blessed...

At the "Underwater World," I touched a shark for the first time. It was super neat.

My dad left for home- going back to the cold winter of Canada. It was such a blessing to have him here in Guam with me for the first month. Saying goodbye at the airport...

Working with youth and leading the drama service ministry is new to me. It's a great experience and way to be creative. I'm enjoying it a lot and am having a blast as our group is currently working on a drama called, "He's going to what?" It is about God's plan for the birth of Jesus.

This is another group of service ministry- Worship. I'm very excited as the two churches: First Church of God and Touchpoint have come together, blessing us with a good size youth group. I continue to look forward as this youth opportunity expands. I pray that God will prepare our hearts as leadership- that we will speak truth and encourgaement to them, and that they will be open to recieve God's will, His love, and that He will also prepare their hearts.

Wonderful things take place as we come toghether as the body of Christ. Prayer is powerful, so thanks again for all your prayers!

Be Blessed* I miss you all!

Love Kalena :)

People of Guam

I have had so many different opportunites to see and do new things. I have been to what is called Chamorro Village two times now. It is like a market that is held every Wednesday. You can walk around, eat food, and find all kinds of things.

The other day a bunch of us went to a private beach, and had a barbeque. We tried coconuts right off the tree, went in the water, and had a great time! It was a lot of fun. We were still there to see the sun set. I can't describe how beautiful it was to sit on the beach with rocks, sand and the water around me, watching the reflection of the sun on the water, and the sky turn incredible colors!

I have been so blessed by the people I'm around and have met here. It's funny how a smile and few words from someone can touch your heart so deeply! I am excited as I feel God is already changing me, challenging me and helping me grow. Thank you so much for your prayers! After Christmas, I will be having more opportunities to meet with the youth throughout the week. It will help me get to know them more, and I'm very excited about that.

~Kalena

"... I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:20

Prayer requests: - Please pray for the youth here, and that God will continue to make divine appointments. Sometimes it is hard for kids to open up when they know that you will be leaving. - and please pray as I continue to adapt to the culture, and build friendships.

Thank you so much!

"You're never far, I will be where you are, and when you come to me, you can bet I will open my arms..."

Kalena

Youth Hike

For youth this week, the youth, some parents and the youth leaders all went on the Robinson Crusoe Hike. There is a story about a man that was deserted on this one part of the island, and that is what this hike was named after. What we did was hiked down the side of a mountain, a part that wasn't too long or too hard, and we went down to the beach. We split up into 3 teams, and had 3o minutes to build rafts. We were given 12 feet of rope, and we could use bamboo, and vines to make it. After our time was up, we had to race our rafts around a rock in the water, 2 people at a time. It was very challenging because it had to be strong enough to hold both of you, while you are trying to paddle in the water. It was harder too because there was a lot of waves that you had to fight against- it made it more fun.:)It was really funny trying to watch everybody hold theirs together, and paddle as fast as they can. We all did really good, and my team won! yay. After that we got to eat lunch, and play in the water. It was a great way to laugh and have fun with each other and work together as a team.
*God's creation is so beautiful!* God Bless!
Kalena

Talofofo Falls

Earlier this week I went to Talofofo Falls. It was incredible, and a lot of fun. I went swimming, climbed on rocks under and through the waterfall, and jumped off of a rock into a deep part of the water. It was a very beautiful day today, which made it even better. There is a bigger waterfall, and a little one down the river from the bigger one. (as you can see from the pictures..) ~Kalena

Youth

On Friday the 17th, was my first night of youth. We played ping pong, tag, and a few other games. It was awesome to see everyone laughing and having a good time. We also did some icebreakers, a bible study, snack and some drama. I got to work with the kids for drama. We did a few drama activities and introduced it as a "service ministry." I will also be working with a group from youth to prepare a drama for our Christmas program. I think that will be a lot of fun, and a great opportunity to get to know them more. I am very blessed by the people of Guam. They are so friendly, and caring. They are almost always smiling and willing to help you with whatever you need. I've been able to build friendships already with some people from the church, and some of the youth. I'm learning more about the culture and the people here, and that is very encouraging and definitley exciting. :) Kalena

My arrival...and Thanks...

I arrived in Guam almost a week ago. My cousins, parents and kids from the youth group were there to greet my dad Reg and I at the airport. It was very encouraging meeting these very friendly people. It was an awesome way to start things off. The first couple of days were spent getting settled in, meeting people, adjusting to the time difference, and getting the chance to see a little bit of Guam. It is very different, but beautiful here. Everything is green, and tropical. I see palm trees everywhere, the ocean, and so much more. I'm looking forward to experiencing more of the island. I'm very thankful for my family, friends, and my boyfriend Kenton, and their prayers. You all have been such a blessing and encouragement to me. Thank you.
~Kalena