This past weekend ABS went white water kayaking. This is my absolute favourite thing that we do, and what I have the most fun doing. It’s scary though, being closed into your kayak that is not very stable, and going down fast water rapids, and trying to remember the techniques to keep you somewhat balanced.
Switching gears here a bit, I’ve been thinking a lot about going home in two weeks, and how much I am going to miss it here in New Zealand, being in the Christian community that I’ve been blessed with, and how people aren’t going to fully understand all the things I’ve learned, or what I’ve been through. I have nothing planned for when I get back, which is fine with me, I know it’s where God wants me right now, but the thought scares me that I’m not going to be in the same community like I have been. I’m not going to have people around me 24/7, and there will be internet, TV, radio and other things to distract me easier...whereas the last 6 months I have had barely any of that, so I am a lot more motivated to be in the word or talk to God and it’s amazing how much closer I have come with him, and how much easier it is to hear his voice.
I asked God to prepare me for going home, and that’s what he has done! The other night I had a dream about it, and the day I got back I had to go to work straight away. I had a few hours with friends, but I also had a 2-close shift I had to work the same day I flew in. I was running a little late to work, so I tried to take short cuts to get there faster, the ones I would normally take. But so much had changed, and there was road construction EVERYWHERE, and roads blocked that I didn’t know how I was going to get there on time. My boss was texting me wondering where I was, as well as everyone else needing me in some way. When I woke up I felt so overwhelmed. I’m not sure, but I feel as though this could be how it is when I get home. There’s going to be road blocks and things trying to keep me from God, or God maybe putting road blocks in my life to show me a different way of living for him. I’m not sure exactly what it meant, but it has had me praying and thinking a lot.
BUT, like white water kayaking, when the rapids are really rough, I was taught about eddy’s which are little safe spots behind rocks that is calm water, if you can see them and catch them, it’s a great place to relax or wait for the rest of the group. Also, if the rapids are to strong and there are rocks, it’s important to lean on the rock, not away from it. God has made it clear that he will never leave me or forsake me. That he is a solid rock I can lean on, an eddy in all the chaos that will protect me and keep me safe. I still have to face those rapids, but he’ll be there to lean on.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
C.ucumber C.ucumber!!
As most of you have heard, God blessed me with the opportunity to come back to New Zealand and intern for the summer ABS. It’s been amazing being back here and doing Abs from a different perspective and still being stretched so much! There is heaps of things I have learned, but my favourite thing is looking at the Christian body, and seeing the community that can be formed in such a short amount of time.
This group is much different than the group I did my ABS with in October, a lot more different than the students I got to know at Monavale, but it isn’t better or worse, its just different. Individually we came together, or in small groups, but part way through week 3, the individual clicks were become very obvious and the community as a whole was weak. What we didn’t see at the time, is how much God was working. Every Sunday night we have fellowship night which is ran by James (the other intern) and I. I was working on a few songs with Myles, who played guitar when James came up to ask if I had put anything together for fellowship that night. Both of us had nothing but the feeling of having the Holy spirit do all the leading for this one. I came in late and missed what happened at the beginning, but as soon as I walked through the door, I knew that there was something different about that nights fellowship. A few students were crying and a girl had been sharing what God was doing in her life. By the end of that night there had been some walls broken down and everyone was brought together on a different level. Its been amazing to see how God worked that night and how people are really responding to his leading.
Cucumber, cucumber comes from a game that we play..basically just an inside joke, but it describes this group well with their different quirks and how everyone plays such a vital role in the group. Without one or two people its weird and doesn’t seem right at all. I thank God for how he works in our lives and for how much he cares for us to hear our prayers. This community has been a fun one to live in. I pray that Ill remember this time forever and keep striving for this open of community wherever I might be in the world. God is so faithful and I love how he has been challenging me and using me with this group. God is good. Forever and ever Amen.
