Day 2: Rise and shine!!

By 8am we were headed to the beach for HOC competition #2. Insert Cory….

Well good morning followers. This HOC had teams working together to transfer water buckets, dig up clues in the sand and swim out and memorize numbers on buoys out in the water. I’ve never seen people fight so hard to not eat fish and rice. The panic on everyone’s face confirmed that I’d taken it too far, which pleased me. The game in its entirety is too complicated to explain, but I trust the video will answer all your burning questions. Back to you ladies…

Our leader Adam started our first ministry session with a devotion. We read Psalm 91, a verse he explained which was comforting in fearful times when he felt defeated. He challenged us to re-write the passage, replacing inapplicable words with more relevant ones to our lives. Each of us had different fears and struggles that were pinpointed. Then Dave started the first session, teaching on how to live a transformed life rather than a conformed one. We had to reflect on our lives and think of what areas we experience worldly temptations that do not coincide with our beliefs. He explained that sometimes when living a conformed life, our hearts can become hardened towards different things. He encouraged us to rather live a transformed life; one where we aren't affected by sins that our society has deemed okay. Jesus says to be hot or cold (completely with God or completely without) but never lukewarm- meaning someone who calls themselves a Christian but doesn't do anything about it. After session, time is put aside for small group reflection. Then us students were given time to decide our ministry roles for Thailand; for instance games, songs, skits, crafts, English lessons and testimonies. Throughout the week we will each be preparing ideas for our roles. Now that we've become a true family we thought it would be fitting to have a "Family Fun Night" and play lawn bowling. (Which my team owned at -Julia) After some fun games we sat around the fire for testimony round 2. Yikes! It was nerve-wracking at first, but our team is so welcoming and kind that it was easy to share. Some tears were shed again. Something cool set up in the cabin is a glass cabinet with all our portraits in frames, where we can leave encouragement notes to our team members. I guess we should go wish the boys some luck as team blue spends the night out in the cold. We appreciate all your support and prayers as we can already see growth within our team!

- J&M

Here's a fantastic photo of the pink team for your enjoyment!



Almost everybody is excited to race...