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