First things first

With 2 days left at college I’m beginning to get VERY excited at the prospect of having no homework/coursework/deadlines/lessons/exams for the next 15 months. As I begin to prepare for my gap year I thought it would be helpful for people if I could actually share what I’m planning to do!

So, after looking around at different organisations and options, I’ve decided to do a Discipleship Training School with YWAM (Youth With A Mission), a well known, worldwide, respected organisation who have a reputation for amazing gap year experiences. Initially, I had hoped to go to Paris for this but after hearing recently that this won't be going on next year I've began looking into one in Burtigny, Switzerland (near Geneva). So, what is a DTS? Basically it’s a 6 month school which is split into 2 phases, a lecture phase and an outreach phase. Beginning in January 2013, 3 months will be spent at the base in Burtigny where lecturers from all over the world are invited to come and teach on different aspects of discipleship. For example; *The character and ways of God *How to hear the voice of God *YWAM Foundational Values *Relationships *Personal character development *Evangelism and missions *Cross-cultural ministry. As well as this there will be community outreach and just doing life with people from all over the world. Once the first 3 months have finished, the outreach phase then begins. ‘Travelling to the nations and sharing the love of God.’

The DTS I am currently interested in is called 'Compassion' and focuses on reaching those in absolute poverty, the homeless, those struggling with life addictions, women and children at risk, and those have been sexually abused, trafficked or enslaved. With destinations such as Rwanda and Cambodia suggested on the website, there are no definite places of outreach yet but that will de decided nearer the time. This is the link to their website, the school can be found under- Get Equiped, Schools, DTS Compassion- http://ywamburtigny.com 

So what now.. I’m currently in the process of applying for this school. The costs to do 6 months with this specific school are around £6000. The lecture phase is around £2500, while the outreach is estimated between £2600 and £3400. I’m currently saving what I'm earning at my job at a gift boutique in Worcester but that won't be nearly enough to cover the costs! So I'm trusting in fundraising and the generous giving of friends and family, and of course God! 

I'd really appreciate the prayers of those of you who pray! And watch this space to see what happens next.....