Indonesia

Indonesia.

3rd October
My friend and I arrive at the prison with a personalised birthday cake, plates, sprite and expectation.  The prison visiting area is all open so we were surrounded by tonnes of other people visiting loved ones. We sat on the concrete floor, surrounded by new friends and shared together our friend from Thailand's birthday. She still had 11 years of her unjustly given sentence left to serve, yet her hopes were still high and she had big dreams for what she would do once she was released. After being able to hang out with her I realised how I can never complain about anything ever again- if she can find joy in that then I can find joy in absolutely anything. It was so special to spend time with prisoners- with those who were seeking and finding freedom in Jesus though they had a dark past. I am so glad that God is way bigger and smarter and he can cover all wrong things done.

16th October
After a 1 hour drive we pull up to the little house where we will be spending the afternoon. I walk in to the tiny brightly coloured room and sit on the dusty tiled floor, looking around at the faces of the reserved yet smiling transgenders we were going to hang out with. I've never experienced something like this before but straight away I loved being there. We introduced ourselves, performed dramas and I talked about my story with them, which involved a sneak-a-preach and a near breakdown. After the performances my friend and I assisted one of the individuals to give their life to the sweet care of Jesus. It was in that moment, when I was listening to them ask Jesus in to their heart, that I finally had a glimpse in to what unconditional love is. It's sitting with the rejected, it's sharing stories of redemption, it's inspiring hope where none was before. It's telling the truth- life is hard but God is good. The love, forgiveness and acceptance in that moment was so powerful and impossible to explain in a blog post. A week later we arrived back in that tiny house and repeated a similar programme, later to have another individual give their heart to Jesus, as well as have people physically healed.

20th October
We felt like the theme of the afternoon at the orphanage should be joy- we wanted to bring hope and happiness to the children's lives but would that be insensitive, uncomfortable and awkward? Unsure. We followed the spirit's leading anyways, and after we performed puppets and a drama we turned up the music and told the children to join us dancing! At first we got blank stares and folded arms but it only took a few minutes to have even the hardest of hearts joining in. Jesus really know's whatsup and what his kids need- which is double stuffed oreos, dance parties and loads of laughing. As we pulled away from the orphanage for the last time, I felt a physical hurt in my chest and realised how short term missions is so hard. Those precious children and their stories will forever be stored in my heart and mind.

22nd October
Last minute plans and we are able to go to a government run high school to perform dramas, share testimonies and the gospel message. While our team was preparing I felt like I should be the one to do the Jesus talk and so I volunteer to do so. We arrive at the school and try to communicate with the teenagers, making me fully aware yet again how bad my Indonesian is. We performed the dramas and I got up and shared my heart about what Jesus has done for me, the significance of the cross and how others can accept Jesus in to their hearts. All religions and backgrounds were present in that class, but little did that really matter as most of the people came forward for prayer. Straight after that, all 16 of us and a sound system piled in to our van to travel another hour to the slum area where we would participate in a church service. After performing dramas and testimonies and offering prayer no-one stayed to respond to our message. People were friendly and welcoming yet no-one stayed; I learned that half the battle is choosing to not be discouraged in the midst of no response. I learned that ministry cannot be emotionally based- my love and my attitude needs to come from the heart and from the Holy Spirit or else I'll get burned out.      

                                                                       

Amongst those ministries, we've also taught english to children and teachers, done friendship evangelism at the university, participated in multiple church services and served the places we've been staying at. We've helped teach soccer (meaning I've been shown how bad my football skills are), visited prisons, hung out with prostitutes and street kids, and done dramas on the beach. At the start of outreach I was honestly not that excited about being here but everyday I've grown to love this country more and more.

peace out

So this will be my last update before we leave for outreach! In just over a week we start our 35 hour journey to Indonesia. Between now and then is heaps of team meetings, drama practice, buying stuff for travelling (being a girl is so annoying- so many products needed!). I've started to actually get really excited for outreach and all that's going to occur during the 2 months that we are there. I still don't have much more clarification of what we'll be doing there but stay tuned whilst I'm out there! I'll try to update y'all as much as i can whenever i get internet =]

DTS lectures have been amazing. I've learned so much that it feels like I actually can't remember anything because there's just been so much information and transformation. Overload!! It's great. Last week we had Troy Sherman teach us about missions and evangelism which also included every other subject that we've covered on DTS. It was definitely the most challenging week that we had- I loved it so much because Troy was so down to earth and he really encouraged education, loving people where ever you are and being obedient in the every day things.
              I was really challenged during this week to be active and practical- this has actually been a common theme throughout DTS. I had a lot of head knowledge but now I am learning that I can actually apply that knowledge in to actions, which makes it change in to heart knowledge. Loving people is more than thinking that you love them- it needs to be shown! It needs to be shown through serving and encouragement and affirmation. I also learned during this week to not get overwhelmed with the future- ONE DAY AT A TIME. It's so cliche but it's so true! Choose love every day and things will change. A difference will happen. A principle that I'm going to have to remind myself of every day on outreach.

