beautiful

"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." 1 Timothy 4:12

There are many people that live here on Guam that have not seen things or been places that I have. I know how blessed I am not only by being here, and having the chances to do many things, but that through the beauty and opportunities, I may catch a glimpse of the mysterious God we serve.

The other day I went to this place by the ocean. You walk down many stairs, and along paths, and when you get to the bottom, you see rock everywhere, and you can hear the noise of the ocean and the waves as they come crashing in. It is phenominal. Some of the waves are huge, and look so overpowering against the rocks, and yet is so peaceful and beautiful.

"All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen."

Love Kalena

Halina't Sama-Sama

From December 27th to January 5th I was on a nearby island called Yap. The flight only took about 1.5 hours. It was a Tagalog outreach for the Yap Church of God. There were 5 of us on the team that went. (There were 6, but 1 person was only there for 2 days.)



Most of our days constructed of... Breakfast in the morning, and a meeting and prayer time together to plan and pray with each other. Some days we would tour around the island, get groceries, go and visit and meet people, or just have time for ourselves. When we got back a lot of people would ask if we were bored while we were there. (considering there isn't too much to do on Yap) Not at all! I had a lot of free time which I was able to spend time reading my bible or my book, having a nap and relaxing, praying and doing my devotions, or listening to worship music. I was able to set time apart, and spend time with God. I enjoyed that time that I could go and meet with Him. I loved it! I could feel His presence, Him challenging me, and speaking to me. It was incredible. Then we would eat supper together, (eating was something we did a lot of! haha) and we had an evening service that was planned. The amount of people that showed up wasn't always a large amount. The ones that we were able to minister to, made committments and you could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit moving. We could see God touching the hearts of the people and for some- already changing them. The people that did come are now attending the Yap Church of God. It is hard to put into words how amazing it was! God is so faithful, He truly provides! There is such a need for these people, for healing, for prayer, and for the church.

We brought clothes over to Yap for the church. They are for people that are in need, and we hope to bless them with that.

Our team prepared specials for the services and I gave my testimony. A few others shared their testimonies as well, which was very powerful.

The culture was very different in Yap. The language barrier made things harder, but it was an interesting experience. As you can see in the picture below the stores weren't very big, but were very different and lots of fun. :)

My time there was an awesome opportunity that I will never forget. I was deeply touched by the people that I met, and formed good relationships with the rest of my team.

*HAPPY NEW YEAR!*

God Bless!

~Kalena

A warm Christmas

On December 17th, our church held a Christmas banquet. No snow, hot weather- it hardly felt like Christmas was soon. There was a huge variety of food at the restaurant we ate at. There were lots of specials and time to talk with one another, it was awesome. The "Hope kids" were so cute, they performed a couple dances, and overall it was a very fun afternoon. Seeing the joy and laughter of the people around you, and the noise and excitement of all the kids, you can't help but smile. :)

On Christmas Eve a special service was prepared. We had a candlelight service. It allowed time of reflection, worship, praise, and it was put together beautifully. I got to help with the song the 12 days of Christmas that had a Biblical 12 days of Christmas story to go along with it. After we played some games and had a white elephant gift exchange. That is when everyone that brings a gift, doesn't put their name on it, and puts it under the tree. Then you all have numbers, and going in order, you pick a gift from under the tree, or you can choose one that has already been opened. It was so much fun!

Experiencing Christmas away from my family and friends was hard, but something I will never forget. I had a really good Christmas and was truly blessed! It rained on Christmas, the closet it gets to snow in Guam. We had a yummy breakfast. There were unique kinds of dip to go with a wide variety of fruits. This was a tradition that they do every year. It was delicious. Then the Christmas story was read, and we opened gifts.

Later on we had a bunch of people over for supper. There was about 10 of us. Gwen made a big meal. It was really good, leaving you very stuffed afterwards! The fellowship, stories and sharing with each other is something that I look forward to! God is so amazing and it is such an encouragement hearing things that He has done, or the unbelievable callings that He has put in other's lives'. I was reminded so much of the things that I have to be thankful for in my life. Some people have nothing. I am blessed.

~Merry Christmas!~ *Kalena