A long due update...

Inasmuch as it has been freeing not to always be updating for the sake of my work in Norway, I realize that many of you are probably wondering what in the world is going on with this girl that said she would put up updates but never updates!  LOL  Sorry!  Things have been hectic and busy but at the same time wonderful and going really well.

First of all, I have to say that after five months of intensely looking for a job, I FINALLY have a job!  I'm working part time with World Vision in Monrovia, California (about 30 miles from where I live) as assistant to the director of Christian Commitments.  Because World Vision works with many different church denominations and sometimes people of other faiths worldwide, the constant challenge is what we can do to keep the message of Christ uplifted in all our work.  I had been looking for a full-time job, but doors were not opening anywhere.  Out of literally 70-80 applications for work, I only got two interviews, which was extremely defeating to me.  It was at that point I cried out to God and said, "Place me wherever You want me to be because I can't do this anymore."  And only two days later, I got the job at World Vision!  Of course, I would like to work there full-time, but I'm just trusting God right now to either increase my hours or to bring more work along.

Second, I was named the new youth leader at my church two months ago.  This came as an unexpected surprise but rung with peace in my heart when I was offered the position.  It is a volunteer position, but I LOVE working with youth -- I always have.  This is the first time I have EVER been the head leader for a ministry. I have always served under other leaders, but I have never been THE leader.  This is definitely new territory for me, but I really feel the past 10 years of ministry have really prepared me for being able to take on this ministry at this time.  It is really interesting being the one with the visions and dreams and inspiration for a ministry because I have never considered myself to be the visionary -- ever.  I have help as well; Jason one of the other pastors at the church is leading the youth together with me and has been an incredible help in brainstorming and planning everything, which has been a huge relief for me.  Things are going well -- we have about 5 steady youth coming on Wednesdays and anywhere between 11-13 youth coming on Sundays.  It has been really busy with planning events and teachings and activities but has been very fruitful -- so much so that 3 of the youth in the youth group are getting baptized tomorrow!  So we must be doing something right... :)

This is my first Easter home in the States in the past 6 years.  Part of me has gotten used to the Norwegian way of doing Easter -- 5 days of vacation for everyone, low key church services, "jail days" where you can't go anywhere because the bus isn't running, the first days of sun and life after the long winter.  But at the same time, I have really missed getting dressed up in my Easter best on Easter Sunday, and REALLY, really having a huge service with music, dance, drama -- all to celebrate the resurrection of Christ.  Last night, we had a Good Friday service where we had music, Communion, watched a few clips from "The Passion of the Christ," and reflected on Jesus' death.  It was a powerful time that brought me to tears... God is so good to us.  He didn't have to send us His Son to die for us, but He did.  I can never repay all He has done for me, so I receive this wonderful gift in faith!

And tomorrow is Easter, complete with baby dedication, baptisms, new members being received into the church, music, and celebration!  I am so excited for tomorrow...

Well, I hope this update suffices for now and you all have a wonderful and blessed Easter!

Gretchen