My parents and my youngest brother and his family came to the airport to pick me up =)

Stayed in Kristiansand for a few nights, before leaving with my youngest brother to Oslo to visit my sister and her family. They had just arrived from Croatia that afternoon, but that doesn't stop her from having people over. We were 15 people that stayed in their house for 2 nights before the guests left, and I stayed for a few more days.

Came back to Kristiansand on Thursday, and will be here for a little bit of time. This weekend there has been a Tall Ships Race here in Kristiansand, and it was amazing. There is just of the ships.
First week of September.... Rome here I come.

What is next.... that is always the question. And to be honest this time it's huge, because it's difficult to know. There are many things that are of interest, but I'll have to keep you all hanging still. But as soon as I know more.... don't worry..... you will be notified =)

Back in Perth!

And then we're back in Perth, Australia. 4 of the team came in Saturday midday, Grace and Joel came in on Sunday but different times, and the rest came in on Monday. Some are still trying to get over jet lag =)

Our time in Mexico City has been super, God is so at work in that city and He is still doing lots of work.

The last Sunday service before we left, was quite the thing. Yet we probably shouldn't be surpriced because Pastor Domingo is capable of asking us to sing or share testimonies the last minute. He is an amazing man of God. We thought that we were going to sit during the service, but right after the pastor had prayed we were told that now it's all yours. We went from not knowing anything, to having the whole service. What a JOY! Terence and Joel preached the word, without any problems or hesitation. It was awesome. Sarah and William had the worship time, and then some testimonies.... What an amazing team! Like the Bible says: “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season 2.Tim 4:2

The evening service we were more prepared! We had a slide show with pictures from all the different things that we've been involved in, and then at certain times one of the team came up and shared a testimony from that place. The churches we've been involved in are: Centro de Fe, Esperanca y Amor – Dios es Amor – Centro Christiano Pagiel – Gente de Jesus, also World Vision and evangelism in La Laguna. Different ministry, but most of the time health care was the main entrance to what we did. I have never thought that health care was such a big thing on God's heart. But seeing how it has opened door to preach the gospel to people, has really been an eye opener.

And now we have report back week. Have had some good team time, and will have some more team time the next few days. Then on Sunday, I'll be flying over to Brisbane to visit some good friends of mine for 3 weeks. Not quite sure what we'll all do, but I believe that we'll go into a reservoir for Indigenous people. Have a feeling that there will be some ministry time with them there – yuppie! I'm praying that God will open doors for us, so that He will be known and glorified.

Last week in Mexico City

It has been an amazing time here in Mexico, and it's with a sad (yet it will be good to move on) heart that we are leaving. God has done so many things here, and it has been a privilege to c how people have been touched by God and how He has ministered to them through the people we have worked with and through the team. Wow, what an amazing God we have.

This last week, we have had more clinics and seen people being ministered too. I had the privilege to talk with a single mother with 6 children in the last clinic we had. Her story was heart breaking yet she is a walking miracle. She had an accident 12 years ago, where she got paralyzed from the neck down. The doctors said that she would never be able to walk again, but here she was right in front of me walking around. And after accident, she has been pregnant 2 times – the last time with twins. Her uncle is a Jehovah’s witness so he has been telling her about his faith, she has been part of a Mormon church, a catholic church , then she went to a spiritual gathering…… as you can understand …. She has been seeking for something. This lady had also met a catholic priest that told her not to pray to the saints but to pray to God and Jesus, who is the only Savior. A while back she had an experience with Jesus, but didn’t give her life to him. And in the clinic she’s there sitting right in front of Mary and myself. We were able to minister to her, and encourage her….God is on the hunt for this lady, she knows Jesus – but is not walking with Him yet.

We had a time of intercession yesterday, and God showed me a picture: A heart that was flat, and then blood came into it and it got bigger and if there is no flow out from the heart it will explode. I shared it with the team, and as you can see from the photo….. which is amazing, thank you Sarah, God has put words to it. By the team coming to Mexico City investing in what God is already doing here, it will have an effect on the nation. They will have to continue to do what God has told them to do, if not it will be like still water… no fruit and no growth, stinky and smelly.