This group is much different than the group I did my ABS with in October, a lot more different than the students I got to know at Monavale, but it isn’t better or worse, its just different. Individually we came together, or in small groups, but part way through week 3, the individual clicks were become very obvious and the community as a whole was weak. What we didn’t see at the time, is how much God was working. Every Sunday night we have fellowship night which is ran by James (the other intern) and I. I was working on a few songs with Myles, who played guitar when James came up to ask if I had put anything together for fellowship that night. Both of us had nothing but the feeling of having the Holy spirit do all the leading for this one. I came in late and missed what happened at the beginning, but as soon as I walked through the door, I knew that there was something different about that nights fellowship. A few students were crying and a girl had been sharing what God was doing in her life. By the end of that night there had been some walls broken down and everyone was brought together on a different level. Its been amazing to see how God worked that night and how people are really responding to his leading.
Cucumber, cucumber comes from a game that we play..basically just an inside joke, but it describes this group well with their different quirks and how everyone plays such a vital role in the group. Without one or two people its weird and doesn’t seem right at all. I thank God for how he works in our lives and for how much he cares for us to hear our prayers. This community has been a fun one to live in. I pray that Ill remember this time forever and keep striving for this open of community wherever I might be in the world. God is so faithful and I love how he has been challenging me and using me with this group. God is good. Forever and ever Amen.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Praise be the lord, Hallelujah!
With that title in mind, I have been, once again put in my place by God, and completely amazed by the way he has provided and changed my life.
I arrived in Australia on December 18th with plans of going home on January 31st, but the option of going back to New Zealand to be an intern for the Adventure Bible School program that I did while I was there. The option had been revealed to me just two nights before and I was so happy that the opportunity had come up for me. The course was going to cost money, money that I didn't have, but I've seen God provide before, and if he wanted me there, I knew it he could provide for it. I had people praying for me,and on to Australia I went.
In Aussie, I joined Kalia, Luke, Cody and Aaron to stay with Kalia, road trip and have a great time experiencing Australia together. Around this time I got super home sick, but still wanted to be here in Aussie while I was given the chance! We road tripped down south for Christmas and were blessed by families who let us sleep at their houses while we traveled. I got to pet koalas, kangaroos, see dingos and all kinds of sweet things! We slept and swam at different beaches and listened to the widest range of music ever! It was a great time.
My first Christmas away from home was a tough one, but I'm happy I got to spend it with the people that I did. We did the steckly pancake tradition and christmas morning exchanged a few gifts between each other.
Some friends from Capernwray met up with us, I spend New Years on the Sydney harbor with my friend Natasha who is from Toronto. we walked around and got stuck in massive crowds of people, and ended up with a great spot RIGHT next to the railing that separated us from the water on the harbor! For a couple hours, while we were waiting for the fireworks, we had good conversation with the people around us. They asked us lots of questions about out travels and about the God that we serve. It was an amazing night! Plus the fireworks were so awesome and I still can't believe I got to spend New Years eve with 1.6 Million people in Sydney Australia.
Ive been able to visit the Hillsong United church, which was a great experience. It's such a big church, and they do things differently and it really made me think. Im still working through some thoughts about the church and how they run things. I got to go back later that week and hang out with the Youth Group and with my desire to be a youth pastor some day, it was good to see how a different youth group is ran.
I was very spoiled on my birthday! It was the guys last night with kalia and I, and natasha got to spend it with me as well! It was an all day event, with things happening right after another that made the day very special and unforgettable! I even got to see Dolphins swimming and wow. It was AWESOME!
God has blessed me with an awesome friend Kalia who has done more than enough for me with my staying here. She has a heart of Gold and a passion for Jesus. Looking back on my time with her and the guys, I've realized so much about Kalia and her servants heart, its inspiring.
After the boys left, a few other friends from capernwray met up with kalia and I at her place in New castle and stayed a couple nights. They were making their way down south to Melbourne and asked if we would like to join. So because of the flooding and there was no point in kalia and I going up north, we decided to make the trip again down south. We went further this time and it was with different people, and it was AMAZING! seeing a glimpse of Gods beauty through his creation is breath taking, it makes me excited for the day when I get to see him face to face!
The memories made on this trips, and the things Im learning from kalia and the people we are traveling with have been epic. And the way God has blessed us with the people we meet, places to stay, food to eat and running vehicles has been awesome.
My time here In Ausralia is ending fast, and ending sooner than planned!
