Speechless

So let's just say that since the last time I blogged, so much has happened. And I can never really fully fill you in on everything that came up and has now passed, but I will let you in on a bit of it. First things first, I have a new job every Sunday - I ride buses. A few of us head to the projects of McCoy Plaza and Jordan Downs to pick up kids to go to church. They love it! There are so many of them. And the bus that picks the most kids up gets a pizza party. Can I just say that we have gotten two pizza parties already? Thank you very much, Jesus. Another highlight is that some students from the movement partnered with jonah project on skid row and had a night of worship right on skid row. People from the street joined in, others stayed far away. Others came and mocked us and were drunk/high out of their minds. But God's holy presence was absolutely, undoubtedly there all around the streets that night. It was so amazing! And then the next morning we met on the blacktop for 7am to start a thanksgiving turkey giveaway at the dream center. We met James and Nicki who use to live on skid row for ten years. They were just so real and generous and encouraging. Serving is by far the most amazing thing ever - it's when we get to focus on other people. We focus on God and we become smaller - we must decrease so that He can increase. To God be all the glory for everything that happens here. He is sooo wonderful! And then in three weeks is our Christmas break. I will be heading to houston texas with my friend Stephanie and her family - Jess and and Michelle will stay at the Dream Center to rest up and explore a bit. When we get back is when our travelling services start - it's when our sleepless nights and extra hard working start .. as if it hasn't already. God leaves me speechless and in awe every single day. He teaches me things and fills me with wisdom and knowledge. I pray the same for your lives! We miss you all and love you all. May God bless your beautiful souls! - Megan

No life

Hi everyone - fastest blog ever. I Megan went to Dr. Phil this morning with some girls from the Movement - we got free tickets for our day off. We are in two episodes, one on Teen pregnancy and one on Jealous couples. It was very dramatic and at least overly dramatic. Let me just state this plainly and boldly - life without God sucks. Life without God is really no life at all. This people had nothing to live for... no hope, no values, no trust, no forgiveness, ALL judgements. I kept thinking the whole time that they need to meet Jesus because He wants so desperately for them to be set free from the web that they're caught up in. And then we walked down the beautiful Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. We drove really high into the mountains and saw HUGE massive houses. Then got to a peak and saw the most gorgeous view of L.A. ever. The sun was setting we had a photoshoot. We will be going back there to have bible studies and down time. Just to be still and know that God is who He says He is. To look into the sky and city and know that He created it and can destroy because He is in control. Wow God I'm so thankful for You in my life! My friends are amazing I'm so blessed to have them. He knows what He's doing - always trust Him viewers. I love you, keep the peace! Megan

My life thus far...

Hey everyone! Things are going alot better around here. God is showing us more and more of Him every day. He is so amazing! Today was the first day of our small groups. Mine is awesommmeee! We went to Yogurtland - a frozen yogourt parlor where you can put your own toppings on it. I was in heaven... forsure. And this week will be alot of practicing because the Movement's sneak peak is this weekend. So we are preparing a music/dance/spoken word/routine production to put on for them. Then on nov. 4 we will be going to San Diego to inspire people there at a 'mini-conference'. Most of the travelling services will be after February though. In February we go to Phoenix to perform at Pastor Tommy Barnett's church of like 20,000 people... ah!!
We also started tracks this week. All three of us are in Culture Creators... it's pretty awesome that we all got the same track because they weren't even our first picks. So basically Culture Creators are the team of people to plan and organize productions for the year. Ie. For the travelling services, Pastor's Conference in Phoenix, Reach (the youth group), church services etc. We will incorporate painting this year... YAY! I'm stoked for that! We miss you all so much! Sorry about taking so long to blog... we're always busy with classes/hanging out with others/practices and such. Last week as Michelle said was Champion Week... it's like Hell Week for the army in the states where they see who's the most committed and dedicated to being there. But this week was alot easier and I proved different strengths and values in us. It was so hard because we woke up every morning at 3am. But last Thursday was our last week. We walked up the Hollywood Hills at 4am... BEAUTIFUL walk... and the leadership team prayed and blessed each of us specifically. They prayed for things in each of our lives specifically without even really knowing us that well... God is definitely moving here. I feel like already I have grown so much - God is really stretching us and teaching us.
We also started essentials this week where all the girls and guys split up for a few hours and talk/learn/have devos. Our girl leaders are so genuine and kind... I feel like things are finally starting to move along in the program. I still don't know what this year holds/what the years after hold. It will be crazy though. So far I've been through many trials and troubles but I am learning how to overcome them. It is very stressful but very purposeful too.
OH! Also, my birthday is in 2 weeks and so we are all going to do something sweet - I love the beach so I was thinking Huntington and then out for dinner or something.. I want to have a bonfire on the beach too!... Any ideas viewers? And, this monday five of us girls are going to see.... you'll never guess... DR. Phil!! haha! I never watch that show but any excuse to go somewhere for free. We need to dress in business attire. And on Monday we went shopping down Melrose area. There are many thrift stores there... window shopping can be fun but frustrating. Then we were going to drive down Rodeo Drive, but we will another day instead.
Okay ladies and gents, thanks for reading and tune in again for the next blog! :) We miss you all and love you all! xxoo

SO MUCH TO SAY!!!