This week is outreach prep- we have learned puppets, dramas, dances, how to share personal stories etc. This week has also included a lot of free time which has been nice to buy things for outreach and pack. yay.

I've made some of the best friends ever here. What makes it even better is that my best friend ever is coming here TOMORROW (Maddie) AND SHE GETS TO MEET ALL MY FRIENDS HEREEEEEE.

DTS is the best thing ever. Sorry for this really brief and random update! God is absolutely transforming my life and it'd be impossible to write down everything of what he is doing in my heart. I'm so excited for the future and whatever is going to happen..... however today is what is really important. I need to focus on today. Love and obedience.

Hugs and kisses <3

28 things from a Brit living in America

So after living in the USA for nearly 3 months, I've noticed things about the American life that are different and crack me upppp.

This list is merely for entertainment purposes; please don’t take offence, as that is not at all what I mean. It’s merely observations of life here.

The British life in America

1.     Americans are the most patriotic people on the planet…. The USA flag is EVERYWHERE. I’m surprised that on the 4^th of July there wasn't fireworks shaped in stars and stripes. 

 

2.     There is a drive through everything. Don’t have time to walk 3 meters from your car to an ATM? There’s a drive through for that!

3.     Cappuccino and bacon maple flavoured crisps are a thing

4.     Instant coffee isn’t a thing… I guess that’s good since Americans do know how to do coffee right (kudos)

5.     Lipton tea is a thing but shouldn’t be

6.     The majority of cars here are SUV’s or pickup trucks and I love itttt. Or old school 5 seater cars

7.     The mountains are really beautiful (locational)

8.     The skies are really big

9.     Mexican food here is like Indian food in the UK.

10. I’m classed as an entertainment feature whenever I speak in an American accent. I often get asked to say something in an American accent to Americans. Which is fine, it’s just funny.

11. I’ve found that everything here is noticeably cheaper than the UK (viva the pound)

12. All the guys carries knives and it cracks me uppppp

13. There is a Starbucks on every corner

14. Bread could be classed as a dessert solely based on sugar content

15. Cheese here is so bright orange I could wear it underneath a UV light and glow

16. It’s socially acceptable to wear sports clothes to any occasion. It’s great

17. It’s borderline impossible for others to do an English accent without speaking about 5 octaves higher

18. Dry humor is rarely appreciated

19. Strangers actually make eye contact and initiate conversation in public places 

20. Chick-fil-a is (understandably) glorified

21. Tax should really be included in the price because the dollar menu is really deceiving

22. Apparently having an English accent gives me divine wisdom and knowledge as I’m told I sound really smart. I’ll accept that. 

23. In the majority of packaged products there’s 50% high fructose corn syrup and 50% hydrogenated fat

24. Refills here are free and that should actually happen in the UK too

25. Fried chicken, waffles and syrup is a thing and this should also happen in the UK too

26. It doesn’t matter that I live hours away from London, people still refer to me as from London. Because England only has one city in it obviously.

27. People are just really nice. The majority of people. So many smiles, I don’t know how to react.

28. Marmite…. There really is no way to explain why yeast extract on toast is so wonderful. You really do either love it or hate it. <3

All of this being said, America is so wonderful, beautiful and I love all of y'alls accents and cultural habits and different things. It cracks me up and makes me think bigger. I've made some lush friends and family here. There is no place I'd rather be.

God's heart, relationships and spiritual warfare.....

So the lecture phase is almost halfway done. what. the. heck.

I can honestly say that DTS is changing my life, and I am being completely transformed.

I am really starting to understand and comprehend what it means to love and follow Jesus, not just what it means to say you 'believe in God'.... It's obviously hard and challenging because it requires giving up rights. But all good things!

