patience.

   Learning to be patient is a never ending cycle. Just when we think learning patience couldn't get more challenging, it does. Each lesson of patience leaves us stronger than we were before. But as soon as we take pride in that strength, there comes a new challenge which humbles us, because we see how much there is left to learn. 

Patience is that lesson we never stop learning. Just when we think we've got it figured out, a new lesson will sneak up on us in the most unexpected way. 

"Don't pray for patience!", they say, because God will trick us into a sticky situation and leave us waiting, struggling through the lesson on our own. True, it may feel that way in the moment, but that isn't the God I know. 

So why does God want us to learn patience? And why does it seem that, when we ask Him for patience, he gives it to us in the form of a challenge -- learning it the hard way?

   I think patience is set up this way to teach us about who He is. And He allows us to go through the times of hardship, testing, trying, exhaustion, waiting, wishing, hoping, disappointment, loneliness, and so on, so that we look to Him for help.

  We've all heard it before: God is love. Well, if He is love, then what does love look like?

"Love is patient." We all know love is a lot more than that, but this one word sums up my point. 

If Love is patient, that means God is Patient, which means He has an endless supply of it. 

So when we ask for patience, what we are really asking for is to be made like Him. 

That is no easy task, transforming from sinful, selfish, human - to selfless, blameless, righteous, holy.

No wonder it takes so long.

I know this: God wants us to be like Him, so we can be in constant communion with Him, like Jesus was/is. It's all about pursuing the relationship. 

So we must get rid of the sin that's blocking the path to that. We've flooded the road with our own self-seeking, lustful, ungodly ways. That's why it has to take time and is challenging. It's not because He tricks us into a lion's den the moment we ask for patience and says "I'll let you out when you've learned the lesson". No, that's what Satan tells us about God. 

God is all about giving. That's why, no matter how hard it might be, I'm going to keep asking Him for patience. Because I cannot make it through this life without. I cannot reach my goal of becoming like Him without His help, His strength, His guidance. I'm lost without the things which make up who He is. Patient. Kind. Not envious. Not boastful. Not proud. Not rude. Not self-seeking. Not easily angered. Keeping no record of wrongs. Not delighting in evil but rejoicing with truth. Always protecting. Always hoping. Always persevering. Never failing. 

 

   Life is a journey of learning this: It's not about me.

Why are those four words the hardest to grasp?

Life is about learning who God is, and who we are to Him--who were were made to be.

Life is about learning what love is. Who love is. That's all.

  I was going to end this by writing about the hard things I'm going through, how each day, each moment brings its own lesson of patience, how God feels distant but I'm choosing to believe He's close. But none of that seems to matter now that I look back at what I've written. It seems that He's always closer than we think, giving us the words where there are no words, leading us when we're not even looking. He is so caring and so gracious, and He always meets us where we are at.

I'm left with nothing but thankfulness. 

Finding Joy in the Day to Day Life

   I woke this morning nestled under my mound of blankets, dreading the moment I would uncover myself and be exposed to the chilly air. Outside my windows I could see that the clouds were a nasty shade of grey, soon to leave everything underneath them wet and cold. 

   Here in New Zealand, the cost of electricity is very high. So, everyone preserves as much energy as possible, keeping warm in the winter by bundling up in layers of cotton and wool, adding more blankets to their beds, and drinking lots of hot tea. It's quite an adjustment to make, coming from America where comfort is more of a nessesity than a luxury. I hold off turning on my space heater til I can hardly bear the cold anymore and I use cold water to wash my hands and dishes. I unplug everything and make sure to turn off every light when I walk out of a room. I don't have a TV or internet. Although it's different, there's something so charming about living simply like this. Entertainment is found in the company of people or by reading a book. I'm more creative minded with less around to distract me. There's more space to think and imagine. More time to pray. 

