Training to reach the top (or goal) doesn’t always come easy.

The terrain along the journey can be variable, and even when the height or distance is less than we’ve conquered previously. The features (obstacles) along the way can be beautiful or hazardous to navigate (depending on your perspective).

Reaching the top is always amazing, but then we discover the journey continues, there’s more to conquer. It’s not over, til it’s over.

Some journey’s are easier than others. It helps to declutter our lives and shift the weight, before embarking on such adventures.

We had a family goal to reach a high peak each year. Calder Idris, Snowdon, and now Scafell under our belt for 2019. The opportunity to drive up (in a 4×4), one of earth’s highest points doesn’t count, because it required minimal effort.

Completed by the first sprinkling of snow for the season on the peak!
Family goal 2019 completed.

Keep going.

If You don’t quit, You win!

I was so grateful to return to the UK, just in time for RASPBERRY season. (think it was slightly delayed especially for me)

Raspberry picking has given me a greater perspective over the years. Bending down into uncomfortable positions allows you to see (gain a greater perspective) and harvest an abundance of fruit. You need to be prepared to look, it’s there in abundance for you to enjoy!

Look for the hidden treasures.

lf you don’t like raspberries, it’s still worth picking them for the Perspective change and it’s great fun!!!

This sign was thought provoking for me in Hawaii, (this particular one was on campus), but the word ‘Yield’ was used on other signs in Hawaii.

In the UK, we have ‘Give Way’ signs at junctions.

What am l yielding to? Whether it be people, pressures, self desires, or anything else unhelpful!!!

We each have to harness CHOICE as to what we allow to occupy our minds, because this has greater influence over our words and actions.

We each have different gifts and abilities. It’s the cohesion of those different gifts and abilities that provides a holistic approach. This often means standing along side/ joining those who are different to us, (sometimes this isn’t comfortable) BUT we gain the full flavour, and a greater perspective.

And if you are struggling, reach out, take one little step at a time. It all makes a difference.

So be sure what you YIELD to today is beneficial, as it impacts you, your neighbour and eternity!

University of the Nations, is right on the foot of Mount Hualālai volcano, then Mauna Loa, the largest single mountain mass in the world.

In our first week here, we experience a 5.3 richter scale earthquake.
At the time Joel, Ez and l were in the cafeteria, eating.
The whole building shook violently. I thought ‘this is a bit sad God, ‘you brought us all the way here, so we can be squished by this huge barn like structure.

Fortunately the Cafeteria is earthquake proof, and withstood the test. Thank goodness. It’s actually a refuge for the local area.

The good news is that while the volcano is releasing pressure, it’s not likely to erupt!!!

A few years ago, l choose not to be governed by my emotion’s, in order to be more stable. It’s been challenging this last few weeks, that while emotions are good, they can shake you, and cause instability if you allow them.

Choose each and every day to be anchored, un-shakeable, and pass the test…. Whatever that looks like!

We have been shown ‘Incredible, Extravagant love’, this week by Scott Sells and Nancy Sells, who have given themselves wholeheartedly to every family on Family DTS, so we could all experience greater freedom in our relationships. Scott and Nancy were ‘Complete strangers’ at the beginning of the week. Wednesday morning, they announced they were sending Matt and I off to an amazing hotel, with ocean view room for the weekend. Perfect for watching Manta rays.

This demonstrates the extravagant love of the father, which he lavishes, freely on each of his children, who choose relationship with Him.

We have loved our 2nd honeymoon this weekend. It’s been amazing…. air conditioning, a bath and bathroom sink, a queen bed, rather than 2 singles.
We cycled (l’ve really missed my bike), tested our team communication on a paddle board together, (well when Matt wasn’t jumping off, to stop me falling into the shark infested waters!), and snorkelled – all before 10.30am. We retreated to the largest adults only pool l’ve seen!!!
We wouldn’t want to be ungrateful for our campus accommodation, but it was really hard to leave. Thank you Scott and Nancy.

Our 1 day road trip took us to ‘Akaka falls’. The 2nd tallest waterfall in the world, falling 442ft. I’ve spent more time reflecting this week on the struggle the O’opu’ juvenile fish make back up this incredible rock face to maturity, and life up stream. When they embark on the journey, the probably have no idea just how far, and tough it will be. BUT when they reach the top, what JOY…. and their muscles have been truly exercised and S-T-R-E-T-C-H-E-D!

Could the images below depict the opportunities for Churches without walls!

I’m not just talking about physical walls, but mental one too.

