A cross-roads is not a dead end.

There I was, on my last day - day 88 on the Strawberry farm.  It happened to be Thanksgiving day in America even, oh the irony.  My friends were excited, I'd pushed through, I'd persevered the hardship, and I'm finally going to find freedom after that day!  ONE MORE DAY! I already had a new job at a cute beach town clothing store and a place to stay all lined up in South Australia with my friend from DTS to work over Christmas before going back to YWAM, I was so stoked!

Looking at the Australian government's website to extend my visa the night before, I saw a lack of information that slightly concerned me.... So I called the government while I picked strawberries, one hand in the strawberry bushes, the other hand with my phone on my ear.  I was 18th on the wait list. The jazzy hold music played in my ear, the soundtrack of my anticipation.  An hour passed. Finally a representative, with her sweet Australian accent picked up on the other end.

"Hi, I'm Heidi Osborne, I'm looking for the paperwork to extend my working holiday visa, but it doesn't seem to let me do it properly..."

So we talked back and forth, as she walked me through the process. Then, after 5 or 10 minutes, realization struck her when she found out I'm American... "OH! You're on the work AND holiday visa. You can't extend!" -silence- -shock- -tension- "Oh...." "But, I, I can put you on with the tourist visa line, see if they can do something for you but you could probably only stay another 2 months..." She could sense my stress and anxiety on the other side. "n-no, thats find." "are you sure?" "yes, thank you." And the conversation was over.

Three months, no piano. Longer than I'd ever gone without touching keys in my life. Three months of breaking my back. Three months to destroy my teeth eating too many strawberries, in which I'm needing dental work (OK totally my fault).  Living in filthy conditions where the hot water/the water in general would run out (limiting cooking time, and sometimes going without showers) on a tiny bunk bed with 12 girls in my room, none of whom spoke fluent English (but it was lovely getting to know them, I'm a people person anyway), trash piling up to the point of flies and bugs everywhere and dirt all over because our cleaning lady left unexpectedly.  No soap, toilets wouldn't flush, no paper towels, or toilet paper.  A bus would take us to the shopping center once or twice a week to get groceries. It felt like prison. There was no where to go.  Our room was broken into several times, and girls laptops were taken. I hid mine every day.  12 hour days of picking, 7 days a week during many of the high times in the season. Not much mercy when it came to requesting even one day off per week.  Picking in the thunder and pouring rain, in the freezing wind, or in the heat and humidity.  Three months of pressure to keep working despite physical injuries.  I would sleep on my back and my arms would start falling asleep, because of nerve damage, and it still is happening now a few months later, though it is getting better.  I pulled muscles a few times, limping while pushing my trolley around.  My fingers and my wrists messed up to the point that it hurt to play guitar, and made me scared to start playing piano again.  My joints, my knees, my toes..Need I go on... Physical and emotional trauma, which I'm in recovery mode from, all for the sake of extending my visa one more year to be a volunteer with a mission organization. And the plan failed.

As soon as I got off the phone with the government, I finished my row, just in shock.  I pushed my trolley to the weight station where my boss was. He was annoyed. I hadn't turned around to finish the other side of my row. And I lost it. I was done. I finally cracked. And I didn't pick one more strawberry. To this day I avoid eating them best as I can.  I had to leave the country 10 days later, because my visa current visa was expiring December 10. So in that moment, I decided to leave the country with as big of a bang as I could. I refused to feel anything that week, but excitement and adrenaline.  Check it out yo...

I didn't think about money for a week. I didn't think about the lives that I could be giving it to. I didn't think about how I could invest my time for other people. I just thought about living it up for my last 10 days in a country that grew to feel like home. I was selfish, and I was OK with it. It even irritated me when people asked for favors, when my time was so limited. What became of me?
I was hosted by a kind gentlemen in South Australia for a few nights who volunteered with the organization I'd been able to donate strawberries to; I recorded a song I had written on the farm, with a friend in South Australia; I went skydiving; I cuddled with koalas and kangaroos, went wine tasting in the Barossa Valley, I surfed, I snorkeled, took a ship cruise to an island resort, fed wild dolphins, explored villages, saw the Sydney Harbor bridge and the opera house, hung out with French and Taiwanese backpacker friends. I only wish I could have made it to the great barrier reef.

I refuse to believe I was on the farm just for the sake of extending a visa. The lessons I learned there I will carry with me the rest of my life.  It was spoken over me many times while I was working, that I wasn't just there for money, or for a visa extension. I know this is true, and I cling to that truth for the sake of my sanity if nothing else.  When my friend on the farm came to know Christ, I knew that every strawberry was worth it. These were my thoughts before I left, and I cling to them now.  What was I willing to give up for the sake of the gospel? The realities even of missionary life became so real to me, and I so respect those on the mission field giving up their comfort and risking their lives for the sake of the gospel.  And to think that those conditions I lived under, there are so many people in the world who still have it so much worse than I did. I now know the reality of the struggles to fight to live as a foreigner in a land that you love and wish to stay in, but dealing with the harsh treatment from the natives and the government.  Americans, appreciate the mexicans who do the hard labour, and put yourselves in their shoes for a minute. They can't help the conditions they were born into.  The reality is that we are SO privileged as a western nation, and we are SO lazy.
It's not enough to now know these things, but what will I do with this new knowledge and experience? I don't know yet, but there'll be something. Telling you about it is a start anyway.

So I've disappeared for a bit.  All my plans were changed like a rug pulled out from under my feet. I couldn't extend my visa. Don't make my mistake Americans, don't let the Australian government's confusing VISA website trick you..... Unlike other countries on a similar Working Holiday visa, us Americans get put on the Work and Holiday visa, in which you can't work on a farm to extend for one more year. When your year is up, you're out.  Maybe it's because American's are known to be lazy butts and they don't want us working on their farms?  I don't know, and it doesn't matter anymore.  I felt extremely discriminated against, which makes me realize more what people in from other cultures experience every day.

So here I am, back in America unexpectedly.  In another new place that I've never been, Williamsburg, Virginia - because my parents moved here when I moved to Australia.  At a new cross-roads. Having my gifts taken away for that three months makes me value them all the more, and makes me more motivated now than ever.  My body is healing, and my mind, soul, spirit are as well.  I know that if I survived these things, doing big bold things with the rest of my life, in a culture that I'm familiar should be a piece of cake, right? I'm not making many plans yet, because there are many open doors all over the world, and I don't know what to choose yet, and I don't have the mind to decide yet. So I'm just healing, and being, and working, and creating, and God will let me know when the time is right.

