On my birthday
at lake louise
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Okay, so this is kind of sad.
Not really that anything sad has happened, just that it has been literal ages since we have added on to this slice of life commentary.
So, since it has been a few months, there are some pieces of news to be shared. No, I am not pregnant, so don't ask ; )
We headed over to Calgary after both camps, where we stayed with a friend in the Southeast part of the city (way out in the boonies, for the Aussies, way out of the suburbs (much less interesting way of saying it, but oh well)). We were there for a couple of weeks, and in that time found a home right outside of the downtown core in a basement suite. For you non-Canadians reading this, every home here has a basement, it is a unsaid expectation. In fact, I would go so far to say that if there was not one, it would be a bit of a shock. Anyway, so we are yes, underground. Yes, we have our own entrance. No, we cannot see the outside world. So no, we cannot see if it snows unless we open the front door, which has happened on a few occasions. We love it though, it is small but has all the space we need. We feel very blessed, and when we moved in were moved by the extreme generosity shown to us by professors and students at Luke's school who gave money, groceries and furniture to us. We lacked none of our needs.
So we have been here a few months already! Luke is going to school, taking 3 classes at the moment (Contemporary Spirituality, Leadership Principles and Journeys of Women in the Christian Tradition). It took him a bit to get back into things (you know after taking a break it takes a while), but he is enjoying it. Currently he is reading "The Sacrament of the Present Moment," and is quite enjoying it.
I am working at a non-profit organization with a long, long name. The Developmental Disabilities Resource Centre of Calgary. See? Long name. I have now been there for almost 2 months. I work with adults aged 18-26 about who have developmental disabilities, helping them get job skills, jobs, and helping with educational opportunities. Currently I am supporting a woman who is taking a Word Level I course. The job can be fun, and amazing, and on certain days, probably like every job, boring. But, I am learning and growing in a role and job I have never had before. Currently I am reading "How to be a Canadian: (Even if you already are one)" and find it very funny.
Luke and I are enjoying marriage, and are learning and growing in it. We have been meeting with a couple about every other weekend, and they ask us questions that we do not really think about in the daily grind of life.
We like the city, and it has been refreshing for us being here. We both like being surrounded by people. Sorry prairie peoples, we love you, just not the land.
A few random facts:
1). Luke and I share the cooking, that is a common question for some reason.
2). And the dishes, for that matter. But Luke does the laundry.
3). We will be posting photos soon, sorry for the delay!
4). My dad came to visit with his lively wife Sally. We went to Canmore and Banff, my first stay there ever! Even though I have driven through 4 times!
5). I have officially "nested." From furniture given to us, to Goodwill, dumpster diving and discount stores! It has been good.
Prayer points:
1). That we find a church. We have only been to a few in the city, and searching grew tiring quick.
2). That we will grow as a couple closer to the Lord, and walk in Him with joy.
3). That we will be further connected to a community that will challenge us.
Love,
danielle and luke
So, since it has been a few months, there are some pieces of news to be shared. No, I am not pregnant, so don't ask ; )
We headed over to Calgary after both camps, where we stayed with a friend in the Southeast part of the city (way out in the boonies, for the Aussies, way out of the suburbs (much less interesting way of saying it, but oh well)). We were there for a couple of weeks, and in that time found a home right outside of the downtown core in a basement suite. For you non-Canadians reading this, every home here has a basement, it is a unsaid expectation. In fact, I would go so far to say that if there was not one, it would be a bit of a shock. Anyway, so we are yes, underground. Yes, we have our own entrance. No, we cannot see the outside world. So no, we cannot see if it snows unless we open the front door, which has happened on a few occasions. We love it though, it is small but has all the space we need. We feel very blessed, and when we moved in were moved by the extreme generosity shown to us by professors and students at Luke's school who gave money, groceries and furniture to us. We lacked none of our needs.
So we have been here a few months already! Luke is going to school, taking 3 classes at the moment (Contemporary Spirituality, Leadership Principles and Journeys of Women in the Christian Tradition). It took him a bit to get back into things (you know after taking a break it takes a while), but he is enjoying it. Currently he is reading "The Sacrament of the Present Moment," and is quite enjoying it.
