dwelling: 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.