I got a job at Starbucks 4 days after my insane 3 day long flight back to the states (that's a story in itself) and I have found new inspiration like never before, and I've been writing more music than I ever have before in this season.
Check out my latest.... I've discovered an awesome community of musicians online!
https://blend.io/project/54d8483211c63fdf560008a3

We have to go through the hardest times to find who we are, where we fit, and find our faith. I'd never been put into a situation where I was literally all alone in my faith before the farm.  I was faced with the question, is my faith inside me? A part of me? Or is a my faith a product of having been planted in a Christian environment? Because if its a part of me, no matter where I go, God is with me.  But if I simply take in my environment, then it'll change every where I go.

So I am just being with God, healing, and creating. And it's OK.

I hope your well. I'm getting there.

xx
Heidi

The Importance of a Sabbath

I'm in Adelaide now, oh yeah, I forgot to mention that to you before.

I spent 44 days in Caboolture picking strawberries, and then they said I could fly out with the big boss the next day to work on the farm down in Adelaide, so I took them up on the offer, and here I've been for the last 36 days. Only 8 left and I will have completed my 88, and will have another year in the land down under!

I've learned heaps working in the strawberry fields. I've grown to appreciate where my fruit and veggies come from, and all the hard work that goes into it.  I've learned how to bring joy to people using my gifts, and make a crappy job a bit more fun.  In case you wonder what goes into strawberries, here's just a little sliver of it.... I filmed this in Caboolture, slightly behind my boss's back...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEkhQQL84iw

God has been moving here in Adelaide. One day we were throwing out strawberries that would be perfect to eat that day, but would be too bruised in a few days when they reach store shelves. It made me sad - because to many people, fruit is a delicacy! I was thinking of how I could make a change.  So later, I went online and looked for ministries I thought could use strawberries. I found a homeless ministry, and gave the number a call. "Hi, this may be strange but I work with Sunray Strawberries and we throw out many strawberries, so I was wondering if you could use some...." Turns out the lady on the phone is super busy juggling feeding the homeless, a kid, work, volunteer, and making 3000 jars of jam a year for the homeless in which she has to fundraise for fruit! This was an answer to prayer for her!  So I spoke with my boss, and we've been able to donate as many strawberries as she wants, whenever she wants. Praise God!

I've learned the massive importance of taking a day off a week. There is such a good reason God gave us this command - not to be all religious and say we're evil if we don't follow it necessarily - but oh my goodness, we NEED rest!  Being in a physically intensive job where I work 40-80 hours per week, and being exhausted all the time, I've learned just how important sleep and a day off is. A day to realize there is still so much more to life than work (and strawberries.) A day to heal. And you know what, it makes my work so much more efficient the rest of the week! When I work 2 weeks in a row, I am dead exhausted and slow by the end.  But having that day off, is a perfect kick off to work hard through the week! Oh my goodness God is wise, He made us after all and knows whats best for us way better than we do ourselves. ;)

My eyes continue to be opened, lessons learned, and new ideas formed with how to live life. Learning to think outside the box in which I, and many American children, grew up in and were taught. Look at the world, and all the billions of people who live completely differently from you, you can do it too. Check your pulse. Are you still breathing? Congratulations. You've got very much to be thankful for. You've got a life to live and dreams to make happen. What are you afraid of?  Whats the worst thing that can happen from you taking a leap of faith? Getting laughed at? Rejected? Who cares, there are so many other people who'd love to be your friend, if your open to it.  What else are you afraid of? Being kidnapped if you travel? Well, learn about your location first. The world is the world, people are people, your hometown may have just as many thieves, murderers, and kidnappers as other parts of the world you'd travel to. You don't typically go down dark back alleys in your hometown, do you? Why do it over seas? Be smart. You'll be amazed at how you'll learn, change, cope, and figure things out.  And, when you've got God on your side as well when you believe and accept Christ, who can stop you?

Or you can keep sitting on your butt. Your choice. My choice. Life choices. We live in an age of possibility, and there's no more exciting time to be alive. So embrace it, and discover and create new ways to live and inspire.

Food for my thought. Just not strawberries please.

Cheers.

Creativity to bloom from the ground and to be plucked with the Strawberries.

OK

MY LIFE

IS KIND OF

SPONTANEOUS

AND UNEXPECTED.

Upon research and discussion with YWAM, my only option is really to leave and do specified work in regional Australia for 88 days to extend my current working holiday visa so I can stay another full year.  Funny timing, because as soon as I found this out, my friend called me and told me the strawberry farm he's working at would hire me within the week. So that's where I'm heading, an hour north, to Caboolture to pick strawberries for a month or two.  After that, to complete my 88 days of sentence (haha kidding..kind of), I'll be going to New South Wales to help another good friend with construction on his property. And then, I'll have another full year in Australia. YIPPEEEE!

I can't help but feel like its a step backwards in creativity - I won't be in a studio. But, it will be a good chance to process, plan, save, and befriend backpackers who need JESUS.  God's got it all planned out, obviously. I'm learning time and time again to rest in His will because anytime I stress and try and take things into my own hands, it doesn't work.  Then, in His crafty perfect timing, He's just like, "HERE YOU GO, HERE'S THE DOOR OPEN YOU'VE BEEN WAITING FOR" often in an unexpected way.  But its always for the best so I'm trusting that this will be for the best as well - and its almost exactly 3 months before my current visa expires as well.

My last few weeks at YWAM have proved fruitful, and I'm excited to be coming back to continue.  Hopefully come back with fresh perspective and direction from the Lord, and new inspiration, maybe new creations from my freetime in Caboolture? We'll see!

Here are links to a few projects I've been working on.  I've downloaded the trial of Ableton Live, and I LOVE it and hope to find a way to get the complete version once the 30 days is up. We're looking into a music tour where we can go around Australia and perform our contemporary music to attract a contemporary crowd and share the gospel that way.

https://www.facebook.com/HeidiOsborneSoundTidalWaves  << Here is my new music facebook page where I'll be updating you all with covers and all the happenings.

Here's a fun experimental cover I did a week ago; I'm learning that I should take more time with projects, because when I rush I hear all of the flaws later, haha! But, I'm learning and this was so fun to do:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qj-YB2JoC7o&list=UUSDQWB3UAjSlrt9cyJCbarg

Please pray for protection, direction, peace, and that I'll be able to make a heap of new relationships on this farm and that God'll use me in their lives!

PEACE, BLESSINGS, HUG A STRAWBERRY.
IN THE MEAN TIME I'LL BE IN MY ROOM PACKING AGAIN. YUP. AGAIN.

~HEIDI

~The one-way ticket~

Upon seeking God's will returning to Australia for the last months, I will be joining staff here in YWAM Brisbane for a year.

What is my role on base?

• I'll be a musician here on base, leading worship at a church, working in the studio - helping students with music projects.  
• I'll also be in the cafe serving donation coffee.  
• I'll be a part of a "shine" program.