Firstly.... I'm going to Indonesia!!!!!!! :D In the middle of September we will be jetting off to Bali and Surabaya for 7 weeks. While we are there we will be doing evangelism, kids and sports ministry, teaching English, jail and red light district ministry and maybe and probably other things?? It's outreach :) who knows. It's so awesome. I have paid off neeeaaaarly all of my monies for this (which has some how been provided for... I don't even know how....) however I need $300 more for the final payment. That is £177.30. I have about $50 in my bank account which is really fun to teach me to trust in God a lot!! Missionary life. If y'all wanna help support me get to INDONESIAAA then hit me up! Cool story- one of my friends here needed $1200 within hours so that she could go on outreach and stay for the rest of lecture phase.... she went to the accounting's office to check how much she specifically owed and she was told that there was an anonymous donation for $1800!!!!!!! What the heck. I know God'll provide my mere $300 :) 

((Team Indo Selfie))

3 weeks ago our whole DTS moved up into the Rocky Mountains for a week of lectures on 'The Father Heart of God'. Our DTS really bonded a lot (since there was no-where to run off to) and we spent many nights by the campfire making smores, or playing games, or laughing a lotttt. That was also a really hard and emotional week as God was convicting me of a lot of stuff that had to be dealt with. What better place to process stuff than in the mountains though? It was perfect. During that week we climbed a mountain (high elevation hiking is really fun) and I ate biscuits and gravy (not simultaneously, though i wouldn't have complained. Also England needs to adapt to the biscuits and gravy life! it's so good)(it's not an actual biscuit, don't worry. google it.)

After that week mine and a few other small groups took part in 'service saturday' which is where all students on base go into different community projects and help out for a few hours. We went to 'habitat for humanity' and did various jobs which included shiftin' wood, cleaning up the warehouse and the yard. It was pretty sweet.

The week after that was 'Relationships' week. The teaching and what I got out of that week was so intense and it changed my whole perspective of everything. seriously. Half of the week was spent on relationships with just other humans in general, which doesn't sound as interesting and juicy as romantic relationships but that foundational teaching was so insightful and important it altered how I view so much. A few things that I got out of that week: False humility is possible- thinking less of yourself isn't humility- It's pride. // It's SO important to love others based on their value and NOT based on their behavior and actions. // The problem and root of every issue in the world ever is because of relationship, or lack of. // And most importantly, Love is a choice. :) 

This week is 'Hearing God's Voice ///// Spiritual Warfare'. It's awesome. Though I've heard from God very clearly in the past, I can't ever remember having specific teaching about this topic. I am learning so much. My hand is about to fall off from all the notes that I am taking. I used up a whole biro pen in 2 weeks. ooopsssssss. One of the biggest thing that I learned this week is that every action that I choose now affects eternity. This millisecond of life compared to millions of years of eternity should be used wisely.....

All in all..... I am getting completely ripped apart from the inside out. Some days I feel naked because God's taking away all the bad stuff that I've made my home, to replace with good stuff. Having it gone means that I feel lighter but also more vulnerable. It's scary. And a big faith test. But God is definitely the most trustworthy ever. everrrrr.

Lots of love from the Mile High state xoxox

cheeky update

DTS is great

I love it here. I haven't genuinely been this happy and content in months... It's so quickly felt like home and I've felt more comfortable here than back home at the Lodge (oops?!). There are about 35 students on this DTS and about 15 staff (random guess) and they all have become family so quickly (apologies for the cliche). Seriously though, the fact that I've been here for just over 2 weeks is blowing my mind- it feels like it's been months, but also only a few days which is guess is why people say that DTS flies by..

The first week we were here was just orientation week which gave us time to get to know each other better, and then last week our first lectures started and the topic was the character and nature of God. This week was taught by Pastor Blake Mattocks who was an amazing and humble guy- he really showed me God's heart and who He is through his teaching. Just a few topics included in that week were honesty, obedience, contentment, courage, forgiveness, kindness and others..... It's been really challenging and humbling to see each characteristic in depth more.

On one of the first nights here, our school had a session of learning about rights and ultimately laying them down to Jesus since he gave us everything anyways. Afterwards during the processing time I could have cleared out a small section of the Amazon rainforest through my tissue consumption... It was so hard to give up some things that I held so close and hadn't seriously considered ever giving up. Thankfully my amazing small group leader walked me through some of that processing.... It really showed me that I need to constantly lay things down to God because holding things close will actually move me backwards instead of pressing forwards.

This week the topic is 'Fear of the Lord'. Our teacher is Mark Davies who is on staff here- just one of the things that we learned that really stood out to me was that there are absolutes and relatives... an absolute is that Jesus is Lord, love must be a main priority, Jesus is the only way to salvation, etc. Other things like music preference, tattoos, alcohol, movies etc. are all relatives (defined by our conscience and convictions). To force our own convictions upon others of what we believe is right or wrong isn't loving. However it's important that absolutes stay priority and the focus of our lives... once the relatives take over and become more important to the point of disunity and division then there's a problem! Moral of the story: love one another and God over anything else. This was pretty cool to see and apply.

