My adventures in Ireland

Studio Time

2008-04-15T15:21:00.000-07:00

The weather is absolutely FANTASTIC! We (the worship interns) just got done recording one track in the studio last Wednesday! It was fun!! It was a long day, but a fun one. Unfortunately, I was incredibly sick the week before and had lost most of my voice. . . but only by the grace of God did I have enough voice to record. By the end of the session, I felt as though my throat was BLEEDING. Please continue to pray that I will recover 100% before I go back to the studio to add more parts, and do my own recording as well.

We just got done doing an incredibly powerful 3rd service. We were given the task to run the entire service (only worship interns). The focus of the evening was on the "I AM" statements in John. I was given "I am the good shepherd" in John 10. Christina (one of the artists/leader who would guide us and meet with us) felt so strongly that I was to take that statement and run with it. So, she gave me my "I AM" statement, and she and her husband, Jochen prayed over me. I was incredibly nervous, insecure, and felt absolutely inadequate to deliver my portion. Fear easily slipped in, and robbed my mind. They prayed against that and encouraged me, which was helpful and the beginning to something new.

I took my statement and read it over and over in context to the whole scripture. I sought the Lord for guidance on how I could best represent Him that evening. I felt like the Lord said, vulnerability was key. So, I continued to seek the Lord on what exactly he meant by that. Christina had also received the same word from the Lord. I Had gotten together for one of our meetings about what the Lord had put on my heart that past week in regards to my "I AM" statement. So, I shared what it was I felt the Lord was saying to me, and what I had up to that point. She prayed over me, and the told me to write a song the next hour and meet with her again. I was absolutely panicked! I thought this was just a creative process. I thought that by me attempting to write a song would be a birth of another creative idea. I came home and sought the Lord, and asked the Lord to help me write a song. So, I sat and wrote. I asked my self what it was that stood out so much to me in that chapter. For me, it was intimacy. So, afterwards I met up with Christina and Jochen and played them my song. I didn't want to look at their faces while I was playing it for them, because I was so incredibly terrified. . . but when the song was complete and I had looked up...Both of them were in tears. It is only by the Lord's grace that I could have written that song.

People's response to the third service was shockingly different. People came up saying how they were so touched, and I truly believe that they encountered the Lord in a powerful and different way that evening which was the goal.

I can't believe how quickly the time has gone...and it's incredible how different I feel from when I arrived.

Prayer Request:
1. For continual growth
2. For a fruitful rest of the term
3. For health. that I would quickly recover and able to be 100% better before I record again.
4. Financial support
5. For continual inspiration in song writing.

It's A New Day

2008-02-19T05:54:00.000-08:00

The weather has been absolutely gorgeous this past week, which I'm so grateful for! It allows me to spend my time with the Lord on the beach, or anywhere outdoors! Thank you, Lord!

We (the interns and I) are currently getting our song ready to record. We will be creating an 'intern cd'. Just something to take home, and remember the internship by! I'm looking forward to getting that project complete. =) Still learning loads, and looking forward to the future as well. I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for me after this point, besides getting married. =)

Some prayer requests:
1.) For safety
2) For my dear friend, Kristina who is battling Breast Cancer
3) For continual financial support
4) For a fruitful rest of the term
5) for a smooth transition when I move back to CA
6) For a clear vision of what the Lord wants me to do next
7) and following that just further confirmation.
8) For my future ministry with my future Husband.

thank you!

Difficult Times

2008-02-03T15:05:00.000-08:00

I'm not going to lie. . . Things have been hard...

I feel absolutely gutted at the moment. I found out a couple days ago, a dear friend of mine was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. You could imagine that I would much rather be at home with her, than here at the moment. However, at the same time I can only say that by the Lord's peace can I continue to do what I am doing here. Lots of things are happening to my loved ones...another friend of mine was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease...I sat down...and started to process my thoughts and feelings in my journal...I started to write, "In trails and tribulations, Lord you are worthy of praise. In sadness, Lord, you are worthy of praise. In happiness, You are worthy of praise. In winter, you are worthy of praise. In spring, you are worhty of praise." You get my drift? Even though I can't be there with those who are going through physical pain, I need not worry because there is a God, whom we call Abba, who loves me and the ones I love far more than I could ever love them, and he's in full control. I trust my daddy.