   This morning in my bed, I had to make the decision to find the joy today holds. I had to choose thankfulness over self pity. I had to shift my focus from "ugh, it's cold and gross, I feel sad, and what is the purpose of today anyway?", to Carpe Diem--I choose to seize this day and expect the best. The easy thing on a day like today is to think about my family and friends in the States, how I miss them, how it's warm there, and so full of opportunities, and feel sad to be away and missing so much there. It's hard to go away. It's hard to adjust here. But I make these sacrifices for the opportunities here, and the joy and experiences to be discovered.

I finally rolled out of bed and got ready for the day when, I heard downstairs, the voice of my dear, 90-year-old adopted grandmother, Anne. She had just hung up the phone after a long conversation, a good conversation at that, because I could hear her humming a tune as she walked through the house. As I made my bed and got dressed I thought about what a privilege it is to live under the same roof as her. She is one amazing woman. So much life experience and with that, wisdom and a softness  that comes from many years spent with the Lord. She's the most energetic, witty, and surprising old woman I know. She drinks from a mug that says "Keep Calm and be a Queen" on it, which is just so fitting, and she is always wearing rose-tinted sunglasses, even indoors.

  Anne trusts me with making her dinner each night, and I so enjoy doing it. Most of the time we will walk to the store together to buy our ingredients. We eat lots of vegetables and she likes to try my "American foods" she hasn't tried before, and I like to experiement with the different fruits and veggies they have here. After we've eaten together, I wash the dishes by hand and she dries them. We talk about life and sometimes dance in the kitchen to swing music.

Oh, the stories she's told me of her well-lived life. Tales of travels, wars, heartache, joy, and love. I could sit and listen to her sweet, shaky, English accent telling me stories for hours... and I do! Just the other night she told me about visiting a friend in Italy many, many years ago, and all the sights she saw. Anne has the most remarkable memory, and can remember details reaching as far back as when she was an infant in the 1920s. Living with her is an adventure in and of itself. It's wonderful to have her by my side for now, to share life's joys and sorrows. 

   My current situation is one that is teaching me more about what it is to put my trust in the Lord. He has never let me down. So when worry comes creeping in as it so sneakily does, I remind myself of His promises and provisions, and turn the worry to thankfulness. 

Right now I am having trouble finding work. I have no source of income but still have to pay the rent somehow. I had work lined up before coming, but since I had to move my date of arrival for visa purposes, things changed. And now I'm left with no options. I feel peace about being here in Oxford, so I know something will turn up for me soon. But for now I'm trying to focus on the work set before me, which is taking care of Anne. I know if I'm faithful in the work given me, things will play out fine. It can be very discouraging, though, having door after door close when searching for work. I've applied almost everywhere in this little town with no luck. But I'm hopeful, and I'm trusting He has a plan bigger than what I can see now. 

 So, friends, if you're reading this, thank you. Thank you for your prayers and your encouragement. I miss each of you and so wish there was some way to make my two homes closer or even in the same place! I will try to write often!

May the Lord richly bless you!

New Zealand, Round 3

   A season of rest and waiting comes to an end.

    Last August, I arrived in the States after a long and hard 7 months of missions work. I had been part of Youth With A Mission, leading a team on an around-the-world missions trip in New Zealand, several countries in Asia, and Israel. I grew in so many ways and God really stretched me during that time. I graduated from Basic Leadership School in Jerusalem on the Mount of Olives, which was an amazing accomplishment and such a memorable moment for me. Since that time, the Lord has had me in a resting season.
   For the past 6 months I have lived at home in Nashville, in search of a job. I must have applied at 50 different places, from coffee shops to airlines, with no luck. Every "door" I knocked on seemed to close, no matter how many hopeful interviews and positive opportunities. Every time I would begin to get discouraged, I was reminded that my time here is temporary and intentional.
  Jesus has been working on my heart during this time of rest. He has healed the hurts and bruises, refreshed me, and given me everything I've needed. Although it's been hard to settle into, this season of life has been priceless and much needed. I have been able to spend some amazing quality time with my family and friends here in the States and I am so thankful for that!
  After lots of prayer and looking into every possible option, God is clearly opening some doors now and giving me peace and confirmation. I have a ticket back to New Zealand this coming April and I will be living and working there until further notice. This transition gets harder every time. Although I know what to expect when moving countries, and changing lifestyles and cultures gets easier, the ache in my heart does not lessen. Leaving home is hard. Leaving the ones I love is hard. Staying is hard too. When I'm here I miss it there, when I'm there I miss it here. So is the life of a missionary. I'm reminded of how the Lord told Abraham to leave behind everything and follow Him to an unknown land. There are many sacrifices to be made when following God, but He makes it all worth it!
  So, starting off, I will be living at "my other home" in Oxford, New Zealand. There I will be working in a cafe and helping around the YWAM base, as well as volunteering in the community. I feel called to love on the older generation in New Zealand, encouraging them by spending quality time with them. I can't wait to visit with old friends and meet new ones! Once I have spent a couple months there, I have a feeling I will be moving cities for something bigger. But for now, I will take things one step at a time.

