It's hard to believe we have less than two weeks until we pack up everything and hit the road for our first half of the travel year! I think I can speak for the whole team in saying we are anticipating great things this year. I am especially excited to see how God works in my life and changes me to be more like Him this year. Looking back on this past year it's easy to pick out areas I've grown already or need to work on now, just from seeing the ways I react in different situations. There's nothing like making mistakes to show you just how much you need to change. I'm just thankful I don't have to do it alone. 

So, this past week we added something new to the schedule...SIGN LANGUAGE. Wednesday afternoon our sign language instructor, Shannon, and her daughter, Sarah, arrived at the camp. We started lessons right away that evening. Since we had already practically learned one song in ASL, it wasn't long before we had another under our belts. Shannon and Sarah have continued to teach us every day and we are currently learning our fourth song using sign language. The sign language is one of my favorite aspects of the ministry and I can't wait to see how God uses these songs to draw people to Himself. Along with starting sign language this past week, we also had our first speeches on the schedule. I didn't forget my name, so that's a step in the right direction. :)

Friday night we took a turn from our normal routines and had a little time to rest and relax. The guys of the team and some of the male leadership went on a camping trip for the night, while the girls ordered Chinese take-out and watched Anne of Green Gables. Pretty much polar opposites, right? We definitely all enjoyed having some time to spend with eachother and get away from the schedule. Saturday morning the girls got to spend some more time together by going shopping and to a local coffee shop. The guys got back from their trip by early afternoon and we all enjoyed having the rest of the day free until our sign language class that night. 

Now we're wrapping up week 3 of training camp and we're getting closer and closer to the community concert (the 11th at 7:00pm! Be there!). Please continue to pray for us as we prepare for life on the road. Here are some specific  areas that we would appreciate you keeping in your mind and prayers:

-That we would maintain a spirit of excellence in everything we do; whether it's in rehearsal, classes, free time, or ministry. 

-Finances for the team members and the ministry in general as we get ready to get back on the road and add travelling expenses into the mix. 

-Unity for the team throughout this entire year. We all know that there will be quarrels in a group of 18+ young adults, but there doesn't need to be gossip. Pray that we would have the maturity to go to eachother personally instead of going to everyone else if a probleem arises. 

-That we would each have personal goals that we are checking up on regularly but also that our team would remember the goal and that we would work together to achieve it.

Thank you all so much for your prayers, love, and support.

Don't forget: This Friday at 7:00pm come to 

Mt. Lou San Bible Camp

2200 Blue Mountain Parkway

Harrisburg, PA

17112,

for the concert introducing the new team and giving a ministry update to the community!

In Christ, 

Anna