Where's Rayelle: Wisconsin:) for 1 week

WOW... Where do I start?  A friend told me the other night on the phone that this part of my journey might be my toughest... the time of limbo... he was right.  Here is the update.  I'm currently at my parent's house in Wisconsin, over the last week I've emptied my home, had a garage sale that was fantastic (even with snow and freezing weather) where I sold 75% at least of what I had, afterward packed everything I own into a 10' moving truck, and I've said many good byes (or "see you laters" anyway) and they don't get easier.  For those of you in Pella, I miss you already and you've made me feel so loved. 

Driving across the border to Wisconsin on Tuesday night was strange... my normal WOOHOO! just didn't feel right as I feel like I left a small piece of me behind (whoever thought... Iowa :)).  Being home I'm not really unpacking, more organizing, simplifying and learning how to lean into God a new way.  I'm ready to be on my way, but enjoying seeing family, because 1 week from now I'll be on my way to YWAM!

That's right, the time is actually here!  Next Thursday (April 7th) I have 3 flights to catch, and at 1am central time I'll be landing on the beautiful island of Hawaii, that I will call home for 3 months.  There are 35+ students in the class I'll be joining, and they come from all over the world!  Africa, Canada, Ireland, US, and Korea just to name a few!  The base where I'll be will be quite busy as 5 classes are all starting (so figure over 150 new people).  I'll be bunking it with roommates again and loving every second of it (I hope)!  I'm so excited for YWAM to start, and to learn more about God and to serve others in new ways.  I'm so excited I feel like I want to jump out of my skin. ;)  (I never understood that phrase before... but I think I get it now).

Thanks to all of you for your prayers, your compassion, your partnership, and more.  Email me at rayellem@gmail.com to be on my prayer email list and if you can lift up a prayer today for me, please pray for my house to sell.  No worries, God continues to show His awesome power in all of this :).

Rayelle

Where's Rayelle: Iowa :) for a little bit

What a strange week.  I'm back in Iowa and am unemployed... weird!  I'll be in Pella till the 19th then off to Wisconsin for a bit, then back to Iowa for a weekend, then back to Wisconsin... then God willing on a plane April 7th headed to YWAM for the next giant step in my life!  God is continuing to prove that He is with me every day, even when those days are quiet at my house, starting to consolidate my belongings.  He is teaching me about control this week, that I want it and that's not how it works... I'm not always the fastest learner and I like to be in control, but the plans He has for me are much greater than I could ever "plan".  So I'm thankful He is reminding me of that and calling me to spend time with Him in the midst of the hectic world around me.  God you are good!  And you know me... been sitting in Psalms 139 all week, check it out! :)

Where's Rayelle: MICHIGAN :)

I just realized today, I'm unemployed!  Weird.  I guess the best part that comes of that for me this week is that I can take a mini road trip!  So here I am in Michigan visiting AWESOME people!  I feel refreshed (partly from the naps) but mainly from the way God is continuing to show himself!  I even met a woman, and her family, today that I had talked with on the phone through another Christian friend... as they had left everything here in the states a few years ago to move to Italy to do mission work.  They literally sold their home, everything they owned, and went!  What a great encouragement.  So glad to be here!

Yeah Pure Michigan :)