I am so excited to share what's going on here at The Movement. First of all .... God is revealing himself in so many ways. Through tasks given by our leaders and the many acts of love through His people. My heart wants more of Him everyday. But of course there are difficault times I go through but they are for my good and I really believe that.
We were woken up at 3 am for the past two days to spend time with Jesus and to do different group activities. These activities is more than about the physical challenge, there is a spiritual Truth behind them, which blows my mind. They benifit us each time.
Today we went for a walk to Hollywood walk of fame to pray for ten minutes. It was another powerful day. We were not able to talk to anyone the whole way there. The only time we were able to talk was after we were done praying. We were all placed on a star and got down on our knees and prayed, there were nine people who got down and prayed near us who were not part of The Movement. Prais JESUS :)There were people taking pictures of us as well. I am just so in awe that God choose us to be a part of that. I feel so honored. He is so amazing... I love him so much.
Comming here is too good to be true. But what I am learning from my leaders is that I have to recieve that LOVE he has for me, which I didn't know too much about before. Our leaders are so loving and gracious towards us. We are learning to be a family under Jesus. To be willing to sacrifice ourselves for Jesus and our family.
We will be starting our classes next week and we will be in the new Movement building. Last week was orientation to the program and this week was much group /spiritual activities. This week was tough because there was much stretching involved as well as keep thriving.
I am really sorry it took me so long to write but I promise when I say this.. I am thinking of everyone and my family from Lakeshore ... I love you all so much and I am praying for all of you. You will be forever in my hearts, when ever I think of you it warms my heart. I am so blessed to have you guys a part of this journey with me.
We will be writing again soon!
PEACE AND LOVE FROM HEAVEN ABOVE :)
Michelle xoxo

Calm Before the Storm

Third day here = the calm before the storm. I can only imagine how busy it will start to get come Sunday and Monday. We went to Sunset Blvd again today to check out some thrift stores and go grocery shopping. Last night was a service at the Angelus Temple and the preacher who came from North Carolina was only in his twenties. God used Him greatly though. He reminded me that the first step of faith is the most important. I feel like I have dropped everything for the Lord. Any schooling dreams, jobs, family, friends, etc. It is so uncomfortable - but I know that He will bring me through this year and show me why I'm here. So this first step of faith is what God wanted me to do - and while we're here He will take it and use it for His glory. God reminded me that it's okay that I don't know what I'm doing. Because God promises to provide for His children, it's okay to not always be sure of everything, but to keep having faith.

When I walk Sunset I see this one lady every single time. She can be easily missed because she hides underneath a bundle of blankets and an overstuffed grocery cart. Today she was standing up around nearly ten bags filled with food. She didn't even look up the whole time we were walking by. Her appearance reminds me of a man who dressed as a woman in MacArthur Park I met last summer... she brings back many memories and shines light into what this year will be like. I still cannot believe that we are actually here and will be for a long time. It is just so different than anything else I have ever experienced and witnessed. Everyone talks about God all the time. It's like they are overflowing with God and just spilling into others. There's no sugarcoating things here - people are REAL. Upfront, close and personal. And they always want to talk - which stresses me out right now. But I know by the end of the year when we get back home we won't be able to stop talking about how great our God is either.

A few nights ago we went to Orange County to Life Church for a service where our pastor Matthew Barnett was preaching. He gave the testimony of the Dream Center. All three of us have also met a few interesting and random people. We were waiting at a bus stop and met a guy named Louie. He was in his forties and is divorced. Right now he is living with a vocalist from a local indie band named No Age. He has also worked with the RHCP and the Smashing Pumpkins. Then there's Rob who is writing a script for a movie. He introduced us to Mariano who is a hispanic UF champion. But right now he's injured (he showed us the staples in his knee.. ).

One HUGE praise is that yesterday when we were walking to the church we stopped at Starbucks. A man with no shoes on came up to us and asked if he could read my palm. I said no thanks - and he kept following us and talking with us while we were walking. He eventually grouped up with some guys from the Men's Discipleship program who were also walking to the church. They got him some shoes and he was wearing a dress shirt for the service. This man wasn't a drunk or he wasn't high. He had just been on the streets for WAY to long and was probably going crazy. But he followed us to church and Michelle and I didn't notice until later that he was filling out some forms after the service. I will keep you posted on what those forms were - maybe Men's Discipleship, maybe church member.. etc? Only God knows! At least he got to hear the gospel! :)

I encourage everyone who's reading this to not miss any opportunity that God lays in your path. Take every chance and risk because it's that first step of faith that God will honour. And the rest after that first step of faith God will take care of - we just need to trust in Him and have FAITH. To not lean on what we know or can see but to rely fully on Him and His promises. God loves you all! Keep following! :)

We made it!

Wow! What can we say. All three of us have made it here safely and smoothly. We are finally at the Dream Center after many months of preparation. We arrived in LA last night at 7pm. The Lord definitely provided the way as there are many things that could've and probably would've gone wrong if it weren't for Him.

LA is huge! Lots of lights, buildings, sounds, smells. Michelle has the most beautiful view from her room. She overlooks downtown Los Angeles. It is especially pretty at night and she can see the Hollywood sign everyday!

Two girls from the DC picked us up at LAX. They brought us back here and showed us around. We met alot of other first year students and support staff - everyone is so kind. Then we unpacked and went straight to sleep except Jess had a hard time sleeping because of certain distractions. But she is so happy and thankful to be here no matter what.

I cannot believe that we are actually here. I was the first one in my room and so I got to pick which bed and dresser I wanted.

Anyways, today will be about going shopping and buying essentials that we will need here. LA is in the middle of a heat wave - 24 degrees at 8am. So I guess this is the perfect time to end this blog and say that we are going to go buy some fans.

Keep reading! We will try to blog everyday. God bless you!