Woah! it has been officially two weeks! the time has flown by incredibly fast, yet it feels like I've been here and known this people for a very long time. it is such a beautiful life here, learning how to keep up with a busy schedule, yet learn the importance of sabbath and rest.

    This week has looked a little different than last week. we have still had a lot of sessions, but we also had the opportunity to serve and minister to people! 

     There have definitely been hard moments this week, but God has been so faithful to provide strength. I have been struggling from lack of sleep (I sleep fine once I fall asleep, but I'm struggling from a lack of hours), lots of rain here, and growing and stretching in ways that are very painful sometimes (physically, emotionally, and spiritually). These are all ways you can keep me and my squad in prayer!

     On Wednesday, I was able to get baptized a second time. This was not done as a symbolism of salvation, but as a way to say, "God, help me die to myself everyday, so I can serve you better. I want more of You." After baptisms and learning about evangelism, all the groups had the chance to go out to the store and do "street" evangelism.

    We split up into groups of three and went to a few places (Walmart, Panera, and Chick-fil-a)  talking to people and praying over them. We didn't have the opportunity to bring anyone to Jesus, but we did have the opportunity to encourage people and pray for them and their needs. We also had the opportunity to go to a church service afterwards, which was a fun opportunity to get off of the base for awhile. 

    Thursday, all the World Race participants signed a waver officially committing to the race, but even more so committing to being willing to grow and keep each other accountable through out the entirety of the race. During this commitment time, our leaders washed our feet and prayed over us, symbolizing the example they are setting for us to love others just like Jesus. it was such an amazing experience, and I ended up having the opportunity to wash all of my leaders also. 

     Friday was my birthday! It was so hard being away from family, but my squad literally made me feel more special than I could have ever imagined. That morning God had spoke to my heart and reminded me that my birthday was NOT about me. It is about Him, about how He had given me breath, how He had given me eighteen years of life! It was such a beautiful revelation. it was not a day to celebrate me, but a day to celebrate the Lord! 

     We also had a super fun activity called squad wars, where all the different groups competed in different competitions (a sponge relay, dodge ball, and a dance competition). My squad got last place, but we had the best time ever, and ended the night with a hype worship night. 

   Also, each squad member is assigned a position in the group (worship team, prayer team, storytellers, church coordinators, health & safety, etc...) I was given the position of church coordinator with two other girls. (This means we plan out church for the squad every Sunday). Prayers that God gives us the right scriptures to bring to the group for church on Sundays would be amazing.

    Today we had the opportunity to do ministry at a nursing home and hang out and pray with the residents there. It was so fun to go and bless the residents there! 

    Ways I have grown this week and am continuing to grow in is communication. This is one of my BIGGEST struggles. God has been teaching me so much in this area, and He is teaching me how to communicate better. He is so good. I have also been growing in contentment in who I am and my worth. These are two things are also two very big struggles. Not having a mirror to look into actually helps a lot with contentment in appearance, but even more than that I am growing more content with my personality and who God made me. 

     Thank you so much for taking the time to read this. Your love, support, and encouragement means the world to me! May God send His blessings over you this upcoming week! 

Our squad memorization verse for the week:

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled." Matthew 5:6 (This is my prayer for you all this week, may you hunger and thirst for the Lord so deeply, and I pray you are filled).

   Also, this is a verse that has really impacted me this week and reminded me of why I am here: 

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for He has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor, He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord's favor has come." Luke 4:18-19

    This week my eyes were opened to the EXTREME importance of spreading the gospel to those around us (not jut on the mission field, but also in the grocery store and daily life, and everywhere we go). I am so excited to share with you all next week! LOVE YOU ALL! 

Love, Mandie :)