The Breakdown

Here's some detailed info on money and such:

•The NZ visa I am getting costs $600
•Room/board fees $100 per week
•Food: $45 per week
•Gasoline money: $30 per week
•Activity budget: $20 per week
•Necessities (Personal hygiene items, clothes, etc...): $5 per week
•Round-trip ticket (I plan to come back to the states in December for a visit): $1,500
--Estimated Total One-Time Fees: $2,100
--Estimated Total Weekly Fees: $200
--Estimated Total Monthly Fees: $900

Please prayerfully consider supporting me monthly. Whether it be $5 a month or $100 a month, anything helps! This is a great opportunity to support global Kingdom work.

This is only a rough budget for the first couple of months, until I get settled with a job and know if I'll be moving cities, etc. Things change fast! And living in New Zealand is pricey. But I know God will provide, because He has put the desire to serve this country in my heart.
THANK YOU for your interest in supporting me. I will send updates as often as possible. If you would like to know more about anything, please don't hesitate to email me at stephotography@live.com, Facebook message me, or chat on Voxer.
Follow my blog at www.whatiseek.blogspot.com
God bless you!
Stephanie

changing seasons

  It is a strange thing to be in a country where the hot summer sun is making an appearance as the Christmas season comes closer. I have tried to get into the Christmas spirit a time or two by turning on some classic Christmas tunes, but singing "Walking in a Winter Wonderland" as I put on sunscreen just doesn't do it for me! Haha. Regardless, my heart is so full of excitement because in 4 short days I will be home with my family. This is the best Christmas gift I could have received and I am overjoyed as I make preparations to go. I am feeling very blessed.
As this year comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on what God has done in me and through me these past 8 months. This has been a journey I will never forget or regret. I have grown more than I could have hoped for--in my relationship with Him, in my calling as a servant, in my identity, in leadership, in learning how to love, in relationships with others, in communication, and in responsibility. Here I have learned life lessons that will be useful all my life. I am so thankful that the Lord has been teaching me these things now, while I am still so young. Making the decision to live in a community has been one of the best decisions of my life thus far. I'm convinced this is the lifestyle God had in mind when He created us--family. Surrounded by people who know what real love looks like. A culture of honor. It's not easy, of course. But it's worth it. It has been an honor to live and work with so many incredible people who are all of the same mindset: Loving God and loving others. Making His name famous. Valuing each individual person and investing in their lives because they're worth it.
I have no set plans for next year, although I am praying through my many options.
For now, all I know is that I will be coming back to my New Zealand home January 14 to continue my hospitality work. From then on, I am trusting Jesus to reveal His plans in His perfect timing. I will write more on this subject another time. For now, here's what my life has been like the past couple months:

- Since September, we have had the Backpackers DTS, Climbers DTS, and Justice DTSs running. This has been a crazy season, with our base completely full of students and staff. At times it has been difficult and overwhelming for me, but God has blessed me with a few great friendships during this.

- The Ski and Snowboard DTS came back from outreach and graduated. It was emotional to see them come and go again, but really awesome rejoicing at what God did through them and celebrating their accomplishments.

