Trusting the Climb

Cheesin' hard for the girls day trip...

    Wow. That really is all I have to say after these past two weeks. It has been such a delight to be where I am, I truly can't express that enough. Just last week, I experienced my favourite night here so far. While my roommates and I were sitting in our room chatting, we suddenly noticed a downpour of rain outside. One by one, we ran out of the room, dancing in it. This was one of those moments where I have never felt more alive. The contagious laughs that came from each one of us as we ran around campus, drenched and in complete awe, became a joyful sound that turned into a lingering hum throughout the week. I was just so happy. I was reminded in this moment of all the times where I thought I was happy, where I thought I was overflowing with joy. Moments where I believed I had everything I needed. Looking back now, I realize I was falling short in those memories. Nothing has filled me up like this experience has - like Jesus has. Dancing in the rain reminded me that there is no other substance quite like the feeling I got from being fully present and aware in this moment. It was such a simple joy, yet so much fun, and I can already feel my time here will consist of many more memories like this. 

Work duty can be fun, right...?

Pololu Valley, Big Island, Hawaii with Mollie & Madi

    I have been super moved by what the Lord has been teaching me this past week - specifically about trusting Him, even when I don't fully understand. This week was Holy Spirit week, and we had the incredible opportunity to learn about the many different gifts from the Holy Spirit. It brought up a lot of new material, new topics, and new conversations. I'll admit, there were a couple of days this week when I was filled with doubt, wondering why my experiences with Jesus didn't seem to match what other people were describing. On Monday Ministry night, we sang "Way Maker" by Leeland. Even since my mom discovered this song a while ago, I'd occasionally hear it playing in our kitchen as my mom was preparing dinner. But until that night, I don't think I'd ever really listened to it. When it played on Monday night, this was the first time I not only heard, but truly understood the full meaning of the lyrics. My favourite part of the song goes, "Even when I don't see it, You're working. Even when I don't feel it, You're working. You never stop, You never stop working." These words carried me this week. They reminded me that I don't always have to understand, or know exactly what God is doing. I can confidently rest knowing the truth - that He is always working. No matter how or when, I can be still and trust that He has my absolute best interest at heart. As Psalm 46:10 says, "Be still, and know that I am God." 

Rainbow peeking out after an early dinner

    I am currently writing this on a Friday night, at 12:41 in the morning. I just got back from a worship set that had been going on for thirty hours, and it's still going strong. Every time I think I have experienced the fullness of the Holy Spirit, I always stand corrected, time and time again. This was one of those times where the Lord's presence was so tangible, so real, that it felt as though I could reach out and take hold of it. He was right there with us, His delight clear as we all laughed, cried, and worshiped together. I spent much of this time not only praising Jesus and singing but also observing. I've always been a people watcher, so glancing around the room watching how Jesus encountered each person uniquely was breathtaking. I was so captivated with this position I was in and the emotions I was experiencing - it was all so beautiful and fresh. I have been so at peace these past few days, I am filled with so much gratitude. I have truly been learning to embrace the new; in fact, I am really starting to love it - especially the beauty in its unpredictability. 

Walking through coconut Grove Marketplace in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 

    The photo above is from tonight, my roommates and I decided to dress up and head out for dinner together. It was some much-needed roommate bonding time, and we had such a fun evening connecting with one another. As the eight of us gathered at our table, our waitress, Nicky, greeted us warmly and made us feel so welcome. Growing up, my parents often chose one night on the weekend to step out of the house for appetizers with friends. I remember how they'd share stories about their server when they got home, often highlighting exceptional service. As someone who worked as a waitress myself, those stories shaped how I approached the job - I always aimed to leave a positive impression on every table I served. While enjoying dinner with my roommates, I quickly came to appreciate how amazing our waitress Nicky was at her job. Being the only one on the floor, she completely excelled at giving her full attention to every table, treating each one as though they were her first priority. At one point, she came around to our table and one of my roommates sparked a conversation with her. She mentioned she had started her shift at 8 a.m. and would be working until close as someone had called in sick. Without a hint of complaint, she continued on with a smile. As a group, we agreed we should pray for her and bless her. When Nicky brought us our bill, we politely asked if prayer was something she would like to receive. With tears in her eyes, she gently shared that she had been having an incredibly hard day. The day before, she had witnessed a hit-and-run right outside the restaurant. Nicky was one of the first people on the scene, where an 80-year-old woman had been struck and left in critical condition. She told us the hardest part of her day was the anticipation of waiting to hear how the woman was doing -  if she ever would. This experience was super impactful, not just for Nicky but the girls and I as well. The bravery it takes to simply ask someone if they would like to receive encouragement and prayer is far greater than it may seem. Yet, Nicky left feeling touched and seen. She even asked to stay in contact with us and plans to attend our Thursday Night Gathering this week, which is open for the public. This served as a beautiful reminder for me; it truly never hurts to simply ask. 

Weekend trip adventuring in Kaumana Caves in Hilo, Hawaii

With love, Layla <3