Poor Camera

This is what I see out my window
I do not know what kind of bird this is but he has come to visit the last couple of days.....
Those were my last two pictures on my camera....

Poor camera.... as of right now it refuses to turn on (yes, Ive changed the batteries a couple of times).... "Dear Jesus, Please bless me with a camera so I can keep my loved ones updated on what I am seeing and doing... and because I like photography. AMEN"

This was another full week of teaching including looking at Crisis examples, how to lead a small group, outreach tips etc..... We had Jeff Wilke (main speaker) from the Montana YWAM base here as well as Kim Hunt (more pastoral support). Both were so full of stories and inspiration and we truly felt blessed by them. Jeremy also spoke on a few topics and with only two weeks left of leadership training we are drinking in all the info we can. This coming week is our 'outreach' week and as we've been praying God is giving some clear directions and messages that seem to be not just for our immediate team but for ongoing ministry on the island. One of the main outreaches next week will probably be inviting the local boys in for a basketball night and treating them to pizza (with testimony time). I am reading a book called 'Repenting of Religion' by Greg Boyd as one of my book reviews and while the general themes and some great examples are good, I don't agree with his open theism. I'm already getting sentimental at the thought of my beloved new friends going back to their home bases. The best way to learn is from each other.

One of my fun highlights from this week was Pier jumping. A bunch of us (lead by my director) went to Fredricksted pier one night and after watching a few of the boys jump in I was surprised by my own impulse to follow them. The water may be clear but we'd already spotted huge fish (maybe even longer than my arm but any fish longer than my hand gives me the hesitations), and also sea turtles. When we first stepped on the pier the natives were talking about the sharks they had caught off the end of the pier. So to the more logical person, pier jumping at night would not be an option. I did not have on the 'logical' hat that night and even without a swim suit I jumped in! The water was warmer than the outside air and it was so worth it. Just to say I have! And don't worry, I did not feel any nibbles on my toes (by the way, I was the FIRST one up the ladder).....

This weekend a group is going to Carambola beach/resort (there are tide pools there too) but unfortunately it does not look like I can join them. Ive already to committed to helping out with the local Women Coalitions' 25th Annual Race that runs on Sunday (prep time is on Saturday during the beach outing). What a bummer!!! I know God will have me be in the 'best' spot but sun and fellowship sure sounded nice.... Meeting new people will be fun though! I might be able to update a bit more this week (outreach week). You can be praying for my school leader's daughter, Eden, as she has been running a fever, ear infections and some nasty bug bites (she is only 1.5 years old)....