Please pray:

1. Please lift up Kristina and Brandon Johnson. I believe that the enemy will do anything he can to challenge the authority of God. . . But we have victory in HIM who purchased us with the blood of the spotless lamb. Kristina has been recently diagnosed with Breast Cancer.
2. Pray for my friend Laura, who currently is fighting Crohn's disease.
3. I am currently batteling a sinus infection which has been pretty brutal.
4. For just super-natural joy during this season in life.
5. For a fruitful rest of term here.
6. For Continued financial support.

Back

2008-01-26T11:24:00.000-08:00

It's been great being back in the states, but now I'm back in good ol' Ireland and it's colder than ever! =) No, I'm just joshin'...Well, not completely...The wind here is absolutely horrendous! I forgot how cold the wind was here.

My body is still adjusting, and I'm still a bit jet lagged, but slowly coming along. It's great to be back. I'm ready to end it with a big BANG! =) Kathryn and the rest of the gang were a bit concerned that I wouldn't come back, just because I got engaged over the holidays. Silly Kate...

I can't believe January is coming to an end. . . However, I look forward to the rest of the term here in Ireland. The Lord is definitely blessed me so far, and I know there is more.

On Tuesday Trey Sheppard, the lead singer from the band 100 hours spoke in our class, and late that evening Brian Doerkson spoke on worship leading, along with song writing. It was absolutely fantastic! You can tell that Brian is just someone who is just brilliant, and incredibly creative. His mind is always thinking, and thinking out of the box. It's absolutely fantastic.

Thanks for your prayers. Thanks for your support. Thanks for believing in me. Thanks for believing in God and what he's doing in me. God bless.

My Fiance` and I

2008-01-07T00:16:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

2008-01-02T08:33:00.001-08:00

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Wow, I can't believe it's already 2008! 2007 was a great and exciting year for me. Not only did I get the amazing opportunity to fly out to Ireland to do an internship with the one and only, Kathryn Scott, but I also got engaged! Just to clear up an confusion, the man whom I'm engaged to is not an Irish man. =) His name is Peder Wilkinson. He and I met at the Young Adults group, The Vine in 2004. It's been about 3 years since he and I have known each other. He's my best friend, and there is no one else in the world that I would rather live an adventurous life with than him. He is an amazing man. He's passionate about the Lord, a man who has a holy fear of the Lord, a man who is sold out for the Lord, and a man who is currently attending medical school to be a physician for the Lord. I feel like the luckiest woman. The Lord blessed me with someone who is right with me. Peder fits me, gets me, loves me, and honors me. I just thought this was all worth sharing! I will be heading back to Ireland soon. It's been wonderful speding holiday in good ol' Santa Cruz.

Please continue to lift me in prayer. Pray for a wonderful rest of the internship. Please pray that it will continue to be fruitful. I am still trusting the Lord with the rest of the support to come in. I trust he will provide. I appreciate all of you who are partnering with me either through prayer, or finances. It means the WORLD. Thank you!! God Bless and love you guys!!

It's DECEMBER!

2007-12-03T06:04:00.000-08:00

Wow, time really flies. . . I can't believe it's already December! I went to a womens conference in Donganon, Ireland. Which is about an hour away from where I'm currently residing. The speaker for this conference was the one an only, Ellie Mumford. She and her husband are the Pastors who started the first UK vineyard, and is currently overseeing all the vineyards in the UK. Anyway, she is an incredible woman of the Lord. She is anointed, articulate, and gifted teacher. In the beginning I have to admit I wasn't sure if this conference was for me, and being in a room full of women made me feel a tad uncomfortable. The Lord really used Ellie's teachings and the worship to really bless me that evening.

The picture above is of me, and Baby Luca who I live with. Luca is the son of Eben and Sarah a couple from Ohio, and Eben is also interning with Kathryn. I'm really grateful to be living with such wonderful house mates.

I was fighting the Irish Bug for a while, and now am completely better.