Through lots of prayer and Gods mighty hand at work, I will be going back to New Zealand! In my life, God likes to keep me on my toes and work out his timing not mine for stuff.
I believed that if God wanted me back in New Zealand he would make it happen, but I was content to go home if that was where he wanted me as well. I prayed for a clear answer, and boy, that sure is what he gave me! To be honest, it seemed completely impossible, but he moved in people hearts, and he moved in mine to show me that going back is what I was supposed to do, and by working finances and flights out, he once again has knocked me on my face in awe of how he works! Sometimes I feel him laughing at me because he always comes through, and when he says in Mathew to not worry about tomorrow, HE MEANS IT! Also, he definitely works all things to bring him glory. ALL things!
So, things are going awesome! I miss home, but I am very excited to be going back. This next seven weeks is going to be challenging, but as long as Jesus is working the way he has been since the beginning, I'm looking forward to facing this next step with him.
3553 Cambridge Road, Rd 3 3495, New Zealand My address where Ill be. I love letters :)
praise be to God forever and ever Amen.
I arrived in Australia on December 18th with plans of going home on January 31st, but the option of going back to New Zealand to be an intern for the Adventure Bible School program that I did while I was there. The option had been revealed to me just two nights before and I was so happy that the opportunity had come up for me. The course was going to cost money, money that I didn't have, but I've seen God provide before, and if he wanted me there, I knew it he could provide for it. I had people praying for me,and on to Australia I went.
In Aussie, I joined Kalia, Luke, Cody and Aaron to stay with Kalia, road trip and have a great time experiencing Australia together. Around this time I got super home sick, but still wanted to be here in Aussie while I was given the chance! We road tripped down south for Christmas and were blessed by families who let us sleep at their houses while we traveled. I got to pet koalas, kangaroos, see dingos and all kinds of sweet things! We slept and swam at different beaches and listened to the widest range of music ever! It was a great time.
My first Christmas away from home was a tough one, but I'm happy I got to spend it with the people that I did. We did the steckly pancake tradition and christmas morning exchanged a few gifts between each other.
Some friends from Capernwray met up with us, I spend New Years on the Sydney harbor with my friend Natasha who is from Toronto. we walked around and got stuck in massive crowds of people, and ended up with a great spot RIGHT next to the railing that separated us from the water on the harbor! For a couple hours, while we were waiting for the fireworks, we had good conversation with the people around us. They asked us lots of questions about out travels and about the God that we serve. It was an amazing night! Plus the fireworks were so awesome and I still can't believe I got to spend New Years eve with 1.6 Million people in Sydney Australia.
Ive been able to visit the Hillsong United church, which was a great experience. It's such a big church, and they do things differently and it really made me think. Im still working through some thoughts about the church and how they run things. I got to go back later that week and hang out with the Youth Group and with my desire to be a youth pastor some day, it was good to see how a different youth group is ran.
I was very spoiled on my birthday! It was the guys last night with kalia and I, and natasha got to spend it with me as well! It was an all day event, with things happening right after another that made the day very special and unforgettable! I even got to see Dolphins swimming and wow. It was AWESOME!
God has blessed me with an awesome friend Kalia who has done more than enough for me with my staying here. She has a heart of Gold and a passion for Jesus. Looking back on my time with her and the guys, I've realized so much about Kalia and her servants heart, its inspiring.
After the boys left, a few other friends from capernwray met up with kalia and I at her place in New castle and stayed a couple nights. They were making their way down south to Melbourne and asked if we would like to join. So because of the flooding and there was no point in kalia and I going up north, we decided to make the trip again down south. We went further this time and it was with different people, and it was AMAZING! seeing a glimpse of Gods beauty through his creation is breath taking, it makes me excited for the day when I get to see him face to face!
The memories made on this trips, and the things Im learning from kalia and the people we are traveling with have been epic. And the way God has blessed us with the people we meet, places to stay, food to eat and running vehicles has been awesome.
My time here In Ausralia is ending fast, and ending sooner than planned!
Through lots of prayer and Gods mighty hand at work, I will be going back to New Zealand! In my life, God likes to keep me on my toes and work out his timing not mine for stuff.