- The home life I grew so used to and almost took for granted has been changing with the seasons, as my roommates and I go our separate ways for a while. I realized how blessed I have been to live with 4 incredible women this year. They all became like sisters to me and I have learned so much from each of them. I will cherish the memories we made together! It has been hard to let them go and accept the change that is coming, but I just have to remind myself to be thankful for the time that was spent living with them.

- Hospitality has been the most perfect job for me and I couldn't be more happy with what I do. Serving others and making this place a home has become my passion. It has also stretched me and made me uncomfortable at times, but growing is uncomfortable, and it is good.

- Spending time making friends in the community has been my joy. I consider it a victory when I walk into a place in town and they greet me by name. Making people's faces light up with a smile is my goal, and when I succeed it makes me so happy! I love riding my bike to my elderly friends' houses and making their day by surprising them with a pie or fruit for us to share. The conversations I have had with these people have been the highlight of my life this year.

- Learning to love people well and then learning to let them go has been challenging. At YWAM, knowing people's hearts is our thing. We go deep, fast. We make heart connections fast. How do I do this while still guarding my heart from breaking when we say goodbye? I could close myself off completely, but that would defeat the blessing of community. I could jump into relationships whole heartedly, but then that leaves me vulnerable and promises heartache with saying goodbye. The good thing is, Jesus is constant. He is always present, and that is comforting to me. What would I do without Him?!?

Well, that's all I can think to write for now.
I'll end with this:
Everyday I am reminded that I live in New Zealand. A little island at the bottom of the world. How did that happen. I am surrounded by beautiful proof that God is so real and so creative. It is easy to get caught up in the work I do or the craziness of this life, but the times I lift my eyes to the mountains are the times every worry completely goes away and I am left with only thankfulness and awe. Above all, God has taught me how to be completely content in the present. I have no worries for what the future holds for my life because I know the One who holds my future. He is already in my future and already has a plan for it. So I can rest secure in His presence here and now, and only think of the future with excitement. This has set me free to live in such an overwhelming peace and joy in my spirit. My help comes from the Lord, maker of Heaven and Earth. I lack nothing and I am blessed beyond my capacity to understand. He is so good.

Spring flowers!

Judith and me at the Sunday market

Sometimes we have a fiesta. 

The lovely staff ladies of YWAM Oxford!

Rommies! Judy, Mandi, Natalie, Me, and Sophie. 

Blessed with these great friends, Val and Cesar.

Sara and Kim. They work so hard to make this place what it is! They are also so much fun and I love knowing them.    

My third grandmother, Anne, at her beautiful home.

find Me in the details...

The past month and a half I have been on a journey of finding God. My heart has become so caught up in awe and adoration of His beauty and I cannot contain it within me.

For a few weeks I was fighting feeling lonely, forgotten, inadequate, and without joy. 

I fasted for 21 days, laying down the comforts of this world to say "I choose You above all" to the Lord.

Within those 21 days the Lord taught me some truths about myself and I learned self discipline. But I really saw the benefits of my fasting after it was over.

All of the sudden it was as if my heart had been lit on fire. 

As I had been hoping for, for so long, the Lord moved my heart in such a way that stirred up this passionate love for Him. Refreshed. Revived. New. Seen. Loved. Happy. 

He told me as I cried out to Him under the starry sky, "I see you."

He opened my eyes and my imagination. He called me away each day to just sit in His presence. No requirements, no agendas, just Him and me wrapped up in love. 

It may sound cheesy but it has changed me. 

I see myself as a new person.

I like who I have been made into.

I feel worthy.

What a relief to no longer have the burden on my shoulders of striving to be something worth while!

I already am! And the more I sit in His presence the more lovely I become. Because, you become like what you give your attention to--and Jesus is the most beautiful, awe-inspiring, lovely being in existence. There are no words to possibly describe Him in all His majesty and splendor. I wanna be more like Him.