My prayer is that we will continue to invest/pour into nations all over the world, doing and being where God wants us to be. Obedience to Him, and He will do the rest.

Miscelaneous!

These last couple of weeks, I've been with a friend of mine in the hospital. She is doing well now, and it's all good. I do want to tell a little bit about the experience I had while coming and going to visit her.

When one come to the hospital, you have to show your identification before you can enter. Then you have to know where the patient is, which bed, which is normal. The id card stayed with them guards at the gate of the hospital, and it was given back to you when you left. Well, this one afternoon when I was leaving they couldn't find it... but luckily it was a copy of my id. The day my friend was discharged, they still couldn't find it =) but it's all good.

The room that my friend stayed in was with 4 beds, but there were only 2 of them there. So we were able to stay with her pretty much the whole day. In her room we had to wear a mouth cover and a jacket because the lady in the bed next to her had severe pneumonia. I didn't know the first time I came in, and the nurse whom had one told me to put on one asap - so I did. And then things were ok.

Yesterday we had another clinic and we saw many people. One lady came up to me and said that she wanted her ears checked. Yfke did that, and they were both clean - something that is not very normal here =) often they have lots of wax and it's hard to syringe. We saw that she had a bandage on her right hand, and asked what had happened. She said that she hurt it the day before. Of course we asked her if we could pray for her, and guess what.... the pain left. She got so excited, and asked if we could pray for her feet also because at night they are burning. So we did, but we don't know cuz we haven't seen her since.

There was a man there that had a lot of sorrow in his life, and he was wandering why he had all these bad things happen to him. And why God allowed all of that to happen to him. Grace and I talked with him for a good while, and he knows what he needs to do, but he doesn't feel ready or something. But we prayed for him, and believe that God will work in his life and show him what he needs to do.

This week we are invited to dinner every night, what a treat. People here are so hospitable, kind and friendly.

Today we went to lunch with the combi driver, David - which is a person that comes to pick us up when we go to World Vision - the other side of Ecatepec which is the area we stay in. It's a bit of a hassle to get there with public transport because there are 13 of us. One day he drove us home, and said if you ever need transport.... if he knew. He is also going to take us to the airport when we are leaving on the 10th of June. A good guy!

A clinic close to the market!

We had another clinic the other day, and so many people got touched by Jesus. The people that was there from the Pagiel church, who we did the clinic with, could tell us that over 20 people had come to the church after the other clinic coming to testify about what God had done in their lives. Two ladies had been healed from knee problems after they had gone home after a previous clinic. A guy had been healed from urinary tract infection, but we didn't know that that was his problem. It was so encouraging to hear all the testimonies that they told us.

One lady that had felt drawn to the place where we were came to the church as well. But let me tell her story. This lady was desperate for something, but she didn't quite know what. She felt drawn to leave the house and take the metro to a certain stop, while leaving her 2 children at home. She took the metro and got of at the stop, and felt drawn to the marked where we had a clinic. She came over where she was ministered to. Then the following Sunday, she came to the church with her 2 children and her husband - and some neighbors. God touched her life, and she has been touching other peoples lives. Glory to God.

This last week, I talked with 2 ladies. One of them had to go to the morgue to identify her son this last December. The police had found him dead on the streets with his hands cut off. An still to this day, she doesn't know what really happened to her son. The other lady was heartbroken, because her husband of 35 years had walked out on her. He had sold the business behind her back, then took the car and left her. I took their blood pressure, and started to talk with them. Soon realizing that they both were ready to receive Christ as their Savior. Jess, who is the pastors daughter stood close by, and she talked with them - and they both accepted Christ as their Savior.

We also have been syringing peoples ears, and the stuff that comes out is quite interesting. At times people are quite surprised that they can hear when the stuff has been taken out, but when they see what has been in their ears..... their facial expression is awesome. We have seen a unclean, clotted wax the size of a "cigarette butt" several times, quite the thing.

