Graduation June '09

What Mask Do YOU Wear????

The long awaited day arrived, Friday June 5^th. After an outreach of incredible ministry, adventure and bonding everyone returned to base for a week of debriefing where we took a hard look at the last five months; what we’d arrived with, what we’d learned, what we’re looking ahead to. After any major experience and especially one abroad, debrief of what we learned, opportunities we had, and emotions we felt is a really valuable experience. We really want to allow our experiences to NOT just be ON us but instead be IN us, to effect everything we do. We need time to relive the amazing things God has done in the last five months, things we can’t keep to ourselves and stories that must be shared with those back home. We laughed a lot and even cried some. And on that special graduation day of June 5th, the same happened again.

We went to a really cool restaurant/ resort type place called Kedar Lodge. We had a wonderful South African style buffet lunch and then we sat and shared. The staff shared how much we’ve seen growth and discussed the strengths of each student. Everyone took turns sharing their heart. Rebecca shared a comment made by one of the students during debrief. Through the DTS, one student learned that “growth behind a mask, isn’t real growth. ” Rebecca talked about "masks" and how we all have them and wear them at times to hide our own flaws, our fears, our insecurities and to protect ourselves. She then handed each student a white expressionless mask. She shared how during the last five months she has learned a lot about her own "masks" and how she has seen these masks, worn by both students and staff, come off to reveal the precious gift of God that we each are. It is sometimes a scary thing to let others see us for who we truly are without our masks, but part of growing is taking that risk. We are all so grateful that YWAM Rustenburg has provided such a great place for this to happen so that we, student and staff alike, can grow into all that God has called us to. It was a powerful moment.

We then gave out the YWAM Certificates and an african keychain as a memory of us. It was a tearful day and even the next few days as we said goodbye to the students. I don’t doubt that any of us will ever forget these specific five months and the growth we all have had in them. As staff, we love these students and continue to pray for them as they have gone home and are starting a new journey in their lives.