Here I go!

So, I guess I'm leaving Seattle in t-minus 19 days...crazy to think that I won't be seeing many of the people I'm so used to being around for at least six months from now. Below is a copy of the letter explaining of my upcoming adventure with God and I'm happy to share it with as many people as I can. So take a little look and write me a reply if you'd like - I would love to keep in contact with as many people as possible :) Love you and thanks for being my friend.








Hi Friends!

I hope you have been enjoying your summer! I am writing because I wanted to give you an update on where I am now and what I am planning to do as I walk into a new season of life. I’m excited that I’ve successfully graduated from University of Washington with a degree in Sociology (yay! I’m done!). I have committed to be a part of a missions program starting in the fall called Discipleship Training School (DTS) with Youth With a Mission (YWAM). Each DTS that YWAM offers has a specific focus; the DTS I have chosen to be a part of is called Compassion DTS, which will focus on outreach to the poor and to children at risk in Southeast Asia.

YWAM has bases in 150 countries all around the world but the headquarters is located in Kona, Hawaii. This is where I will be doing 12 weeks of training and schooling prior to spending 12 weeks in Southeast Asia. I have been involved with YWAM in the past on a short-term missions trip to work in poverty-stricken areas of Los Angeles. I had an amazing experience working with children in that setting alongside passionate and committed people at the YWAM base in LA. I am confident that my time spent working for the Lord and serving with YWAM during this season of my life will be pivotal in shaping my outlook and goals for the future.

I was originally accepted into the Japan World DTS, which would have started in the fall of this year, but it was unfortunately cancelled due to extraneous circumstances. I fasted and prayed about my decision to join the Compassion DTS and felt like God was encouraging me to continue along this path towards involvement with YWAM. To be honest, I was a little intimidated to join this DTS because I know that it will be challenging to see first-hand the dire situations of the poor, needy and children at risk. But I know that I am called to serve and that I will see God work in miraculous ways in the lives of the people I will meet.

As of now, I have bought a plane ticket to Hawaii and am preparing to leave at the end of September. I will not be able to return to Seattle until March of next year, at the earliest. I would greatly appreciate your continued prayers and encouragement during this time of my life. Additionally, I am in need of financial support as I follow this path towards missions and would appreciate any help you may be able to give. The schooling cost while in Kona is $4210; it is due on September 25th, the day that I arrive in Hawaii. The outreach portion, estimated at $5000, is due eight weeks after the DTS starts. I have been working hard and saving money towards this goal but I still need help to have the appropriate financial means to do this DTS.

For a tax-deductible donation, checks can be made out to Ballard Church and sent to 1460 NW 73rd St., Seattle, WA 98117. Just make sure to indicate that the check is specifically for me!

Thank you again for your constant support and encouragement - it means so much to me!


Love,


Lisa Noguchi


P.S. If you would like to learn more about Youth With a Mission in Kona visit: uofnkona.edu.