The Music Vision

My vision is to see this place be a launching pad for up and coming artists into the industry.  To help them create innovative new, quality music.  to get more talent into a dark music world - people who will bring a worldview of God's truth through their songs.  I will also be creating my own music and playing gigs with musicians in the local Brisbane area outside my time serving YWAM to be an example to the students - to work to the best of my ability so that I can be the biggest asset to them.  AH I long to see transformation in the artists of the next generation!  We work so much stronger when we are all a team and when we have the same vision - we can all come together and strengthen each other as the body of Christ!  We'll also be working towards playing for a big festival in April - Easter Fest - check it out! http://www.easterfest.com.au/  Keep tuning into facebook, youtube and sound cloud as more music will be popping up there regularly. 

https://www.facebook.com/HeidiOsborneSoundTidalWaves

https://soundcloud.com/HeidiOsbornesoundtidalwaves

https://www.youtube.com/user/LillyOfOzland/

The Cafe Vision

Our cafe has been made as an outreach to the community to bring them in and serve them the best coffee we can make for a gold coin donation.  A lot of local youth, church groups, business people, etc from the community come here and many relationships have been able to be maintained through this ministry.  One of my goals is to become a pro at latte art this year! Hehe.  I also really want to invest in a couple key students who come regularly and encourage them that they CAN pursue God's calling on their life.  Every Sunday night we run an open-mic night which is definitely our busiest night of the week, which attracts a large audience from around the community and musicians come and play covers and original songs.  It's an AWESOME opportunity to share and practice performance as a musician.

The Shine Program 

Several women from our base go to local schools to speak into the lives of young girls.  We share testimonies from our own lives, and encourage them to chase their dreams and pursue their calling. We aren't directly allowed to speak about God unless they ask, but this gives us the opportunity to build relationships and then invite them to the cafe where we can openly talk about God.  I'm super excited about this opportunity to pour all the things God has taught me over the last years of life into other girls' lives and to see lives transformed!  I'm hoping to meet some young musicians whom I can mentor.

Outside YWAM:

I go to many outreach dinners/barbecues which attract international people who've never heard the gospel. I get invited to the most seemingly random, spontaneous events where I get to connect with so many new people and experience such new things, several times a week.  What a privilege to connect with people from all over the world, in their houses, experiencing so many different cultures and enjoying life with new people every day and sharing the love of Christ with them!

Partner with me:

Your partnership in prayer means the WORLD to me! I really believe that when we ask God in faith, He gives us the desires of our heart and supplies our every need.  

To live here for the year in Brisbane, I'll be needing approximately $400 per month - for my rent and food.  If you'd like to partner with me financially, it's very simple to give a one-time gift, or to sign up for monthly giving through the YWAM Brisbane website: https://secure.goywam.com/home/donations/donate-to-a-staff-member/

If you have questions please shoot me an email! Heidi.Osborne@gmail.com 

Your partnership means the world to me - and I'd love to send you my music as a big thank you as I am in the midst of creating it.

Prayer points:

• That God gives me the words to say to people who haven't heard the gospel before - that it will just come naturally and that He can use me to see their lives transformed - I want to see some salvations!
• Equipment for the studio, so that we can make some quality stuff from that place.
• Connections will continue to be made with musicians in Brisbane so God can use me to impact their lives through music.
• Constant refining and defining of my path/vision/direction.
• A servant, humble heart. 
• That I won't be held back because of lack of resources - but I'll make the most creative use out of all the things I DO have.
• That my upcoming new visa will be approved in December!
• Direction for after this year.
• Provision, health, etc.

Bless you!

Heidi

Back in OZ, doors are opening, visions are forming!

I touched down on the airplane the morning of the 8th of July, having been daydreaming the whole trip of what my time here would look like. Getting off the plane with a massive smile on my face made me realize how much of a home I've really made Australia feel.  And on the way over, I was realizing how free I am to do - well - whatever.  I met someone in the airport who invited me to stay with her friends in Sydney. It struck me, that I'm more than free to do things like that; make friends easily.  If I didn't have friends waiting for me in Brisbane, I just might have...

I've been praying for open doors. I'm here, God, You sent me, here I am, I'm willing. I'm trusting. You'll provide.

And a door has been open for an opportunity to go to NSW for 3 months to do construction on a building of a friend of mine to extend my working holiday visa for one more year. Australia seems to be a perfect place for me to continue cultivating vision with God.  I'm continuing to pray for further direction. I know my goals and have my dreams, but the journey to get there is the part that I'm trying to figure out.

Ultimately, my vision is to use music in mission.  Eventually I'd like to be able to support my own and other people's mission work through my music, as well as open doors to relationships and travel to tell people about Christ. Music has SUCH influence over society. It not only impacts culture, but reflects the culture that it is made in.. I want to bring Kingdom Culture into my music; but in a not fake/"Christian" cheep sound. Something real, and quality, that reaches people's hearts, that people can really relate to.  I want my music to be multi-cultural, use instruments of other cultures, and work with musicians from all over the world.  Kind of create cultural awareness in a way - bridge a gap, music is a language for all to understand. Use random sounds as well, such as my video Under The Shooting Stars where I used a tape dispenser with sand in the bottom as a shaker, and used the sound of ripping tape as percussion as well. Check it out here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jF_dl5rEK_c

I'm developing my style for sure, this last 3 months in Montana was wonderful for that!  I feel my vision, direction, and identity in Christ were really refined.  I focused all my time and energy in the studio learning the music software.  I'm not wasting time for sure - I want to develop the gifts God's given me to the best of my ability, to be a good steward of my body, time, and resources.  I was also able to write music for a feature film being finished up in Vancouver BC Canada called The Delicate Art of Puppetry.  This has been such a pleasure to work on, and I look forward to doing more film music in the future! Doing the Digital Film making school has opened a whole new world of musical opportunity and possibility for me.

I want to make videos along with my music that tell stories.  Kind of like Ed Sheeran, the way he only pops up in his videos once or twice because his music focuses on the story told along side; but my content would definitely be much different than his of course (as our world views are entirely different..)  Under The Shooting Stars wasn't a story, but it was a good start I feel in getting things out on youtube, and I want to be doing more of this in this next season.  Eventually I really want to direct my music video stories though!

I'm praying into many opportunities.  Getting a job here in Australia, potentially extending my visa another year, maybe joining staff here at YWAM Brisbane working in their cafe and in the music studio, applying to Universities in New York and London, doing an online music career mentoring program starting in August which I was accepted into, or going home and spending time with my parents.  In whatever I do, I do NOT have a heart to go into debt.  

~PRAYER REQUESTS~

I'd so appreciate your prayers for direction for me! For God to continue to open doors. I'm definitely a go-getter, but God has always opened the right doors usually when and where I least expect and often when I don't try (so he's telling me to chill out a bit and not worry.)

Please pray for provision! For opportunities to make ends meet here - be it music gigs, teaching piano, a job, babysitting, youtube, potentially going onto support if I join YWAM again, etc.  

