I once heard about this boy who loved to live vicariously through the circus. He would sit on the edge of his seat the entire time as he watched the man on the motorcycle go around and around the big metal globe. Then, his eyes would get big and he would throw up when the man on the high, tight rope would sway back and forth, seemingly close to falling to his death. This boy would be enthralled and calmed instantly at the sight of the elephants and he would clap at the end of every show.

Sometimes I feel like this. Sometimes I feel like I am at the edge of my seat waiting for the next scene of someone's story. I suppose this is why I'm so drawn to a good book or movie. Other times, I feel that my life is the circus (with all it's craziness, I'm sure you can relate). I'm just learning how to juggle a life in ministry with organizations like YWAM; sorting out my responsibilities and how I fit in each place that I go. I deal with fear, but God is constantly reminding me that He is faithful in all situations.

So in example of how God has been faithful, I'd like to update on the things that He's currently doing in my life.
I've spent the
last 5-6 months with Youth With A Mission (YWAM) Denver. I had the privilege of staffing Mission Adventures up at YWAM Denver's mountain base, Eagle Rock this summer. It was awesome to get to hang out with many youth groups from around the States and see God work mightily in their lives, as well as in mine. Afterward, I returned home to Kansas for a couple weeks. I got to spend some time with my family and I can honestly say that as I get older, I enjoy them more.

I get anxious when I spend extended periods of time at home though, and so in the last few weeks I've been settling into an apartment in
Denver (near the YWAM Denver base).

I currently am a nanny for a former YWAM family three days a week. They have 4 adorable kids and they've been a blessing to work for. I also work for a nanny agency the remainder of the time during the week. I really enjoy it! I'll be in Denver for the rest of the year before I take off again. I'll be flying to North Carolina to help my sister and her husband when they have their second baby in January.

God has given me a passion for missions and a heart for ministry in serving children. Because of this, I'm considering attending another 6-9 month YWAM school in Harpenden, UK (30 min. train ride north of London). It starts in April '08 with the focus of serving Children In Need around the world. The outreach for this school is set to accommodate each student individually. This means if I have a passion for serving children, specifically infants in India, then I have a chance (hopefully!) of spending some time in another country next year. If not in India, then to another nation of God's leading.
Things you can
pray for:
-- Confirmation on going to the UK and
trusting in God's leading and provision.
--- That my remaining time in Denver (and even in NC) will be a time of renewal, but also a time of
successful preparation for the next season of my life.

 

I sit on the edge of my chair, enthralled and calmed instantly at what God is doing; in this upcoming generation, my life, and yours!
You are more than
welcome to live vicariously through my circus-like life. I'll send you updates, photos, e-mails and/or mail through post! I'd also like to live vicariously through yours. I'd love to receive e-mails, updates, or mail about what's happening in your life and that of your family's!

With a heart for reaching the
Nations,

 

Claire

E-mail: Claire283@gmail.com
 
Blog Address: http://travelingthisroad.blogspot.com/


What is YWAM? Excellent Question!

Youth With A Mission is a Christian organization that aims to “know God and make Him known”. The organization works in three main areas;
evangelism, training and mercy ministries. YWAM operates in more than 1000 locations in over 149 countries, with nearly 16,000 staff members.

YWAM Denver was founded in 1984 by Peter & Linda Warren. This base seeks to disciple and train youth in ministry and missions as a bridge to reaching the Nations. It currently runs 11 training programs a year, including 6 Discipleship Training Schools, with over 300 students (me being one of them!) attending programs annually. YWAM Denver has two campuses/bases: one in Arvada, west of Denver and the other in the Rocky Mountains (about 45 min from the Arvada base).