(Inserted inspiring picture of a lake that we hiked up to see last weekend)

DTS is challenging but I love it. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. I'm having to face a lot of hard things in my heart face on. I am also asking God and myself a lot of hard questions because I don't want that half-hearted faith stuff. My friends are awesome and supportive and I know that with God is the safest place to be.

This next week we'll be away in the mountains learning about the Father heart of God. Yay. Thanks for all of your prayerzzz and love! I really appreciate.

If you want to send me mail (which you do) then my address is

YWAM Denver
Elisa Leage DTS
12750 West 63rd Ave,
Arvada CO 80004

xoxoxoxox

Words from a German Castle....

Germany is beautiful.
Every prejudice I've ever had has gone. Strangers here are friendlier than they are in England (oops??!), everywhere is so clean and the houses are so cute. It's so so quiet here at the castle too...  I can hear myself think.... Probably because there is no A5...

Yesterday I was sick and my cold was at it's peak so I napped and sneezed and sipped tea. Today I am much better. Yay! My dad is teaching on the SBS and I have just come with him for a break.... I am currently on a weeks holiday from school and work, and resting at home is not always easy. Its nice to be away somewhere different where I can actually rest because I don't have my laptop or phone or TV ... or even friends :o ... I am getting ultimate introvert time and its awesome.
We are staying in a 1899 castle in Hurlach which is a little village in the south of Germany. It's so cute. Also it's really flat and the sky is really big!!!

When I get back home I will be carrying on with life. This will include College (school) 3 days a week, working at the cafe over the weekend and then 2 days a week at my new job (yay!). This new job is the opportunity I talked about my college providing and it's such a blessing! I am working as a Personal Coach for year 10 students (14-15 yr olds). This involves meeting with them fortnightly to see how their doing academically, mentally and emotionally, providing support where needed and then helping them come up with targets and realizations by themselves. This requires lots of questions and listening on my part! It's awesome! I am still getting the hang of it but when I am in each session with a student I feel in my element and I'm doing what I love to do. Whenever I am not coaching I go into different lessons like maths or English to help out by being a teaching assistant, supporting students as necessary and just being an extra hand. I also really enjoy that too!!

I feel like such an adult; working a 9-5 job, driving to work, having so many responsibilities. It's scary at times. I come home and am completely exhausted, lights off by 10pm. However I've never been pushed to rely on God's grace more. I'm learning that intimacy with God doesn't just happen and I need to pursue it on my part as well. Similarly, you can't just find a friend and instantly have a deep relationship with them. It requires time, trust and effort. Each day I am choosing to trust God. It's hard and it cuts my pride but that's necessary to walk in humility, right? Whenever it gets hard I remind myself how God created time, earth and the little blood vessels in my heart and mind so I should be pretty safe to rest in his timing and ways. He is the smartest.

On another note, it's less than 4 months til I head west to the land of the free!!! So close. Almost 4 months until my DTS starts. I can't wait to spend 3 months living in the mountains of Colorado. It will be such a special time, I'm sure. 

With the 2 jobs I am working at the moment, I should have nearly enough monies for my DTS by June! So much provision. I have nearly $1000 saved already (£600) :D. I will only need to fundraise for a couple more hundred and then I should be set. If you would like to give and join with me on this crazy adventure that will take place June 2014 then please don't hesitate to contact me :)

Thanks so much for reading this! I know blogs are a thing of the past but I will proudly keep mine going. Viva Blogger! 

http://www.ywamdenver.org/school/youngpeoplesdts (take a look to see what I'll be up toooo :) )

2013 -> 2014

              2013

 This has been a year of joy and struggles. It has been a year of miracles, surprises, crushed hopes and inspired dreams.

Since It's been a year and a half since my last blog post I figured I'd better write another one. So much has happened this year but I never quite knew how to put it into a blog post. However here is what has happened:

        Over this past year, I’ve been receiving eye treatment for a spot in my eye. I haven’t told many people, so don’t be surprised if you had no idea this was happening. I tried to keep it on the down low. Anyways, over the past few years I have had a cluster of blood cells in my left eye near my iris. It was totally random. It isn’t genetic. I have no idea how it got there. However it has been a struggle to live with, as people aren’t always the kindest regarding these kinds of issues! "No guys, I am not doing drugs and I don’t have a gross infection". Anyways, starting in 2012, I’ve had multiple consultations regarding this condition, resulting in 4 different eye operations done, including cutting a section out, injections and biopsies. It’s been really fun. The first procedure in February was classed as ‘cosmetic ‘since the doctor couldn’t see any real medical problems. However after the biopsy (testing of cells cut away) was done, the results came back pretty negative!  The doctor told me that the cells were abnormal and if they weren’t treated then they could have eventually multiplied and spread. I am so thankful that I had that surgery at that time and I’ve been able to have further treatment to prevent anything!

