Wow! I can’t believe it’s the middle of September already and that in less than two weeks I’ll be in Kenya, Africa! Preparing to leave mentally and spiritually is harder the closer take off day comes. I am full of expectation and excitement! Sometimes I think about the experiences in front of me and all I can do is cry in anticipation. I was created to love children and this is a dream come true and a promise fulfilled. This summer has been full of amazing experiences. It’s had its ups and downs but in everything I saw God working, I saw Him moving. Once again I was overwhelmed by Gods faithfulness. I want to take time to thank Him for His blessings He gave me in this last season.
First I have been blessed with an amazing church family, something I thought I would never let happen again. I always thought that’d I attend church but never be part of a “family” It’s so funny how God will smash down the walls you build up if you’ll just let Him. Pastor Dan and Cheri along with Pastor Les and Belinda have shown God’s love in real life. They live the life they talk and are examples of the ministry I hope to have one day. My church family has accepted me for who I am, they love me through my weirdness and for my weirdness :) They each support and encourage me in special ways and I will always be grateful for that.
In July I got to spend time in Drain with amazing people. Pastor Jonathan and Cheryl did a great job with camps and I was blessed to be able to serve with them. I saw a heart for the young people in our district that blew me away. They created an atmosphere that was free where God came and ministered to young people and children. It was an unforgettable experience! Pastor Vernon, Tina, and the team from Cali were awesome! I’ll never forget the girls! (thanks again for the video) I was able to reconnect with old friends and make new ones that I’ll cherish for a lifetime. Even though I went to serve I was blessed beyond measure from the girls and young women who were in my cabin that I was able to pour into to the encouragement I received from the leaders and other pastors. Kids camp with PB and Amanda was so much fun and I’ll never forget that Jesus is my superhero. Each day I pray that God will continue to bless this ministry to raise up a generation that’s gonna change this world.
Over the course of the summer I had the opportunity to meet some of the most amazing women ever. There are way too many to name them all, but they know who they are! I was encouraged by them in different ways but they all made a lasting impact. Susan, Eva Ann, and Eva are some of the godliest women I have met in my life and they are truly anointed to do what they do. They spread the love of Jesus everyday in a way that many couldn’t. I was amazed at the amount of grace I watched these women give. They are truly an inspiration. I had an instant heart connection with Miss Nancy and once again I felt like I had a grandma. She is one of the strongest women I have ever met. She has endured so much and is still pressing on. She is a picture of endurance and perseverance. I am very thankful the friendships that were formed with many more women and I will always take a piece of them with me in my heart.
Of course I have many other friends who have encouraged me along my journey. I have been given a great blessing for many years with a best friend who is always my number one fan. Erin Beth has stood beside me in the good and the bad for a long time. She’s always supported me and encouraged me to be who I am and do what I really want to do. I could never have the words to explain what her friendship has done for my soul.
This summer once again I was blessed by getting to spend time with Margo! I still can’t believe it’s been 6 years since graduation and she still lights up my life. I was able to reconnect with a childhood friend who has always been dear to my heart and even after all these years I felt like we never missed a beat. Britni will always be special to me. Jeffy and Katie have been faithful friends for many years and I’m so excited for the new seasons of life they’re each entering.
In Stephanie God has given me someone who understands where I’ve been and where I want to go. She is someone who cheers me on in a way no one else could. On top of that she is my humor twin and we all need someone that. Every time I get together with her and Teresa we always laugh until it hurts and I’ve learned that laughter is really a good medicine!
Over the last 4 years God has given me a mentor/role model/friend in Julia. She’s been with me in some of the roughest times of my life. God in her saved my life during “that one terrible summer of 2009” Her love and encouragement made it possible for me to do hard things and move forward. I can honestly say that without her I wouldn’t be where I am today, and I wouldn’t be the woman I am. I will forever be thankful that she took me into her heart, home, and family.
I don’t have enough time to thank everyone special in my life but you are all so important to me in your own way and many of you have helped me step into who I am today. I am forever grateful for that.
My time in Eugene is drawing to an end. Sure I’ll be back in March but I am certain things will never be the same again. As I look ahead to a new season I thank God for the season that is ending. I thank God that He works all things together for my good and that He is faithful to His promises.
Please remember to pray for me as I head to Kenya. Pray for protection and continued provision. If you’d like to write me my address in Kenya is:
Amanda Perkins
YWAM
P.O.Box 59443-00200
Nairobi, Kenya
YWAM
P.O.Box 59443-00200
Nairobi, Kenya
Thank you all for your love, encouragement, support, and prayers!
Looking forward to this new season and stepping into my calling.
All my love Amanda
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