I have become obsessed with marveling at His creations. Every detail of nature...every detail of what makes us human... I can't get enough. He meets me there, in those thoughts. I'm so in love!

In the past week I have started my new job as Hospitality Coordinator. I now am responsible for every person who comes through the base--making sure they feel at home with a clean, comfortable place to rest, setting up for students/staff coming and going, ordering and restocking the essential supplies for the base (toilet paper, cleaning supplies, etc.), keeping up with all the laundry, overseeing that the entire base is kept clean, and more. This will be my job as long as I'm here. I feel confident that God gifted me and equipped me to do this job well.

Yesterday I planned and directed "base clean up day", where all the students and staff deep cleaned the base in preparation for the new schools starting soon. 

Today has been sad--the snowboarders all left for outreach! My heart can't help but feel broken as I let them go. They will be back, but it's hard to let my little family leave me!

God has blessed me so much with amazing friendships that I know will last a lifetime. 

I'm so thankful.

There is my update in a nutshell...

In other news, here is a video I have been working on for a while. I'm really proud of it. I think it describes how much I have been delighting in the details of life and enjoying its beauty. I'm blessed to know the Creator of this gorgeous planet Earth.
Watch it HERE

Thank you for praying for me. 

If you would like to support me financially, I would appreciate that so much!

Money is needed in order to continue my work here. 

Each week I pay $100 NZD (about $85 USD) to live and work on base. I do not get payed for this full time work I do. This price does not cover any extra food, trips into the city, or essential items I need to buy.

Will you consider supporting me monthly? 

Even as little at $10 a month would help very much!

I miss you, family and friends! Thank you for loving me!

Stephanie

contentment, blessings, and challenges

Wow a lot has happened since I last wrote!

Life has been a whirlwind lately. I'm loving every minute!

God has been so faithful to answer prayers and fill me with his peace and joy.

He has continually poured out his love on me and is sustaining me with his presence.
In the past month, the Snowboarders DTS has kicked off and is going strong! The students are so great, and so hungry for more of what God has for them. It has been really fun getting to know each of them and seeing how God is transforming their lives each day. He's so good!
The basic leadership school I am in, which meets once a week, has been good so far. I love the deep discussions we have and thought provoking teachings. All of my friends around my age are in it with me and so it feels like more of an intentional hang out time than anything! I love the relationships that have been built in through this and how fast we have gotten to know each other.

In July I had the privilege of hopping over to Australia to see my dad while he was working there! It was a perfect time away and so refreshing to get to spend some time with my daddy.
We had so much fun trying new foods, catching up on life, and experiencing a new place together. We even got to feed some kangaroos and pet tasmanian devils and koalas!
I had a lot of time to myself which I used by exploring Hobart and processing things with God.
I realized on that trip just how valuable my relationship with God is. He truly is my very best friend.
He doesn't mind how long I take looking at every nook and cranny of an art shop, and he actually enjoys it with me. He likes everything I like, and loves silently contemplating life with me. He loves just being with me, and that is something I appreciate very much.
I also got to enjoy hanging out with the fabulous Take 6 guys! Annnnd their show at the Festival of Voices was outstanding!!!
All together it was quite an enjoyable week away :)

Being back on the base after that was exciting for me. It really felt like coming home. Although I do miss my American home and my family there very deeply, I adore living in New Zealand. There is no place like it! And I love the amazing people I live with. Community living it just awesome. I mean it! I'm blessed to live with people who are actively running towards the Lord's heart and seeking His face. It is so encouraging and full of joy and peace.
That being said, can I just take a minute to brag about my roommates?!
I live with 4 incredible women and I love their beautiful hearts!!!
The fact that God called us all here at the same time to live together and support each other is an amazing blessing to me.
Here's a picture of all of us from a Christmas in August party we just went to (gotta remember it's winter in NZ! It only makes sense!:)
From left to right:
Judy, Natalie, Sophie, me, and Mandi.
These girls make my life so full! We all enjoy each other a lot! :)

So, what else has been going on in my life, you ask?

