First Day

I'm almost ready to go to bed after a great first full day at the University of the Nations in Kona but I wanted to give a little update and share some of the few pictures I have taken so far. I arrived in at the campus yesterday, September 25th, at around 9:15 pm - which was definitely later than was expected (flight delays...you know how it is these days). I hit up the tail end of the Kona campus staff's full day of welcoming and registering new incoming students and entered my new home for the next three months. My room is shared with 5 other girls, one of which is in my Compassion DTS. I never thought I would have to sleep on a top bunk again, but I guess God thought otherwise :)

Today, the morning began with surprise presentation by the native Hawaiians who are a part of the YWAM in Kona. We initiated our time here at YWAM with a traditional Hawaiian greeting, conch shell blows, chant, and barefoot march followed by a ceremonial gift exchange. The various nations represented on this ethnically diverse campus presented gifts from their country to traditionally clothed Hawaiian hosts, as is customary in this culture. It was so cool to see so many nations represented!

Through the interaction I've had with staff and students here I have clearly seen a love and devotion to the Lord that really excites me for what lies ahead. The people here really are followers after Jesus who love Him and love people. I'm looking forward to this season of my life spent here. 

Thank you so much to those who pray for me. Thank you from the bottom depths of my heart! I sense that God is stirring and that your prayers are making a difference in all of this. Thank you so much for those of you who have blessed me financially in this endeavor - the schooling costs for my time here in Kona have been covered! Praise the Lord :)

Here are a couple picts I have taken thus far to give you a little idea of what its like at the University of the Nations:

Ohana Court - Auditorium and/or basketball court. Big meetings take place here. Ohana means family in the native tongue here. 

A glimpse of the view from campus towards the ocean.

More picts to come! Stay tuned!