The Whole Earth is Filled with His Glory!

 

He caught my eye as he sang. He caught my heart as he danced. His beautiful brown eyes looked at me and time stood still. My heart broke for him and the millions of others who walk in his very shoes, longing for love and attention. I stand here with so much to offer: a young heart full of the Father's love and redemption. A life full ahead of me, just waiting to be lived. I stand here and lift up my hands in surrender, asking Him to take these feeble instruments of peace and orchestrate miracles for His glory. I ask Him to pour His love through me into these precious children; the ones overlooked, the ones without father or mother, the ones without love.

 

 And I smile, because the beauty of the Father's face is perfectly reflected in the faces of these little ones.

 

From the Prairies to the Concrete Jungle: What an incredible journey! First off, when we reached the border, we were promptly informed that we were wanted inside. No worries. When we got there, they wasted no time in telling us that there was no way Alana would be allowed to cross into the US of A, and that there was only a slim chance that I would be. Well, that was not what we expected to hear, but we sat down and started praying hard! Long story short, after two hours of waiting, we were given permission to cross. We danced out, I'm pretty sure!
Fifty-five hours later, we walked off that last train, sweaty and in desperate need of a shower and sleep! The moment I walked out of that subway station into the New York streets brimming with life, I belonged (well, after the uphill trek to dispose of my bags was over anyway :).

 As I was lost in a sea of faces, and a hundred different sounds, prairie life was ruined forever! :) Those six weeks spent in the heart of diversity and culture were some of the best, most uncomfortable weeks of my life.

 Venturing out to mingle with people and share my story was stretching but an amazing opportunity to watch Him turn my weakness into beautiful displays of His strength.

   We became better equipped to go out and spread the Good News. We studied the history of Christianity, we studied current events in world missions, we studied effective ministry methods, we studied conflict resolution, and most of all, we studied Him.

     We laughed.

  We worshipped. We prayed. We cried.

 We stood together in thankfulness.

 

 We loved on the kids.

 She came all the way from SC to see me. :)

 

 

We watched a dramatic presentation of The Cross and the Switchblade in the Times Square Church.

We relieved stress through awkward games of Dutch Blitz. :)

I was pampered on my birthday!

We visited a Buddhist Temple.

We experienced new things.

I renewed old acquaintances :)

We saw new sights.

We basked in the beauty around us; the beauty that is often missed in a bustling city, but it stands to praise Him regardless.

 

 

 

I got to do all of this with the greatest friend a girl could ask for. Doesn't hurt that she's also my sister :)

And... we finished our Orientation with flair! I am incredibly blessed to know this dynamic group of people set apart for God. Trust me when I say that I think about you daily, and my prayers go up to the Father for you.

 

 

 

From the bustling city of New York, I went to the little town of Millbank, ON. Culture shock? I think yes! Had an incredible time with family there, and celebrated the beautiful cousin's graduation:

 

Following this rather momentous occasion, we traveled through a number of states, experiencing life on the road with Harbour Lights.

Finally, the beauty of Colorado welcomed us, and we were ready for adventure!

Ellerslie: a dream come true. Ever since I was a young teenager, I have read Eric & Leslie Ludy's books, and been inspired by their dedication to His glory.

 

They are my real life heroes, and I finally met them. In person. What a blessing! We spent the weekend studying the ins and outs of being set apart, completely sold out. Strangely uncomfortable, but the most exciting adventure of a lifetime!

 

                                                           We made more memories.

 

We met soul sisters.

We forgot to refuel our rental car, and watched God do a miracle for us, just because He loves His girls!

Two months after our eventful departure from the Wild West, we re-entered as stronger, richer women.

 

 

 

 

My amazing big sis and Mom threw a beautiful housewarming/welcome home party for us.

 

 

I got my Kenzi snuggles again... finally!

 

 

I came back to a broken car window. Odd.

 

 

 

 I have a fantastic little kitchen, which I was so happy to come home to!

 

What a journey, what an adventure! Thanks again for all your support and prayers as we travelled: God opened amazing doors, gave us incredible new friendships, enlarged our territory, called us to new heights, and mostly just blessed our socks off every day. :) If I could write about all the glory moments, inspirations, and humourous accounts we experienced, I would. But alas, time and space prevent this from happening. However, if a picture is worth a thousand words, this one best sums up how I feel about this trip of a life time:

 

 

  “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory.” Isaiah 6:3

 

Life in the city continues to be wonderful, if I was to describe it in one word. I love everything about it: the noise, the beauty, the diversity, the taxis, the busyness. I am continually fascinated by my surroundings, and yes, I desperately want to just pack my bags and live here for real! Last week I hopped on the train and traveled to Athens Café to meet K. First off, the drive was lovely. This city is huge. Gorgeous. Invigorating. Then I got to my destination: a lovely little Café nestled in Greece, if you would. K, L, and I sat and discussed faith. We discussed what it's like for her to be Muslim, and for me to be a follower of Jesus. We discussed common ground like prayer and belief in God. We discussed differences, and what has shaped us into the people we are today. I was inspired by her dedication and intellectual knowledge, and convicted of how many times I just float along without truly having an "answer for the hope that is within me" (1 Pt. 3:15). At the same time, I came away incredibly grateful for the gift of the Holy Spirit. He is faithful. So very faithful and gracious. And so I go out every day, trying to make a difference. I pray that through His power we, as a team, can reclaim at least part of the city for Him. A week and a half ago, I had the opportunity to lead out in a craft project at kids' club. I have always loved kids, and projects. So, this was like combining my favourite things and giving them to me on one plate. What a hoot, and what a blessing! Kids. Needs. Love. Hugs. So many aspects of glory. He is displayed in every one of their smiles, and I just want to pile love on them as much as is humanly possible. One short hour is not enough, but it is a glimpse. I leave you with a glimpse of life in the city. Thank you for praying; All is grace <3 p="">