"The old has gone, the new has come!" (2 Cor. 5:17b)

Greetings to everyone in the States, Denmark, Malaysia, and beyond! Fall is my favorite time of the year-I love how everything changes and the way the colors become more vibrant and breathtaking.  Unfortunately, here in Chile the seasons are reversed and instead of fall we are welcoming spring, which implies a mixture of rain and sunshine as summer gets closer. However, nothing is like a good Ohio fall! Those of you in that part of the world, you have my permission to enjoy it a little more for my sake!

After a lot of waiting, preparing, and praying for the Foundations of Counseling Ministry school, as of September 12^th we welcomed 9 students to the opening of the what is a time to receive new things from God: “…the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Cor.5:17b). This is the word the directors of the school received as the promise of all the new things that God wants to do in our lives as we seek His holiness and restoration. Just before the opening, I was able to travel to Pichilemu, the city where I did my own DTS and Counseling school, for the wedding of a friend at the YWAM base there.

It was such an encouragement for me to be able to visit friends; to catch up on each other’s’ lives, eat empanadas, get dressed up for the wedding on the beach, and just relax a little bit. It was truly a refreshing time, albeit short,but overall a reminder that I am where I need to be, here in Vina del Mar, serving with this YWAM base.

Over a month since my arrival, I have now become much more comfortable and acquainted with things around here! For example, I now know how to navigate myself around the city in a bus-where to get off and get on-as well as how to get to the store, mall, and marketplace (all very important locations!) I was so ready for the school to start in order to have more of a routine and a daily schedule. Isn’t it funny how sometimes we crave to be left alone and unhindered by the pressures of a schedule, whereas other times we need the push of a calendar to keep us motivated and on track? Needless to say, I am thankful the school has finally started!

The school is comprised of 9 students: two married couples, one local pastor, and four singles. Including the 7 members of staff, the school is a representation of 7 nations: Chile, Colombia, Uruguay, Argentina, Ecuador, England, and the United States! It is so cool to see how people from such diverse backgrounds come together with a unified purpose and passion-to know God and to make Him known throughout the world! In the Foundations for Counseling Ministries School, the focus is centered on inner healing and restoration. The school consists of intensive classes founded on Biblical principles and teachings, as well as growth in small groups, intercession and praise and worship sessions, etc. As ministers and missionaries, if we want to be equipped to heal and restore peoples and nations, we first must undergo a healing of our own.

On a more personal level, God has been revealing things to my heart in a way like never before. I have heard these teachings and have gone through the discipleship, but this time is different, and it truly is a time to receive the new things He wants to bring to my life! The most amazing thing is to realize that God chose to use me, to bring me to a place where He wants me to be in order that I may grow more in Him. And sometimes the best place to grow in Him is to be where I am most vulnerable, so that I depend on His strength. I know that a lot of you can relate with this feeling, or this understanding, that sometimes it is necessary to be put completely outside of our comfort zones, not to second guess God, but to draw even closer to Him. I want to encourage you, that if you are going through a time of fire, know that God is refining you because it is for the best, and it is to bring out the best in you! But it is a process that takes time, and sometimes more time than we would like or prefer. Don’t try to waste the time that God has given you, wishing it away or wishing for a more comfortable time to come. God has a purpose, even if it is simply to show you more of Himself, He has a purpose, and His plan is perfect. This has been very comforting to me as I have struggled with feelings of loneliness, worry, anxiety that I am taking a wrong step, or just discomfort in being in a different place. I miss all of you; friends, family, church-family, etc., but I know that God moves us and guides us with our best interests at heart. Even when it doesn’t make sense!

I want to ask you to be praying for some different needs, personally as well as here at the YWAM base:

·         To be able to finish with the construction of two bathrooms, one for men and the other (obviously) for women. In total, we are 18 people sharing one bathroom, which includes the shower and sink-everything! While this has been a great opportunity for growing in patience, it would be really wonderful to have more available toilets and showers!

·         For the finances of the base, school, as well as individual students. Everyone is equally challenged in the area of finances, which affects the amounts that can be paid for the use of water, electricity, and gas. Please pray for a miracle in the area of finances, that people will be able to have what they need.

·         For health and safety-thankfully, I have never gotten sick other than a slight sensitivity to certain meat (which I will no longer be eating!). There are two pregnant mothers’ on the base as well, all sharing one bathroom! Please pray for the protection of their bodies and the babies they are carrying.

·         Please pray that I continue to grow in my Spanish abilities, both speaking as well as translating. It has been a rough ride getting back into the practice of translating and speaking Spanish all the time, but it has been getting better!

·         Overall growth and discernment for the ways in which God is leading. Basically, I have no idea what is to come after this school, so please pray for God to speak clearly to me, and that I may be sensitive to hearing His voice.

As always, thank you for taking the time to catch up on my life! It is a such a blessing for me to be able to write to all of you and share what is going on. Also, please feel free to write me with any updates or news…I would love to hear from you! Thanks again for sharing with me in the things that God is doing here in Chile as well as around the world. I love you all and miss you! Have a wonderful day!

-Love, Dawn Marie