Week three already

wow it's been a while since i've updated this, sorry about that. Life here has been wonderful. I'm in my third week of classes right now. Our first week was on intercession, which was really good. I really enjoyed that. I've always been taught that God can and will answer prayers but i didnt honestly believe that God would talk directly to me.
Week two was on spritual warfare. That was good as well. I didnt really know anything about it. Alot of people figured it was all about demons and how to cast them out but we learned it's an everyday thing. It's a constant battle; it's learning how Satan works his way into your life and how to stop it. It was very interesting.
This week is about biblical restoration. We've just started but i think it will be good. The speaker this week is actually the base director here, he's pretty cool.

I'm really enjoying dorm life as well. Living with 8 other people is never boring. We all get along really well, thankfully. We play alot of dutch blitz in the evenings and go through alot of icecream!

I've been surprised at how fast i'm acclimatizing. We had a week where it was really hot and now it's cooling down. I find myself feeling cold and wanting to put on a sweater when it's still 20 degrees (celsius) outside! Still too chilly for the beach.

I've noticed how so many people park on the grass in my neighborhood. They park their cars right on the front lawn! Very strange. Sometimes theres cars parked on the sidewalk too, it's truly weird. You would think parking your car on your grass would wreck your lawn, but the grass isnt normal, it's really strange.
And when we first got here so many people had all their Christmas decorations up but they looked ridiculous because there was no snow. I geuss to them it's normal, but i thought it all looked quite out of place.
One of our neighbors has a pet goat...i dont even know what to say about that. It stays outside, on a leash all day. That does not strike me as a good animal for a pet, but whatever.

Please keep out group in your prayers. We had a rough weekend these past few days. On saturday night one of the girls found out her cousin back home had been murdered. We dont know any other details. Then on Sunday one of our guys had to leave due to drug abuse. It's been hard. If you could pray for unity through these things that would be great.

I would love to hear from people! Drop me an email if you have time, it's always nice to hear whats going on back home.
sj.rinas@hotmail.com

" pray without ceasing"
1 thessalonians 5:17

Settling in

I am finally in florida, actually i've been here for a few days, i just didnt have internet in my house.
I have found a lovely cafe called panera breads that has free wireless. They have good green tea as well, so that works out good.

I am pretty much unpacked and settled. I live in a house with 5 other girls and three staff members. In my room there are four of us. It's basically a jungle. We managed to fit all our stuff in one room! One Closet! now thats impressive.
My school has 19 students in it and we're getting along great. It's so nice that we've all gotten so close so fast.
So far I am having an amazing time, it's been so cool to hear everyones stories and get to know people.
I am attending a young adults service at a church here tonight. I'm really excited for that, it sounds like something i would really get into.

Now as we all know YWAM actually stands for "Youth Without Any Money"...just kidding. :P
But if you could please keep finances in your prayers that would be great. Alot of people are trying to pull money together for the missions trip and it can be stressful.

I will try to keep you all as updated as possible.

* note how i said "you all" not "ya'll"
I havent conformed yet. :)

Until ALL have heard

Sarah Jane

Day One

wow it's only lunch time and already today has been a long day.
I left for the edmonton airport at 3:30 in the morning!
My three hour flight to Las Vegas went fast as i slept the entire way. I should have had a three hour wait in Las Vegas until my next flight but my flight was delayed.
So I now find myself sitting in the Las Vegas airport for another couple hours.
I dont how many of you have spent hours waiting in airports but it is definately not a thrilling event.

On another subject, i have my mailing adress for while I am in Florida.

for letters:

Youth With A Mission
Sarah Jane Rinas
c/o training departement
P.O Box 620487
Orlando FL 32862-0487

for packages:

Youth With A Mission
Sarah Jane Rinas
c/o training departement
5796 Hoffner Ave. Suite 601
Orlando FL 32822

Thank you so much for all your prayers and support.