The summer is coming to a close and I leave for Switzerland in 5 days! 
I'm very excited for this new adventure and all the things I'll be learning. 
As I finish things up here in the states here are a few highlights from these last few weeks.

-Ashley Swinney, my former housemate from Newcastle has come to visit before I leave. It's been fun introducing her to some of my family and getting to hangout.
-Going up north, I took two of my cousins up north for a couple days, we spent a lot of time relaxing, hanging out, we particularly enjoyed playing lots of Uno and Clue together.
-Grant's baptism, although I wasn't able to be there in person, my nephew Grant was baptised.
-St. Ignatius of Antioch Catholic Community, I had an amazing time getting to connect with so many people and even play guitar for the last mass I was there for.
-Selfridge Air Show, my last few days in Michigan I was working at an air show, I got to meet so many people and it was fun being part of the whole event. My aunt is part of an all women's skydive team, The Misty Blues, that performed.

After completing my DTS (Discipleship Training School) in 2008, I decided to pursue a degree with The University of the Nations. This is not a traditionally accredited course due to the fact that YWAM is an international organisation. However, many of the course are accepted by other universities and training centres. In Australia, where I've completed a majority of my training, many of our courses actually are accredited and I am looking into what recognition I may receive from this.

Since 2008 I've been working toward my degree whilst also serving as a full-time staff member with YWAM. Below is a list of courses I have been able to complete since 2008:
Certificate III in Discipleship
Certificate IV in Evangelism
Certificate IV in Training & Assessment
Certificate IV in Child & Youth Ministry
School of Communication Foundation
Perspectives on the World Christian Movement

The Bible Core Course (BCC) is the last course to finish my initial Associate of Arts in Christian Ministries. Following this I only need to do an additional two courses to complete my Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministries.
I am passionate about understanding Christianity, God, faith, and what that means for me as an individual but also what that means for "us" as humanity. Is the bible real? What's so important about Jesus? Why does bad stuff happen, doesn't God care? These are just some of the questions I've spent time studying and I know that my life has been radically transformed by the reality of God. Also as someone who trains/teaches other Christians it is an important value of mine to seek out opportunities and ways to be further equipped, these courses have all been part of that journey. 

Enter the On Location BCC---> I first heard about the On Location BCC about four years ago, I knew that I needed to do the BCC since it is a required course for my degree. When I heard about this one that you travel to the actual locations where biblical events took place I knew it was the one for me. The combination of intense learning/studying mixed with the opportunity to experience these places, to walk in the footsteps of Moses, Paul, and Jesus captured my heart. I've been trying to figure out how I could make this course work among my schedule for the last three years and actually had previously applied in 2015 to do the course in April of that year, however the timing didn't work out.
In December last year I made the decision to take a deliberate step back from my responsibilities which included running our youth ministry, Youth Street, and our second-level youth ministry training course, School of Innovative Youth Ministry. I felt it necessary to spend some time resting and rejuvenating my vision & goals for the future.
As part of this I thought it was the perfect time to again consider doing the On Location BCC. I knew I had already missed my chance to do the course for this year because it runs in April which I was pretty bummed about, that meant I'd have to wait a year. I went online to at least figure out what the dates for the April 2018 course were so I could plan accordingly. That's when I found out for the first time they were running a second course in August, the timing was perfect! I wouldn't have to wait a year to do the course!
I quickly applied and after processing I was finally accepted to do the course.
Now here we are, three weeks till the course starts!!! I don't think I've fully grasped the fact that I'm actually doing this school after hearing about it several years ago, but I am so thankful for the way God works things out, he really is the best planner and organiser!

I'm about half-way to my fundraising goal of $5,990 and need to see another $3,000 come in over the next three weeks. Be part of this journey through: praying, donating, and checking back here for updates.
You can also follow me on Instagram (kelcieoctober) for photos and updates.

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1. Family: I have a very difficult time explaining where I'm from to people and living in Australia for the past several years has added to peoples' confusion. With family members all throughout the U.S. it can be a bit hard sometimes figuring out where to go. This summer I've spent most of my time in Michigan. I've had a blast getting to spend time with some of my cousins, aunts/uncles, and grandparents; getting involved in various activities such as kayaking "up north", spending the day at the Detroit Zoo, and driving around Belle Isle.

2. Work: I spend most of my time as a nanny but I don't really consider that a job, I get to spend time with my cousin Quinn. Some of our adventures have included bike rides, mini golf, and as of late we've been creating Barbie clothes, furniture, and other accessories. I've also been able to book a few jobs at events such as a team leader for a kids "play day" in partnership with Nickelodeon, sampling kombucha at a local supermarket, and working with the airforce at an airshow! These jobs have all been quite random but I've enjoyed the opportunity to use my skills in other areas.

3. "Aunty Kelcie" While my oldest nephew just graduated from high school, it's been an exciting time in our family with the addition of Grant, my youngest nephew. Early on in my time back I was able to drive with my mum to Nebraska to meet Grant for the first time. He's sooooo cute! Although it was a relatively brief visit it was nice to meet him in person and get to hold him and take care of him. 

​Upcoming events/projects in the life of Kelcie!

• Finishing lecture phase: We've got three weeks left before outreach begins!
• Annual youth camp, 5 Day Escape
• Base Retreat: a camping weekend away together 
• Outreach to Cambodia & Japan
• New students arriving for October Quarter
• July Quarter commissioning in December
• Christmas & New Years 
• My family coming to visit me!!!