Aloha!

Well...I am embarking on my third week of studying the Old Testament prophets. This week's book is Isaiah! I am really looking forawrd to it. Having my mom here this past week has been a blast and now it is time to lunge into tackling a survey of the meaty book of Isaiah. I have been so blessed to be able to explore the island with her, as well as with friends. We went on a snorkling trip, got to see the other part of the island, saw an enormous waterfall, went to a coffee plantation, and ate some very delicious food. Oh, we also got to see a Lu'au, which was such a blast!!!

Thank you so much for all of your prayers for me and for spending time in intercession. I have often felt carried by prayers here, so thank you. They are meaningful and help me stay in that place of abiding.


Please continue to pray for me:
1. Finances to finish the course well. I did just get a part time job to help cover the school fees but am still short. I am still in need of: $2,253.
2. My new job situation working at a little boutique that sells toe rings. Aloha Toe Rings is where I work Wednesdays and Saturdays! It is such a blessing....but need a prayer team for this time as I am in a very New Age culture.
3. Endurance and persistent focus in my studies to finish well! (Hebrews 12)
4. Wisdom on the next step for me as a few opportunities that are before me. (More to come on this!)
Thank you again for all of your prayers, friends! Please keep in touch with me and let me know how I can hold you up to our Father as well.

Joyfully yours;
Bethany Joy

You Are An Iron Man!

The alarm sounded at quarter past five on Saturday, October eighth which summoned the beginning of a spectacular day. I scurried downtown with my friends Rebekka and Jonna where we soon found ourselves engulfed by a sea of people flooding in to witness hundreds of men and women compete for the Iron Man world championship. The place we stood was so near the ocean that we often were splashed by the oncoming surging waves. The participants of the professional division began their two mile swim, followed by the other larger group of those who weren't professional. The excitement all around was contagious, music overhead helped create the atmosphere of celebration. We waited until the last person had come from their swim and hoped on their bike to begin the next segment of the journey. We stayed for the morning and then went back home to study and be productive as I prepare for my mother to visit this upcoming week! We had heard that around 10pm to midnight would be the time to witness the handicap, and elderly cross the finish line, so we made sure we were there. It was amazing! Pretty much a dance party when we got there with the energy of the music and the hype of the crowd...it was such a good time!

Incredible it is to witness a race by those who truly have disciplined themselves. The verse that I was reminded of was in 1 Cor. 9 which is: 'Do you not know that in a race the runners all compete, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it. Athletes exercise self-control in all things; they do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable one. So I do not run aimlessly nor do I box as though beating the air; but I punish my body and enslave it, so that after proclaiming to others I myself should not be disqualified.'

So let us press on...with what God has asked of you, receive fresh strength to not grow weary...but press on with him, for he is the good champion of our faith!

Post script: My Birthday was amazing. Thank you all for remembering me on the day I turned 27. Here are a few pictures from the Iron Man event as well as my Birthday gathering. :)