mobile like the wind

I am calling this one scenes from the journey because it is just a buncha moments bunched up, in the hopes that you all get a better understanding of the place that I love! Like I said, I will be going back in January for a 5 month stay. I will have different expenses, like monthly rent, scooter rental, food etc. that I will let you all know more about soon. But please pray about becoming a supporter, i couldnt do it without you all! anyways I hope you all like it.

There has been so much unexpected insanity and crazy things going on in my life since about August, that I am way due to fill you guys in on. I kind of wanted to wait until the dust settled and I had more peace about what I was doing to let everyone know what the news was lately and what’s been going on in my life. I always told my mom, when you stop getting phone calls from me its a good thing, it usually means God was doing so much at the moment that it was just too much to fill her in on. And at around March of this year, that’s what happened. I got settled in Hawaii, and God started rocking my world. From there it was a crazy list of unexpected things I did and experienced, and also unexpected challenges from the Father asking me to step it up, challenging me to really know him. And soon enough, phone calls home became less and less, and I was just living life, enjoying every moment the Lord had given me, and experiencing everything with new eyes, not just the new adventures of becoming a resident of the Hawaiian islands, but also experiencing the Lord in a new way. I think my mom understood why the calls started coming less frequently. I guess I would say the same for my blog. Sometimes this journey in serving the Lord, and the crazy, exciting, and unexpected life it has created is sometimes too much for words, and easier stored away in my heart. But I am going to try to fill you guys in as best as I can, because all of you who read and support and pray for me mean more than you know.

I left for Bali in July with a group of around 50 from Surfing The Nations. While flying over Bali as we landed, although it was dark, I could still find the old street that I lived on last year and could not shake the beautiful feeling in my heart that I was coming home. Getting off the plane and seeing the Indonesians working in the airport, I felt like I was back among my people, well, God’s people. It’s an almost crazy feeling, so crazy that I really learned that my love for the Indonesian and Balinese people was really set in my heart by the Father. After the first couple of days, we went on to outreach in small groups all over Bali and the surrounding islands. The first night into my outreach, I got this instant pain in my throat. It was honestly so instantaneous I thought some type of insect had stung me in my throat. From there on, symptoms grew and the next day I had a horrible fever and I was feeling super weak. I sat down with my group and we prayed out against the enemy, because I really felt with the way this happened so quickly that I was under spiritual attack. That night it got really bad. I started hallucinating and became extremely delirious. We were sleeping outside at that time as well, and I just remember walking around crying and shaking, with such a high fever and being so afraid, not knowing what to do. Thoughts of running downstairs to wake up my mom and dad filled my head, but I was too far away for that. The next morning, I knew I had to go to the hospital. Luckily an Australian girl staying near me needed to go see a doctor as well, so we split a ride. I was thinking I was just going to get some antibiotics, but after getting to the hospital I realized how sick I was. I was sprawled out on the bed waiting for the doctor to come see me, just shaking from the fever and feeling super delirious and just scared. The doctor came in and after what was a blur, I was being sent to an isolation ward in another hospital because I was suspected to have swine flu. It was the most insane scene, local tv cameras capturing me arriving at the hospital, and all the while knowing my parents were having a sleepless night at home not sure of my condition. I praise the Lord that He was with me in that hospital, because I was in isolation for 7 days and it actually wasn’t so bad. After making friends with my muslim Indonesian neighbor by writing notes and holding it up to the window, and hearing everyones prayers for me at home, I was able to put my time in perspective, and praise God throughout. I would actually literally be singing and dancing to Hillsong Music during the long days. As dramatic as the event was, I got better and when I was released I was greeted by a much friendlier crew of cameras asking me how I felt. “I am just ready to be back outside,” was the only thing I managed to say.

After that, I had a week long boat trip with Surfing the Nations bringing clothes and aid to small villages in Lombok and Sumbawa. The days went by quickly and next thing you know STN was heading back to Hawaii. I had made arrangements to stay an extra 2 weeks and help out with Elevate, the Bali Community Youth Center that Shoreline supports. I also ran into some old friends that I met when God has just lit the flame for Bali in my heart. It was two radical surfer girls who God had led to open a place called the Bali Surf House, a place for surfers to outreach to the surfers of the island. Already not having a place to stay, they opened up a room to me. For the first time in 7 months I slept in a room by myself, and it was such a blessing. I spent the two weeks splitting my time between the Bali Surf House and Elevate, getting involved with both.
This was the time that I became aware of the true passion I have for the people of Bali. I was spending amazing time with the Lord, and felt that every day, He was sending me on sick adventures where I would end up making a new friend, or meeting someone I knew he has purposed for me. Probably some of the best times of my life were in these two weeks. My friends at the Bali Surf House really needed more full time help, and quickly noticed my passion for the people and the language of Indonesia. I felt in my heart that my time was coming to make the move, but I returned back to STN in Hawaii just as planned. It was probably the hardest plane I’ve ever had to board, but I knew that God’s timing is perfect, and when He desired it, I would be back.

