Just the Beginning

Grief is strong here in Germany, my time here ended a few nights ago and one by one my fellow students are leaving, going back to their home country (I leave next thursday). I am extremely grateful for my experience in the Mobile DTS 2011. Nothing and no one can take this away from me! I have been on an incredible journey, discovering all new aspects of God and my life has been changed from the inside out! My identity is solid in Christ, my hope and joy comes from Him and in time of sufferings, He will never leave me. Looking back to the Grace I was before, and looking at the Grace I am now, I am in awe of the power of Christ, only He can bring deep change. I've discovered that it just takes saying "yes" to God and He will take you places and levels beyond what you can imagine.

Thursday night was our graduation and it was one of the most bittersweet moments I have ever experienced. Feelings of excitement, sadness, satisfaction and joy rushed over me, I didn't quite know what to do with them! The night started with a yummy meal of burritos (not realll burritos, but they were close) and ended with delicious icecream. In between there was a time of worship, leader speeches and passing out of the certificates. I don't think our school has experienced such a powerful worship time. I felt like God was saying Isaiah 41:10 to us- 

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."

There comes a certain level of fear knowing it is the end and we are going home but the cool thing is that DTS may be done, but God isn't done with us. He has so much more planned! Being fearful will stunt the growth we have all encountered. 

On another encouraging note, one of our leaders charged us with a verse from Matthew 5:16-

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."

This is just the beginning, my new life starts when I get home. How will I use the light that is in me??