Where people can be as they wish, standing on the larva rocks, on the pavement, at a distance for them to observe for themselves. Sit inside, or outside (in the shade or the sun!) Look at a real person, watch a screen, or just listen (you can even close your eyes – if you need to) depending on your personal tendencies. whether you prefer early morning, midday or evening. The CHOICE IS YOURS.

How accessible is the western Church to the average person who has never put foot inside a Church before? I would be interested in thoughts from those who have not been inside a Church before.

Below is Living Stones Church where we have been visiting since arriving in Hawaii. Where we as visitors have been warmly welcomed. l have observed they are not limited by the size of their physical building. Is this what it looks like to expand our tents, dig the pegs deeper, and enable more people to encounter God’s presence, love and word, exactly where they are at. It’s good to start where it’s comfortable at least! (even though there’s no guarantee it will always be this way).

Also attached, is a photo of O’Hana court, where we gather on campus. A versatile building. Think how much we would save on energy bills in England!

I’m missing the raspberries, asparagus, and parsley which grew abundantly in my Grandpa’s garden. How l’ve enjoyed growing produce in the garden. However I’m not missing the need to protect the plants/ produce from PESTS (Pigeons, caterpillar’s and even goats!), who come to steal and destroy.
Now with no physical garden to cultivate, l still need to be careful what l allow to cultivate in the garden of my mind.
For in due season, ‘We will reap what we sow’.

So DON’T underestimate the PESTS, they will take as much as you allow!
1. Find the Pest
2. Ek-Ballo – ‘kick it out’
3. Find the entry point
4. Repair it
5. Secure it to prevent re-entry!

Ensure what you are cultivating in the garden is good and wholesome.

Be on guard

Remember no fence/ or low fence can still be jumped by rogues. High fences / hard defences are needed!

We have spent the last 6 months preparing, now it is finally here. Practically, this is a mammoth day – Travelling to Hawaii – 29 hours and Yes, it’s still Wednesday! Time travel is amazing when you are gaining!
The last 3 weeks has tested Abi’s ‘YES’ to this adventure. Much time, resource and preparation has been expelled. Leaving amazing work colleagues, great friends and family, missing a whole beekeeping season, to go to the other side of world and serve others beyond my human 10 day limit!
Lesson : When you take a faith step, (no matter the size), you can expect your ‘YES’, or commitment to be tested at some point.

Be Strong and very courageous. These are the words that kept me going through the last 3 weeks.

Thanks for joining us in our epic, faith journey. The YWAM seed was sown long ago, however in August 2018 at Creation Fest in Cornwall, UK. We had an amazing time, serving alongside some great YWAM families. We left a tad exhausted, knowing we had been a blessing and been blessed. The privilege of serving hundreds of children alongside these families was awesome.

So where is this journey taking us ?

In April 2019, we are heading to ‘Youth with a Mission’,( YWAM) University of the Nations in Kona, Hawaii. For 11 weeks of intense training, alongside practical serving – THEN we will go to another destination ‘unknown to us yet’ for a further 2 months. At this point we expect to return to the UK September 2019…..Not necessarily to return to life as we know it.

I thought God was leading us to New Zealand, – my childhood dream! However, We’re on a journey to Kona, Hawaii. Surfing capital – amazing for Matt. My initial thoughts” I’m taking turtles for shark infested waters!” I’m rather fond of the UK these days. I enjoy a little holiday, but like to come home too.

The Challenge – Obedience

Having been previously challenged, by what l said ‘No’ to God on. Incredibly, he said ‘trust me, get out of the boat’ (out of the comfort zone). This is not about what l / We want, it’s about drawing closer to him. Sharing his love with all, around the world. As he loves each of us unconditionally, a love that cannot be found elsewhere.

“God is my ROCK in whom l trust. I depend on him, no matter what happens!”

“I’ve had to relinquish my plans, for his, which are far greater, (l can add ), than my own”. Trusting his provision on a greater level, knowing that he feeds the birds of air, and how much more does he love us.

The costs seemed to spiral out of control for us to go on this journey. In my opinion, far too extravagant, and as my brother in law said ‘ you could feed all the homeless people in Birmingham for a year!’ However God is extravagant, and it’s small fry for the creator of the universe. So we trust in him, for his provision. Matt’s motto has always been ‘If it’s God’s WILL, it’s God’s BILL’.

If you want to find out more about YWAM and FAMILY DTS head over to https://www.uofnkona.edu/uofn/