Daring to dream

When I was 17, I took a trip to Haiti, and it changed my life.During my month-long visit, I had the privilege of doing nursing visits with a local Nurse Practitioner, Jon. In today’s world, it’s hard to imagine people walking all night just for the chance to receive medical care, seeing a pregnant woman’s …

Light of the World

On Sunday we had the honor of attending a lantern festival. There were traditional drums, hula, words of encouragement, and at the end of the night, a time to place beautifully decorated lanterns into the sea.  My own children drew lovingly and left messages for Uncle Colin, our dear friend Jerry, my heavenly Jimmy dad, …

Graduation

Recently I have been reflecting on graduation.  I think this naturally happens at this time of year as we attend friends or family graduations, or our kids are promoted to new grades. I love seeing the facebook posts of toothless Kindergartners as they graduate into 1st grade with their larger than life smiles and cap …

Being a Boogie Board

Have you ever waited a long time to do something?  Maybe put something off that you intended to do ages ago? You’re left with a feeling of loss and less-than, wanting to catch up, and knowing there really isn’t a good way to catch up at all.  It all feels just a little overwhelming. A …

Contending

Our YWAM Ohana met last night for worship, ministry, equipping, and mobilizing the body of Christ, a weekly practice that is such an honor to be a part of.  A small group was sent out to serve in Northern Africa, committed to long-term missions, perhaps life-long, in the pursuit of sharing Christ’s love and making …

It’s in the Waiting

Have you heard that song Take Courage by Kristene DiMarco?  It starts like this… Slow down, take time Breath in He said He’d reveal what’s to come The thoughts in His mind Always higher than mine He’ll reveal all to come Take courage my heart Stay steadfast my soul He’s in the waiting He’s in …

A week in the life

Some of you may be wondering “what does a week look like for the Wards”? Today I thought I would share a little bit about some of the ministries we are getting involved in and what our life looks like. Keep in mind that OVER 700 students arrive THIS THURSDAY for the new quarter, so …

Everybody Needs Somebody

Forgive me for taking so long to update you all.  With Stephen back in Oregon for the past 2 and ½ weeks, I have been full-time mom and dad.  Helping the kids to settle in, start school, find a church, look for cars/housing, and meeting with teams to potentially serve alongside. I am hoping that …

We Made It!

Well we made it!  Somehow we managed to pack and accurately weigh 700 pounds of baggage which was seamlessly checked and loaded onto our flight.  The airlines attendant actually thanked US for making her job easy.  What a blessing to have a compassionate attendant to check in all 12 of our bags!  When we arrived …

Blessings

Well, it is T-2 days until we take off on this adventure!  I would like to say it has been an easy, stress-free experience, but the truth is…. It has been hard!