This is a gecko. They are small, sticky-footed lizards that can be found on all walls and ceilings, even inside our rooms. They are our friends, however, because they are constantly hunting for their next meal of mosquitoes, those pesky insects I have gotten so many bites from so far.
I've been going to McDonald's more often than I do in Castro Valley because the food is cheap and it seems to be the place to be here. I've mainly only gotten ice cream there though. But I thought this "Mac Family" poster was especially impressive. Double Big Mac. FOUR all beef patties, special sauce, cheese, lettuce, pickles on a sesame seed bun. WOW. They don't have that on the mainland. They also have a Haupia pie in addition to the apple pie, which is a quite delicious coconut cream pie. And the breakfast Mac? Enough said.
I thought I would take a picture of myself on a JETWAY. Heehee. If you look at the small sign behind me you'll notice it reads "Jetway Systems." This was the jetway that I walked across to get to my first plane, which carried me from the San Francisco International Airport to Honolulu, Hawaii.
So...I've been here about a week and a half. Sorry for being missing in action and not having any contact with the outside world. I have been busy, indeed. My first week was intensity at its finest, as Danny might say. I've been busy eating, sleeping, going to class, doing homework, practicing and playing keyboard for worship, getting to know new friends, hitch-hiking to the beach, going cliff jumping, going to Wal-Mart and the movies, and having quiet times. I'm really excited to let everyone know what's going on in my life, but getting the most out of this experience requires practice in balance, so I've been working on spending my time well. I have not mastered this skill as of yet.
One thing I am realizing is that no matter how wise and powerful the words of the speakers are or how amazing the worship is, it is still crucial to seek God in the silence and listen for His words. God does not speak in only one way. He can speak through the speakers, worship, class discussions, quiet times, conversations and experiences with friends, and many other ways I am sure. I am trying to open myself to hearing God's voice through as many ways as possible. It is important to develop your personal relationship with Jesus and grow in intimacy with Him on your own, not only in corporate meetings. Then again, it's not good to quarantine yourself in your room and forfeit the chance to build meaningful friendships with your fellow students.
In my Compassion DTS, we are reading a book called "Is That Really You, God?" by Loren Cunningham, the co-founder of YWAM (his wife Darlene is the other co-founder, and she came to our campus to speak). In this book, Loren shares his life story, how YWAM started and grew, and how none of it would have happened if he had not listened to God's voice. There are some CRAZY stories in here, but some of the best advice is:
"The Lord will lead us into victory, but success itself is the most dangerous obstacle to properly hearing the voice of God."
"Being transparently honest with God and before man was necessary if we were to make progress hearing God's voice. I'd seen for myself how God's power was released after a time of cleansing, and I remembered that in every great historical move of the Spirit I had studied, every revival had experienced times of confession and deep repentance."
"God can't use you if you're proud"
These are just some of the major thoughts I have been working over in my mind, and I hope to share more with you as I continue to process everything I am soaking up. Thanks so much for everyone's prayer and support and sorry if I haven't contacted you personally. I still love you and care about you!!! I just have an extremely full schedule.
I know this is my first big post, but I would love to know who reads this, so please post a short comment. Thanks!!! I love you guys!!!