I believed that if God wanted me back in New Zealand he would make it happen, but I was content to go home if that was where he wanted me as well. I prayed for a clear answer, and boy, that sure is what he gave me! To be honest, it seemed completely impossible, but he moved in people hearts, and he moved in mine to show me that going back is what I was supposed to do, and by working finances and flights out, he once again has knocked me on my face in awe of how he works! Sometimes I feel him laughing at me because he always comes through, and when he says in Mathew to not worry about tomorrow, HE MEANS IT! Also, he definitely works all things to bring him glory. ALL things!
So, things are going awesome! I miss home, but I am very excited to be going back. This next seven weeks is going to be challenging, but as long as Jesus is working the way he has been since the beginning, I'm looking forward to facing this next step with him.
3553 Cambridge Road, Rd 3 3495, New Zealand My address where Ill be. I love letters :)
praise be to God forever and ever Amen.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
My life down under
So, I know I created this blog so that everyone could keep in touch and know what Ive been doing as i travel through New Zealand and Australia. I hate that I have been so terrible at updating this, so I will do my best in catching you all up on what has been happening.
In October I arrived in New Zealand. I was blessed to have two different families let me stay with them in Wellinton which is at the south end of the North island. I got to see a couple places where they filmed lord of the rings, go sailing, and lots of other fun things! The families were really nice and Im so thankful for their hospitality!
I was in Wellington for 10 days before I headed North to Campbridge to start the Adventure Bible program through Capernwray Bible School. I will admit that the day before I was a little nervous, and getting on the bus from Auckland to Cambridge was a long two hours. There was a boy that got on the bus and I was so curious to see if he was doing capernwray as well, but to chicken to ask him. So I went two hours on the same bus with who turned out to be James Hyslop, an amazing boy who loves jesus so much and like almost everyone else on ABS, encouraged me to go deeper and know God better. As soon as I got off the bus and he introduced himself to me, I knew that Capernwray is where I was supposed to be, and that the next couple months were going to be unforgettable.
As soon as we got to the ABS lodge, the program was in full swing. There was no messing around with these guys and no time to waste! I loved it but was surprised that we jumped into the intense workouts right away! All of the staff was very friendly. It took awhile for everyone to open up to each other, but once we did, we had the best relationships ever!
During ABS we were faced with Challenges that were physically demanding, but more emotionally demanding. We had to learn to work as a group, and were all faced with the fact that each of us were leaders and it is important to serve everyone. With this we grew together so much and with the hands on experience, I was able to learn a lot of little things about God that I didn't really realize before. Like being a light in the darkness. One small light in a pitch black space makes a huge difference for guidance. (theres not much detail in that, but that is one of the many things I learned on ABS) We were also challenged with living on the things we actually needed, and i realized how much I take for granted, especially when it comes to food. In the western culture we live to eat. everything is revolved around food, when in some countries, they need to eat to live! (again, wish I could go into more detail, but this impacted me a lot!)
God challenged me to live a more radical christian life, and to understand that life is not easy while following him, if Im comfortable, then I should be worried, I want to be content, but not comfortable. Hopefully that makes sense.
I made awesome frienships on ABS and cant believe how fast the time went by with them. We did everything together, and saying goodbye was one of the hardest things ive ever had to do.
But at the bright side I still had four weeks left at Monavale, the main campus in New Zealand for Capernwray. There I was placed in a room with 3 other girls that had been there for the whole year, or the last 6 months. These girls were amazing! They welcomed me in and were so gentle and sweet! It made me so happy that I had been placed in a room with such loving girls! Plus, Rachel is from Calgary, so I knew I would get to see her on a more regular basis compared to my other Capernwray friends! God taught me a lot about slipping away to be with him, and putting him above my friends and my flesh's desires. Things stood out to me about being called to being holy, and living a radical life for Jesus. There were hard questions that I sought hard after the answers for, and theres nothing better than seeking after God. Plus, he promises, "seek and you will find." This is true, not only cause its the word, but God has proven this in my life. I don't ever "find" when I want to find..haha but GOD is faithful!
