Blessed

Sometimes I go to write a blog and think, “I have nothing to write, why would anyone read this.”

This is definitely one of those times! I have already mentioned in previous blogs how fast time is going, and how beautiful New Zealand is. I have already mentioned the Lord’s faithfulness and how amazing He is. So what else do I write??

A little over a week ago I moved into a new house! I am now living in the country again and absolutely loving it! It’s so nice to have animals around and to have green hills and paddocks everywhere I look. I love going on walks and just soaking in the green all around me!  I am so thankful for all the families that have taken me in and made me feel at home here. I will never be able to truly tell them how blessed I am. Please pray a special blessing on all the families that have made me feel a part of their family.

New Room

Enjoying the green rolling hills

Beauty of His creation

 As my time in New Zealand is quickly winding down, I am trying to make the most of everyday and enjoy every moment that I get with people. I am trying not to close myself off and shield myself from the pain that comes with saying goodbye, and instead trying to make the most of every moment! The goodbyes will be hard but hopefully the memories will outweigh them!

Don't want to say good bye

Shabbat with the Foote Family

I have the amazing opportunity to celebrate Shabbat with the Foote family last week! I love this family so much and truly enjoyed the night. The day before I went to Hannah’s house and got to play with her kids! They are so cute and fun!

Saturday I went to the Northland Rugby game! YAY! We won! The last game I went to we lost really bad so I was expecting to lose but the boys played really well and won! Super exciting! The All Blacks won against Australia as well so that was exciting to watch on TV!

waiting for cows to cross the Road and looking at a beautiful rainbow

The Promise

 

I love when it’s raining and I can look up in the sky and see the beautiful colors of a rainbow! Rainbows are kind of funny things I suppose. In the midst of a storm the littlest sunshine can peak through and create such vibrant color in the sky. I love them so much and it will be one thing I miss a lot when I am back in America! We have so many rainbows in New Zealand.

 To me Rainbows are always a welcome reminder that God is faithful to His promises especially to provide and take care of us! Every time I see a rainbow it’s like it was placed there just for me and God is whispering “I Promise.” It makes me so happy!

I look in Genesis about after the flood and see the Lord putting it there as a sign to people that He would not destroy the world again with water! Genesis 9:14-15 It shall be, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the rainbow shall be seen in the cloud;  and I will remember My covenant which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh; the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh.

He promises that the waters and the storms will not destroy us. Every time I look at a rainbow I am reminded of that promise. No matter how terrible a trial may seem and how strong the rains the Lord will not allow it to destroy me. I know that the Rainbow is there as a reminder of His love and His promise to me.

I hope that the next time you see a rainbow you are reminded of His love and Promises for you as well! Even if that rainbow is on a flag, picture, or in the sky.

Never Doubt the Lord will Provide!

It seems like every time I blink another couple of weeks have passed. It seems since returning to New Zealand time has sped up drastically and I am running out of time here. My heart is so sad to being saying goodbye in just a few weeks and I can’t even imagine what my life is going to be like without all these amazing people.

The Lord continues to amaze me and blow me away daily!

Last night at 5pm I got a text that the family I was house sitting for had just arrived in Auckland and would be home in a few hours. I had thought they were coming home on today so naturally I was not ready for them to be back yet and had no where planned to spend the night. Today I was moving to house sit for 4 days but was not starting that until today. I was so stressed and thinking about where I could park my car and sleep in it for the night. Thankfully my friend Amy was able to let me stay at her place! Yet again the Lord provided at the last minute!! So Thankful and reminded of His faithfulness!

Never doubt that God is faithful and that He will provide!

These last couple of weeks has been the start of term. It’s been great getting back into term. This term the girl’s bible study is super exciting! We are covering the book of James and look at having active faith! The first chapter and introduction have been great and I am looking forward to the next few weeks getting more into James especially chapter 3 about the tongue!

While her mom and I played some music she got in the cabinets!

I got to hangout with one the high school girls last week and we found this on the beach!! CRAZY!

 

This weekend I will be moving out to another house (hopefully the last move). Yes, I have moved a lot of times (I think I am up to 11?). I am so thankful for the Collecutt family for allowing me stay with them for my remaining weeks in New Zealand.

(Picture of Ellen's hair from the wedding photographer!)

I did her hair!! I think it turned out pretty good!

As I move all of my stuff to their place I am reminded that somehow I have to pack all of this stuff back up and move it back to the states! I think I will be getting rid of a lot of stuff J

I was able to do the Walk for Hope last Saturday to support an organization that helps girls dealing with self harm, abuse, suicide, addictions and many other things!! It was pouring rain but still the best 5k I have every done! Check out a girl called hope here.

 

 

Please continue to pray for my remaining weeks here! Pray that the Lord prepares me for what is next and that I will make the most of every moment that I have here!

Please pray for the girl’s bible study this term that we would all grow and hear from the Lord

Please pray for our Tonga trip as it comes on October 7. Pray for open hearts and opportunities to serve and share the Lord with those in Tonga

Rotorua, zoo, and new term

So this month I am house sitting for a family that has gone to England! Their house is lovely and I am enjoying it very much! There are so many beautiful places near by to walk and I am enjoying being back in New Zealand with all the beautiful scenery! 

My running spot!

Last week I was able to go down to Rotorua for a few days and just relax and visit with people down there. It was such a nice holiday and way to prepare for the new term.

The ranch where the bible college is at has some fun animals!

The lake near the ranch that I walked to every morning to spend time in prayer

Rotorua has hot pools and steam everywhere!

Went for a walk around the redwoods with Jebraun! So blessed to spend time with her!

Went to see the volcano and buried village with Gwen Walsh! She is amazing I am was so encouraged talking with her!

While in Rotorua I was able to lead worship and speak with a group of teen girls that were leaders at a camp! It was great to share what The Lord has taught me and encourage them to follow The Lord with all their hearts!

On the way back from Rotorua I spent the night in Auckland at my friend Emily's house and went to the zoo the next day!

I loved watching all the animals!

Saturday was a big day for whangarei! The bridge that they have talked about forever and been working on forever had its grand opening! I was able to go to the grand opening and enjoyed the celebrations

Flotilla and parade 

Saturday night I went and watched the roller derby! It was so fun! The girls looked to be having so much fun! I would live to do that! (Maybe I will)

And this week was back to normal term! Spca, girls study, hanging out with families and everything else! 

Wed I walked to the waterfalls! 

I am definitely looking forward to this term and making the most of the rest of my time here!!