rise day

Hi :)

Today nine months ago I was waking up from back surgery....it's unreal! When I think of the physical condition I was in less than a year ago, I can only praise Jesus for the physical healing He has blessed me with! I am able to play volleyball, hike, surf, swim, work longer than a nine to five job, and be virtually pain free! God is the ultimate Healer, yeah?

Tonight is small groups again. Then next week will be Big Rise where everyone meets together. I was asked to help lead worship and I am straight up amped! Alpha starts next week too. Three people put down that they accepted Jesus on the response cards from Sunday!! Wow, what a happy day in heaven. I am just praying that I can mimic Paul's character and seek these people out to encourage them in their walk. Fellowship is so important. I am meeting with two women this week just to talk and share our hearts. I love my job! It's almost been a month since I've been here. Mhhmm I love it.

Jake asked if I would be interested in spear fishing with him sometime! Haha I said yes please! Hopefully the interns will be planning a trip up to the volcano Haleakala soon. We have heard the sun rise is INCREDIBLE up there! There is just so many stinkin' fun things to do here! Yesterday was staff photos. It was so hot out! And we were looking into the sun. The interns all piled onto the slide and posed all cutie pie like :) They are great! As far as active goals go...Chris told me I should look into playing tennis. I would really enjoy that. Now the key is to find a teacher who will be patient enough to teach me!

God has really been revealing to me that I should be single-mindedly pursuing Him. Shaking off the hindrances that so easily tie us down. I have had this thirst to know Him lately and every time I open up His word for the drink to quench my thirst, He is eager to give it to me.

Love you all, let me know how I can be uplifting you!!

Risa Elena