The Start

Every student is now here and the DTS is officially started.  The houses are full of students from so many different places.  We have several students from Denmark, Sweden, and Norway.  We also have one from Finland and two from England.  The other half of our DTS is made up of Canadians and Americans.  The other staff and I half carefully placed students in rooms with people of other cultures and nationalities.  It is so fun to watch the interaction between people.  Sometimes it's hard trying to understand people through a thick accent.  It's also difficult trying to understand different terminology (ie: garbage=rubbish etc).  One thing I have come to realize is that even though there are so many noticeable differences, people are all created by God and have so much in common even if we live worlds apart.  All people want community and relationships, no matter what that looks like.

This week, we are mostly doing orientation to YWAM and getting the students comfortable with each other and with staff.  A big part of this week is everyone must tell their story of how they came to be here at YWAM (also called a testimony).  If you would like to pray for something, pray that this would be a great experience and everyone would feel comfortable sharing.  It really breaks down a lot of walls between the students and staff.  

All the students are in love with the beach and the beauty of the Sunshine Coast.  It really is a great place to be during DTS.  There are a wide range of student ages as well.  We have two 25 year olds and a 24 year old.  We also have two 17 year olds.  Lee is a 25 year old student who I am really excited is here.  He has not stopped talking about how excited he is to be here and how he has to pinch himself to make sure it's not a dream.  I'm so glad he is here and I know he is going to be a great leader and example for our younger guys.  

Thank you to everyone who prays for our DTS.  I really hope you know that you are a great support and would encourage you to continue.  I will try and get some pictures up of students to give everyone a visual:)