I'm also praying for EQUIPMENT! I'd love to have my own midi/88 key keyboard so I can continue honing my skills as a musician more proficiently and on my own time. Also for Pro-tools, so I can record and keep the skills up that I gained in Montana.  Pre-amp, like a focus rite, and the proper cables would be wonderful. A good microphone! And a CAR! That would definitely make life easier - especially if I end up working in the country town in New South Wales soon.

But most importantly just keep praying for my heart; that I'll persevere through the good and bad times, and put God first in everything I do or it's all worthless anyway.  That I'll put what He says about me first and about my life. That I won't just conform to what this world says I should do, or to what's most comfortable. That I'll be a risk taker if He asks me to be!  That I'll continue the race with strength and faith, and be focused on God and bringing others to Him too.

Be blessed my friends!

XOXO Heidi Lillian Osborne

MUSIC PROJECTS, STUDIO RATTIN IT UP!

I've been cooped up in this beautiful hole of a building called Studio 501 here in Montana :)  And it has been rewarding! Here's the latest project I've been working on that has come to completion:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jF_dl5rEK_c

I've also been busy working on music for a feature film in Vancouver, BC Canada called "The Delicate Art Of Puppetry".  It's been so fun to bring different scenes to life through music. Check it out, here's the facebook page, it will be going into several film festivals in the next few months!  https://www.facebook.com/TheDelicateArtOfPuppetry

A few more projects will be getting out soon. Stay tuned :)

My time here is coming to a close. This is my final week, we're wrapping up projects and debriefing our time here.  It's been quite the journey of three months.  This school has been relaxed enough that I've been able to pursue personal projects, the film score, as well as prepare for my brother's wedding music - so in all reality it hasn't really been relaxed haha, I keep busy!  I'm learning just how much it really takes to fully invest and excel in the arts - music specifically.  I'm glad I've chosen to stick to one and not dabble at being mediocre in many.  It's going to be a journey - a tough one - but I'm excited because I know this is what I've always been made to do.  It obviously hasn't been squashed out of me no matter what people have said.  When God calls you to something, be obedient, its so worth it. It's not easy, but He knows whats best for you and loves you <3

Next week I'll be motor biking to Minnesota with my Dad to visit extended family for a week.  Then its back to Australia! What awaits, I'm not sure yet - but I know I'll be safe in my heavenly father's hands.

Please pray for provision and protection for me in this next season! This has been a year of taking massive leaps of faith and risks.  It hasn't been easy moving around all the time - but I wouldn't trade the journey for the world.

Thanks for all your love and support.

XOXO Heidi

Audio Production Course

I've made it here to Montana at the Youth With a Mission Lakeside base, and I'm currently learning all about audio production!  OH MY GOSH I am loving it.  I've found my happy little peaceful hobbit hole in the world - in the beautiful music studio/our classroom which they are in the process of finishing building.

I'm learning all about Pro-Tools, the powerful music recording software - it's what I've been waiting for for so long! To get out of just using plain old garage band.  Heidi's stepping up her game ;)

I've discovered my truest passions for music, and I know that this is the direction that God is leading me- so many confirmations.  I'm so excited to continue learning and growing in this season.  The school is so relaxed, we have lectures for 5-6 hours a day, leaving the rest of the day for me to practice using the software and growing in my musical instruments and writing.  Help is at every corner to guide me along the way.

I'm so thankful to God for guiding me here, preparing the way and strengthening me on the journey.  When I am weak, he is strong.  I never want to lose sight of all the ways He's prepared this for me.

Honey, I'm home!

Anticipation. Bubbles. Nerves. What's happening. What will happen. Newness. Yet, oldness. I don't know what to feel. All these thoughts and feeling ran through my head as I flew the aircraft.

WASHINGTON. MY ORIGINS.

Touchdown.  First step off the plane - first impression - the most incredible smells. The cool, misty, breezy air smelling sweet of cherry blossoms. Spring. Washington. No where in the world have I smelled fresher air. Ok, maybe New Zealand compares. But this, home. memories.  Over a year away, yet its all the same. Yet different. I'm different.  The smell of the airport, the smell of my sister, the smell of the car, the smell of the house. My cat. MEMORIES.

ACCENTS.  American accents all over. All of the sudden I blend in, I'm no longer a foreigner.  Airport security saying "welcome home". Home. What?

FIRST LOOK at my sister.  A long, squeal. A long hug. A massive smile that can't be wiped.

OVER INDULGENCE. All the food I haven't been able to eat in over a year! WOW. America and its plethora of bulk food items. So much variety.  So many things I love.  I must. not. gain. 50. pounds.  Sadly, my first bite into an apple and a banana were very disappointing - the fruit here is SO much less flavorful, WHAT?! Dang hormonal injections and mass production :(

My house - welcome. Rest. Peace.

My cat - she's a fighter, she's hung on for life - she's skin and bone - yet she remembers me and can't stop cuddling me.

Oh how I took advantage of everything, the abundance I had.  Well, no longer!

2.5 weeks here, how to best spend it?  After this, I'll be off to Montana with my buddy Jonny for the audio production course where I'll get the chance to learn recording techniques and Pro-Tools, steps towards making an album!  These last months in Australia have been spent with me gaining confidence, making decisions, writing heaps of music, performing and experimenting!  I've learned how to live on my own, pay rent, pay for food, keep clean for housemates, transportation, general independence and government stuff, you know I guess just normal things grown-ups have to deal with, haha.  But on the other side of the world, away from immediate family. How thankful I am for YWAM family, my goodness.

I'm so excited for the MASSIVE doors God's been opening! More updates to come as things all roll together into place! EEEE! So excited to see everything play out, and so thrilled to be home for this short bit before the next big thing.  Love you all, and many blessings to you!

Transitions and the abnormal challenge of REST!

This is such a season of transition, of rest.  I've gotten the opportunity to continue working along side the film interns whom I did the School of Digital Filmmaking with.  I've helped them out on their shooting set, doing makeup and I wrote and recorded the musical score for one.  The short films will be premiering in film festivals, which is a wonderful opportunity to get our work out in the world and our names out!  Woooo!

The last season of my life was all about WORK WORK WORK, building skills, and pushing myself beyond what I thought I was capable of.  In this season, I've been learning about how to REST. How to take a breather, and stand aside and let God work above me!  I'm a workaholic, and its been a challenge.  But God's shown me that I don't have to strive to accomplish things - that He'll show me and open the proper doors in their right timing.  And it's hard to be honest - to be patient and to be OK with not working all the time.  But God's always been the provider, and usually the things that I'm put into aren't of my own doing - I can't deny His goodness and protection over me.  Most people think I'm crazy - to find so much joy in work and to hate resting so much, apparently I'm strange :P haha. Its just cool to find joy in what you do!