 

            Since then, I’ve had other procedures in April, October and November, either doing injections to ‘freeze’ the cells so they’ll die and not multiply, or a biopsy which means the doctor can test to see if the treatment is actually having effect. Those treatments have been a big part of this year. Even if I haven’t always been ecstatic about knives, scissors and needles entering into my eye, I'm so thankful for the outcome. I now have normal looking and healthy eyes! I am 90% sure that I have finished all treatment now! Thank you NHS for looking after me. Also, a big shout out to my mum for enduring endless hospital trips and a few overnight stays in Sheffield with me! I couldn't have done it with out her :)

            Another big part of this year was driving. I started to learn in Sept 2012, and took several tests throughout the spring of this year. I finally passed in July, which I was so so happy about! Driving tests in England are not easy to pass!! However through the failures God taught me so so so much about problems in my heart that were clearly affecting my driving, like superstition and living in fear of always being wrong. This then resulted in me getting things wrong. What a surprise! It was an expensive way for me to find out those issues but at least I have now acknowledged those problems and dealt with them :) In October I was given a car and my wonderful father found a great deal on insurance. I am still in shock that I have been blessed with this, as it is truly a miracle!

 

            Over the Summer my family went to Colorado to see family and it was such a nice time since it had been 3 years since we'd seen them and Jonathan and I had definitely grown since then! We also spontaneously took a trip to the Grand Canyon which i was feeling indifferent about but it was so so beautiful I would love to go back :) Jonathan and I ended our time in the states by going to Hawaii for a week to see our friends since it had also been years since we had been there. It was lush to catch up with friends and of course we were nostalgic about how we used to live there, however I had never felt more at peace about living in England. (I'm probably the only person on the planet that would say that statement- about living in the UK over Hawaii!! :) Must be some pretty powerful peace).

            

 I am now in my final year of college and I am so ready to finish! I am studying Health and Social Care Level 3 to graduate with an Extended BTEC diploma. Over 2013 I have had 3 different placements, including an elderly residential home, a private school and a school for special needs children. At the residential home I learned a lot about how to care for dementia patients, as well as how to make many cups of tea!! I was at that placement for 2 months. At the Private school I worked with the 4-5 year olds as a teaching assistant for the teacher and I was there for 6 months- I really enjoyed that placement because the children were so sweet and easy to teach- I learned a lot there about primary education etc. My final placement was at a school for special needs children where I was for 2 months- this was my favorite placement, which was a big surprise to me! I loved working with the children and I learned so much from them, about love and kindness. It’s been a good time in college and I’ve made some amazing friends, as well as being blessed with opportunities by the college, one of those including a trip to a Buckingham Palace garden party in July of 2013. In January 2014 there is another opportunity that has opened up for me at college, however I will explain about that in another post as I am not 100% sure what is occurring there. Watch this space!  

       During 2013 I have also said goodbye to some very close and dear friends as they move on to different seasons of life. It always breaks my heart a little to say goodbye however I hold onto the fact that the love with my friends is so strong, which makes departures so hard. Friends & Family- I am so thankful for you all. Thank you for standing by me during 2013, a year of uncertainty and difficulties as well as through the joys and celebrations. All my love. <3

            2014

As I write this on January 1^st 2014, I am so excited for all this year will hold. I have 6 months of college left and then I’m outta here! On June 23^rd I am taking part in a YWAM course called a DTS (Discipleship Training School) in Denver, Colorado, where I will spend 3 months learning more about who God is, and then 2 months overseas putting into practice all I’ve learned in the ‘outreach’ phase. I will be doing the first phase of my DTS in the beautiful Rocky Mountains near Denver. I am so excited! Being a YWAM kid, I’ve seen hundreds of people go through this program and now it’s me !? :) My DTS will finish in November and from there I am open to anything to happen.  I don’t have any plans so far. What I feel called to in my life is something along the lines of counseling / youth work / social work. I have no idea what this will look like. But that general area is what I want to work towards through other training programs, possibly university (did I just say that? God’s done a massive work in my heart since I’ve been opposed to uni for a long time. I guess stranger things have happened).

            I currently have a job in a local café where I work when I don’t have college- through this I am able to save up towards my DTS. I am doing what I can to save up for this trip, and I am confident that God will supply the rest!  :)

            This has been my 2013…. And 2014.

Love you all.