Well, week 2 of training camp is wrapping up this weekend and I can't believe how quickly it went. For the most part it looked basically the same as the first week with the exception of the board coming for meetings Thursday night through this afternoon. Classes and rehearsals went on like usual and we have now learned around 13 songs. We learned our first song using sign language this week as well, which is one of my favorite parts about the ministry. This week we sang for an audience, of more than just a few, for the first time on Thursday night when we sang a few songs for the ministry's board of directors. We also got to meet the board and get to know them a little bit throughout the few days they were here. It was a blessing to hear the advice and encouragement that they had for us as we prepare for this coming year as well as for everything else God has planned for each of us. 

Something God has been teaching me for the past few weeks has been in the area of trusting and depending on Him. I like to fix things. Or at least try. I don't like having to admit that I can't do or fix something. Obviously, this gets in the way when I am trying to rely on God for, well, anything. In K.P. Yohannan's "The Road to Reality" one of the chapters was on the faith, (or lack thereof) of Christian's today. That led into the problem that many people have of thinking that God needs our help to fulfill His plans and purpose. "We can't wait for God, so we do things our way" and "...so it is with all the problems of our flesh; how often do they create more problems than the one we intended them to cure" are two quotes that stuck out to me. God doesn't need my help. He wants me to be ready and willing to submit to His leading because, let's be honest, His plans are SO much better than any I could dream up. When I try to step in and give my input or take the reigns, I just end up making a mess of things. 

So, this week has been a lot of learning, praying, journalling, and refocusing.

 Please continue to join me in praying for the team as we keep preparing for the travel year for the next few weeks. Also, if you are local we have a community concert coming up on September 11th!! 

Thank you again for your prayers and support! I wouldn't be here without you.