I am working at a non-profit organization with a long, long name. The Developmental Disabilities Resource Centre of Calgary. See? Long name. I have now been there for almost 2 months. I work with adults aged 18-26 about who have developmental disabilities, helping them get job skills, jobs, and helping with educational opportunities. Currently I am supporting a woman who is taking a Word Level I course. The job can be fun, and amazing, and on certain days, probably like every job, boring. But, I am learning and growing in a role and job I have never had before. Currently I am reading "How to be a Canadian: (Even if you already are one)" and find it very funny.
Luke and I are enjoying marriage, and are learning and growing in it. We have been meeting with a couple about every other weekend, and they ask us questions that we do not really think about in the daily grind of life.
We like the city, and it has been refreshing for us being here. We both like being surrounded by people. Sorry prairie peoples, we love you, just not the land.
A few random facts:
1). Luke and I share the cooking, that is a common question for some reason.
2). And the dishes, for that matter. But Luke does the laundry.
3). We will be posting photos soon, sorry for the delay!
4). My dad came to visit with his lively wife Sally. We went to Canmore and Banff, my first stay there ever! Even though I have driven through 4 times!
5). I have officially "nested." From furniture given to us, to Goodwill, dumpster diving and discount stores! It has been good.
Prayer points:
1). That we find a church. We have only been to a few in the city, and searching grew tiring quick.
2). That we will grow as a couple closer to the Lord, and walk in Him with joy.
3). That we will be further connected to a community that will challenge us.
Love,
danielle and luke
Monday, September 8, 2008
Cal - Gary (written as the Canadians would say it).
Hello Everyone,
Currently I (Danielle) am sitting on a couch after many hours of sitting in front of my laptop searching for jobs. The past couple of weeks have been interesting and challenging for Luke and I.
The week after we ended our season with Eagles Nest Ranch, we took a short drive to Whispering Pines, where we stayed the week. Luke had been asked by Shane to talk in the morning chapels, while Shane spoke during the evenings. I was sick (and fatigued) during the entire week, so the only time I was out of bed was for meals and chapels. Things went really well, and it was a good learning experience for Luke to speak in front of about 70 teens.
After camp, we stayed with Shane and Nicki a few days before venturing to Calgary. Since arriving, we have spent hours upon hours on the computer daily. First it was to find a place to live, and now for a job.
At this point, we are staying with a friend, but this week we move to our basement suite- which will be our home for a year. We are so excited about the location, price, everything. Thanks for those of you who were praying! We will be sure to post some photos of the inside to give you an idea of our little abode, and maybe some after I start nesting ; )
Luke has started school this past week, thanks to those who have been supporting us financially. It was such a blessing to just pay for school, and for us to pursue other things like our search for a home and job.
A lot of people have been asking me-what area are looking for a job Danielle? And typically my mind blanks. If you have met me, you know that usually I know exactly what I am doing....all the time. When I walk into a place or situation, I usually have about three steps planned ahead of me, and then another 2 steps if one of those steps don't work. So, coming to Calgary has been more than a stretch for me as someone with the total unknown before her. I have been searching a lot, and thinking and praying, and as of right now am seeking some type of administrative job. I would love to work in Christian or non-profit work, but if that is not possible I hope I can gain experience working as a temp in this type of work so I can move into an admin job in Christian or non-profit work.
So if you keep us in mind, these are things you can pray for...
1). The adjustment period! Luke and I are entering what is considered a more "normal" schedule for married couples, but for us it is new. We know it is going to be stretch at first, especially with all changes taking place.
2). For me to find a job where I can learn and grow, and bless others.
3). For Luke and I to find a church or community of believers where we can journey with others; where we can be challenged and challenge others.
Love you all, again thanks for reading,
Danielle
Currently I (Danielle) am sitting on a couch after many hours of sitting in front of my laptop searching for jobs. The past couple of weeks have been interesting and challenging for Luke and I.
The week after we ended our season with Eagles Nest Ranch, we took a short drive to Whispering Pines, where we stayed the week. Luke had been asked by Shane to talk in the morning chapels, while Shane spoke during the evenings. I was sick (and fatigued) during the entire week, so the only time I was out of bed was for meals and chapels. Things went really well, and it was a good learning experience for Luke to speak in front of about 70 teens.
After camp, we stayed with Shane and Nicki a few days before venturing to Calgary. Since arriving, we have spent hours upon hours on the computer daily. First it was to find a place to live, and now for a job.