I've been able to just be in the presence of the Lord and recognize that my time belongs to him, along with everything else. The Lord is just moving in my life, and penetrating his love and faithfulness in me, that it's been absolutely fantastic. I'm really just desiring more of HIM. I am realizing that We are called to do the impossible. I want to do the impossible for the Lord. "For such a time as this" Esther4:14 whatever that is, and whenever it is I want to be ready to go.

I want to thank you for all of those who are partnering with me by praying for me, regularly encouraging me. It's a blessing. Also those who contribute financially. Thank you.

Please continue to pray for me. That this year would be such a fruitful year, and that I would do big things for the King. Thanks. God Bless. =)

2007-11-22T14:27:00.000-08:00

Journey. Often times the Lord shows us the next step we need to take in order to do his will, but not the whole race. One of the steps I needed to take in order to move forward, and in the direction of where the Lord's will lies is and was Ireland. I can not put in words what he is unraveling here during my time here. I feel so incredibly blessed to be here. The Lord's journey is slowly unraveling. Living for God I've learned that the Lord is unpredictable. God is unpredictable, but so sovereign and good. To be able to spend my time with the Lord in silence, and meditate on his goodness, writing songs, interceding for those I love. I've learned so much within the 2 1/2 months I've been here, and it's so incredibly surreal. I just really feel like the Lord did need to take me out of Santa Cruz, CA to prune me in ways he is pruning m. It was vital that I come here to hear, and speak to the Lord. To be able to encounter him in ways I've never encountered before. "Taste and see that the Lord is Good"...he is absolutely Good, and I WANT MORE. I have witnessed so much here how the Lord still moves and orchestrates today, that I will not settle for less and only ask for more of him.

I went to Healing on the Streets last week to pray for people who come to get prayed for. There weren't too many people, just because it was pouring, but the people we did get to pray for it was so powerful, you just feel the Spirit. It's incredible.

It's Thanksgiving here, however we will be celebrating tomorrow just because Thursday is a busy night for most interns. I am thankful that I get to be here, and that I get to give back the breath that I breathe to the Lord. That I am living and well, and desiring to be just the Lords. I am so excited. I am so blessed. It is a true honor and privilege. =)

2007-11-11T11:31:00.000-08:00

I can't believe that it's already November! Time surely flies! A little update...I'm doing well. Alive and well. The weather here in Ireland seems to be getting colder, and I think I've finally caught a bug. I can't determine weather it's allergies or not... I don't know, but I will survive. My weeks seem to be getting busier and busier, and it seems to truly go by so fast!! I'm learning loads here and have been trying to meditate on the Lord both day and night, and trying to consume each moment that I dwell in his presence. I don't seem to know where to begin with all this. . .

Kathryn's classes are going well, and seeing the role of a worship leader in a different light, which is wonderful. She has the ability to lecture for an hour and you leave with just processing what she discussed on the rest of the week. It's fantabulous.

The church here is so great, and I love how they are all about as a body taking risks and stepping out of the boat.

Alan and Kathryn are both anointed people, and humble servants and I am honored to be here in Ireland and serve and be discipled here for a year. =) Thanks for all your support. Please continue to lift me up in prayer and I will try to keep this updated as much as I can. =)

So Far..

2007-10-18T03:21:00.000-07:00

So far things have been great. Learning loads, being stretched, and witnessing amazing things. The third service on the 7th of October went well. Thanks for praying. I was a little nervous, just because it was a new environment. It was great to just worship!

It was great because Marilyn and Becky came to visit. It was great seeing familiar faces again. I miss everyone back at home, but at the same time enjoying what the Lord's brought to my race right now.

The weather seems to be getting colder, and more rain, but I witnessed the most incredible site as I was running by the beach...the Sun was so brill ant and it was at the phase of it beginning to set...gorgeous, just absolutely STUNNING. I had to pause for a moment and just praise him for his beauty. His Endless BEAUTY. I wish I had my camera...but I believe even a camera wouldn't of been to fully capture the feelings I felt at that time.

My back went out on my last Tuesday, but is healing. It's still a little sore, so if could lift that up in prayer.

Please continue to pray for me. I need all the prayer support I can get!
Pray for just an abundance amount of fruit by the end of this year. For financial support, and health protection as well.

I will try to keep this updated as much as I can...I don't have Internet at my house yet, so it's been rough to update this often. So, please forgive me. =)

God bless.