Well this past month for me has been a season of sacrifice. Mostly in the form of my time.

It is so important to me that Jesus comes first. #1 priority. So that is what I'm working on.

He has been challenging me to become more disciplined, with how I use my spare time, with how I take care of my body, with my quiet times, with how much I read the Word, and with how I eat. 

I want to make every moment count. I cannot afford to waste time anymore. I have to make Jesus Lord over every area of my life. He's calling me to be healthy in soul, spirit, and body; so that's what I'm working on!

This month I am pursing the Lord by doing a Daniel fast. This is a 21 day fast in which I can only eat fruit and veggies and nuts, and drink only water. I am currently on day 2 of this fast and so far it's going well! The detox process of it has been a bit challenging because it makes me feel sick and sleepy (and not to mention...hungry). But I am so excited to push through and see what God makes of this time. It is a time of pressing into Him, growing spiritually, and laying down things that I sometimes value more than time with Jesus. 

It's so good!

As for the rest of life, lately I have been in prayer about which direction the Lord is taking me while I'm working at YWAM. I have been wondering if I'm supposed to staff a Discipleship Training School, or if I should continue serving in Hospitality. Soon there will be a need here that, if I were to fill, I would be taking on much more responsibility than I have now. I was feeling torn between the two options. 

But after much consideration and much prayer, I am feeling peace about staying put where I am, learning, and eventually moving into a job role that will require more of me. Even though the thought of taking on more responsibility for a while is a little scary, I believe that the Lord has equipped me to do good work for Him wherever I am, so I feel peace. 

Oh yeah, and! I've taken the leader position for base intercession, which happens every Thursday morning. I lead everyone in prayer for whatever is on God's heart that week. So far so good! It's fun getting to lead people into a place of deep prayer and hearing God's voice.

NOW I get to inform you on things you can be praying for!

And thank you, so much, to those of you who do pray for me regularly. 

I mentioned it in a Facebook status a little while ago how THANKFUL I am for your prayers!

God hears every one and He delivers them halfway across the world to me. 

And I really can feel them. He is so faithful! 

1.) Money. Yep... typical. But to be completely honest with you, prices in New Zealand are SO HIGH, which makes living here on no income pretty hard. 

A gallon of gas is around $8. A meal at a restaurant is around $20. ONE tomato is $6. The rest of the fresh fruits and veggies are pricey as well. 

Thankfully I usually do not have to worry about food so much (one of the community living perks), but if I want anything other than what's made for lunch & dinner, I have to buy it. 

And because of my gluten and, recently acquired, dairy allergies, it's not as easy to eat what the rest of the base eats every day. 

Other than food and car usage, my base fees are about $85, every week. 

It's difficult working 9-5 without pay, and paying to live here. 

I'm satisfied knowing that Papa is storing up my rewards in heaven.

But I do need financial support for what I'm doing and I humbly ask you to consider, with prayer, supporting me in that way. I want to continue to be a blessing to others and to serve the young missionaries we send out to the nations so often. I love what I do. It's a privilege. I know God will provide. Will you partner with us?

2.) Pray with me as I fast, and consider fasting yourself! Laying down earthly things for the Lord is pleasing to His heart. Read the book of Daniel and also check out ihop.org, as they are doing this fast too! Find Mike Bickle's teaching on the Daniel fast--it's good :)

3.) Pray for the base and the Oxford community. We want to be set on fire for Jesus and we want it to spread into our little community we're a part of! There are so many people here who are in need of the love of Christ our Savior. 

4.) Prayer for health. With it being winter here, it's obviously that time of year when everyone is getting sick...

Also I messed up my left knee somehow and it hurts to walk on... bummer! I've been keeping it propped up with a heat pack on it when I can.

5.) Direction for the future is always good :)

Thank you and blessings!!!

Stephanie

Me and Daddy eating the BEST fish n' chips!

This was the view from my room in Australia!

Me and my Koala friend!!