Christmas and New years in Australia were SO DIFFERENT because it was HOT! I spent Christmas at the beach, eating kangaroo steak and bobbing in the waves under the hot sun.  HAHA, it was lovely and strange!  Hard being away from family, but such an experience :)

I am finished working at Kitten D'Amour - it was a seasonal position and such a blessing while I was there. Now I'm waiting on more work, and will most likely be attending the school of Audio Production coming up in Montana in April.  I'LL BE HOME IN WASHINGTON FOR A COUPLE WEEKS on either side of the school as well as for my brother's wedding! I'm so extremely excited I can't contain it.  To be a student again will be so lovely, to have the schedule and continue gaining skills.

Oh, I got baptized by the way! Well, I re-affirmed my baptism.  I was baptized as a baby by my wonderful parents, growing up in a Lutheran Church.  But since I didn't have the personal choice, I'd been waiting for the right time to confirm my baptism.  The perfect time came up!  Jonny and I went to the Gold Coast to help out with our friend Ryan's outreach group, and we had some time at the beach and it randomly came up that I'd never been baptized and also how Jonny wanted to start baptizing people...  And I felt like THAT was the right time I'd been waiting for.  So we went into the waves fully clothed, laughing - full of joy of the incredible moment - but taking it fully seriously at the same time - and Jonny dunked me under the waves! And out I came, stinging eyes and covered in salt and sand, but it was such a beautiful moment.  No magical transformation from that moment - it was a personal act of obedience and symbol of my dedication to Jesus <3

I've made a goal of writing and recording an album in 2014.  It's posed a challenge being here at YWAM because the studio and pianos aren't readily accecible any time I need them.  I also don't currently have the proper software I'm needing to record and experiment - Logic, Ableton live or Pro Tools would make my LIFE.  So I'm praying some things in, but getting inspiration and writing and working up some covers for some gigs in the mean time when I can.  Gaining some new skills here and there where I can such as making coffee, setting up a website, and waiting on the Lord for the next step.  Working on some collaboration projects in music.  I'll keep you all updated with what doors He opens next.  Wooooo it's exciting stuff, this life!

I also MOVED OUT OF THE YWAM BASE and now live in a house, with the most lovely house-mates, YAY.  It's lovely to have a big comfy bed, my own room, kitchen space, bathroom space... Life feels a little more normal in that house. AH SUCH A BLESSING.

LIFE IN AUSTRALIA CONTINUES TO BE ADVENTURESOME. OK THATS ALL FOR NOW.

BLESS YOU

MISS YOU

SEE YOU SOON

PRAYING FOR YOU

PRAY FOR ME!

YO SISTA,

HEIDI LILLY <3

How God turned me into a Kitten

It all started at the end of my DTS in August. I was ready more than ever before to book my plane ticket home straight after my School of Digital Filmmaking would finish in 3 months, but during the last weeks of DTS, I heard God telling me in the still quiet voice in my head as He always speaks to me in: "Pop over to New Zealand. Get a working holiday visa, come back and get a job."  I was like, WHAT?! God, I want to go home - I want to see my parents - spend quality time with them for all they've done for me...  This is so unsafe to stay! So insecure!

Yet SDF happened, and it started to make more sense.  I went to New Zealand for 3 weeks with some of my new SDF family and visited old and new friends, and experienced old and new things (I'll write more about it later) - it was a refreshing re-set button in my life.  I got to spend a week with my friend from home, who has been in New Zealand for this past year.  It was an extremely tough week for her, so it was such a blessing that I could be there for her during this time.  I got to see how God provided for her in such huge ways, which encouraged me that God would provide for me in the same way when I got back to Australia.

Misha is basically like my sister and has been involved in the celebrity wardrobe styling in the film industry for many years.  Kitten D'Amour caught her eye one day during SDF as she was shopping - because it is designer handmade local clothing.  She went in and ended up getting job information which she passed onto me.  I emailed them while I was in New Zealand with my resume about possibly getting a job.  Many many people were praying for me to get a job right away.

I hopped on the plane to head back to Australia after a wonderful three weeks in New Zealand.  I had to pay for my luggage on the way back, though it was free on the way there - so I literally had about $25 pocket change and $9 in my bank account.  Not enough for rent, let alone food.  Essie picked me up from the airport and we had a fabulous night at the Gold Coast, swimming and eating sushi. What a sweet heart, she treated me and spoiled me.

The next morning, I went to church on base and during worship, God told me, "I'm opening all the right doors for you. Just walk on through."  After church, I was planning to go all around the area turning in applications and resumes.  But I was having printer troubles, it wouldn't print my resumes. I only had one printed up.  God told me - "Just take this one to the new cafe down the road and come back."  So I did - I took it, but the cafe wasn't even open... But this woman walked up right as I did, and said she could take my resume to the owner. Talk about perfect timing.  So I headed back to base, feeling extremely lazy for not turning in more resumes.

I went to my bedroom, where Misha was. She said that there was a call from an unknown number on her phone, she thought it might be for me. So we returned the call - it was from Kitten D'Amour in the Carindale mall, asking me for an interview the following day! I must admit I spent the rest of the afternoon and evening with a new burst of energy, screamed into a pillow, ran around telling everyone, praising God, and had a massive smile that could not I could not wipe off my face.

Monday, I got all dressed up, (though I was fussing over what the heck to wear, God told me He wasn't limited to my outfit choice (; ) and headed out a good couple hours early. Good thing, because public transport was confusing!  When I thought I'd arrived, I discovered from this kind elderly couple that I had to take a bus as well. They showed me the way, and just as I ran to the stop, going to the wrong side first and having to run to the correct side, my bus pulled right up and I walked right on.  The bus driver told me the time I would arrive - I would still be 30 minutes early. Beautiful. Praise the Lord. He was protecting me like crazy.  After the interview, they called me for a trial the following day, to come in black high heels, a full face of makeup with red lipstick.  Once again, I had a massive smile that I couldn't wipe off my face.

So I went in for my trial, was guided to the back, put into a beautiful dress from the store, and began my trial. Though I was nervous at first, apparently it went well because I met the head boss who personally invited me to their Christmas party the following night, as well as the designer of the beautiful clothing, and got offered the job right afterwards!  I started the following morning and have been working every day since.  Its posed a new challenge as any new job would, but it has been such a joy.  God has continued to speak to my mind and protect me from public transport problems, and has shown me how to have confidence and be a light in the normal, Australian world.  Not to mention, God keeps giving me free bus fare.  When I touch my Go Card it often says "fare $0.00". That's such a blessing since I really don't have money till my first paycheck ;)

Its all very different from YWAM life, that's for sure ;)  Now I get to sell designer clothing inspired by 18th century France and dress in their extremely classy clothing every day! How blessed am I.

