can this really be the last one?!

It is official...we have only one week left of this crazy thing called Kaleo! Walking into St. John’s Anglican Church for the last time this morning brought unexpected sadness. Although there have been times over the year that brought frustration, I am really going to miss the people. Saying goodbye to everyone today, it was evident they really appreciated having us this past year. I have come to value the small community.

Over this past week, much has happened in a very short time span. Monday morning, we packed our bags and began the journey towards Tofino. On the way, we stopped at many places, enjoying the gorgeous weather and favourite sights along the way. All along, I had known that we would be staying at the same church our mission trip lived in while we were in Ucluelet, but arriving there, it seemed like we never left. Except this time, my whole Kaleo family was with us. Tuesday morning, a small group of us woke up early and hiked to a blow-hole on a beach nearby. We enjoyed a few hours of watching and predicting the waves, excitedly waiting for the perfect wave to send a spray high in the air. That afternoon and Wednesday morning, everyone donned bathing suits and wetsuits and took off surfing in the waves. In the evenings, we enjoyed fellowship, singing and just spending time together.

Home again, early Thursday morning a group of us went white-water kayaking. It was so much fun frolicking in the fast moving water and adventuring down the rapids. Friday night we had the opportunity to open for the band Jezreel with a few worship songs. All our youth groups came and we were able to hangout with them for the last time. I cannot believe it has been eight months since we started helping with the youth. So much has happened since then and I feel so blessed to have been a part of it.

I feel as though this is making less sense as I continue to write. My brain is slowly losing its ability to coherently construct words into sentences. Before I finish, I wanted to say thank you for all the support and prayers over the past eight months. It has and continues to mean a lot to me! Could you continue to pray for us as we spend our last week together. Pray for continued depth in community and a continued hunger for God. God bless,
Much love,
Kylie

Here are a few pictures from our youth paintball adventure last Friday:

getting ready...

all set...
off to the field.

another week

It seems as though the closer the end of Kaleo approaches, the faster time flies! We have officially less than two weeks left...and that thought shocks and brings sadness. Although I am excited to see my wonderful family again, there are many people here who are going to be very hard to say goodbye to. Lets just say, I am trying to cherish every moment we have left. And for these next few days that includes surfing and white-water kayaking (to which we are leaving in less than an hour)! What better way to enjoy each other’s company, than to have fun.

This past week was filled with Christian worldview class. I could fill pages with thoughts and questions presented to us, over the week. Out of every class this year, this past week stretched and challenged me the most. It was not easy to understand and often I found myself completely confused, yet because of that I had to think.

For youth on Friday, we had the opportunity to paintball together! I can now say, I have played paintball...another first from this year. Another exciting thing that happened over the weekend and one of the most encouraging things from the whole year...I was able to help a youth struggle with and ponder and eventually accept the challenge to follow God! it was amazing seeing the transformation in her. We have a new sister! She has the light of Christ shining through her. Please keep her in your prayers as going home will not be easy. Pray for strength and courage and perseverance.

And as my bags are calling me to finish backing...I must go, adventure calls.
Much love,
Kylie