Hey friends, it's Savanna. A lot has happened since last I wrote - so this may be a little scattered somewhat, but I'll try to get it all out as good as possible. Last week we had Patrick Dodson as our speaker - the topic for the week we thought was "Hearing the Voice of God" which I was so stoked for, but what we learned was almost merely the opposite. We were encouraged to explore the creativeness that God instilled into us, to use it to the fullest and not settle. But you can look at our school's blog for more information about that. I have to be honest with you guys, a lot of what Patrick said rubbed me the wrong way, and he knows too. Ever since I've known God, I believed that He has a plan for me and a will that He wants me to follow that is different than what I come up with, and I've longed for follow His will for me. Down to where to do His work, who I will marry, etc. However, Patrick said that is not true, God wants us to come up with what happens in life and allow God to be a part of it. I didn't like that. And until I find scripture to say otherwise (I am going to study this further) I'm going to see God as I always have. I believe He cares about me enough to have picked the perfect man for me, and has made me the way I am for specific purposes that He wants me to follow.
I was, however, so very motivated to try harder when it comes to my art - photography. I'm inspired to find different angles, adjust various levels, and be more creative with my pictures. I've also started learning how to play guitar - YAY! I've wanted to learn to play for SUCH a long time! Also last week I dreaded one of the guy fellow DTSers here, which took about 4 hours but it looks good! Mine are still coming along too - I put a few beads in to touch them up a b
it :)
it :) On Saturday we went to the SF food bank to work for 3 hours - it made for a long day but we had so much fun dancing while packing boxes! Haha :)
Ministry groups have been going good - last week we sat the whole time with an older man who has been there since the 60's, and the rest were street kids who are always there. No joke guys, they all smoke pot and hang out there everyday. It's kind of sad, but they are great people too. We went back today, and I was talking with a woman who has such a big heart for the "kids" in that place - apparentely there are two gangs at the park that litterally kill innocent kids because they made a wrong look, or because one of the gangs wants all the drug deals to themselves, so if they catch someone else dealing they'll harm the other dealer. Sad sad story all around. Please be in prayer for them! We've gotten to go with instruments and just chill and play music (I jammed on the djembe!).
I have to tell you about the best day since I've been here. Monday morning before 6 am we were all kicked out of the building with what we slept in (we got a warning the night before so we were in actual clothes) and weren't allowed to come back until dinner after 5pm. We had nother exc
ept what was on our backs and a paper that said where to eat for free. I grouped with two other girls, and first we went to Starbucks and got free coffee (they had this thing if you pledge 5 hours of volunteer work you get a free drip on the honor system), then went into the Bart station to sleep and stay warm until it was day out. There we didn't really sleep, but danced around a little bit, asked passerbys for spare change (didn't have any success then) and Jay got a great idea to collect cans and bottles, so we found a few in the garbages there. Then we went to stand in line in front of Glide (right across from YWAM, also in the movie Pursuit of Happiness) for free breakfast they serve every morning for the homeless and the hungry. There we met a man we shared a conversation with, and he informed us of good places to find for free services because we told him we were new to the place, but didn't tell him we were staying with YWAM. The food was decent, but nothing I would choose over a real meal. It was good to see what these people actually go through each morning though just to fill their stomachs. And really it's like a community of people, it's incredible! So after breakfast, we went to Market street and started panhandling (we wanted money! hahaa) and ended up with 1.83 and 2 bus transfers, so we decided to collect more cans and bottles and then took a bus to the recycling center where we earned 1.32. Then it was about time for lunch, so we went back and stood in line at St. Anthony's (same concept - stand in line to get a ticket and go through and get passed a tray of food) but the food was SOO good - they even gave us Gherradilli chocolate squares! The people we ate with were so nice. After that, we took the bus up to Haight, Hippie Hill rather (same place our ministry is at) and just hung out in the sun, tried to fall asleep. I met a woman there and we got to pray with her, and met a man named Memphis - these people know God, but they don't KNOW GOD! You know what I mean?! So we hung out there for a bit and came back home - but all in all it was so much fun and we really enjoyed it. We stopped at a market to get gummy treats on our way home, so we left with nothing but came back with joy and candy. Sweet!
- Savanna
ept what was on our backs and a paper that said where to eat for free. I grouped with two other girls, and first we went to Starbucks and got free coffee (they had this thing if you pledge 5 hours of volunteer work you get a free drip on the honor system), then went into the Bart station to sleep and stay warm until it was day out. There we didn't really sleep, but danced around a little bit, asked passerbys for spare change (didn't have any success then) and Jay got a great idea to collect cans and bottles, so we found a few in the garbages there. Then we went to stand in line in front of Glide (right across from YWAM, also in the movie Pursuit of Happiness) for free breakfast they serve every morning for the homeless and the hungry. There we met a man we shared a conversation with, and he informed us of good places to find for free services because we told him we were new to the place, but didn't tell him we were staying with YWAM. The food was decent, but nothing I would choose over a real meal. It was good to see what these people actually go through each morning though just to fill their stomachs. And really it's like a community of people, it's incredible! So after breakfast, we went to Market street and started panhandling (we wanted money! hahaa) and ended up with 1.83 and 2 bus transfers, so we decided to collect more cans and bottles and then took a bus to the recycling center where we earned 1.32. Then it was about time for lunch, so we went back and stood in line at St. Anthony's (same concept - stand in line to get a ticket and go through and get passed a tray of food) but the food was SOO good - they even gave us Gherradilli chocolate squares! The people we ate with were so nice. After that, we took the bus up to Haight, Hippie Hill rather (same place our ministry is at) and just hung out in the sun, tried to fall asleep. I met a woman there and we got to pray with her, and met a man named Memphis - these people know God, but they don't KNOW GOD! You know what I mean?! So we hung out there for a bit and came back home - but all in all it was so much fun and we really enjoyed it. We stopped at a market to get gummy treats on our way home, so we left with nothing but came back with joy and candy. Sweet!
That was the beginning of our Outreach week. Monday night the previous DTS came back from their outreach in Thailand, and so we have 16 other people here, and they have so much energy and love for eachother, it's so incredible to see. Tuesday morning we had worship, and guys, it was amazing. I declared at that time and place a new season in my life where I would find intimacy with God and feel His love and desire for me. The wall is broken, Amen! And last night for intercession, we asked God what he thinks about us and each of us got a person we got to ask about as well. My friend Dan had me and God spoke beautiful words to me through him. I was in awe! These past few days we've gone out to do coffee ministry (passing out coffee in the TL to strike up convos) and it was so awesome yesterday. Met a man names Roni (like Macaroni), Michael and Eddy who all had great hearts for the Lord while living on the streets. Then later we went and played music in the TL and it was beautiful. I wish you all could experience this. And I wish I could say it's changing me, but I can't say it has all quite yet. I don't have the feeling of pure excitement to be here yet, but I know I will. I'm still adjusting and settling. Still need prayers for my heart and personal life, and also finances. Thank you again for your support! I love and miss you all!!!
- Savanna
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