Today we went to a preschool and taught on nutrition, and another group taught on how to brush their teeth. We saw 50 kids, and measured them and weight them. It was so fun to teach them, and they were very enthusiastic about the whole thing. At first they were scared, because they thought we were giving them injections - but relaxed when they saw that we were only doing height and weight.

There are so many stories, and I'll tell more at another time =)

Prison visit!

On Thursday we went into one of the prisons here in Mexico City. It was quite the ordeal. The guy that was coming to help us get there, had some instructions to give us...... All jewelry had to come of, rings, earring etc... then we couldn't have any blue, black, grey or beige colored clothing. A lot of us had to run back to change =). Then we took taxis to get there, it was quite the ride. But we finally got there.

We had to wait in line to get in, and then when we did the door was locked, bolted behind us. Registration and then we got patted down and our purses got searched. Then they let us into the place where we would be. We were told not to look at the inmates, not to have eye contact with them and not to give them anything when they asked for it.

The session we came to was an open place with fence of course, it was where they had Mess. There were about 14-15 men there, the older ones. But some of them were 50. Mary and I was in a team, we talked a bit with the guys and then took their blood pressure. Most of them had high blood pressure. One, can't say his name, had been a believer for a long time - and he spent most of his time in prayer and to teach other about the Word. He got tears in his eyes and said he was so blessed by us coming in there and serve them in this manner. I was touched by him as well, you could see Jesus in his face.

I had a little opportunity to talk with one of the guards, and he said that here are 2500 men in this prison and 148 women. They are mainly Mexicans, but a few from Honduras and Cuba. He told me that there were fights daily, and even that morning when we came there was a fight that broke out - a person got stabbed. If the injury is not severe, they treat them in clinic at the hospital, but if severe they take them to the hospital.

Then we went over to the women’s section. There were 4 women pregnant, and 4 women with children. These were the women that we were told to minister to. We took their blood pressure, and ministered to them also. Some of them spoke English so that was a big help. One of the ladies had her baby 15 days ago, and was in a lot of pain while breastfeeding. We were able to teach her a good breastfeeding position, cuz the baby was not getting enough food and she wanted to give formula. You could see on her face that she was in lesser pain, it was so amazing.

I do hope that we'll be able to go back into prison and visit them again, you could see that it was an encouragement to them.

That same morning a friend of mine sent me a message on facebook saying, You are not the hope, but the hope you have in you, you bring to the hopeless. We all got very encouraged by that word, and really felt that God was giving these people hope.

Health seminar.

Wow, what a week. This has been amazing, and the weeks isn't over yet. God is so at work here in Mexico, it's so fun.

We have had a seminar here in the church Eglesia Centro de Fe, Esperanca y Amor. The attendance wasn't great, but those that were here had a good time. Tuesday morning we tought on handwashing and hygiene. They were happy to participate, and drew lovely drawings and made puzzles of them. Quick learners!

In the evening session they tought on dehydration and O.R.S (Oral Rehudration Solution). After the session a woman that came late was wondering how she could make ORS cuz her son was sick at home. We told her, and was able to pray for her. She is coming back on Sunday, so I'll ask her how her son is doing.

The next day we tought on cough and cold, and the second session tought on fever reduction. A lady stayed behind, because she wanted us to interpret her dreams. What came out of the whole thing, was a deliverance time. She was a very confused woman when she came, but the Lord touched her deeply. Her face was very different when she left, and she was also instantly healed. Thank you Jesus.

Clinics and evangelism!

God is amazing!

This last week, first on wednesday and then of friday, we set up tables near by a marked where people could come and get their bloodpressure taken and have their ears cleaned AND prayer. Many people came, and we helped them as best as we could, but the best thing they got was a touch from God. He healed many people 22 instantly, from deafness and knee problems. People didn´t show much of a reaction, but they really lit up when we asked them if they had pain, and it was gone - with a huge grin on their face. Left the place thanking us! We say Glory to God!

There was a lady that came up to me, and asked if I could pray for her. I had a Mexican lady come with me as well, and while talking to her - we were able to minister to her, and she gave her life to the Lord. They are so genuine in their seeking for God, and so open. The harvest is ready here in Mexico City. So many have been saved, just those to days with the clinic about 50 gave their lives to Jesus.