At this point, we are staying with a friend, but this week we move to our basement suite- which will be our home for a year. We are so excited about the location, price, everything. Thanks for those of you who were praying! We will be sure to post some photos of the inside to give you an idea of our little abode, and maybe some after I start nesting ; )
Luke has started school this past week, thanks to those who have been supporting us financially. It was such a blessing to just pay for school, and for us to pursue other things like our search for a home and job.
A lot of people have been asking me-what area are looking for a job Danielle? And typically my mind blanks. If you have met me, you know that usually I know exactly what I am doing....all the time. When I walk into a place or situation, I usually have about three steps planned ahead of me, and then another 2 steps if one of those steps don't work. So, coming to Calgary has been more than a stretch for me as someone with the total unknown before her. I have been searching a lot, and thinking and praying, and as of right now am seeking some type of administrative job. I would love to work in Christian or non-profit work, but if that is not possible I hope I can gain experience working as a temp in this type of work so I can move into an admin job in Christian or non-profit work.
So if you keep us in mind, these are things you can pray for...
1). The adjustment period! Luke and I are entering what is considered a more "normal" schedule for married couples, but for us it is new. We know it is going to be stretch at first, especially with all changes taking place.
2). For me to find a job where I can learn and grow, and bless others.
3). For Luke and I to find a church or community of believers where we can journey with others; where we can be challenged and challenge others.
Love you all, again thanks for reading,
Danielle
Thursday, August 7, 2008
tooooooo long
Hey Everyone,
It has been far too long since Luke and I have posted something new on here. The internet at the Ranch I am afraid could not handle much, and sometimes would shut down if there was too much going on too many computers-so we decided to just give it a rest, and when camp started, we were so busy we completely lost track of....anything really.
We are actually finished with the SOS program, and are back from Vancouver safe and sound. The program went really well, and we received a lot of encouragement from people who have been around the Ranch for years and actually knew what was going on. For us it was all new, so there were many questions and exhaustion after the first week with a schedule that went from 7am to 10pm Sunday through Friday. Not surprisingly, we slept 14-17 hours each Saturday. Thankfully things did get easier each week once we got used to the schedule of teaching, chapel, cleanup, etc etc.
We were very blessed with 10 people to start, 7 girls and 3 guys. After two weeks, two of the girls had to step out for personal reasons (nothing bad), and so the last week there were 8 SOS and 3 of us leaders. It was definitely different teaching, and it was stretching for Luke and I, as well as our wonderful other leader Lauren-whom we could not have done it all without! Our main time with the team was in the morning, when we had teaching, and helping to do dishes for 300 people after dinner time. Other than that, we organized what jobs the SOS kids would do around the camp each afternoon, see how they were doing, and prepare for outreach. We really felt like the bunch of students that we had were God's grace on us (for doing this the first time!), they were great and nothing major really came up.
VANCOUVER
On July 26th, Luke and I drove a 15 passenger van to Vancouver, which was about an 18 hour drive between us. Our main activities while we were there related to giving out food to the poor and homeless, helping the ministries clean up and organize their buildings, and help lead several worship services at a church off East Hastings. It was challenging, but so good in so many ways. We know the SOSers were really challenged in ways of reaching out to all people, by praying for them, talking with them, and giving them some food.
Now I haven't said this to Luke, but in many ways I feel like the trip was for the teens we took rather than for the people they met. Sure we helped, and we blessed people, but I think the attitudes towards people really changed from when we left to Vancouver than when we left back to the Ranch. I think God really opened up the hearts of the SOSers to have compassion on people, and journey a little with people they never thought they would.
THE PRESENT....FUTURE.....
Luke and I will be returning to Eagles Nest Ranch next week, where I will be helping out on the program team for the week, and Luke will be preparing to help speak at another camp with Shane Fox called Whispering Pines for their Senior High week. We are currently in Calgary, where we are trying to take it easy but also really pray for some things regarding our step out here in September. I have gotten a work visa that lasts till 2010 (thank you Lord!), so I will be praying/looking for a job. Luke and I also need a place to live.
PRAY FOR US FOR CALGARY....
So if you think of us-
1)Pray that we find a place to live, that the Lord will open the doors for somewhere cheap or free.
2) For direction for me (Danielle), where to work and what I should be doing in this stage.
3)For peace and to rest in the Lord in the midst of all the changes.
Love you guys, thanks for reading and praying,
Danielle and Luke
It has been far too long since Luke and I have posted something new on here. The internet at the Ranch I am afraid could not handle much, and sometimes would shut down if there was too much going on too many computers-so we decided to just give it a rest, and when camp started, we were so busy we completely lost track of....anything really.
