Okay, okay. It's been a good month-and-a-half since last I wrote. Yes, I did say it would be the next day that I would write the second part of this memoir. Apologies. I have some new and future things to share! But first, back to where I left-off on November 18th... the future will have to wait until my next post.
The internship... yes. I was really excited to hear about the open door to participate in the acting internship. There would be almost half of the directors and actors from the original school that would remain in Kona for another round of filmmaking. During the first 3 months I had really started liking acting and getting God's vision for filmmaking as a mission. Now, everything was set for three more months being a missionary filmmaker with Youth With A Mission.
-A side-note of honesty here-
I am imperfect. I saw both my great strengths and disasterous weaknesses during this new season in my life. As I mentioned, I went from leading to being led, and from having freedom and personal space to an almost negative amount of each of these.
The conditions pushed me and tested me at times, and I didn't always respond well. Sometimes my strengths were too strong and morphed right into my weaknesses. Long stories short: it was only clear, sometimes uncomfortable communication, and the grace of God that kept me on that mission base. I almost didn't make it to the internship- both of my own desire and those who would have the responsibility of leading me for the next 3 months.
Perseverance is difficult at times, but very worth it all of the time. I'm so glad I stuck with the word the Lord had given me and got to see, first-hand, the fullness of what He wants to do in my life. Even though it wasn't always easy, it was very, very good.
So, 3 more months of acting, learning, growing, serving, learning some more- it was sure to be an exciting time!
As time went on we nearned the end of our second three months. It was time for another premiere. We had the event in our on-campus movie theater and packed the house. Folks were sitting on the stairs and standing in the hallways leading into the theater! Filmmakers David Cunningham and our school founder, Willie Navarro, spoke about filmmaking as mission and what God is doing to pave the way for Jesus to get all the glory in this field that He deserves.
It was a gratifying night. It feels good to hear and see people react well to the work you've done, to your ministry and art. As we got done that night I had an excitement and desire to act more. I had crossed the point of being nervous about performing in front of a camera, to wanting to practice more, grow and influence through the craft. I had gone from being clueless about how to grow as an actor, to seeing how I can improve.
Within a few days of that premiere we began filming a 25-minute shortfilm in which I had a co-lead role! How cool to see God giving us desires and a way to fulfill them! (If you're interested in seeing the films we've made, I'll post a link through this blog and on my Facebook when they're done being edited.)
As the title of this post reminds, every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end.
I love when, as we're going about our business, the Lord just puts a new, clear idea in our minds. That's how it happened with the leading for my next direction.
The new idea that came clearly to mind was for me to go to Georgia to stay with my family and work in construction. I also felt that more clarity about my next long-term direction would come while there. I knew that this time in GA was from the Lord when no more than a week or two after this new idea popped into my mind, a plane ticket to Georgia was given to me- paid in full by a generous supporter with whom I had shared this new word. He already provided for His next leading!! Thank you, Lord. :)
My 3 months in Georgia was great- some outcomes anticipated, some amazingly surprising.
Before going to GA I knew I'd be receiving a pay-cut. The companies that my dad and brother run were blessed to have steady work, but that means cutting cost to stay competitive within the market.
With the news came a word from Jesus. I was to work hard, but not depend on a job or hourly pay for my provision- I was to remember that the Lord is my provider. In the world of finances, faithfullness and faith must work together. Being faithful to work, earn, and save according to scripture, while still putting our ultimate rest and trust in this area in our good Father who provides for all our needs.
I'm so happy the Lord sent me to GA for 3 whole months- I hadn't lived around most of these loved ones since 2002! Quality time with friends and family, lots of encouragement, and new friends too. Ahh, refreshing! Thank you soo much, Father.
Time wound down, and it became more and more clear that the Lord would lead me back to Kona in the beginning of January.
A foretaste of my next stories- a quote from Loren Cunningham's book, Daring To Live On The Edge: "fearlessly fling yourself into the care of God."
Blessings until next time!