Although feeling in my heart that change was coming, I pushed through and jumped into work in Hawaii. But after a month, something crept up on me. See, when I flew home I had this mean infection on my foot from a reef cut I got from surfing. By the time I was in Japan for my layover, my foot was so swollen it was jiggling. I know, gross. When I got back I never went to the doctor, I just cleaned my cut until it healed up. Well in September, I had new infections break out on my face and chest. I started to realize that this was not normal, and that I had staph again. At that time I had been praying alot about my future and couldn’t shake the feeling that God was making some changes. Next thing you know my car engine blows, my face is swollen on it with a knot the size of a golf ball, and I had some praying to do. After meeting with friends and leaders, I really felt strongly that I needed to come home, and my parents, after hearing about my infections, agreed. When I got home I saw a doctor immediately, who told me I had staph, ringworm on my scalp, and high blood pressure from the stress of all of it. My body was telling me to slow down. I realized that after a 7 day bed rest and isolation in Indonesia, jumping right back onto a boat and throwing caution to the wind wasn’t the best idea. I was really thankful I came home.

After feeling better, I met with my dad and Pastor Sam to talk about my future. I told them of the things I experienced in Bali, and the things I was going through in my heart. I fasted and prayed and at the end of it felt that I will not be returning to Surfing The Nations.

So what’s next for me? Right now I am currently in Destin, and freezing my butt off in the cold! In January a small group from Surfing the Nations will be here to do a movie premier of Jedidiah and Surfing the Nation’s new film, “Gum for My Boat,” a story about the Bangladesh surf team. I am going to help them around the state, and I am super excited to say that we were planning a premier here in Destin. It’s an amazing video that I hope you can all come out for. At the end of January, I am finally using my return flight to Hawaii to pick up the rest of my things, and heading off to Indonesia, where I am spending 5 months volunteering with different groups there, continuing to study the Indonesian language, and having time to continue to build the strong friendships I have made. I am also really going to be praying about where and what kind of ministry God wants for me there.

When I was walking out to board my plane in Honolulu to come back to Florida, I felt God whisper something in my ear- “Your path will not be the same as the rest.” So after hearing that, I am just allowing my Father to take me on this ride. I am not sure where I will end up, but I have faith that He will do big things.

Thanks for tuning in.
shooootz!

There was a girl I want to highschool with, she was a year younger than me, who I found out was diagnosed with cancer when I came home from Hawaii. I had heard stories of Holly’s strong fight, and her mothers faith to see Holly healed. I was blown away with the stories I heard of her and her family’s strength. She even sent my mom a text, while she was in the hospital battling this deathly disease, to ask if I was doing okay after hearing I was in the hospital. That amazed and humbled me. She was fighting for life straight on, and she cared about my little flu.

I just want to say that Holly you will be missed, beautiful girl. And to Carol and the rest of the Burke family, my prayers are with you. I am happy to know that Holly is with her Father in heaven.

Rest in peace.

I led my moms bible study this week because she is out of town and it really blessed me. We were studying ruth chapter 3 this week and at first I was like, what the heck do I take from this. But then it just spoke to me exactly where I was at! I am amazed by Ruth’s faith and trust in the Lord to know He was going to take care of her!
Have you ever heard anyone say, “want to make God laugh, try to tell him what your plans are.” Its kind of cheesy, but so true in my life right now more than ever. Sometimes we are asked to go to to the “threshing floor” where god can strip the wheat from the chaff. Where he really tests our faith! I am in Florida, the last place I ever thought (or wanted) to be. But I want to be like Ruth and sit at his feet and trust in everything my father does, knowing He has my best at heart.

And that picture just cracks me up hey? Like, I cant believe I had a 103 degree fever at that point and on my way to an indonesian government isolation hospital and I could still muster up a thumbs up? Ahh it is my heavenly Father who gives me that sense of humor, I think. He is the only reason I made it out of there with my sanity!

By God’s care for us!!

sometimes I feel like I can feel his hands cupped around me, protecting me, carrying me, guiding me! He’s a good father!

I am in Florida right now and God is so good and so faithful. He is bringing me restoration and rest and taking care of me. Its great to feel the rest of being in His hands and knowing he is taking care of me. I want to thank all of you for the sweetest and warmest welcome home I’ve ever received, it was so nice. I am continuing to pray and ask for God’s direction and guidance for my future. I will be letting you all know about that soon! I also want to just thank Hunter and heritage for making me feel like I have a social life, and dedicating songs to me at overboard. That made me feel all nice and fuzzy inside, and I had an amazing time just dancing to your sweet jams! Mahalos to Damien, the ukulele player who kept the tradition alive with a kiss on the cheek every time he greets me, just makes me feel at home.