It's been ONE MONTH!!

2007-09-29T11:19:00.000-07:00

My internship has been great so far. I feel as though that within just the first month there has been a lot of pruning, and growth. I am excited to see the end result of this internship. The growth process is however not very delightful. =) I know that there is a reason for every season we encounter, but I’ve never found the pruning part the most pleasant. The pruning process always seems to involve difficulty, sometimes pain, but the end result is always the same, more fruit. On Saturdays we/Causeway Coast Vineyard church do a ministry called, Healing on the Streets, and they pray for anyone whether they have faith or not, and they pray for anyone who is physically or emotionally in pain, or sick, and God works through those who pray for the sick and reveals his glory. It’s incredible! It’s humbling, and it truly reminded me how we can do nothing without the LORD, and through the Lord ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE! Even seeing people’s leg grow, or hearing them come back the next week saying, the doctors see no more sign of cancer, tumors, scar tissues, and the list goes on. Our GOD is a good GOD. Our GOD is a GOD who loves and heals the sick. He is an active GOD.

Tonight the guy interns wanted to do something special for the girls, so they cooked us dinner!!! It was quite lovely. It was a blessing to be cooked for, and the food wasn’t too shabby! =) One guy was taking down how well we wanted our steak done, I asked for Medium Rare to Medium, and it ended up being well done…hahaha but the attempt is quite sweet. I think we realized early on that we are each others family while we are here, and it’s been great because we are slowly sharing our own testimonies and getting to one another.

Every Tuesday we have class with Kathryn where we talk things such as: Being a worship leader, song writing, integrity, character, leadership, and so forth and it’s been such a great learning experience. We also are required to do at LEAST 3 hours of song writing only. It’s great that they make us do that, because it should be part of our work as lead worshippers! We also are involved with small group worship, I am currently also getting involved with the High school mentorship program they offer. Every Fridays we do voice lessons with Mildred, who is Kathryn’s mum. A phenomenal teacher! We also on Fridays to lessons for those who want to learn guitar or piano. I’m currently expanding my guitar skills, and I’m feeling kind of good right now. =) We as interns do a lot behind the scene work for the church as well.

NEWS! The interns are heavily involved in with their new 3rd service and I’m going to be leading worship on the 7th of OCT. So please keep me in your prayers!!! We do a lot planning for that. =) It’s a place where we want people to simply, come as you are. It’s great Trey and Tori are the head pastor of that ministry.

Prayer Request:
1. Safety, because our neighbor Trey and Tori were robbed couple days ago. 2 laptops and couple other things were stolen, while they were in the house!! So, please pray for our house and our safety as well.
2. I’m leading worship on the 7th of OCT. that I would be able to do my job as a lead worshipper and bring the body in to the sacred place.
3. For continual financial support along with prayer support. I can’t get enough of PRAYER!! I need you prayer warriors to be interceding for me!!
4. Health that I wouldn’t get sick during my time here, because that would be a bummer! I believe it’s common for people to get sick a lot here, especially during the winter.
5. That this year would be such an incredibly fruitful year!
6. For Luca, he’s my housemate’s baby boy. He’s only 10 months old and never likes to sleep through the night!! Which causes a light sleeper like myself to wake up. It’s difficult to run on low sleep.
7. That this would be just the beginning of my adventures for GOD, and that hopefully by the end of this internship I will know exactly where I’m suppose to go next. It is an adventurous journey when you’re living for God isn’t it?
8. Against homesickness!! I haven’t yet experienced this, but seeing my housemate go through it, seems depressing!!! =) I miss you all though!

Blessed

2007-09-17T12:20:00.000-07:00

Last week was a tough week. I just felt like I was getting attacked left and right. It was one of those times where you have to continue to remind yourself that the Lord is with me always and forever. I knew that the Lord was there all last week, but there was a part of you where you desperately just really wanted to feel him there. On Sunday Alan the Pastor, he's so incredibly gifted...was just teaching, and at the end of the service just felt led by the Lord to bless the women of the service. He said, "I just feel like right now the Lord wants to touch the women today, not that he doesn't want to bless the men, he does, but He wants to bless the women right now. I feel that some of the women have been going through a real hard time, getting attacked, and borderline depressed, and some of you felt like you have no role in the church because the church has made you feel like women are incapable of doing big things for the Kingdom, and I just want you to know, that is not true. So I ask the Holy Spirit come, touch us and bless us. More of you Lord, more of your Spirit." and one minute I'm in agreement with Alan, the next second I'm in tears...I just felt the presence of the Spirit in waves, and it was amazing. The Lord is Good...truly all the time.

