Another thing...

27/09/09

If you would like updates on the entire Kaleo group as a whole, you can also go to kaleoseven.blogspot.com. This blog already has a description of most of the students and probably will be updated more, especially on group trips. It has some slideshows and videos of our camping trip if there be any interest.

Mark

First Impressions

25/09/09

Well hello folks. Here I am, the first twoish weeks into Kaleo and things have started off with rocks and rolls. Yes, I fell on some rocks, causing me to roll. I’ve also got myself stuck on a rooftop already.

Anyway, safely have Haley and I arrived here at school and fun experiences were had along the way(driving through thick early morning fog, visiting with friends and family, biking and hiking in Squamish, and getting lost on the island after being the last to drive onto the ferry). God safely brought us here and we praise His name for that.

During our first full day of school we had a beach party in the afternoon. It consisted of waterskiing, wake boarding, tubing, getting others into the water, and my favourite, sailing. Much fun was had during this time while we hung out with those people we will be living with for the next eight months.

It was the next couple of days that we really started to buckle down and get to work. That’s right, rock climbing, zip lining, swinging from eighty feet in the air. We were taught the gist of how to suit up and man the equipment while each one of us would also “test” out these activities. We were told that we would be helping out at these stations when guest groups would stay at the camp. One of the evenings we were able to head down to Victoria for any last minute shopping at MEC before our first out trip. While in Victoria we split into several smaller groups in which the group that I was in leisurely strolled along the harbour listening to buskers in the clear sky of eve. By the way, the starts here are magnificent.

Then is was Sunday. Previously we were asked to pray about a list of possible churches in the area to attend for the year. I had chosen Cobble Hill church, residing in a small town called Cobble Hill. The preacher’s name is Lech Bekesza from Poland and their website can be found at cobblehillbaptist.bc.ca. I went with two other Kaleo students and Kristie Voth, the student life leader. We were right away welcomed with open arms and I felt that even though it was said that this church will be challenging to us, I will enjoy getting to know these people and helping them in what ways I can. Please pray for me as I embark on a new adventure with this group, that I may serve them with all my heart but not become overwhelmed that I cannot maintain service to them, and my studies and work here at Qwanoes.

Our first out trip was to Strathcona park. It was a venture consisting of three days and two nights. Our group split off into five smaller groups which took two separate routes to two different camp sites(if that makes any sense). My group and another group hike seven kilometers through gorgeous countryside to a place called Kwai lake. There we pitched our tents, ate spaghetti and cheesecake for supper, and told stories before hitting the hay. The other three groups hiked ten kilometers to a different lake of which we hiked to early the next morning to meet up with them. From there, as one whole group, we hiked to the top and back of Mt. Albert Edward(roughly six thousand feet asl(above sea level)). Coming back down we swapped campsites with the other groups for the night before heading back to our transportation. During this trip I really got to know my fellow hikers in our group, ‘twas a very good bonding experience. I hope that this growing in fellowship will continue outside of these close outings but it will require an effort on my part. Please pray that God will give me such courage to initiate solid friendships. I also saved everyone from a brutal mauling of a black bear(not actually but we did see a nice sized boar)

Right now things are slow. I’ve finished some homework and am finishing others. One think I have ask of God which you may also pray for me, is that I may be able to discern between times to fellowship and have fun, and times to study and do work. We are coming up to due dates and a week of academics which could very well stress me out. Please also pray that I may understand what is needed of me and that what blows over my head during the course, the professor can make it clear to me through the answers to my questions.

As far as ministry goes, I am helping out with this weekends group,Trinity Western University, with activities and kitchen duties. Pray that I may be a witness to them through what I do and how I work. Concerning ministry through Cobble Hill, they are in a transition of buildings so youth group and such will not be starting up for a little while. Pray that when they do start up, that I may plug in well with the people and the kids. Pray that any barriers of resistance be broken and that we may grow as a close family towards the Lord.

Soli Deo Gloria

Mark

The start, and to boot...

23/09/09

Hi there. This is the start of something I have never done before. Blogging. I usually would not do such a thing but nor would living in B.C. for a year be my normative, though I do love it here. As you can see by looking around this page, there is not much yet but soon should that change.

For now may I just ask that your prayers be for my wisdom in discerning the time to study from the time to fellowship with others. As well may you pray that my heart be directed towards the ministry I am about to partake in with my new church(Cobble Hill), and that I may love the people and serve them in any way I can. I appreciate your concern and prayers for me and may God bless you through my stories for you that have not yet come to pass.

Yours,

Mark