On our day of we went to the pyramides, that was quite the sight. It was awesome. The history at this place is tragic, cuz they (the Aztecs) thought that they had to keep the Sun burning, and to keep it burning they sacrificed a person. In total they sacrificed 80.000 people. It started raining while we were there, so we were not able to c the whole place. But it is so amazing that I do believe that when the rest of the team gets here, that we'll go back

We have had some amazing times during evangelism, God has been there with us and has healed people and some has also received the Lord as their savior! Almost everyone that we talk with wants a prayer of blessing, and lots of them wants to receive Jesus again after that. It's so amazing to be able to be a part of what God is doing in Mexico today!

What's happening in Mexico City!

We have finished reading the Bible, and it has been amazing. We read it in the park outside where we live, and yes we read it out loud. People came over and asked us what we were doing, and we explained that we read the Bible from cover to cover. The church we stay with is wanting to get started on reading out loud to, so that is awesome.

The other day we picked garbage in the same park, and people wondered why we were doing picking up garbage - and we said that we wanted to help out. Two guys came and started to help us, awesome.

Two girls have accepted Christ as their Savior since out time here. One of them today! We felt that we were to go over to her house and pray, and they were on their way out to go to the hospital for examination. She is epleptich, but we do believe that she is completely healed. They had wanted to come to the church to get prayer, but hadn't had the time. And then we came to them instead, just in time before them leaving. What a God we serve!!

Yesterday was our day of, and the whole team went downtown. The picture you see is the metro, but this is not the right picture. Usually there are lots and lots of people. We had to cram ourselves on the metro and make sure we stayed on until the right stop. People push and press their way in and out of the metro. Quite the experience, a bit scary but fun at the same time. Glad that we travelled in a team =)

Mexico City is so big, and has so much history. And we hope to be able to see more of the city and hear more of the history during our time here.

Our team members that are in need of visas are still not here, and we are keeping them in prayers - because we would really like to have them there. The team that are in India are doing great, but also looking forward to come here to Mexico City.

In Mexico City

So we are here, yuppie! It was a long flight, and I didn't sleep much but that kind of normal. The flight went well thought, and there were not too much turbulence. =)

During the 9 hours layover we had in Los Angeles I was able to met up with two good friends from SBS, Brian and Jason. Brian came and picked me up at the airport, and we went to Jason's house. So nice to have a break from being in the plane or at an airport. We had a good time catching up, have been 7 years since I've seen Brian and 11 since I've seen Jason.

Then we came here to Mexico City, it went very well through customs no problems for any of us - so that was good. Now we just need to pray for the rest of the team that don't have the visas yet that they will receive theirs so that they can come and join us.

On our way to the church we are staying at, we got lost. So it took us a while to get here, but we got here and it's awesome. The area isn't as rural as I thought it would be, which is a pleasant surprise. The church is involved in quite a bit in the area, so we could be working with them the whole time - but Megacities wants the churches in the area to connect with each other and the team is going to be a bridge for that. There is a seminar that we are going to attend Friday, and there will be a lot of pastors there so that will be good.

Our schedule for now is to read the Bible out loud in a public place from Genesis to Revelation. It is round the clock, so we sleep in between our readings. We have read a good chunk but still have some hours to go.

It's quite interesting to c how bad things were in the Old Testament how silly people behaved when they knew what the penalty would be, yet ...... wow we do the same today. Not much have changed....... I guess we are sinful people, but Praise be to God - He is our Savior and has taken all our sins away. And that is our privilege to go and tell the people of Ecatepec!!

Leaving for Mexico City!

So the day is finally here, we're leaving for Mexico City tomorrow evening. The team leaving for India will leave tomorrow morning, and then they will join us in about 1 months time. It has been quite the preparation, and it's not done yet. There are still people that need their visas to be able to travel, so there are 3 of our team that will join us in about 3 weeks time. Lots of warfare, and we know it's not over yet.

