Time is Running Out

One word: Haven.

I move to Kilkenny on Wednesday. I have a house waiting for me. But this isn't just any old house. This isn't just a place for me to live.
This house will be a haven. A sanctuary. A place where those who are in need of rest, who need someone to listen, who need a break from life, can come and do so. I want to build the backyard into a lush garden. I want to serve anyone who comes through the doors. I want chains to be broken in this place. I want this to be a freedom house.
This will be a miniature version of the safe house.
This will be training ground.

I KNOW we can do this together.
Two days to fundraise $650. We have until Wednesday.
We can do this, you guys.
Spread the word.

If you want to help with this vision, click the 'donate' button the right hand side of this page. Let's build this vision together, guys.
Let's change Kilkenny.

Let's change Ireland.
Let's change the world.

UPDATE: $325 has already been donated. Thank you so much to those who have donated! I'll post pictures of the house once I get there. 

Yay For Positivity!

Before I begin, I just wanted to clarify something that seems to have gotten mixed up when people have been sharing what I do here: I'm NOT working with teens who are at risk for sex trafficking. I'm not working with sex trafficking at all right now. Yes, I still have a heart for it, and I always will, and I still have my dream of a safehouse and all that good stuff, but right now, youth ministry is where Jesus has me.

Also, the Rock is not a rehab centre. It is simply a drug and alcohol free youth centre, focused on building relationships with youth. These teens are just normal kids. Some come from good homes, and some come from not so good homes. Some do have addictions or substance abuse. And some don't. There is no way of us knowing, until we hear stories like this one. All that we can do is make sure drugs and alcohol aren't allowed in the centre, and to make it as safe as possible.The whole point of The Rock is to welcome teens from all backgrounds and situations with open arms. It is a safe place where they can hang out. And I'm invested because I love them. I don't care if they smoke or they're sleeping with their boyfriend/girlfriend, or whatever. I don't want to point the finger at them, at their habits, like so many people did to me when I was a teenager. I simply love them where they're at. I invest. Because being a teenager sucks sometimes. I know I didn't like it. And I wish I had someone invest in me, instead of pointing the finger at all my bad habits, when I was in my teens. Because when someone did that to me, it showed me that that's all they saw of me.They didn't see my value and worth. They only wanted to modify my behaviour. And when people did that to me, it made me want to do worse things, and make even worse decisions, in a sort of  "f---- you" attitude.
So, that's it. I'm invested in teens. Because they're the future. They're world changers. They each have brilliant creativity in such vast and diverse ways, and if you and I have even the tiniest little positive impact on that, I can die a happy person.

Now, onto our scheduled programming...

Well, the team has gone back to the States and the Anchor is officially over (until next year, when AIM sends another six month team). These past six months have been incredible. I've been stretched and challenged in impossible ways, I've laughed and cried, and I've gained some wonderful friends, both my team and the teens we hang out with.

So now comes the transition. The move to Kilkenny. The big kahuna. Hopefully this will be the last move for quite a while. I'm looking forward to having a somewhat permanent home again. Yay for no more moving!

So, since I last updated y'all, some wonderful things have happened. I was at a low in life, questioning whether or not Jesus wanted me in Kilkenny. And He proved that He does. He gave me a roommate(who arrives at the beginning of September). He has given me three monthly supporters so far. On Monday I will go register for my PPS number so that I can start looking for a job. He gave me a house(!!!!)-of which I will put down a deposit on Monday. This house is perfect, you guys! I'm SO EXCITED. It's a HOUSE. After living in apartments for most of my life, I'm so ready to have something different. I don't even have money for a full deposit, much less the first month's rent, but I decided to step out in faith and go see it anyways. The rent is pretty average for a two bedroom in Kilkenny, and it's within my planned budget. And there have been those little signs from Jesus that this house is where He wants me. That it's okay.

Also, I know that deciding to be a monthly supporter is a commitment, whether it be for missions or for a non profit or a charity, it's definitely something you have to think about. I get it. And I know I've been asking strictly for monthly support, but honestly, I can't be limiting Jesus. That's a no no. So if you've thought about supporting what Jesus is doing out here, but the prospect of monthly giving seems too much right now, one time donations are okay too. Jesus uses those too. Because here's a little secret: missionaries aren't picky :) I promise.

So, I just wanted to say a huge THANK YOU to those have been praying for me. For sharing the crap out of my blog. For those who are still thinking about committing to being a monthly supporter or doing one time donations. For sticking with me through this crazy rollarcoaster that has been the past six months.
 Thank you thank you thank you thank you.
You complete me. And I'm super thankful for you.
Just, all the feels. ♥♥♥
Love love love.