My last couple weeks have been full of finishing up assignments and a couple final adventures.
We took an afternoon and went sea kayaking (tandem style) around Newcastle Island. It was a beautiful day to be out on the ocean.
Last week on Tuesday we went to Victoria for some indoor rock climbing. Their gym had a section that was 6 stories high. It was impressive however I didn't have time to try it out. They also had many smaller walls and some sections for bouldering that were a blast to play around on. Then on Thursday we stepped it up a notch and tried our hand (or arms and legs) at some outdoor rock climbing. This was a lot tougher. It was a challenge and we all tried our best. We were also given the opportunity to repel down the cliff. This was slightly scary but it was amazing when I got to the bottom knowing that I did it!
Our out trips are design to stretch us out of our comfort zone. This definitely happened. It was challenging at times but as I pushed through and trusted in God, he taught me many things through the process.
An amazing thing happened on Sunday morning. During the session Paul, our speaker, talked about the ABC's (Admit, Believe and Commit). So during our cabin time I went into more detail on what that process is and what it means. I told my girls that if any of them wanted to take that commitment step and become a Christian than they can come talk to me. Many of them told me right then that they wanted to take that step. So at that moment, I led out in a prayer and told them that if they wanted to become a Christian, to repeat after me. There was 6 girls who dedicated their life to Jesus that morning!!!! It was incredible. It was an amazing moment to experience and to be able to walk through that with them. It is amazing to see the work that God can do it a short weekend.
All throughout this program, we have been involved in various ministry areas, whether that be at camp, church or our missions trip. Between these three areas, we were given various opportunities to learn, to try new things and to stretch and develop the gifts we have. Ultimately all part of the process of equipping us in leadership.
I had never worked at a camp before. So it was really good to get that opportunity. The camp puts on many retreats throughout the year and we often serve either the partial retreat or for the full weekend. Throughout the year I have been serving in a wide variety of roles. Each role has given me a new perspective in a certain area of camp, has encouraged me to serve to the best of my abilities and has developed in me Godly attitudes.
The church I attended this year was Warmland Church. Once a month I would be in KidsLand teaching grades 3-5 sunday school. Then on Wednesday I served at AWANA (grades 3-6) where I led the grade 5, 6 small group. I had not done much teaching and leading small groups before. That was a new experience and I was unsure of what to do. It was a challenge as I tried to reach new children in a new environment. It was rewarding to be able to build into the lives of these children and see God working in them and teaching them new things. I am definitely going to miss all the children I have connected with this past year.
I think this year I have seen God developing in me confidence. Within the ministry aspect, I was put in roles and situations that were unfamiliar and different. There was always people to help me but I also had to learn for myself. It required me to break out of my shell and trust God as I jumped forward to do his work and build his Kingdom. Confidence has come through expanding my capabilities but also knowing that when I am placed in new situations, God will help me through it.
I have learned so much this year and I hope to be able to share about my experiences with some of you soon. It will be sad to say goodbye to my family here but I know God has a plan for me in this Next Chapter of my life.
Thank you for praying for me this year. God bless you
Sabrina