We've had a full day today with lots of information about the history of Mexico City and lots of info we need to know before we go there. And it's for sure that we are in for a quite the adventure. The area we're going to be in is right next to the largest garbage dump in the world. We'll be doing some ministry with World Vision at their clinic....amazing stuff. The first 72 hours we'll read the Bible out loud in a public place, then the next 3 days we'll do some prayer walking in the area. Then a days rest....... Exciting!

Last year there was a guy ( I think an Australian) had been meeting with 8 different churches in the area he lives every week to pray for things to happen there. God told him that next year 2010 Megacities (Megacites is a ministry coming out of YWAM Perth - which we are a part of) would come to Mexico City and a revival would come. They didn't know anything about Megacities, and didn't know what to do to find out about it. Then early this year, a guy from a region not far from theirs had heard about them and gave them a call. He invited them to come to a gathering where Megacities people would be present.... how would you feel if you had heard God say Megacities....... Well they came, and are super excited that there is a team coming to their region this week.

We've heard that people are ready and excited about Megacities teams coming into town, and they are so willing to host and get the city for God. An awesome time is ahead of us......

I do want to ask for your prayers, cuz there is a lot of witchcraft and occult stuff going on in Mexico City. We know that God is on our side, and HE is the one that has called us there. He is our protector!!

Just to let you all know, we've been told that we always have to be in groups of 3 + our local friends and translators at anytime. Just in case you were wondering =)

The storm!

We've been praying for breakthrough, in many was here at the base: finances, rain, visas.... Yesterday it rained a lot, and we were not quite prepared for that. The rain came gushing in, and as you can see the sealing fell down. We do thank God that nobody got hurt in this time. Some had to check the sealing in the classrooms, so that we wouldn't have it fall down on our heads. As far as they could tell, only one of the classroom were in danger - so that sealing was pushed down. The others seems to be ok. There has been some damage, the biggest one is the electicity. So there are people running around fixing that, so that we can get everything (hopefully) up and running again before comissioning night tomorrow the 24th.

There are times when we pray that God will come through, and then when He comes we are not quite prepared for that. My prayer are that we'll be prepared for what we pray for =)

Ecatepec, North Eastern corner of Mexico City

The area that our team is going to work in during outreach in Mexico is Ecatepec, situated in the North East corner of Mexico City. The name "Ecatepec" is derived from Nahuatl (native Aztec language) and means "windy hill".

A little history of the area: Ecatepec was the site of an Aztec kingdom established in the 12th century. The Mexican revolutionary hero Morelos y Pavon was executed by the Spanish at Ecatepec in 1815. Pavon was executed for treason and was buried in the courtyard of the parish. A monument to him stands in the region. In the past century, there has been a great deal of political turmoil.

Ecatepec is one of the poorer regions in Mexico City. The region is crossed by major national and international highways. It can be divided, geographically, into 2 distinct areas. The western area is full of steep winding roads that climb the side of the volcanoes, which form the north western border of Ecatepec. These suburbs have a spectacular view across valleys and out over the plain. The eastern side is a vast plane, bordered by water reservoirs and desert.

Our outreach is not quite finalized yet, but that will be worked on during this last week. Our team will be leaving a week from today, Saturday the 28th of March.

Funds!

The week came and went there was no update, but the money is coming in slowly. We haven't seen the big money come in yet, but we are praying and believe it will come.

Within the IPHC these last 10 days, 11 000 Australian dollars has come in. Yuppie. That is so amazing. We are still in need of 30 000, so it's an exciting time we're in. We as a class have prayer together for finances every day, and the following day telling about the what we have received. It's so awesome. God doesn't fail.

Another fantastic thing, is that I got another nephew Haakon. He was born on the 18th of February, and it was quite dramatic. My sister in law is still on antibiotic because of the infection she got, but is recovering. Glory to God.

As a base we've done some evangelism in an area called Cottesloe, and this last Thursday we had open air. Many people came and wanted to know what we were doing there, and a person gave his life to Jesus.

