A Bit of Catch Up

     It is so beyond crazy to say that I am heading into week five here in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. The students and I had the pleasure of welcoming Dr. Michael Brown on campus this week for our lecture time, and his Thursday night message was something that I found to be incredibly relatable. 

Pretty sunset during our room dinner outside with the girls

    Dr. Brown began talking about an experience he had in an airport. He was travelling with a large group of people and just about every possible chaotic thing that could happen, happened. Whether it was boarding passes accidentally packed in checked luggage, running late with the gate positioned all the way across the airport, or having the shuttle to the gate be non functioning; it was nothing short of crazy. Dr. Brown mentioned that in the midst of running to the gate with his luggage, he stood there in the middle of the airport and began experiencing a supernatural joy he knew was from the Lord. He said it was so completely unexpected, as this was a moment in time when there was no logical reason to feel joy. 

    I believe if I was to hear this story for the first time without having experienced this kind of joy, I would think this story is slightly strange. However, having felt this way multiple times first hand, I can confirm that the "supernatural joy" he was speaking of is the incredible truth of having a relationship with Jesus Christ. Before I left for YWAM, one of my favourite days of the week was Sunday. It was a day of worship, and a day where I could let go and feel pure joy radiate through the doorways as I entered the church. This joy has served as a reminder that throughout the hardships of life, or the curveballs and struggles, I confidently know that everything is going to be alright. 

    After the message, we were led into one of my favourite worship sessions yet. The joy being expelled from this room had to be contagious. As we were all at the front of the room in praise, the speaker invited the students on the stage and we all just danced around in celebration, overflowing with the purest joy and happiness. I remember smiling so hard my cheeks hurt afterwards. In this moment, I felt like I got a small glimpse of what Heaven might look and feel like - a million times over. In that moment, there was no where else I would have rather been.

The Tanzania crew!

    I feel like this week really focused on overcoming several challenges, both mental and physical. On Wednesday during my CrossFit track, we were informed that the workout would consist of 10-1 ladder burpees (starting at ten, working my way down to one), with a 200 meter run in between. This worked out to about 2km and 55 burpees in total, which doesn't sound too difficult until you are told it will be in the 30-degree Hawaiian heat, and you're doing it as fast as you can. This turned out to be much harder than it initially sounded (of course), and the blistering heat was fierce and relentless. However, I kept pushing. On the last 200 meters, I finished off giving everything I had left. Feeling relieved it was over, one of the coaches approached me and whispered in my ear, "Don't tell anyone, but we are making you do the same thing again." This is called a "pulse summit" workout. 

    The idea of a "pulse summit" workout is to push you beyond what you think you can handle by requiring a second, intense effort just when you think you have finished. This was a test of mental toughness and resilience, meant to build grit and perseverance when under pressure. By confronting the second set of the workout, I was forced to come face to face with the burpees and running under the blazing sun, pushing past the fatigue, and digging deep for the energy to finish strong - especially when it felt like there was nothing left to give. I am so thankful for the coaches and this track, and for all of the important lessons it has taught me - it's been such an amazing experience. 

My current blogging location

    One of my greatest fears has always been heights. This past weekend a couple friends were heading to an area on the island known as "End Of The World," where we would be jumping off of a 35ft cliff - nice. I actually had zero desire to do this, but there I was, hopping in the car heading straight for it. When we arrived, I honestly wasn't sure if my body would let me jump, and the hesitation grew more as I peered over the edge - I was terrified. During these moments full of thrill and adrenaline I sometimes wish I could just say, "no, thank you," however I can't help but feel a twinge of envy for those who leap off the edge, feeling full of accomplishment. I feel like there is a constant hum in the back of my mind reminding me there is more to achieve, and although this has fostered grit and discipline, I also am learning where to draw the line in how far I am willing to push myself. Sometimes, it really is a struggle between the thrill of adventure and the desire for peace. That being said, during this particular adventure, I embraced the thrill and took a leap off the cliff with my eyes closed and landed safely, filled with a sense of accomplishment. 

First time cliff jumping at "End Of The World"

    Blogging has been such a delightful outlet for me. It's been a special place I can jot down and explore my own thoughts, and reflect on my experiences throughout this unique season of my life. I am so looking forward to the day I can browse back and reflect on these memories, and I am so grateful I can digitally document these moments and share them with all of you. 

    I hope that as you read through these blog updates you feel uplifted and inspired. Your encouragement has meant so much, I am so happy to have you here!

With love, 

Layla