If I hadn't listened to the still small voice of God in my head, who continued to protect me and guide me, then I wouldn't have given myself the chance to grow my faith.  I came to Australia with hardly any money or means to get by not knowing what on Earth would happen, but just with the faith that God would provide a way for me, and He came through and continues to do so.  I almost feel bad and lazy that it all happened so quickly and easily.  I know for a fact I've been put in this store for a reason in this season, and it feels so right.  I am so eternally blessed to be a daughter of the High King.

First shooting week: School of Digital Filmmaking

The weekend before shooting week, we were given an assignment to shoot a scene.  This really prepared us for shooting week - we were split into two teams.  Misha directed our film - Jonny did sound, I was assistant director, Ben was camera operator, and Zack and Kane were our actors.  We ended up shooting in the boys bathroom, hiding away in shower stalls all of our equipment and ourselves during takes, peaking over the tops. We pulled an all nighter, filming till the birds chirped early in the morning!  Not to mention it was my birthday weekend and most birthday plans went out the window for it - but hey, it was fun in itself.  Crazy, fun times to be had - what preparation for the wildness ahead.

Directing my own film the first shooting week was an adventure in itself. I learned to plan less, and sleep more.  Because sometimes, plans go all out the window anyways.

I shot the second to last day of shooting week, on Monday. It all started when I couldn't find tahini at the store to put in my homemade hummus for set, HA.  But hey, God even had grace in that silly little thing, because during morning tea on base, there was leftover hummus we could take with us!  Oh the chances.  To start the day, Misha became ill with a kidney infection and had to leave set. This caused confusion as team members had to fill in for her role. I then discovered that I lost one of the key costumes - a penguin onesie!  This caused me to have to completely re-arrange the shooting schedule until the onesie was FOUND.  Jonny just so happened to find it when he wasn't even looking - at the perfect time! Oh the grace of God!  We continued shooting, re-arranged schedule and my mind going 10 places at once.  Not to mention I hadn't even THOUGHT about how we'd shoot certain scenes that I had in my script, such as men changing in the bedroom.  The actors were far too eager to strip down to their boxer shorts (what kind of movie are you MAKING, Heidi?! What have you done?!)   Then, THE POWER WENT OUT ON SET. For half the day! WHAT.  But this TOO was the grace of God - because I re-arranged the schedule more and shot certain scenes with natural light which probably looked FAR BETTER the way they were than if we actually had had power and used our lighting kit.  The power just so happened to come back on, as soon as the sun set and we needed the lights again. Basically, all of my detailed, meticulous planning went all out the window. My scheduled papers were up in the air, torn, and trampled under foot. But it ended up being such a fun day of shooting - a fun day of laughter, of going with the flow, and learning to bend and handle myself in situations under pressure.  And alas, amungst all of the craziness, behind the scenes and in them, stories were born.

The first week of shooting our films, we shot all 8 films in 9 days.  We watched dreams and visions come to reality - and our minds and bodies were stretched beyond our comprehension.  One day we shot for 22 hours!  Christian started off our week strong with his film, which was shot in the woods.  We stayed on schedule - a perfect first day.  We also shot his film later in the week at some pools/waterfalls, which at the time I didn't know that I would be back at very soon to fulfill old prophesies.

For Misha's film, she is a BOSS at getting locations, and we got a free ride on the Brisbane Ferris Wheel for a good 45 minutes (she cleverly said that Jonny, Kim and I were her sound crew... Got us a free ride in a carriage next to her, Christian who operated the camera and her actors), and she had the whole side of a bridge blocked off for our shoot; as well as booking a studio which I got to turn into an art gallery for production design. Girls got skills and really pushed us all to reach for the stars - hey if we fall, we'll land on the moon. Originally she wanted a hot air balloon, but hey, she got a farris wheel which is pretty dang GOOD! GREAT!

I got to make cooking experiments for Alena's movie, where I made sticky cookie dough, colored cookies with charcoal, got to fling cookies across the room attached to strings...Make smiley cupcakes...

I got put on craft services a lot for the first week, simply handling the food and coffee on set - but it humbly taught me to serve the team and be there for them.  It also encouraged me to stand up for myself and my abilities and say that I CAN do more.  But hey, got to start somewhere, and its often in the humble position of service - and that's a good place to be.  Live a life of service to one another!  I worked my way up... got a taste of working with the camera for Ben's film, and assist camera for Christian's film.

We all were run RAGED. We all learned to really lean on each other and on God for strength. We learned to manage our time better - and to do our green light paperwork SOONER, rather than during shooting week (bad idea!) I learned how far my body can go and my creative juices without sleep. I learned about the buzz coffee gives (living juice!). I learned not to binge on food just because I'm tired and stressed - to turn to other things like God - which I confess I failed at most times (chocolate man.... So gooood...)  I learned that there are different kinds of tiredness - mental, physical, and emotional. Sometimes I get 8 hours of sleep but am just as tired emotionally.  Sometimes I get 2 hours of sleep and feel great physically and emotionally - my mind just might be going a little crazy.  This first shooting week really bonded us as a team in unity - we became a well oiled machine - to launch us into a successful final shooting week a few weeks later. BOOM. Dynamic teamwork is KEY.

Our roles:
Each of us was given a different role per film set, and with 8 of us total, we made a very well rounded team!
There was the Director/writer - the king of the ship - the first assistant director (1st AD) who helps the directors mind stay sane, handles the schedule and makes sure communication is crystal clear (the bossy one on set) - the director of photography (DP) who handles all the fancy camera stuff, the first assistant camera (1st AC) who deals with the slate and does what the DP tells them to - the sound mixer who makes things hopefully sound crystal clear and who hears every detail going on around, including hearing actors in the bathroom if they forget to turn off their microphones between takes (that's just awkward) - the grip/gaffer who handles the equipment and lights - the production designer/craft services who takes care of making set look like beautiful, well or grusem (depends on the story (; ) as well as feeds us, waters us, and gives us all our much needed coffee intake - then there's the script supervisor who handles continuity errors and writes down the details of each take during shooting.  There were other roles outside of production itself, such as the hair and make-up artist (which I did during second shooting week), music composer, editors, producers, etc.


Well, that's all for this chapter. I'll write more later. Dang, I'm long winded.  How can I NOT practically write a whole book about SDF?! It was incredible. Alright, peace out from New Zealand, my lovelies.

<3 Heidi

School of Digital Filmmaking

SDF has proved itself correct - a challenging, stretching time of business lots of assignments and lots of new information learned!  The first week, we learned all about different world views  and how filmmakers naturally portray their worldview in their films - which ends up influencing us as viewers!  It was a week where we really got challenged to face our own worldview and see why we think the way we do from our upbringing and trials in life.