On the 28th of March we're going to Mexico City. Not quite sure which are we're going to be in, or what specifically what we're going to do. But there is still plenty of time to know that =)

2.5 million Australian dollars

Oh yeah. Within the next 7 days the YWAM Perth base needs 2.5 million dollars (13.750.000 Nok) to come through to do a down payment on their first purchased property...... We have been doing pledges, some people has fasted and a lot of prayer. It's exciting, and it will be awesome to tell you all how thing have gone and how God has provided this. (Faith!!)

As a school IPHC we need about 41.000 dollars to go to Mexico City and this has to be payed by the 10 of March. We are rejoicing everytime someone gets money. Sometimes this comes in by donations. William who is from Vanuatu, received 35oo (19250 Nok) dollars the other week toward his school fees. He was in awe and couldn't believe it, walking around with a big smile on his face. Who wouldn't =)

We are all waiting for a miracle to happen concerning our finances, knowing that God is faithful.... it's always a bit intense while waiting.

The flame goes forward!

That was the slogan for the 50th YWAM celebration that we had here in Perth last week. It wasn't only a 50th celebration, but YWAM Perth had it's own 25th celebration. Lots of people from the area around came, teams that are located in other countries came to be a part of this celebration. Lauren and Darlene Cunningham, whom are the founders of YWAM were also in our midst. All in all there were about 700+ people during that week.

Lauren took us through some of the YWAM history that has been significant during these last 50 years. One of the biggest ones, is of course God's FAITHFULLNESS. My attitude toward this whole celebration wasn't the best, because I haven't been part of this base at all. And the second day while sitting in the auditorium, the Lord said: "You are like the young Israelites in the desert. They had not been part of the stories like the separation of the sea, and the other stuff and had an attitude. Yet it's part of their history, and they needed to know it - so that they could tell their descendants about it." I repented of my attitude, and then all of a sudden the celebrations were so much more pleasant =). Realizing yet again that attitude so often change our view on what is reality.

After the 50th celebration, we had YWAM Perth 25th celebration. Things were more relaxed, and we had a lot of fun. Went to Queens Park, where we had a bbq, went to the Oval to play some footie.... We also had some time in the auditorium, where there was reflection on God's faithfulness with YWAM Perth. Shirley Brownhill, which is the base director, had an awesome teaching alongside with the regional leader Steve Ahern. Go + Do+ Obey was their exhortation to us. That we do have the power of God in us, believe that you have it within you.... Very encouraging teachings.

And this week life is back to normal. It's good to be back in the classroom again with my fellow students. This week we have had Dr Sunnetha with us. He and his wife work in India with Hiv/Aids. They used to work with people with Leprosy, but then God called them to start a clinic for Hiv/Aids. The first thing he told us was: "It is a privilege to work with the sick" this shows his and his wife’s heart. It has been all about that this week, his humbleness and love for these people that has this disease. He gives them hope.

We have HOPE and LOVE to bring people of the world!

Perth, Western Australia

My flight here went well, I had a layover in Singapore where they happened to have a beautiful orchid flower garden. It was absolutely amazing. Everything was a bit shorter, so when I was using the free internet I had to bend my knees, it looked pretty funny.

Came to Perth at night and it was actually a bit windy and cold. I thought to myself this is strange, but had to rethink that thought when I got out of bed the next morning. Nice and hot outside, I think that we on average these last 2 weeks have had about 30 Celsius. Not bad at all. =)

The area we live in is actually the red light district, but we don't see so much to it. We walk two by two, and at nights we have guys walk us home - which is quite normal i YWAM anyways.

This road is right out side my house, and is fairly busy. We are 11 girls living in the house. 4 to a room with 2 bunk beds in each room. Then we have a small kitchen, bathroom and the toilet is actually outside - but it's closed in.

We are 10 students where 3 of them are boys. There are people from Malaysia, Nepal, Netherlands, USA, Vanuatu, Switzerland, Faro Islands and Norway. There is lots to read and we are quite busy during the week. But on the weekends we don't have much. Although last weekend we had to wash cars as a fundraising for students whom are coming to do a primary health school in India then coming to Perth to be trained further.

Then the following week, there will be a celebration of YWAM 50 years at the base, and 25 years celebration for YWAM Perth. Exciting.