Moving Forward...

Another busy busy week! I think after my one year mark (which is nearing rather quickly) I'm gonna have to find a way to make blogging simpler for me.

Last Thursday was grand. Stayed in bed for quite awhile trying to catch up on sleep from the previous two nights. We had youth that Thursday, so many kids came! An excellent night as Rique led the kids in worship and Alan brought a dynamic word to finish the evening.

Friday we had an all day Dream Centre meeting with Vinny, Rique, Emma, and I. We started in the morning and finished it up well after lunchtime. It was a vital meeting though in moving forward. Expressing our hearts and passion for the different people in NI in order to unify us as one team. Street Reach that night was really good from what I can remember. Afterwards Emma went off to Bangor and Rique watched LOTR: Return of the King while I had some much needed Julie + Jesus time. I randomly ended up listening to Keith Green on YouTube. Since then I have been listening nonstop to his music. I've always been inspired by his music but this past week the lyrics and his message behind the lyrics really hit home with me. I have had a rough week and because of it I've been on this soul searching journey of "why I'm here", "here" as in N. Ireland.

Saturday we went out to Adopt-A-Block. I really love the people that we visit and although I am feeling a release to become more involved with the youth work in Belfast and less involved with AAB, I will always continue to visit the families who are at the site. Later that afternoon Rique and I went out to Botanic Gardens again. This is the second time in a row we've gone out. Same as the week before, my heart was broken for the kids. Really seeking God as to what we can do to bring life and hope to the teens. We did get a nice chat at one point with one of our favorites, Amy, at Starbucks. Love her to bits like! That night the "amigos" went to Alan and Rachel's for a home cooked meal and some fellowship. They are so encouraging to be around and the 5 of us had a wonderful evening. :)

Sunday to be honest is a blur. We had church in the morning which was grand, and then I think I took a nap after lunch which if I recall correctly was a bad idea. Ha I was way more tired after the nap than I was before lying down! Youth that night was really good as far as I can remember. Hmmm why I'm having trouble remembering that day is beyond me.

On Monday we went into Bangor - Emma's hometown. We hung out with some of her friends and had just a lovely day walking around the town. (Would've been a bit nicer if it wasn't so yucky out - but we made do) That night we met up with a couple from our church back home. They didn't even realize the encouragement they brought me! It was such an enjoyable coffee date - and although we were all a bit tired (us from the long day and them from jetlag) there was a freeing presence that they carried with them that I felt was imparted to us (especially me) and the timing was impeccable.

Tuesday I worked in the office on random things. Nothing major. . . just loads of little things. Rique and Emma both had places to be that night so it was another time for me to really get some answers from Jesus. The past month had been so rough - I was desperate to find my way out of the waves that were seemingly overtaking me. It was on this night that I looked back on old journals and the Lord began to take me on an incredible journey of when he first called me to NI and how he got me here to where He is taking me. He also began to deal with my pride - something I always seem to be working on.  

Yesterday was the day I got real breakthrough. As I sit here and take a second to think back on the day I can't actually pin it down to once specific moment. I think it was several things strung together. The Lord really put me in my place - that's for sure. In continuation from the night before, since I was ready to listen, He began to reveal where I was in the wrong and where I tried to take matters into my own hands. I can be so impatient when it comes to helping people and achieving the dreams He has for me. I was reminded of something I wrote a year ago;

"The moment I begin to talk about my dreams, my passion for life strengthens...my perspective refocuses...I let go of the worry and begin to trust cause I know these dreams were placed in my heart by Him so I will see them one day become reality."  ♥

I know that no matter how long I need to wait - His timing is perfect. Later on I had a skype date with two of my good friends from back in my MCLA days, Danfi and Bryan. It was so good to connect with friends back home! Bryan gets married on Saturday - so happy for him! Really miss the good ol days of MCLA sometimes. I really grew up alot during that year. Last night I spoke for the Bible study. I felt led to share my story - Of my heart for teens and my lifetime dream of having a place for them to find hope and purpose. Of how the Lord called me to Ireland 9 years ago. And also how 9 years later I am living in NI and working towards building a drop-in centre for teens! Wow. . . even thinking of it now and it still blows me away! God is just that good.

Today was incredible! Coming off of such a great day I decided to go into Belfast with Rique. Major sales are going on at the minute so I treated myself to a new dress - haven't bought anything in months. . . hopefully one dress wont send me over the deep end! Better tighten those reins again! Youth tonight was OUT OF THIS WORLD! We had 60 teens come out - about 75 people there total with leaders. God really showed up! Like it was unreal how heavy the Spirit was! Alan spoke on the difference between being saved and being committed. The altar call was massive. The unity was incredible! Really excited with all that God is doing in the Loft Youth Group!

Heading to bed as I have a busy day tomorrow. Olympics begin in less than 24 hours! Ahhh! So excited! Cant wait to represent the red white and blue of the USA!

Miss yall back home and hope you guys are doing well!

xo

-J