here, there, everywhere!

If you're reading this, I apologize for not keeping this more up to date as I had hoped to do.  You may relate to the kind of life I've experienced for the past month and a half or so - somewhat hair-pulling busy as an airport on Christmas Eve when there's been a major snowstorm and all flights have been cancelled.  Well perhaps it has not been that extreme, but so it has felt at times.  I normally see myself as a quite organized person, but I have felt very scattered more often than I would like.  I usually don't forget things, but I've been forgetting things.

So I finally have a moment to update this and I'd really like to share something profound that I've learned through this past busy time.  I'd like to, but I can't.  The truth is, I'm not sure how well I've actually been handling everything.  On top of starting two new jobs and learning the ropes there (I'm still working on it...), there have been a lot of personal and family issues to deal with.  Stress is a bugger, but especially so when you don't feel you have time to deal with it properly.

You may ask, where has God been in all this?  I could give you the nice sounding answer - of course God has been there the whole time!  He has made every step clear and I have been at peace.  But again, to be honest, I cannot really say that.  It has been a struggle to say the least, and I'm trying to persevere through the "dark moments of the soul."  I want to be one of those people who comes out of something like this a better, stronger person, who has learned to trust God through anything.  Will that happen?  Hopefully....

Being so busy with everything else, I've wondered in between - where does this leave me with OM?  What is my next step in preparation for that?  In part, what I am doing now IS preparation - especially working with the youth at my church.  I've been learning so much and really enjoying this opportunity to put into practice what I have studied these past years.  I've come to the conclusion that school is so much easier than real life.  If you're in school, you might not believe that, but you will soon enough. 
Anyways, as for formal prep, I'm not sure.  I was excited to receive an email from OM Lifehope in England the other day saying that someone had signed up to join the Youth Track at the same time I'm planning to join, so God's already setting up people for me to work with.  To remind you, I will be working as a Youth Leader and Trainer in England (starting next summer).  See below for more info on the "youth track", the students I'll be working with more closely.  If you are a youth, you should think about joining yourself!! :)  It makes my stomach flip a bit to think of this new challenge, but I think anticipation wins over.

Anyways, after all this, I'd like to ask for your prayers in a couple areas.  First, if you could pray for the personal and family issues that are going on.  I can't share specifics, but I'd appreciate your prayers about it as God leads you.  Second, pray for wisdom - in my personal life, in my work with youth, for OM planning/prep.

Thanks for your support.  It means a lot to know that we're not alone.  As always, let me know how I can pray for you.

Tami

OM LIFEHOPE YOUTH TRACK

The Youth Track will equip you to be an effective and committed youth worker while gaining a formal UK qualification: The National Certificate in Christian Youth Work. You will receive high quality and relevant training and experience life in a church-based international team.
After an initial time of orientation and training, you will be placed in a Community Outreach Team where you have an unrivalled opportunity to get hands on involvement in evangelism in the UK and experience life in a diverse multicultural team.
Each week throughout the year you will study with Engage! our partner organization in this programme. It uses interactive training days together, distance learning materials, work with young people and help from a mentor to enable you to learn more about youth work and develop your own understanding and skills. OM Lifehope and Engage! together would set up a suitable youth work placement where you can practice and develop your youth work skills.

Who, me?!? A pastor?!?