We are actually finished with the SOS program, and are back from Vancouver safe and sound. The program went really well, and we received a lot of encouragement from people who have been around the Ranch for years and actually knew what was going on. For us it was all new, so there were many questions and exhaustion after the first week with a schedule that went from 7am to 10pm Sunday through Friday. Not surprisingly, we slept 14-17 hours each Saturday. Thankfully things did get easier each week once we got used to the schedule of teaching, chapel, cleanup, etc etc.
We were very blessed with 10 people to start, 7 girls and 3 guys. After two weeks, two of the girls had to step out for personal reasons (nothing bad), and so the last week there were 8 SOS and 3 of us leaders. It was definitely different teaching, and it was stretching for Luke and I, as well as our wonderful other leader Lauren-whom we could not have done it all without! Our main time with the team was in the morning, when we had teaching, and helping to do dishes for 300 people after dinner time. Other than that, we organized what jobs the SOS kids would do around the camp each afternoon, see how they were doing, and prepare for outreach. We really felt like the bunch of students that we had were God's grace on us (for doing this the first time!), they were great and nothing major really came up.
VANCOUVER
On July 26th, Luke and I drove a 15 passenger van to Vancouver, which was about an 18 hour drive between us. Our main activities while we were there related to giving out food to the poor and homeless, helping the ministries clean up and organize their buildings, and help lead several worship services at a church off East Hastings. It was challenging, but so good in so many ways. We know the SOSers were really challenged in ways of reaching out to all people, by praying for them, talking with them, and giving them some food.
Now I haven't said this to Luke, but in many ways I feel like the trip was for the teens we took rather than for the people they met. Sure we helped, and we blessed people, but I think the attitudes towards people really changed from when we left to Vancouver than when we left back to the Ranch. I think God really opened up the hearts of the SOSers to have compassion on people, and journey a little with people they never thought they would.
THE PRESENT....FUTURE.....
Luke and I will be returning to Eagles Nest Ranch next week, where I will be helping out on the program team for the week, and Luke will be preparing to help speak at another camp with Shane Fox called Whispering Pines for their Senior High week. We are currently in Calgary, where we are trying to take it easy but also really pray for some things regarding our step out here in September. I have gotten a work visa that lasts till 2010 (thank you Lord!), so I will be praying/looking for a job. Luke and I also need a place to live.
PRAY FOR US FOR CALGARY....
So if you think of us-
1)Pray that we find a place to live, that the Lord will open the doors for somewhere cheap or free.
2) For direction for me (Danielle), where to work and what I should be doing in this stage.
3)For peace and to rest in the Lord in the midst of all the changes.
Love you guys, thanks for reading and praying,
Danielle and Luke
Saturday, May 17, 2008
the beginning: part 2, new place, new responsibilities
Our role at Central has officially ended. Since the discussion of Luke and I being Spring staff and coming out to the ranch mid-May, a couple has been found to replace our role at Central. Our last day, a surreal moment, was May 1st.
Our relationship with Eagles Nest Ranch has begun. There has been a plethora of activity since the last post, of a varied nature. Since we have found out about our new role as directors of the Summer of Service (SOS) program (along with someone we have now met, Lauren), we have been going back and forth between the ranch and Medicine Hat. Luke and I had the experience of being part of a kitchen crew for six days helping with a retreat for a group named the Navigators, where we chopped, baked, and cleaned for 9-12 hours a day. As I keep hearing Luke say, "We worked twice as hard, but it has been refreshing." Working in close quarters with others, in essence, feeling part of a team of people working towards a common goal, has been out of the working picture for months. When Luke and I were at Central, we were our own team. As newlyweds, apart during a majority of the engagement period, this was a learning experience of cleaving, a gift we realize most couples are not allowed. The change however, of being part of a team, and community, was refreshing.
We are now out at the Ranch, and have moved out of the apartment we called home since January. We are comfortably in a room in the YWAM Center (there is a base here as well). Currently, there are no groups being hosted for retreats, so the quiet and solace is comforting to us. Our focus for this time will be one of preparation. Staff training for camp begins in one month, so time, thought and prayers will be spent on the development of the SOS program for the summer. Luke and I are going to help in the kitchen and with cleaning when other groups are hosted for retreats in the time before camp, but with the other part of our time we will be in preparation mode.