Hanging out with Joey the kangaroo

Feeding kangaroos!

This is at the New Brighton Pier in Christchurch, NZ

Sweet little guy at the farmer's market in Lyttelton, NZ

growth.

Hi everyone! I miss you all and I am jealous of your hot weather...
It will be winter soon, and the mountain tops are already laced with snow. It's gorgeous, but also gloomy...

 So, I'm just going to dive right into this.
Where have I been the last few weeks? What have I been doing?
I feel like there's so much to say and I don't know where to begin.
I have been asking God for a few things this month and lately I'm seeing Him starting to work on those things in my life.
I have been living with this feeling deep in my soul; an aching thirst for more.
It had been this lingering dissatisfaction in my heart that was disguised as emptiness and loneliness.
For the past few months I have been dying for more of God but could not find a way to get to Him.
I felt like I was swimming through jello trying to get to God's heart.

 My whole life I've walked in confidence. I always liked who God made me, I knew what He thought of me, I wasn't afraid to be different.
This past season of my life I felt that this confidence I once walked in was stripped away.
I have been struggling with comparing, not feeling worthy, not feeling smart or cool enough, and just feeling discouraged.
Honestly, it has been a sticky spot.
I haven't been happy. The joy I have walked in my entire life hasn't been present.
I've been questioning so much about life in general and what it looks like to truly have fun and live life to the fullest.
I have been asking God for growth/opportunities to learn, for Him to reawaken dreams, and for me to learn how to abide in Him again.

This past year has been one that has rushed me into adulthood.
I realized that with letting go of my childhood, I have also been letting my childlike heart go.
 It is so important to keep a tight grip on childlikeness. Like a child looks to their daddy for affirmation and approval, for love and identity, so we should always look to our Father for those things.
Children don't have to understand it all. They trust their parents to take care of them and know they are free to have fun. They don't get caught up in the silly little details of life and they DREAM big! They easily believe the impossible to be possible.
I want my heart to be like that, always.

The past few weeks have been the start of staff training for new base staff and the snowboarders staff.
I have learned so much and have been soaking up the teachings like a sponge. It has been very refreshing to sit and learn for hours and hours about leadership. The speakers have been pulling out the many different aspects that make up my personality, allowing me to get to know myself in ways I didn't know I was missing. It has been so helpful to me, to know exactly how God made me and be aware of what my strengths and weaknesses are, especially in leadership and community living. It has opened up many doors for growth in learning to communicate my feelings and opinions. I am learning that voicing my thoughts more often is actually rewarding and people need to hear my perspective on things.
It was hard, at first, being the only introverted person in my group. I was constantly battling the lies of satan telling me being different is a bad thing and no one really understands me. It was getting exhausting.
Now I'm realizing the power of speaking out how I feel and asking for help in areas of weakness.
After talking with some friends about these things, I felt so encouraged and the weight of those lies were lifted off of me.

The Lord is beginning to answer my prayers. I am growing every day. My joy is returning. I am hungry to learn more, to dream more, to know Him more.

It has been quite a journey so far. I am looking forward to growing more and seeing what else God has in store for me while I'm here serving.

The next month will be crazy for sure. The Snowboard DTS will begin and the base will once again be busy with fiery young people.

That being said, I have prayer requests!!!

Please pray for:

*the new students coming in. pray for preparation of hearts and a fruitful season!
*this nation, New Zealand, that revival would happen here. that eyes and hearts would be open to receive Him, that God's presence would reign in this place, that it would be filled with NEW ZEAL!
*some people i live with are going through pretty rough times in their life. pray for the Lord to meet them where they're at and that I could be an instrument that He uses to bless them.

*my spiritual growth--that i would continue to put my relationship with Him first.
*spiritual discipline--an area i'm not so strong in but desire to have more of!

*I'm trying to work out the details to visit my dad in Australia while he's there in July. It hasn't been near as easy as I thought it would be and I'm really wanting to be with him for a little while.

*I'm homesick!!! Anyone want to come visit me?! :)


THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!