Just One Phone Call to Change My Day.

Today I actually received two phone calls from YWAM Townsville.  The first call I knew was happening, and had set up earlier this week.  It's been a long time since I've been so nervous!  I prayed for a calm stomach and that my fear would be gone.  When the phone rang and I answered, my nerves were gone!  The call was just to get a better understanding on how migraines sometimes affect my life.  I've had them since High School, but for the most part do not incapacitate me.  At the end of the phone call, the nice lady (I don't remember her name now) said that the gal I've been emailing would be in contact with me in a couple days with the decision on whether I'd been accepted or not.

I did not know that second phone call would also be today. :)

And so I've been accepted into the YWAM Reef To Outback October 2013 Discipleship Training School.  {That's a mouthful!}  I'm blessed, excited, a little nervous, and overall just praising the Lord for His goodness.  Now comes all of the planning, work, fundraising, and learning how to live out of one suitcase for six months!  Praise the Lord!

I'll be doing my best to keep y'all updated on what stage of the process I'm in and what's going on.  There will be lots to share and tell!

Here's a little list of my goals to be accomplished by January 2nd {One week from today}
1. Fill out my application for a Blue Card
       (A Blue Card is necessary to work with youth ministries while I'm in the state of Queensland, Australia.  Not quite the same as our green card ;)

2.  Pay my down payment!

3.  List all of the craftyness Sarah and I have been up to in my Etsy shop and then open it!
      (More details to come after I've opened it.)

4.  Finish and start sending out sponsorship letters.
      (I have a rough draft, but it needs to be fine tuned!)

I think that this is plenty to keep me busy over the next week!
If you have any questions or ideas for fundraisers shoot me an email or leave a comment.  I'd love to hear from you!

In Christ Alone,
Katie
katie[dot]mcd[at]me[dot]com


p.s.  Here's a little map for a better idea on where I'll be!

A Little Update.

My entire application has now being processed by the YWAM-RTO Leadership Team!  Hopefully I'll hear sometime in the next week whether or not I've been accepted.

In the meantime, my bestie and I have been busy making lots of projects to sell for fundraising!  I'll post more info later when I know more!   

Merry Christmas.

All's grace,

Katie

Hard Things in Life.

It's seems like it hasn't been that long since I've been here, but that's because I've thought about posting a lot... and just haven't done it.  So welcome back.

Today my family received some very hard news.  We found out that my grandfather (Papa) has cancer. It's in his breast, which is rare for men, and his doctor is going to operate to remove it somewhere around January 9th.

My Papa is the strongest, kindest, funniest man I know.  It's from him that we get our music, although I'm sad to say I did not get his whistling gene!  It upsets me that he has to go through this, but life if fleeting.  I stayed with my grandparent's two weeks ago for a week and one night at dinner Gammy and Papa started talking about their childhoods and how things were different.  We're talking no electricity or running water in their older sibling's homes. (They are both the babies of large families)  I love to hear them talk and reminisce about an entire different world, a simpler world.

Right now we're praying that the cancer doesn't spread at all and that the doctor can remove everything during the surgery.  I'm not ready for him to go anywhere.  Although I know that I'll see him in heaven someday if his last day is anywhere in the near future.  I want to make my grandparents great-grandparents, and I want my children to know my Papa.  He's the best Papa in the world and has been there at every turn for me.  It doesn't sound like the cancer is bad, but having a family member diagnosed is not something you ever imagine.

Hug your family tight this Christmas, I will be especially.

"For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord.  Plans to prosper you, not to harm you."
Jeremiah 29:11