Patience

Its learning about patience. Now this is not to say that there are not great joys that come out of this lesson, but to be honest...patience is not one of my better giftings. Kristin and I are learning to be patient about "feeling" settled. We are discovering what it means to be patient about finding jobs. But along our lessons of patience we are getting to meet and interact with some truly incredible people. We are getting to see some incredible places. Its hard though...this lesson. I guess the hard thought for me is that just like this sunset I captured right outside of Wellington city, I know there is something incredible looming, some beautiful picture of my life and many others lives painted across the canvas. It's hard knowing what my spirit and soul know and just having to wait...because truly there is nothing that I can do to bring it on any faster. Maybe, I need to take my own advice and just enjoy the fireworks that come with each day through this journey of mine...this beautifully painted journey.

Details of My Heart

You know my heart so well

You truly do read the detailed lines between my prayers

You see even in my lowest of moments and speak right to them

I am left in amazement

I am left in amazement by You

You take my fear and turn it into Your light to lead the way

You pour out your delight upon me

You speak blessing and peace over me

You reassure me with your love

You steady me with Your Word

You whisper Your presence over my life

You took me from one place and planted me in another

You asked me to come and so I have

You asked me to trust and daily I learn

I am willing

At this moment in time I have nothing to lose

Trusting You with the time

And trusting that You will return sooner than later

Thank you for bringing me here

Thank you for being the one to wipe away my tears

Thank you for being the one to bring the biggest smile to my face

Thank you that I get this chance

Thank you that you knew my heart and its details so well

Pauanui Equals Beauty

Said from native Kiwi's to be one of the most beautiful places on the islands. Kris and I had a chance to go with the host family we are staying with currently in Auckland to their beach house in Pauanui. It is located about an hour and a half east of Auckland. Their house; located directly on the water. One of those places you read about in travel magazines; you look over the picture for a minute, close your eyes and take a deep breath picturing yourself there...I caught myself doing this a few times, only to open my eyes to the real thing; and thanking God that I was there. Kris and I every now and again would smile and ask each other "Where are you?" the the other would respond with a smile "New Zealand". It was as though neither of us could believe that we were here and actually doing what we set out to do.

In such a short amount of time we are both believing we are here with a purpose and that everything we are doing and each conversation has a reason behind it. The last night we had at Pauanui the LORD gave me great courage in a conversation with 4 older adults. We got into a conversation about world politics, end times, and several other deeper topics. I told Kris after the conversation that normally I would be scared out of my mind in conversations like that; as feeling a bit out numbered. But the incredible thing was that these adults who are 30+ years older than me took in everything I had to say and believed it to some extent. I know over time the LORD is going to create a boldness within me like I have never known. That even when I believe I have no words to share He will give me the right words to share. He will use me to get His point across. We serve an incredible God; who wants nothing more than His children to come to know Him, believe in Him, and live out the life He has called us to. I know for Kris and I this is just the beginning for us, but oh the places we will go, the people we will meet, the encounters we will have along this journey are bound to be some of the most fantastic we have ever had before.

You are all in my thoughts. I miss you, but know, just as I know I am supposed to be here, you are supposed to be where you are. Thank you for your prayers and kind thoughts. They are felt and received even from many miles away.

With blessings and love,
h

A Day in Auckland

It has been almost 48 hours since setting foot into New Zealand and already I am blown away by the LORD's timing and provision. Even in a such short amount of time I have found myself feeling myself. Given there is quite a bit more traveling to be done before getting settled, but the journey up to this point has been fantastic.

Today Kris and I had the chance to go into downtown Auckland. Great city located on the water. (Fun fact: the farthest point from ocean water you will get is 2 hours!) We caught a bus into town and began to explore our way around the city. We ended up going back to the location of a meeting I had yesterday. When we got up there we ran into a friend we made on the bus coming from the airport. His name is Phil and he is from UK, really nice guy. So we ended up spending the day wandering around with Phil our new friend. I found the public transportation quite easy and I told Kris on our ride home that I did not think I would miss driving too much...only on those days were I just wished to get in a car and go for a drive! :)

In these few short ours of being here God has already answered dozens of prayers. One major one being the fact that I was afraid that I should shut down a part of myself and not make friends. I know many of you who know me think this is silly, but truly it was a fear. But when I think about my fears and place them before God I took think they can be quite silly. For all I can see and believe the LORD knew long ago that I would be standing here 10,000 miles away from home, but along the way has been preparing and equipping me for this time as well. What an incredible God we serve. He truly does deserve the praise given to Him in revelation. And alas even though I may not be up there with the ten thousands of angels I am given the opportunity to praise from here...a little island that so desperately needs to know Him. I am humbled at the fact that He chose me. What a gift I have been given.

You are all in my thoughts and prayers. May the LORD be with you...no matter where you are on this world.

With Love,
h