So, another year, and another AMAZING DTS. You might think that they are all the same thing, same structure and similar results, but that is not the case. The students are always different in every school and what God does in you as a staff is also extremely different. I was not sure how I thought about working with the DTS at the beginning of the year. I did it more out of a need than a passion, but thankfully God gifted me with some of the most amazing 6 months of my life.
This DTS was the largest DTS we have ever had, which was amazing, but comes with its added responsibility. More people to disciple with few staff. About 3 weeks before outreach, one of the couples on staff had to return to Colombia because of a death in the family. We continued on with outreach planning, but had to make some adjustments. This meant I was going to be leading a team of 10 by myself. Then, one week before outreach, my mom is diagnosed with breast cancer. That obviously was very hard. I talked it over with my family and we all decided that it would be better if I continued on with the DTS, but stayed extremely connected via e-mails and texts while in the country. I KNOW that God was my strength, but He also surrounded me with the most amazing team. I have been using the word “AMAZING” many times in the report, but you know what… it’s true! They were amazing.
I was saying earlier on that each DTS is different and that God also continues to teach you as staff in different areas. For those of you that know me or have worked with me, you know that I like everything to be done to the best of ones abilities. I also tend to want to control things in leadership and have a hard time trusting and truly delegating. From the very first meetings I had with my team, I told them that I was REALLY going to need their help. I was able to let go of so many things that I would have normally held on to and tried to control, but God helped me so much in that area this year. I think it started with the fact that my mom had cancer and I couldn’t do anything to control the situation. I HAD to let go and let God work in her. So, I let go and God gifted me with an amazing team. There was such a release of stress when I just handed it over to them and let them “own” it.
The outreach this year started in the Amazon River communities and the city of Iquitos. We then went to the northern & southern coastal regions of Peru. We crossed over into Bolivia & had 2 great weeks there. We also were about to minister in the city of Arica, Chile for one week. We then crossed back into my beloved Peru and ministered in the mountains outside of Cusco and back to Lima, a total of 10 weeks traveling.
This whole time, my parents have been in Lima taking care of my mom’s treatments. This week, she finished her 3rd session of Chemo. It was SOOO hard to be far from her this whole time, but like I said, God helped me and so did my team (THANK YOU GUYS!!!). She has been responding fabulously to the treatments. Of course there are the ugly few days after each session, but her faith in God and great spirit has given her such a great response to all this. My parents have been closer and calmer than I have ever seen them. They are living every day to it’s fullest. Taking advantage of every moment. Their life at the busy base in Iquitos is VERY different than what they are living now. My dad has made sure that she is comfortable and has a “home” in Lima. I walked into their apartment in Lima the day and a ½ I was there and it was awesome. It was like a peaceful-no-stress zone. She is doing well in that atmosphere. They are not just waiting for the months to go by, they are living life together. Her treatment will be for about a year, every 3 weeks. Thank you so much for all your prayers and encouraging e-mails! If you desire to contact her directly, here’s her e-mail: bethabarnard@gmail.com
So, back in Iquitos, the students graduated on August 5th. The graduation was so great. I was so proud of all of them. It was hard again to see them all leave though. Yes, it is the end of an extremely busy and draining school, but I grew to love these students so much and hated to see them leave. The base is so much quieter these days.
So, what I am doing these days… Well, first – recovering on sleep… Physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I am working on some updates for the website and videos for DTS 2012. But, these next few months are going to be lighter on the ministry side. I was away from my mom for 3 hard months and it’s time to be by her side. I will be flying to Lima in the beginning of September. I will be there basically for Thanksgiving, Christmas, my 29th B-day and New Year’s. Some time in January or February I will be returning to Iquitos to continue in the prep work for DTS 2012. About half the work can be done in an office, but there’s always “hands-on” coordination to get done before a school like a DTS.
So that’s all for now. I’ll try to do a better job at keeping you posted with updates now that I will be in one place longer than a week. If you ever want a quick update, you can always find my status updates on facebook, read my blog or look at my tons of pictures on facebook.
Prayer Requests
1. My mom’s health. Like I said, she is responding fabulously to treatment, but please continue to keep her in your prayers.
2. My dad and how all this affects him.
3. YWAM Iquitos base. With the absence of the directors, that the staff remain strong and growing in their ministries.
4. DTS Students as they are heading back home. All the changes they will be facing.
5. My future plans. I am 100% committed to YWAM Iquitos, but I would like more clarity & guidance in my personal life and goals.
6. Personal finances.
Thank you so much for your prayers & support! God bless you!
With MUCH love,
Sylvia Barnard
No comments:
Post a Comment