a new season begins

I cannot believe I have now been in Barbados a week! I am so blessed by everyone who has taken the time to reach out and extend their prayers in my direction.. prayer goes a long way! I have had an incredible week full of new beginnings, friendships, and the opening of a door into a new season in my life.
First I would like to apologize I did not write this sooner, my camera and my computer both broke before I could write my first update from this beautiful island! I arrived here to a warm welcome last Friday, and immediately felt God's presence and blessings here. One of my roommates arrived last Friday as well and we enjoyed having time to recover from traveling and explore the city together before the others arrived. The base, is a former sugar plantation and it is much larger than I was expecting! I love it here; the food is great, the dorms have just been renovated and are very comfortable, and the staff here are so nice and truely love serving Christ.
There are 13 girls in the school and 3 boys! With all the girls I thought it would be hard to get to know one another but we have all bonded quickly and are continuing to get to know one another. My roommates are "AWESOME" (a common word we quote from the dutch student). I was a little hesitate having roommates and in such a confined space, but God predestined us to be roomies and I had nothing to fear. Our personalities are so compatible and God is already bonding us together in his heavenly love.
Classes have not actually begun yet but we have been busy this week with orientation and taking a day long tour of Barbados! We have had a few "intro to DTS" sessions on "hearing the voice of God" and "Bible meditation" and God is pouring out revelation in my heart. Every day he continues to take every pre conceived thoughts I had of Him, and replace it with more of His truth about who He really is. I have enjoyed spending such intimate time with Him and being challenged with new thoughts and ideas.
Worship in the Barbados culture is something else that has been amazing to experience. Right now as a group, I would say we are hesitate not fully giving our hearts in worship to our God. But every morning we come together I can see God break more walls and barriers in between us and Him. I love and value giving God my all in worship and have enjoyed growing closer to Him through the worship in Barbados as well the time I've spent in deep intimate prayer.
The main adjustment I have had difficulty with is the weather, it is SO hot! Luckily, my roommates and I conned the boys out of their ginormous fan so I have been able to get some good sleep and not lay awake because of the heat. Also, the bugs are terrible! If I had any prayer requests at the moment it would be protection from the horrid sand flies that are immune to bug spray! Despite these challenges and disappointments of all electronics breaking, God has met me with comfort and ease adjusting to it here. I am so thankful for the blessings He has poured out on me and my ever growing deeper relationship with him.

As I begin class next week, please pray for new understanding and continuing new revelation of His word. I do not want to miss a single thing He has for me to learn. I am so hungry for fullness and complete intimacy with Him! I know that next week will be busy managing the school load and home work along with starting work duties but I know God is going to give me His strength. Also please pray for the friendships that God is developing and a transparency and love to be the center of every friendship on the base. Continue to pray for my health and protection. And also for outreach! We had outreach orientation yesterday and learned of the cities and countries in which we will be doing ministry in. We start in Venezuela and then go to Brazil, Argentina, and lastly to Bolivia. I am most excited to encounter God on outreach in and through the people we will be ministering with, and to learn of his heart for Justice in an unjust world. Thank you all for your prayers and support! I will write another update as soon as I can!

Peace and love,
Bekah