We didn't have a lot of lectures the last few weeks of school, but I was the angel in a Christmas play, and for a week we went to different primary schools to act the play out for the kids. That was so fun and the kids loved it! At the same time, we rehearsed and had a little capernwray choir. This was soo fun cause I havent been in a choir in a long time! Every year Capernwray puts on a Carols by Candle light, and so we rehearsed many many hours for the candle light production!
With my time at Capernwray, I learned some more about God, heaps about myself and how I want to live my life for God, and made some amazing friends. They challenge me so much and I pray that these relationships will last! I wish I could put down everything that went on while at ABS and Capernwray, but theres just nooo way!
In October I arrived in New Zealand. I was blessed to have two different families let me stay with them in Wellinton which is at the south end of the North island. I got to see a couple places where they filmed lord of the rings, go sailing, and lots of other fun things! The families were really nice and Im so thankful for their hospitality!
I was in Wellington for 10 days before I headed North to Campbridge to start the Adventure Bible program through Capernwray Bible School. I will admit that the day before I was a little nervous, and getting on the bus from Auckland to Cambridge was a long two hours. There was a boy that got on the bus and I was so curious to see if he was doing capernwray as well, but to chicken to ask him. So I went two hours on the same bus with who turned out to be James Hyslop, an amazing boy who loves jesus so much and like almost everyone else on ABS, encouraged me to go deeper and know God better. As soon as I got off the bus and he introduced himself to me, I knew that Capernwray is where I was supposed to be, and that the next couple months were going to be unforgettable.
As soon as we got to the ABS lodge, the program was in full swing. There was no messing around with these guys and no time to waste! I loved it but was surprised that we jumped into the intense workouts right away! All of the staff was very friendly. It took awhile for everyone to open up to each other, but once we did, we had the best relationships ever!
During ABS we were faced with Challenges that were physically demanding, but more emotionally demanding. We had to learn to work as a group, and were all faced with the fact that each of us were leaders and it is important to serve everyone. With this we grew together so much and with the hands on experience, I was able to learn a lot of little things about God that I didn't really realize before. Like being a light in the darkness. One small light in a pitch black space makes a huge difference for guidance. (theres not much detail in that, but that is one of the many things I learned on ABS) We were also challenged with living on the things we actually needed, and i realized how much I take for granted, especially when it comes to food. In the western culture we live to eat. everything is revolved around food, when in some countries, they need to eat to live! (again, wish I could go into more detail, but this impacted me a lot!)
God challenged me to live a more radical christian life, and to understand that life is not easy while following him, if Im comfortable, then I should be worried, I want to be content, but not comfortable. Hopefully that makes sense.
I made awesome frienships on ABS and cant believe how fast the time went by with them. We did everything together, and saying goodbye was one of the hardest things ive ever had to do.
But at the bright side I still had four weeks left at Monavale, the main campus in New Zealand for Capernwray. There I was placed in a room with 3 other girls that had been there for the whole year, or the last 6 months. These girls were amazing! They welcomed me in and were so gentle and sweet! It made me so happy that I had been placed in a room with such loving girls! Plus, Rachel is from Calgary, so I knew I would get to see her on a more regular basis compared to my other Capernwray friends! God taught me a lot about slipping away to be with him, and putting him above my friends and my flesh's desires. Things stood out to me about being called to being holy, and living a radical life for Jesus. There were hard questions that I sought hard after the answers for, and theres nothing better than seeking after God. Plus, he promises, "seek and you will find." This is true, not only cause its the word, but God has proven this in my life. I don't ever "find" when I want to find..haha but GOD is faithful!
We didn't have a lot of lectures the last few weeks of school, but I was the angel in a Christmas play, and for a week we went to different primary schools to act the play out for the kids. That was so fun and the kids loved it! At the same time, we rehearsed and had a little capernwray choir. This was soo fun cause I havent been in a choir in a long time! Every year Capernwray puts on a Carols by Candle light, and so we rehearsed many many hours for the candle light production!
With my time at Capernwray, I learned some more about God, heaps about myself and how I want to live my life for God, and made some amazing friends. They challenge me so much and I pray that these relationships will last! I wish I could put down everything that went on while at ABS and Capernwray, but theres just nooo way!
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