Pictures!

2007-09-07T03:05:00.000-07:00

I had dinner with Sarah last night down by the promenade, and after dinner we went walking by the coast and witnessed the most beautiful sunset...It really brought back
memories for me from Santa Cruz, just because I think we get the best sunsets! =)
I hope you enjoy them!!!

Portstewart

2007-09-03T07:59:00.000-07:00

So Portstewart is the town I will be living in for the next year! It's very cute and quaint. I'm really enjoying it here. I do miss family and friends, but what an adventure! Kathryn and her husband Alan are just amazing people! It is so evident that they are so on fire for the Lord. I finally had better sleep last night. It was great. I finally had the chance to phone home and talk to them for a wee bit, which was quite a blessing.

My internship begins tomorrow! I am so excited and looking forward to it. I've had amazing conversations with Kathryn, and we just click and get along lovely. She's very quite funny!!

Please continue for safety, adjustment, finances, and for me to just do great things here for the Glory of the Lord.

I will keep this updated as much as I can. God Bless.

Update

2007-09-02T11:39:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone,
I'm doing well...Still trying get adjusted with the time and jet lag...
But doing well. Sorry I have to keep this short...But please continue to pray for me
and the adjustment. It is very cold here! People are lovely. Kathryn is sweet. Her
Husband is HILARIOUS. So far, their church feels like home. =)
I love and miss my family and Friends...But not quite home sick yet!
Adios...Hasta Pasta!

Finally made it!

2007-08-31T03:42:00.000-07:00

Hey folks!
I'm finally here, and it's very green and beautiful!
I love just going outside and listening to the accents of the Irish People,
aka, my people! hee hee. London was interesting, experience a little bit of
stress while I was there, but the Lord took over and did his thing.
I miss you guys, and I am so blessed to have you in my life!
Continue to keep me in your prayers, it's only the first day.

My internship starts this coming Tuesday which is pretty neat!
Can't wait. God is good all the time.

3 days till....

2007-08-26T00:53:00.003-07:00

Michaela, Me, and Caeden

Erin, Claudia, and ME

Kassie & Me

Kristina & Me

Me & Kyle

Me & Becky

I decided to put some pictures up from my BBQ. I just wanted to say, thank you for all of you and everyone's support, whether it's financial, prayer, or encouragement. I love my spiritual family.

NYC was great and definitly needed. Family time was such a blessing. I loved it. Thank you to everyone who prayed for a safe journey.

I'm leaving this Wednesday afternoon from SFO to London, and then from London to Belfast! I should be arriving in Ireland at 2:45PM. Please pray for calm nerves, and for a safe journey there. Please pray that this year being away will be fruitful, and I hope that it will be the entrance to something incredible! I love adventure, I love being used to serve others, and Christ. Pray for wonderful fellowship, amazing growth period, and time of great one on one time with God, being away from my comfort zone.

A little update. I'm currently selling my CDs from the Benefit Concert. It's a recording of the live concert. I am also praying for enough financial support. I trust the Lord will provide. I still need about 6 months more of support. =) Please pray for me. I love you all and see you real soon!!

NEW YORK CITY

2007-08-13T15:02:00.000-07:00

NYC here I come!

Update:

I'm flying out to NYC from 8/15-8/21. I will be going to

visit family and sing at my aunt's church while I'm there!

I'm excitied to see family, and to visit the city again!

Please pray for a safe trip.

Please also pray for more committed financial supporters.

Thanks!

A Day in the Studio

2007-08-11T23:26:00.001-07:00

A DAY IN THE STUDIO!

Teresa rockin out on guitar!

Will the amazing Bass player!

This is ME

Will & Teresa (Will's Recording)

Will & Teresa in the studio
Otis...amazing!

