My arrival to Mazatlan!!!

I flew out of the San Francisco airport two days ago at 7:30 a.m. in the morning, just as the suns' rays began to peak over the horizon. As I climbed in altitude, it's as if I had entered heaven itself. A huge blanket of snowy-white clouds completely covered the surface of the earth. Bright streams of pink and gold spread out towards me, coloring the sky with rays of light. I was about to be taken on an adventure with God that would change me for the rest of my life.

Mazatlan is a beautiful city-the ocean is literally right across from the YWAM base! I am excited to spend at least the next three months here. As far as outreach goes, I do not find out the possibilities until much later...so pray about guidance on that! My group is fairly small. There are 15 students here, 4 of whom are still on their way. The countries represented here include England, Finland, America, Mexico, Denmark, Canada, and Argentina. I have been enjoying the dynamics of all the different personalities and cultures! 

One of my classmates has dread locks, a beard, and a tattoo of Bible verses that stretches across his back and continues on down the circumference of his right arm. It says the following: "I am the alpha and omega. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. He made him who had no sin to become sin for us so that in Him, we may become the righteousness of God. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. But God raised Him from the dead. It is impossible for death to keep its hold on Him. Just as Christ is raised from the dead, you too may live a new life. Count yourselves dead to sin but alive in Christ Jesus. Where o death is your victory? Where o death is your sting? The power of death is sin, but thanks be to God. He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Behold, I am coming soon! Come Lord Jesus" 

He sort of reminds me of David Crowder...he even plays the guitar and has a similar voice! Pretty cool....

We had worship for the first time this morning. A Mexican was leading "Blessed be Your Name" in Spanish, while those of us who speak English sang our version simultaneously. The words simply flowed together, melting all cultural barriers to be united as one in Christ! 

That song spoke to me personally today. I have really been experiencing God taking things away from me that causes temporary pain...but he keeps on replacing those things with even greater gifts. It is becoming easier and easier to give things over to God because I know he has something even greater planned. I am excited to see what he has in store for me next!