Anyway here is a video of a day I took a bunch of the boys from the Elevate youth center to the cinema for ,y friend Bulux’s birthday, who is in the red jacket. I know its all in indonesian but basically Im asking bulux what today is and where are we, and he says oh today is sunday and we are at the cinema. The cool part is I turn to my friend Taro and I ask him, ” can you say thank you to…” and he answers, “sang yang yesus? (Jesus)” and I say yes so he says “Thank you to Jesus” and then I ask him, (jokingly) ” can you say thank you to my dad because he is the one who helps me to buy the cinema tickets?” and he says in his best english, “thank you to my father michaela..” which what he means is thanks Michaelas father. Anyway I think its cute even though my bahasa sounds horrible. I need to study!

I’m sitting in Charlotte airport on my way home to visit everyone in Destin. Its an odd feeling actually, to visit.. home. I guess every kid experiences this feeling after they take their first steps away from home, off to college or a job or just figuring things out on their own. to have to spend 19 hours in travel time for me to get home though is a bit of a weird feeling. To pack your clothes in a suitcase to go visit your family is weird too. This trip was unexpected but much needed. I feel that I am on the edge of some major decisions in my life and I need some time to step away and hear Gods voice. Its an amazing feeling to know that I can come home to my family and my amazing church, and have time to just sit at my Lord’s feet. I want to thank everyone ahead of time for welcoming me home with open arms in a time that has been a little stressful for me. But this is life, and I am experiencing it full on, at a crazy pace. Sometimes I feel like right now I have to decide what my future is, try to think that I know what God has planned for me. But truth is I have no idea, He always surprises me with his extreme attention to details when planning whats next for me, like He knows what will resinate within my heart and knows exactly how to take care of me. He is a good father.

I feel like I’ve come to another phase in my life where surfing has become my best friend. I have been surfing pretty well, and I feel like God is doing alot with that. Maybe thats hard to understand, but if you could see the joy I have just ripping waves and making friends in the water while worshiping God, it would all make sense. Ive just been thinking about how blesses I am to have surfing in my life. I know this picture isnt the most flattering picture of me, but it shows the pure joy I have from surfing, which comes from the Lord. This was after a really good day surfing out at Kewalos.

So my old friend Rich Price is sponsoring me again and making me some great boards that I am so amped and excited to ride. I am proud to represent a man that allows God to lead him as a father, a husband, and as a surfboard shaper. Its little things like this where I know God is taking care of me and providing for my needs.

I cannot wait to get on this plane and spend some time relaxing, and allowing God to fill my cup. Can’t wait to see everyone. Please continue to pray for me for wisdom and I will get back to you all soon!!

much love, enjoying life, and our Father,
michaela!

Wow, I almost forgot about this blog. Not really, but seems like life hasn’t stopped at all since I came home to Hawaii and I am still trying to catch up. Since I have been home I have been deemed a new title… Surfing the Nations “Director of Surf.” Pretty cool hey? Funny thing is, I am still trying to figure out what that means. I have been trying to define something for this ministry that has not yet really been defined. Pioneering sounds cool, but its actually kinda tough. So, since I’ve been home I’ve been working on all the things that will encompass surfing the nations surf ministry. What our goals are and etc. My heart is to build up the advanced surfing guys and girls, and get them exciting about seeing how God has given them this distinct passion for His purpose and glory. I was telling my mom how, you see a worship leader that is super anointed, and that person, when they are on stage and leading others into worship, they know God has given them that voice, that passion, for that distinct purpose. And then we wonder why surfers just can’t get enough. Well, because our father made us that way! That is how I feel when surfing, like something in my heart has connected with the Lords, like someone has strung a perfect chord, everything has come together, for this day, for me to be in the water enjoying the waves, and thanking my Heavenly Father. All this dawned on me one day when I was going out surfing at Diamond Head. I had never surfed there, but for some reason this day was really just.. perfect. Head high waves, glassy light offshores, and a bright sunny day. As I paddled over the crystal clear water and the reef outstretched at the foot of the crater, I felt God speak to me. “Michaela, I didn’t have to make reefs like these, where the waves just break perfectly over them. But I made them for you to enjoy, because I love you.” Sounds super cheesy huh? I mean it did to me too, but its so true! So since then He’s changed everything about my time in the water. And sometimes I’m such a weirdo, even in places like Bali, in a foreign country, over foreign reefs, I love the excitement of crawling down a cliff and having a surf without calling a single friend, and spending time in the water with me, myself, and my Father.
I would say that my goal is to take every kid that is radical here about surfing and now that they know they love surfing, I want to show them the WHY! Because God made them that way.

Anyway, in other news, I am sick again, nothing major but please keep me in your prayers. Leaving Bali was really hard for me so any prayer would be greatly appreciated. Anyway, love you guys. I am skyping calling with a friend in australia i met while i was in hospital!

I am trying to make a video from Bali but my computer is being dumb. So heres some little video clips I have. I know the first one is pretty self explanatory, and the 2nd one is my little friend Cynthia doing some Balinese dance for you guys, a couple days before I got sick. I got her to say Hi to my mom and dad at the end. She is just one of the beautiful faces of a life that has been touched because of your support. Right now I am in Hawaii and God is doing massive things that you will hear about soon. But for now, enjoy. God bless!