DTS Update 1!

I made it! I am officially a DTS student at YWAM in Townsville, Australia! I am thankful that all of my flights, though long, went very smoothly. I was also able to meet up with many others in my group while on my journey, which was so fun!

I arrived on the campus on Saturday afternoon and it has been nothing but an adventure so far! I’ve had lots of orientation-type sessions and events but also plenty of time to get settled, explore the beautiful campus and surrounding area, and meet so many people!! In addition to my DTS cohort (which is about 24 of us from at least 8 different countries), many staff and other students who serve with the organization also live on base. I have been able to have soooooo many meaningful conversations with so many amazing people! 

It was especially interesting to me to learn more about YWAM Townsville specifically, and the impact and genuine heart of everything they do and are has really stuck with me. I would definitely be missing things they do and ways they serve if I tried to list everything out! From their cafe to high ropes course, ships, radio station, school visits, connected campuses in PNG, variety of courses and trainings, and everything in between, they truly do so much here with the most humble and authentic purpose of building His kingdom (and the obedience to pursue all they do) that I’ve ever experienced. 

I am so eager to keep diving deeper, explore all that is ahead, start my Global Health elective track sessions, and connect closer with everyone on the campus as we grow together. 

Some highlights so far:

• Unpacking and organizing things into my own little corner :)

• Walking around town to a church on Sunday morning, which I really loved!

• Welcome BBQ dinner on Sunday night

• Using my hammock for the first time

• Worship and time spent in prayer with new friends 

• Taking a group trip to get blankets to stay cozy at night in the AC!

• I have not yet seen any scary animals or bugs (I think I’ve only seen some birds and a fly 😂), but have been warned about snakes and jellyfish

• Going to bed and waking up early each day

• Quiet times in so many new and beautiful places

• Hiking up Castle Hill during sunrise to overlook the whole city - definitely a challenge but the view was so worth it!

• Starting my ministry placement! I get to hang out with some of the staff’s kids each day while their parents are in meetings. I have little Ariah and Isaiah - almost 2 years old and about 2 months old!

• Family time and dinner together on Wednesdays!

There is so much I could say about the past few days, but ultimately the Lord is just wildddd and has been so good! Thank you to everyone who checked in to make sure I made it. I miss home, but am really really having a great time so far and feel that I’m in an amazing place! 

With so much love, 

Annika 

For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of God than dwell in the tents of wickedness. 

Psalm 84:10