Week two, we learned about the building blocks of a story - what makes a good story, about the "Hero's journey" and the three act structure.  I've learned how our lives are a story - it applies so much to just our everyday living.  A leaf can tell a story, and grain of sand has a story.  Inspiration is found in stories, and it's honestly given me SO much inspiration, in not only filmmaking - but music writing, story writing and every artistic aspect of my life.  Its made me realize that I want all of my art forms to tell stories of their own, that bring people inspiration.  A story is what people connect to - what brings life and hope - Jesus told stories and so should we. (He was the best storyteller, I believe (; )

Week three was all about the camera, lights, and sound.  SO much information! And we had our first test on Friday as well, and practical assignments where we got to play with all the equipment.

I'm so looking forward to seeing how God uses these new skills!  My brain is BURSTING, people, let me tell ya!  

Today is actually my first day where I can breath since SDF began.  On week one, I decided to do my movie presentation (everyone has to do one over the semester).  I did mine on Edward Scissorhands, and well, I got into it a bit.  Yeah, just, see below:

I woke up early, and glued my eyebrows, put massive amounts of heavy duty makeup on, created fake scars, Misha teased up my hair, and I became Edward for the day.  Minus the scissorhands - would have been a bit tricky to give a presentation and work my laptop with those, haha!  Man, makeup brings me LIFE! One day I'd love to do this on set. We'll see, hey!

We've been working on our first short film's scripts throughout the school.  I've discovered script writing and story making is HARD! I'm very good at coming up with concepts, with the icing on the cake and little things that would be funny to put in the story, but coming up with the building blocks of the story itself is a definite challenge - to have all the lose ends tied, and to not make dialog LONG or CHEESY. AH.  But I'm excited for the results that are coming together - you'll be able to see my first film in a few months I believe!

This last weekend, on Friday, our staff got us together in the afternoon and told us that we were doing the 48 hour film festival in Brisbane!  I got my mind of Mission Simulation mindset like on DTS - no rest for me yet. I was already exhausted from little sleep, and so much learned, and much fundraising over the last three weeks.  But thankfully, they said we'd have Monday off (which is today, and man am I soaking up today! Sleep sleep sleep has never felt so glorious and usually I feel like rest days are a waste of time, but today I WANT it, [thats when I know I'm working hard.])  Our call time was 6:00 Saturday morning, so we rolled out of bed and got GOING.  The staff was up all night taking shifts writing the script.  I was given the role of 2nd Assistant director, which basically meant doing what I am told and helping with various tasks.  We went to a church, and set up the set, I got to be an extra as well which was fun!  

^This is behind-the-scenes for a bit of our shoots!^

There was a surge of excitement and energy in everyone, making a story come to life is so exciting and takes a massive group of people working together in unity.  Sunday I was mostly on standby because editing was happening and a couple reshoots, so it was pretty chill.  We all got together Sunday night and watched the finishing product - BRILLIANT.  We'll find out about our placement next month, fingers crossed!  This was my first experience on a film set ever, we'll see if its something that I'll do longterm :)

This industry is in desperate need of more Christian positive influence.  One amazing thing we've been able to do is to connect weekly with Christians who are active in the industry via skype - actors, film crew people, etc.  Its been amazing hearing their stories of how they've been lights for God in such a dark place - its encouraging to hear people are out there making a difference and staying strong despite the negative cultural influence.  Please keep the industry in your prayers!

One massive prayer request:

My classmates are needing the rest of their finances by Friday or they will be pulled from class.  We're doing various fundraisers over the weekends, including working for Heartbridge's race, movie nights, breakfasts, etc.  They've all taken the leap of faith to come here under God's call and I know He'll provide - he always does. Please join us in interceding in agreement that their finances will come, and thank God with us for His perfect will.  

Also, pray for my energy to keep going and to stay in tune with God with all of this, and my future and my present!

ONE LAST COMMENT: The Meeting Place cafe has opened, with coffee for a gold coin donation the second week of our school on our base! It's been a wonderful evangelistic place - local high school kids come and hang out after school all the time, YWAMers perform, people mingle and do homework.  Pray for more blessings and for the word to spread like wildfire! Good coffee, good fellowship, good God, can't beat the price.  Doesn't help our coffee addictions over SDF craziness ;)

Home sweet Home. What's NEXT?! What is identity?

I and my team of 9 other young brothers and sisters in Christ found ourselves, on the morning of Sunday the fourth of August, at the Gold Coast airport.  The moment I stepped out of the plane, I inhaled the fresh, clean, cool Australia winter air, and stared up at the clear blue sky with the sun rising higher as the day drew itself forth. Australia, I thought as a broad smile flashed across my face. Welcome back to a home, Heidi Lilly.  

The two weeks of debrief flew us by.  Each outreach team came back together and we were a full MAD family again - but everyone had changed, grown, and experienced God in a whole new way on their outreaches.  Everyone was able to put into practice all the things we learned in our lecture phase - and naturally came out of it different people.  God is so good and faithful. 

Please read through the team blog that Davin kept up during our stay in Japan to hear all about the ministries that we had the privilege of partaking in. http://mad2013japan.blogspot.com.au/

One thing that I've been convicted of is going by my first name again, rather than Lilly.  Every time I look at myself in the mirror I'm still Heidi, any time I talk about myself, I'm still Heidi.  God was speaking to me about it several weeks ago about my identity and why I was given my first name, but I pushed it to the side for a while, thinking it would just be a pain to switch my names again.  What finally convinced me to do it was when Kalli, my school leader, gave me a prophetic journal with "princess" on the cover of it.  What she didn't know was that that is what my name Heidi means.

What's next for you, Heidi? 

A few days ago, on Friday night of the 16th of August, I got all dressed up and walked down the aisle to get my Certificate of Discipleship and graduate from DTS.  Everything is a slight blur.  The last few days have been full of many tearful goodbyes of my brothers and sisters that I've gained being here.  But with every goodbye, there is a new hello! Many new faces have been appearing for the new Beach to Bush DTS as well as School of Digital Film making and School of Acting for the Screen (which run together).  Everything is happening so fast - but its all in perfect timing.  Tonight, Wednesday the 21 of August, I had my welcome dinner.  5 days after my goodbye dinner happened.

So what AM I doing, anyways?!  Well, I've felt the call to stay to attend the School of Digital Filmmaking with The Initiative Production Company here on base in Brisbane.  It is a 3 month long second level school through YWAM's University of the Nations.  It is a chance for me to gain skills to use in ministry in the film industry, or other art industries.  Film has SO much power and influence in society today, and unfortunately Satan has really grabbed a hold of that power in many ways.  Its time for Christians to step up and put out true entertainment that glorifies our creator!  I'm looking forward to being challenged in self-discipline, character development, story-telling, communication, camera use, all about the best kinds of coffee because from the sound of it I'll need LOTS of it during this time, haha!  It will be a full-on three months.  YWAM is wonderful, because everyone is already a family, we are already united by Christ in each of us.  Its amazing how you can know people for only one day and already love them so much and feel like family, because of that connection.

