Alrighty, so this is my first attempt at any sort of documentation of what goes on in my head, here goes I guess.
I arrived in Victoria at noon, over two weeks ago. When I stepped off the plane, my mind was completely not understanding what was going on. Up until now I had never left my small home in Hythe for any time longer than a few weeks. I stumbled through Victoria, took a bus to the Schwartz bay ferry, and successfully found my car (which had been delivered for me by family friends a few days earlier).i then oriented myself with the GPS and proceeded to make my way to Camp Qwanoes. That day I met many new people, shook many hands, and forgot many peoples names. In all the turmoil, I had the sense that God had brought me to exactly where I should be; a feeling of peace settled over me. My first impressions of Kaléo were absolutely amazing; a small community of believers, led by the strong team that is the Camp Qwanoes staff.
In the days that followed my arrival, I had a chance to actually learn the names of the 21 young men and women that I would be spending the next 8 months of my life with. During those few minutes of small talk, God put upon my heart the realization how awesome this opportunity truly was! Gathered here were 22 young adults from all over Canada, strangers except in Christ. Here, at this small island camp, we will grow in Christs community together, helping one another when we stumble and encouraging one another in our successes. Needless to say, the first impression I had of my fellow students was truly amazing.
Orientation continued quickly after the first days of Kaléo passed by, and the students were given the full rundown of all of the ministry opportunities that we will have throughout the year, including which church we would be going to. Along with students Janelle and Jim, I am going to The Meeting Place in Nanaimo. This church, which takes places in a movie theatre and under a coffee shop, was described to me as a church that reaches out to non-believers, providing Spiritual guidance in an environment that is easy for anyone to go to. The church's congregation is approximately 30% non Christian as I was told, so all in all this was a very new and exciting experience for me, since my church back home was very small and mostly traditional. But Janelle, Jim, and I were welcomed very warmly, and promptly assigned to areas where our particular skills would be of best use. I was placed in the kids program, and in the short time I was there, I thoroughly enjoyed my time. Ministering to young kids has been something that I have helped with in the past, counselling at camps and after school kids clubs, so I was quite glad God provided this opportunity for me.
Overall an awesome first few weeks, I've already come to know my fellow students as almost my family, and I am eagerly looking forward to what the rest of the year will provide!
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13
Thanks Jordan!
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