Hey Everyone!
So a little update...CDs are coming soon. Only a limited amount...
I'm so excited! Today we went into Otis' studio to re-do some of the bass and guitar because the live recording was so distorted! We had so much fun doing it! I was laughing the whole entire time. I can't wait to hear the final cut!! Will, Teresa, Nico, & Otis did an amazing job and really put 150% in this project which I appreciate. The Lord is good!! I just wanted to share some pictures with you all, enjoy!

Please continue to pray for safe travels, committed monthly financial support, and for this to be absolutely LIFE changing! I love you all. Talk to you soon!!

2007-08-09T13:56:00.001-07:00

Update! I finally received my student visa to move and live in Ireland!
Praise GOD!! I'm leaving in 20 days!! Yikes! I also finally got my ticket
to go to Ireland. Very COOL!

I'm going to New York from the 15-21st to go visit family and then I will
return home for a week and then, adios!

Prayer Requests:
-Please be praying for a safe trip to NYC and back
-Please pray for financial support. I still need committed monthly givers.
-More Prayer Please! All you prayer warriors please when you think of me
lift one up for me! =) Thanks everyone! God bless!!

Need prayer!

2007-07-31T16:09:00.001-07:00

The concert went great this past Saturday! It was a great turn out, and I had so much fun sharing my heart, my own songs, and it was just simply great to worship with people. I've been blessed, got a lot of great one time gifts, however I still need committed monthly givers and need to raise about 1,155 PER MONTH. Lord will provide! I also need prayer in regards to my visa, seems as though there might some complications with how they got the internship recognized as a place of study, so until that is all cleared I won't be able to attain a visa. So please be praying for that!!! Thanks. This sketch was done by a good friend named Ben Johanson and he is an amazing artist!! That's me at my concert! =)

Benefit Concert

2007-07-09T22:14:00.001-07:00

Save the date: July 28, 2007

What: My Benefit Concert

Who:
Keys & Vocals: Esther Ahn
Bass: Will Witt
Drums: TBD
Guitar: Teresa Wu

Where: Santa Cruz Bible Church in the Student Center

When: July 28th, 2007 at 7:20 PM

If you have any questions please feel free to ask!

estherahn211@gmail.com

see ya!

A Crazy Little Thing Called Faith

2007-06-21T21:25:00.000-07:00

A crazy little thing called, Faith.

It has been quite a week!!
I have been overwhelmed with the preparation of moving to Ireland.
Trying to figure out how the visa situation will work, and how it needs to happen.
I've recently felt that I needed to close the door to Kenya and go
full force towards Ireland. I was tossing and turning last night
trying to figure out what the Lord wanted me to do.
I finally realized, but couldn't say it out loud.
The Lord made it pretty clear that I needed to give him full
control, in order for me to experience what he has in store for me.
I thank everyone who has prayed for me
through this difficult situation. I truly wanted to go, however, the Lord is
pressing on my heart to close that door.

I would love for you to pray for the following:
1. Finances for this internship
2. For the Kenya team who will be going without me.
3. for my support concert
4. That I would constantly and continually surrender EVERYTHING over to the Lord.

Thanks everyone!!

With Love,
Esther

Ireland, Here I Come!

2007-06-18T20:18:00.000-07:00

Causeway, Ireland here I come! It's a true story everyone! I'm moving to Causeway Ireland at the end of August to go intern for Mrs. Scott. I have the amazing opportunity to be shepherded by her, her church, and an opportunity to grow in ways...I can't even imagine. I feel that the Lord is telling me that this will be an unforgettable experience due to the fact that I will be taken out of my comfort zone, which is to me is my home/Santa Cruz, CA.

This internship is a self support internship, meaning I will be a missionary out there for one whole year!! I'm very excited!!! EEK!! =)

Be on the look out to hear about my support concert where I will be raising support for this amazing adventure!! = )

Prayer Requests:
1. That the Lord would provide all the necessary funds I will need for this internship
2. Safe Travel
3. Preparation of my heart for the amazing things I'm about to embark upon.
4. Protection against anything that is not of the Lord.

I love you all! God Bless and Keep in touch.

"For nothing is impossible with God" Luke 1:37