We started off with the protocol, for the Hawaiian's to invite us in to their land. If you have never heard the Hawaiian language, go try to find it on youtube or somewhere. It's gorgeous. Especially when sung (sang?) or chanted. That's when my guac was given to the staff members of Island Breeze who did the protocol for us. (Mom, Becky said everyone loved it and that you have to continue the tradition when you come) At the University they run a preschool and those kids sang a prayer for us in Hawaiian, it was beautiful! Then we had all the different nations stand up so a person could be selected to carry their flag at a ceremony later last night. I'm truly at the University of the Nations. There are 43 different nationalities represented here on campus. Amazing. After protocol we split up into our schools and went to our classrooms, where we'll be meeting everyday for the next 3 months. My Community Transformation school is staffed by amazing people. The leaders of the school introduced themselves and each staff member introduced themselves. The leaders, John & Jenni and Steve & Diane, then went down the line of staff members and affirmed them (gave compliments and told us a little bit about them and the gifts God has given them). Steve then prayed for the school and we ended with singing "Amazing Grace." Ummmm WOW is really all I can say about that. 104 voices lifted but all you could hear was a beautiful melody. Then we broke for lunch....
We came back to the ComTrans room after lunch to have more orientation. John started off by saying, "Well apparently, the requirements to be in this school are to have amazing voices and look ridiculously good looking and you guys all meet those. Great job." Guess we'll be doing a lot of singing together :) I don't mind! John and Jenni went through campus "rules" and guidelines. Then we received our schedule for the 3 months. Meow. I won't be able to see straight for a while. We will be reading 3 chapters a day from the book of John so that we read it 6 times, then we will be reading 4 chapters a day from the book of Acts so that we read it 6 times, as well. We have to read Is That Really You, God? by Loren Cunningham by Monday night, so I've been busy reading that today. Its great so far! And we will read 2 other books by the end of the lecture phase. It's gonna go by fast!! We are volunteering for the Ironman race at the starting line next Saturday. Let me say that again. Volunteering at the starting line. Our shift is from 4 am to 10 am. (Don't worry, I haven't really told anyone expect my roommates that I'm not a morning person). But seriously, I'm super excited about seeing that race and the athletes that are participating in it. Its gonna be fun!! After orientation we had a short break until dinner, which was traditional Hawaiian food (yum, basically) then at 6 we had a worship service that introduced all the countries (one person ran down the isle with a flag from their county, very fun) then we had a time of singing. I was worn out after that. Such great songs to sing and so much fun worshiping freely, because we are free in Him. This quarter is a bilingual quarter because there are 2 Korean schools going on on campus. So there was a girl on stage who got to sing some of the songs in Korean, that was very cool to hear. Worship in every language is worship. I'm happy to be apart of such a diverse group of students and staff, just wish I was from a cool country. haha I'm kidding. I like being an American.
We got back to our rooms and the 7 other girls I live with decided to make a chore list so our room stays clean. Then we went through the room with prayer requests and everyone prayed. Its the 2nd night and we're already praying together and praying for each other.. what??? I was blown away. These girls are going to be fun :)
Today has been a day of reading and internet. I tried to watch the Clemson game, but no luck :( thank you to Allan for keeping me updated :) I'm gonna miss not watching football! Weird? I don't think so. I got to speak to Preston, Allan, Adrianne, Uncle Steve, and Kelly this morning after breakfast. Couldn't have asked for a better way to start my day! I love my family and hearing their voices. Tonight we have a ComTrans Meet and Greet at the campus cafe. Tomorrow I will be going to church with Tom and Becky! Yay!!
As promised, here is a picture of my corner in the room :) Sorry this post was so long! You guys know I talk a lot, so I guess you're used to lengthy conversations.
Your blog lifted my spirit! So good to hear the nations gathering, to eventually go out! Enjoy!
ReplyDelete