Abide

The first 9 days on the island have been an amazing start to the new year. This time has been packed with becoming aquainted with the YWAM Maui school, the island, the water, and the people. Similarely to back home I am excited to get to know God better, but differently through this program and later outreach opportunities.

After 7 hours of flying I went to the base where the staff gave me a tour in which we took a pit stop in the kitchen for me to be filled up before going to sleep in the guys house. The next day was kicked off with an early surf session where I rode "Moldy Mel" (an extra board that is in beter shape than it sounds... not by much though). By the time we came back from the beach the other students had arrived and we had our oppening night. At the end of the night we were told we'd be going out on an adventure they reffered to as Exodus.

At 5 in the morning we woke up and packed the few items we were told to bring from a very small list. This Exodus started with a trip to some of the main cities on the island via hitch hiking. That day I was in the back of more trucks than I can count on my hand and was surprised by the friendly culture on the island. From there we camped three days on a gourgous property overlooking the mountains and ate nothing but raman nudles and oatmeal. Staff and students all had a chance to share their testimonys (tell their stories about their life and why they believe in Jesus). Unaware of how long Exodus might last the staff with us and on the base surprised us with a "Love Feast", which was more than welcome after our limited apatite. Overall this trip was an awesome way to got to know eachother really well.

In the same way that Exodus is Bibilically followed by Leviticus, our Exodus adventour was followed by an explanation of the school's scedule and its rules (cause Levititcus is alot about the law;). Mixed in with the introductions was talk about the lessons to come and talk about outreach, which gets me really excited for this next week when lessons will officially begin.

The theme four our school is Abide in the context it is used in John 15:4-7:

"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by etself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you"

What makes this theme meaningfull to myself is how it is in tune with a recent realization that I have nothing to offer the world unless I know the one who created me. Therefore I see value in abiding in the vine it is fruitfull.

#Photography #nature #art #bird