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The Carnes Family have settled in well in our rental on a hill. Each day we are beyond grateful that we get to live in this epic home for a bit until we find our long-term housing. And even though the fires are no good for anyone, they do make for some epic sunsets!
Right now our front door is revolving as Hailey, Grace, Shawn, and I have friends come to visit all summer. The music is loud, and the giggles are even louder. Plus, did I mention we have a hot tub? After Shawn spent 3 days trying to get the old one here running, once he gave in and got ready to dump it, our landlord decided to replace it with a brand new one! We feel pretty spoiled right now.
Views and hot tubs aside, God has been showing the way as we navigate ministry here. Here are some updates:
I took this selfie while leaving the district office. Never have I experienced such an OPEN DOOR to schools before. After meeting the Chelan principal and superintendent, Young Life has an open door to come to lunches, tailgate in the parking lot, serve pancakes, and put up posters at school - literally everything I threw at them, they said "YES!". I know all too well what a gift this is!
Along with meeting the school administration, I gathered the YoungLives ministry team here to pray and consider what is next. Currently, the wonderful human running the program needs to step back for a bit. So for the interim, I will be stepping into YoungLives Coordinator as we reach teen moms!
This flier will be at every church, school counselor's office, and even birth clinic's. For years now Chelan has been offering FREE DIAPERS to teens and I plan to continue!
Did you know that Chelan YoungLives isn't just Chelan - it's Chelan County!
Chelan, Wenatchee, Manson, Leavenworth, Cashmere, Entiat,
Chelan Falls, Sunnyslope, and Dryden.
Curious to know how it all works? Want to help?
Want to buy diapers? Learn how to become a mentor?
Well that QR code goes right here => https://linktr.ee/ChelanCountyYoungLives
I have even created an Amazon wish list for diapers - it's just a few clicks with Prime!
And in the midst of meeting leaders, donors, community members, and everyone in between - it's summer, which means camps are rolling!
Chelan Valley took 34 Kids to Creekside for the best week full of fun and adventure!
Kalispell Young Life is currently at Canyon. Despite every effort to find a driver, I headed over to Kalispell (7 hours) to drive kids (9.5 hours) to camp.
I've decided I would make a pretty great trucker in my next career!
Young Life people will stop at nothing to get kids in front of the gospel - even if it means driving 43 hours round trip! (in this photo I am wishing that I drank coffee)
While I was at Canyon I got to visit two work crew kids from Chelan Valley. Love that they are happy and enjoying the work and new friends! I always ask the kids on the work crew if I have trained and prepared them well. They said I did, or maybe they were just being nice.
I also ran into Max while there. Max was Shawn and I's YL kid in Snoqualmie.
He was a WyldLife'r and a YL'er who went on our very first trip as an area 11 years ago! After finishing his degree, Max is now an intern at Washington Family Ranch working towards a staff role.
*Note: apparently name tags are interchangeable. Today Max is 'Nate'.
This photo is of a barrel racer from my first Rodeo in Chelan. I don't consider myself a country girl, but I might need more denim and a bigger hat if I go again!
Note to self: next year, bring some kids with you! Ya know.... when you finally get to meet some.
Thank you for your continued prayers as we navigate our new surroundings! Here is how you can pray moving forward:
Pray for continued favor among school administration. Once they get back from summer, my task will be to win the hearts of Manson School District!
Pray for a part-time YoungLives Coordinator - As I am willing and able in this season, if we want to grow this ministry where God is leading it, we'll need a staff person! CLICK HERE FOR THE NEW GIVING CAMPAIGN FOR IT
Pray for the kids and leaders returning from Canyon tomorrow and for safety as I make the 21.5-hour trek over 3 days.
Pray for fundraising! I have raised $7,000 of my $20,000 goals for this summer. If you would like to join me, just use the link below to make a gift to WA458 - Chelan Valley.
Pray for a High School event at the lake on August 19th!
Pray as we gear up for a TON of CONTACT WORK and meeting kids in the fall!
And finally, Pray for my daughter Hailey. It's been a tough adjustment for her with the move as she is still looking for the right job and now considering some possible school options.
God bless you and please let me know how I can be praying for you!
Michelle Carnes
Area Director/Area Developer - Mt West Region
425-449-9076
PS - Chelan Banquet is November 17th - Save The Date and reserve a guest room at the Carnes House - We'd love to have you!
Great to hear how God is moving in your live from wild fires, hot tubs, breeze of the school admin, and getting the area set up. Keep at it and will be praying. ~ Chaz
so happy to hear the update. so much going on! miss you and think of you often. thankful Chelan Valley has you. will let you know when we are over that way. continuing to keep you, the YL mission and your entire family in my prayers. 💙 - laurie