When I originally entered Canada, I was placed under a visitor visa status, which expires in July. Luke and I were planning on driving down to the American/Canadian border to change my status to hopefully that of a working visa. This week Luke called the Canadian immigration, and found out that after he re-enrolls for school for the Fall, I then as his spouse can apply for an open work visa , which allows me to get a job anywhere. We are currently working on this, but we are glad we do not have to leave the country or drive anywhere to work this out, it can all be done through mail.
Please keep us in your prayers for:
1). Preparation for SOS, to not be distracted! Luke, me and Lauren need to prepare a curriculum, but also are going to be speaking several times prepared messages to the SOS. We need time and focus for this.
2). For the visa to be worked out quickly and smoothly.
3). For our hearts and the hearts of the SOSers, to be one anticipation over what the Lord is going to do!
UPDATES:
I (Danielle), wrote several months ago about a tooth ache, and have recently had a dentist appointment where I had three fillings replaced. It was not fun, but it was a relief to have had that worked out. We are thankful for the Lord's provision that allowed me to have had that procedure done.
Because Luke and I moved, our address has changed, and our cell phone no longer receives reception (plus we ran out of minutes). I will post the ENR number, or email it if requested (I do not have it handy right now). If you want to write us, our mail will be forwarded to Central (ENR's main office), for the next six months. But here is the address anyway...
851 Industrial Ave
Medicine Hat, AB. T1A 3L7
Our relationship with Eagles Nest Ranch has begun. There has been a plethora of activity since the last post, of a varied nature. Since we have found out about our new role as directors of the Summer of Service (SOS) program (along with someone we have now met, Lauren), we have been going back and forth between the ranch and Medicine Hat. Luke and I had the experience of being part of a kitchen crew for six days helping with a retreat for a group named the Navigators, where we chopped, baked, and cleaned for 9-12 hours a day. As I keep hearing Luke say, "We worked twice as hard, but it has been refreshing." Working in close quarters with others, in essence, feeling part of a team of people working towards a common goal, has been out of the working picture for months. When Luke and I were at Central, we were our own team. As newlyweds, apart during a majority of the engagement period, this was a learning experience of cleaving, a gift we realize most couples are not allowed. The change however, of being part of a team, and community, was refreshing.
We are now out at the Ranch, and have moved out of the apartment we called home since January. We are comfortably in a room in the YWAM Center (there is a base here as well). Currently, there are no groups being hosted for retreats, so the quiet and solace is comforting to us. Our focus for this time will be one of preparation. Staff training for camp begins in one month, so time, thought and prayers will be spent on the development of the SOS program for the summer. Luke and I are going to help in the kitchen and with cleaning when other groups are hosted for retreats in the time before camp, but with the other part of our time we will be in preparation mode.
When I originally entered Canada, I was placed under a visitor visa status, which expires in July. Luke and I were planning on driving down to the American/Canadian border to change my status to hopefully that of a working visa. This week Luke called the Canadian immigration, and found out that after he re-enrolls for school for the Fall, I then as his spouse can apply for an open work visa , which allows me to get a job anywhere. We are currently working on this, but we are glad we do not have to leave the country or drive anywhere to work this out, it can all be done through mail.
Please keep us in your prayers for:
1). Preparation for SOS, to not be distracted! Luke, me and Lauren need to prepare a curriculum, but also are going to be speaking several times prepared messages to the SOS. We need time and focus for this.
2). For the visa to be worked out quickly and smoothly.
3). For our hearts and the hearts of the SOSers, to be one anticipation over what the Lord is going to do!
UPDATES:
I (Danielle), wrote several months ago about a tooth ache, and have recently had a dentist appointment where I had three fillings replaced. It was not fun, but it was a relief to have had that worked out. We are thankful for the Lord's provision that allowed me to have had that procedure done.
Because Luke and I moved, our address has changed, and our cell phone no longer receives reception (plus we ran out of minutes). I will post the ENR number, or email it if requested (I do not have it handy right now). If you want to write us, our mail will be forwarded to Central (ENR's main office), for the next six months. But here is the address anyway...
851 Industrial Ave
Medicine Hat, AB. T1A 3L7
Thank you for your love and support in reading this and praying for us,
Love,
Luke and Danielle
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Summer time comes with BIG changes
So, if you have been keeping up with our lives for a bit you are aware of our current life in Medicine Hat, Canada. Luke and I have been busy at Central doing a lot of odd jobs here and there, as well as helping out projects such as developing procedures for cleaning (for when we are no longer there).
