Back on Home Soil Again!

Good-bye to Kona and YWAM and hello to Camrose again!
We left Kona a week ago Friday, saying our good-byes at an Olympic Opening Ceremony party (the only TV on campus), and at a frequent evening spot, McDonald's. Then we loaded up into a big van, and left for the airport amidst lots of hugs and waving good-bye. Hard to believe we were already leaving. The 6 six weeks seemed to fly by, at least from our end. We were kept constantly busy......down time was minimal!
It is hard to put into words all that we experienced.....it is so mulit-faceted. The volunteer work itself, the place where we lived, the worship experiences, the people we met and lived with, the places we visited on our own, and with the whole group, the Big Island landscapes, the ocean, hula worship dancing (!), learning more about ourselves, and growing closer to the Lord through it all. Early on I gave up trying to keep a daily journal, and just wrote on my calendar like I do at home. It's hard to keep up that pace and then write it all down! Of course, my camera is sort of like my journal so I won't forget too much!

It is good to be back and will be good to be at Messiah tomorrow to worship and connect with friends and my KidFEST (S.S.) family. When I worship in Kona (either outside at the church on the ocean, or in the oldest church in Hawaii), I think of everyone worshipping back in Camrose and I can get teary. Then when I am at Messiah again, I get teary thinking of everyone back in Kona! I am so blessed to have these special places and friends in my life. Like most of you do too.
The amazing, overwhelming thing is that wherever I am, I know that we are still worshipping the same God. What a tie! It keeps us close.

The Christmas decorations still need to be put away here, so I better get at it. Also my suitcase unpacking. It will take longer to unpack all the feelings and experiences.

I still would love to add some pictures to our blog, but first I will need to download them on to my computer. May God's grace and love surround you, wherever you are worshipping tomorrow, and as you seek Him out in your life each day.

Thanks for your prayers and support! (Lavona Broen called from Arizona yesterday and it was so good to hear from her. They left Kona just as we came and will be back to Camrose by the end of March.)

Much love and prayers,
Marlys