Silver Linings

Hey friends! I have now been in Rostrevor for two months and while one month and three weeks of that time has been in lockdown due to the COVID-19, it hasn't been all that bad. There's so much happening around here that I keep busy enough. I spend three mornings a week in lectures for EQUIP and the rest of my work days are spent working on various projects. At the end of April I led a baking workshop for the current Arts and

Media DTS and I think it's safe to say it was a success! We split up into teams of two and I armed each group with the basic ingredients to make scones, teaching them the technique that goes into it and leaving them to be creative with their flavors. Boy, did they deliver. At the end of the evening we had about twelve different kinds of scones, each and every one of them a flavor I've never thought to try and all of them delicious. Some honorable mentions are chili & chocolate, cinnamon roll, vegan sesame seed, and peppermint with chocolate and craisins. I was blown away and incredibly proud of everyone and so happy to spread the joy of baking!

If you've never baked scones before I highly recommend it, and right now it might be just the ticket if you've got some extra time on your hands. I was able to sit in on a watercolor workshop the next week and had a lot of fun learning and practicing a new skill. In addition to scones I've been baking lots of different things and enjoying the creativity outlet that it brings! Ya'll know I can't go too long without getting the itch to whip up a batch of cookies or practice my piping skills.

Something to counteract all of the baking has been going on (socially distanced) walks and hikes, though I'll admit I haven't been on nearly as many as I should. When I do get outside I'm always taken aback at just how beautiful this island is, and am reminded of the wonder that it is for me to be here. Part of that is possible thanks to you all and I'm always grateful for your support!

There's only two more weeks before the Arts and Media DTS graduates and only three more before EQUIP is over. After EQUIP ends I'll be joining a six week Bible course that we're running on base. Since most of our outreaches are on hold for the first half of summer due to the virus I'm glad to have this course to be intentional about my time. The Lord has been teaching me a lot about spending time with him. More than just Monday morning worship or Thursday intercession, but intentionally sitting with Jesus. This season is slower than it normally would be and my first temptation is to fill it with anything and everything besides moments of stillness with the Lord. He is patient and kind though and I'm realizing how profitable it is to just sit in the presence of God communing with him.

So, the world doesn't look like what I expected it to right now. My plans have changed, a lot, and even my day to day looks different than it normally would. But there are small silver linings. An extra batch of scones, money saved from simply staying at home, new learning opportunities, more books crossed of my 'To Read' list. I won't downplay the tragedy brought with this virus, but I'll do my best not to ignore the silver linings too.

I hope you all are staying safe and are doing well! I'd love to hear from you if you've the time to reach out and let me know what you're up to and how I can be praying for you.