Last week Luke and I went to Calgary, and had a great time catching up with some friends there, as well as taking care of some much needed errands. But before we left, we had two important meetings. We met up with Shane Fox and his wife Nicki (we watched their kids-remember?), where we were able to share our hearts about the current ministry we have been doing, as well as hearing Shane and Nicki's heart for us involving the coming summer. It was a very encouraging and challenging conversation, in ways of taking ownership over what the Lord has for us. With that, Shane brought up the possibility of Luke and I joining into Eagles Nest Ranch, and helping out and living at camp for the summer. There were a few possibilities that were brought up, that caught our interest. Later that same day, Dave (who is Camp Director) approached Luke and I with the possibility of leading a program called S.O.S. (which stands for Summer of Service). Here is an explanation from the website about what the program is:
Last week Luke and I went to Calgary, and had a great time catching up with some friends there, as well as taking care of some much needed errands. But before we left, we had two important meetings. We met up with Shane Fox and his wife Nicki (we watched their kids-remember?), where we were able to share our hearts about the current ministry we have been doing, as well as hearing Shane and Nicki's heart for us involving the coming summer. It was a very encouraging and challenging conversation, in ways of taking ownership over what the Lord has for us. With that, Shane brought up the possibility of Luke and I joining into Eagles Nest Ranch, and helping out and living at camp for the summer. There were a few possibilities that were brought up, that caught our interest. Later that same day, Dave (who is Camp Director) approached Luke and I with the possibility of leading a program called S.O.S. (which stands for Summer of Service). Here is an explanation from the website about what the program is:
"You‘ve decided ENR is a great place to come for camp with the screamin‘ zipline, wicked paintball, outrageously crazy theme nights, and awesome chapel times. Why not take the next step and come for the summer as part of the SOS team?
SOS is our Summer Of Service team for 15–17 year olds who are interested in becoming future camp staff. As part of the SOS team, you will learn leadership skills, camp staff skills, and grow in your relationship with God.
Training for future camp staff is only the beginning of what SOS is about. We believe God is calling a generation of young people to stand strong for God‘s truth in a world that says truth is whatever you decide for yourself. We see God preparing an army of 21st Century gladiators, strong in spirit and character, who will fight for His truth. Our goal is to assist in the gladiator training.
How do we do this? We have three different areas of focus: 1) teaching/discussion; 2) practical application and learning; 3) missions outreach outside of Eagles Nest Ranch. The SOS team comes together for six-weeks, five are spent at ENR with involvement in the camp ministry. The last week team members are given the opportunity to share what they have been learning and allow God to stretch them further in a missions outreach. The past two years we have gone to Ft. Hope, Ontario to build relationships and participate in a First Nations teen camp.
Come join the SOS team and discover God‘s passion for His relationship with you. Accept the challenge
…see the change."
After talking about it together, and seeking the Lord's heart for us, we decided to take a step out and lead the program. We will be leading with one other person, named Lauren, who we have yet to meet. We are still finding out what it all means to organize everything, but; in essence, we will be helping to organize speakers and fundraisers for the students, (most likely 10 students), organizing the mission trip for the sixth week, and challenging the students in a real way, regarding leadership. Each week the students will be helping out with each of the main ministries at the camp (hospitality, cooking, programs, etc).
This is very exciting for both Luke and I, in that we both have a heart for discipleship, and that we are being challenged in a very practical way as to how this can be carried out. Also, Luke and I may at some point in the summer also be some of the speakers for the S.O.S. program, which will be personally challenging for us both.
We will be moving out to the camp in mid-May, until then we will be helping out at Central as well as helping with a retreat in late April at Eagles Nest Ranch.
If you want to know more about the camp, or to just see what it looks like, there are many photos and information on the website- www.enr.ca
Here are things we need prayer for in this:
1) For our hearts to be prepared to lead in love, patience as well as exhorting the students to step up into their roles as "student" leaders.
2) To have ideas for the curriculum that we will be developing with the other leader, Lauren.
3) For each of the students to step in with hearts ready to serve and be stretched, the program they will be doing is challenging!
We will be living at Eagle's Nest Ranch for a few months, so our address will be changing next month. If you have any other questions, thoughts, or if you have any prayer questions, let us know. We would love to hear about what is going on in your hearts and minds.
