I'm actually at UofN?!

Hello All!

These first days have been wild and crazy!  I hope to share a little bit, but I know my words won't fully portray how blessed I am to be here and how amazing the atmosphere is here with YWAM. 

I arrived to Kona on the 8th, after a good 6 hours a flying.  It was hard to be on the plane, the whole time I was flying I couldn't stop thinking "what am I doing and what did I just get myself into?"  I am going to be away from everyone I know, alone, with no one but Jesus.  Right when I was walking to the baggage claim I heard my cousins yell "Claudia!" and I immediately started crying.  Of course, my family was there waiting for me.  I was never going to be alone, I had nothing to worry about (:

After that, we hopped on a bus with other YWAMers.  The bus took us to the University of the Nations (UofN) Campus and we had a tour guide tell us about the city while on the bus.



Autumn and I looking at the sunset 

Once I settled in my cousins took me around campus to do some exploring.  We visited the farm, I got to hold some bunnies, and later Gabriella gave me a quick tour of downtown Kona.  She explained to me how the missionaries first came to Hawaii and how nearly all of the people became Christians through God's word.

These first few days have taught me so much about this culture and history of Hawaii.  There's so much of God everywhere in the culture and in the city; it's beautiful and it makes Kona such an amazing place to grow in Him.

On Friday, the 9th, we got to start off being welcomed by the people of Hawaii.  In Hawaiian culture it is customary for the guests to bring gifts to the host, so each school gave gifts to the UofN and we were welcomed by the Island Breeze group with worship songs and traditional dances.




Our classroom is filled with artsy and hipster decorations.

Later, we got together with our school, Engage DTS, got to meet our staff and praise Jesus as an Engage family.  I got my first assignment (a book report!) and a journal with questions for guidance.  I also got to know some of the people in my school and made lots of new friends.  I wasn't too worried about making friends when coming to school, but I was concerned about making a "best friend."  My introverted personality makes me more comfortable with a single individual, so I prayed a lot for a friend. God blessed me with one on my second day.  Her name is Autumn.  She's great and I love her lots.  God is so faithful. <3


Sena, Autumn, and I (right to left)

On Saturday, we had the day off so we got to sleep in a bit.  Then we went on a scavenger hunt as a way to get to know the town better.  For dinner we had a barbeque at the beach, the sunset was beautiful. And to top it off we went to get shave ice at night.

I let Sunday be my day of rest and refection.  So much has happened and so much is yet to come.

I started school this week. I've already been learning lots and just taking every opportunity to encounter the Lord.  I should be sharing that soon (I'm just so busy so excuse my late posting)!

I pray all is well back home.  I love everyone and I miss you all already!

Also, I might be finding out my outreach location sooner than February?!!?  I've yet to raise money for that, but I'm not worried.  God is so good and faithful. Thanks again to everyone who is praying and supporting.  This journey is already so filled with the Lord.  I can't wait to share everything else that has happened! (:

To sum every thing up, God is faithful, trusting in Him is awesome and relieving, and I'm doing just great.

Claudia<3