I would SO appreciated your prayer!  It means so much and seriously makes the largest difference.
1. That I'll transition well, feel fully at peace and have full closure from my DTS time.
2. My health.  My voice has left me today!
3. Strength, and energy.  This three months will be full on, and from what I hear, not a lot of sleep will happen.
4. Humility. To go through everyday thinking of how I can give out of what God's given me for the day-not what I can get.
5. Clarity and peace for the next steps God is taking me on in life.
6. Finances for my classmates. They've felt the call of God to come here, and He'll provide everything they need! 

Thank you so much.  I miss you all and love you so much! Thanks for taking the time to read this and keep all updated.

Peace in Christ,

Heidi Lilly

Tokyo cultural immersion

Its hard to imagine that three weeks have already flashed by us on our trip in Japan!  I'm sitting here on a coach in Osaka, Japan, for the first day here, relaxing after a long bus ride over night, preparing for the change-of-pace.

The culture in Tokyo is one of such kind, generous people.  Everyone was so nice to us, probably annoying foreigners who didn't know all of the common etiquette.  People always bowed at the streets, said thank you, lavished us with kind words and gifts.  I feel as though I have so much more to learn from this generous culture than they do from me.

Tokyo is massive.  It goes on for what seems like forever, with crowds of people, busy, thin streets, tall buildings and so much shopping.  We found ourselves in trains, inches from people's faces as we all jammed into the system.  The air was thick with the lack of vegetation and the many people breathing the oxygen or filling the air with smoke.  Little shops, restaurants and cafes are to be found all over the place, selling noodles, curry, coffee, souvenirs, or daily needed items.  Another surprising thing about Tokyo is when vans with mega phones drive by, advertising political campaigns through the streets for everyone to hear.  Going to the grocery store, we found everything was sold in smaller quantities than we were used to from the United States, and then there was the language barrier which made for a few awkward situations here and there, but nothing that couldn't be covered over with a bow, sorry, and big smile.  Then there are the toilets - either squatty potties, normal western style toilets, or the fancy ones that unexpectedly spray your bottom to get clean (and even have mouth wash once in a while...) 

These past three weeks we've spent in Tokyo, Japan have been an adventure to say the least.  In this polite culture, our team of 10 white, loud westerners have found a little piece of home in the East, older portion of this massive city, where a little Christian school resides called God's Kingdom.  

***

Read my next post to find out how God has been SO faithful to us during our time here.

Japan: Less than 24 hours away!

This last week, we had a speaker come and share with us from the YWAM base in Newcastle, Australia.  He spoke on Destiny and living out obedience in the callings that God has given us.  I received so much clarity and peace from this week about my future!  God's got it covered, and I don't have to worry; but simply must listen and obey His guidance.

Our team of 10 is leaving for Japan tomorrow bright and early in the morning!  We'll have a direct flight from the Gold Coast to Tokyo.  I won't be able to keep this updated as regularly while away - but our team will be keeping up a blog each week, follow us here: http://mad2013japan.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/japan-bound.html

This is a video half of my team has made to show in Japan:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=FcJhxzLjz3c

God bless you all! Please remember us in your prayers as we fulfill the great commission, to go into all the world and preach the gospel!  For Holy Spirit strength, boldness, unity (they'll know we are Christians by our love for one another), and loving encouraging words for the people.

Heidi Lillian Osborne

JAPAN COUNTDOWN: 23 DAYS. Continued preparation!

Our plane tickets have been booked for Japan!  Our team is planning to fly out on June 17 from the Gold Coast, Australia straight into Tokyo.  We’re continuing to pray, plan, visualize, prepare and grow together in unity as a team.  

Some of the things that we’ve been preparing for lately are: sermons to preach at local churches to encourage them; a prophetic video on Identity, which we will show in Japan; skits and dances for evangelism. 

What will be doing over the course of 7 weeks?  We will be working at local orphanages with kids; teaching English to students; street evangelism; church/youth ministry; filming a documentary of how God is working in Japan; and over all staying open to the Holy Spirit, to go where he leads us and work his will in the supernatural.  Each of us has been assigned a different job during outreach, so I personally will be in charge of food.  So excited to make my team all healthy and eat their greens, and learn how to cook Japanese cuisine! ;)

The staff here at YWAM Brisbane put together a mission simulation for all of the outreach teams last Sunday-Monday.  They acted as Japanese people and put us into possible scenarios that would happen, such as how we should eat at a host’s house, we did “street evangelism”, preached at a Japanese church, put on English classes where they pretended not to know the language, bought foreign food at a “market, took bucket showers (not that we’ll need to do that in Japan…) etc.  My luggage was also “lost” in the plane, so I had to share with my teammates as we camped out in some of the staff’s backyard on the coldest night of the year.  As a team, we learned SO much about each other and how we handle situations under stress!  We all feel so much closer, even more unified, and all the more prepared for what God’s got in store for our trip.

We’ve seen God be so faithful in our preparation.  He’s been putting people in our path before even GETTING to Japan who will happen to be there at the exact same time as we will be, who will be partnering with us!  We had the privilege of meeting a professional chef who was visiting a friend here at the YWAM base for a couple weeks.  He will be moving to Osaka in June, and wants to join us in our ministry while we are there!  We’ve also met a woman here in Brisbane at church who is moving back to Tokyo soon.  The pastor of the church was Busking in Brisbane when she approached him.  As they were talking, he prayed for her back because it was bothering her, and God healed her! We’re hoping to be able to speak life and encourage her to find a church and stay strong in Jesus while we are in Tokyo as well.  We’re still trying to find a place to stay for the first three or so weeks, most likely in Tokyo, hopefully at the YWAM base there.  We will be staying at the base in Osaka for the last 3 weeks.

            We are currently looking for 200 people to partner with us prayerfully during the trip.  Please email me at lillyofozland@gmail.com if you’d like to be a prayer warrior!  We believe that having people intercede and fight with us from our hometowns is one of the most powerful, necessary spiritual battle weapons that we can have.  You will receive weekly email updates from us in Japan, and will get to freely view our finished documentary.  Not only are you assisting us in missions, but also providing a means for others world wide to see how God is working in Japan!  Visit http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/holy-spirit-waves-to-japan for more details.

            The final budget of the trip is going to be a bit over $3000 per person.  If you feel led to help me financially, (I’ve got about $2500 to go) please get a hold of me and I’ll let you know how you can go about that!  There is also a donate button on the right side of this blog to donate via paypal if you feel led!

Current prayer points:

1.     God will be preparing the hearts of those we will reach in Japan, for openness to hear His word spoken through us.

2.     That we will soon find out where we’ll be staying in Tokyo.

3.     Continued unity, good communication, and confidence as we each discover our separate roles in our team.  They’ll know we are Christians by our love for one another - this is SO key!

GOD BLESS YOU! May you find peace in life today!

Heidi Lillian Osborne

Pictured below: Team Japan!