Tuesday

Well my hair is still frizzy, not quite sure what to do. But if that's my biggest problem than I guess I am doing okay! Im not sure if I updated you on the historical tour that was given on base on Sunday but it was powerful and Ill have to update again another day if I haven't.

Intercession/prayer time was last night and that was really good to focus in on the heart of God for the people here and really feel the affect that slavery has taken on it's people. Yesterday a prominent judge was found dead (suspicion is murder) as well as a witness to a high profile case. His two sons had recently attended a YWAM summer outreach and were baptized so we are praying for their loss and their family, as well as for justice in the matter. Also we heard that a 7 year old boy on the island committed suicide because he was being bullied at school. As you can see there is a lot of reasons for us to pray continuously for the people and children of St Croix and to seek out opportunities to help in any way we can.

We have been working pretty hard getting things ready for district conference next week. Lots of cleaning, organizing etc.... Its helping me to see the grounds more. I ventured off (permitted of course) to check out the shopping center across the street (oh yes, Kmart is over there too!). I did buy a cell phone (feel free to ask me for my number, Im not about to post it on the net) partly because the staff here use it to call each other. I also opened a bank account. The way things are run is that YWAM writes me a check for the amount of support that came in, and then I turn around and write them a check for my monthly fees (that cover housing, food, laundry etc). Silly but I guess if you don't want a receipt its easier to send it straight to me now. I met some nice people but overall i just get a sense that a lot of the natives are 'tired', maybe weary is a better word. So many opportunities to reach out. There is a clothing store Id like to check out as it seems more cultural and not as 'americanized' as the rest of the areas. Although in Kmart I noticed they were playing a lot of gospel music. And Yes,things can be more expensive here. Not necessarily unmanageable but it makes me gulp and be thankful that I brought along some extra things.

I am getting to know more of the staff here, especially the ones I will be working with (Luke, TJ, V, and Ligia) and we all get along really well. We finally have children on the grounds as the West family arrived (two boys under 7 and one girl). Jeremy will be leading the Equip part come May 10th but they both will also be attending the leadership conference next week. It gets dusty fairly quickly so more of our cleaning is in vain but its nice to see that they value what they've been given and want to make the most of it.

We look forward to meeting the rest of the regional leaders....