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
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
