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

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