Love,
Danielle and Luke
After talking about it together, and seeking the Lord's heart for us, we decided to take a step out and lead the program. We will be leading with one other person, named Lauren, who we have yet to meet. We are still finding out what it all means to organize everything, but; in essence, we will be helping to organize speakers and fundraisers for the students, (most likely 10 students), organizing the mission trip for the sixth week, and challenging the students in a real way, regarding leadership. Each week the students will be helping out with each of the main ministries at the camp (hospitality, cooking, programs, etc).
This is very exciting for both Luke and I, in that we both have a heart for discipleship, and that we are being challenged in a very practical way as to how this can be carried out. Also, Luke and I may at some point in the summer also be some of the speakers for the S.O.S. program, which will be personally challenging for us both.
We will be moving out to the camp in mid-May, until then we will be helping out at Central as well as helping with a retreat in late April at Eagles Nest Ranch.
If you want to know more about the camp, or to just see what it looks like, there are many photos and information on the website- www.enr.ca
Here are things we need prayer for in this:
1) For our hearts to be prepared to lead in love, patience as well as exhorting the students to step up into their roles as "student" leaders.
2) To have ideas for the curriculum that we will be developing with the other leader, Lauren.
3) For each of the students to step in with hearts ready to serve and be stretched, the program they will be doing is challenging!
We will be living at Eagle's Nest Ranch for a few months, so our address will be changing next month. If you have any other questions, thoughts, or if you have any prayer questions, let us know. We would love to hear about what is going on in your hearts and minds.
Love,
Danielle and Luke
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Has it already been a month?
Well, Luke and I have been a bit out of the blog loop for a little too long. As mentioned in a previous entry, Luke and I have just watched three children for two weeks while their parents were away doing ministry training with YWAM (Youth with a Mission) out in Kona, Hawaii. It was challenging, but their parents left a descriptive schedule that helped us as we figured out each day, also a large amount of food was left that helped us figure out what to do for meals easily. There were some scary moments, such as when Jonah hurt his eye at Skate School at Central two days after Shane and Nikki had left, and Luke had to take him to the hospital. Things ended up okay, and thankfully that was our greatest concern the entire two weeks. Luke and I can also be thankful in the way that the Lord helped us work together rather well. The mornings when I was tired, he was able to take care of morning duties, and things like preparing dinner, or cleaning the house we did together. We did have one event that we attended at Central during our parental period which was called "Central Kids." About 200 people attended, with free BBQ, bounce houses (jumping castles), and an IPOD give away (which Noah, the oldest, won...Luke was so proud, you can see his hands raised in the picture below). We are hoping in the future to be able to more fully participate in preparations (since it is going to be a monthly event), as we were singularly focused during that time with the kids.
Luke and I have started attending Hillcrest Church, an Evangelical Missionary Church. We have now attended their College and Career group twice, which is held on Wednesday nights. The first night we attended, was to be part of a relationship night where three couples shared their experiences in marriage. It was definitely interesting being in the presence of couples married for 27 and 29 years after only being married for 3 months! We felt blessed in being able to share our story, as well as gain some new insight from the other couples who were speaking as well.
Since Shane and Nikki have returned from Hawaii, Luke and I have returned to Central, with some new responsibilities. Yusuf, the new manager of operations at Central, has asked Luke and I to form a list of cleaning supplies that are needed to be ordered for maintenance at Central, as well as procedures of what needs to be cleaned with what and how often. We realize we won't always be there to help clean in the future, so we want to well equip whoever will come next with clear guidelines. Luke and I have been talking, formulating ideas, and meeting with Yusuf throughout the week. 
Luke and I also got haircuts! I had my hair cut about 9-10 inches, and I cut Luke's hair, a first for me ever cutting anyone's hair. From what Luke says, I am a natural; I made sure by asking him multiple times "Are you sure? Did I do okay?"
If you think of us, here are some prayer requests.... 
1)We are still praying about a car, it has been difficult feeling some limitation in terms of the activities we are a part of, as well as where and when we go places.
2)We are also praying about direction for the future, specifically this fall. Pray for wisdom and insight considering our place in Medicine Hat, and Calgary.
3) And very importantly, that we will be listening to God's heart for us here in Medicine Hat, and that we will step into whatever is His heart for us, but at the same time reserving ourselves for time in our new marriage and for Him.
Love you all! luke and danielle
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)