News from New Zealand

      Lots of new things happening since my last post...the earth is shaking folks! The Northeast coast of Japan is in ruins with the death toll rising after their 9.0 quake and tsunami. Our group has dedicated a lot of prayer to the victims and I really feel like God can take advantage of these broken countries (New Zealand and Japan)  and rebuild them with a solid Christian foundation. Please keep praying for these nations!! We continue to spend time in Christchurch, NZ helping people clean up silt, move debris, and basically just spend time hearing their stories. I've found that most everyone I've come in contact with just wants to talk, a chance to tell their story...I love having these conversations; it reminds me of being in the hospital hearing patients tell me how they met their spouse, about their family etc. I LOVE IT!
     On another note I found out where I will spend my three month outreach phase of this journey...Africa!    I'm a mix between excited and nervous to work with an oppressed population; if you know me, you know I'm somewhat emotional and what breaks the Lord's heart will break mine I'm sure of it. It's better than the alternative I guess and I've come to grips with my tears because it's how I express the love I feel from the Holy Spirit. It's a good thing!
     New Zealand seems to get more beautiful everyday. A couple weekends ago we journeyed to Castle Hill (where they filmed the final battle scene in The Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe). A team of us entered into a bouldering contest, which basically meant we had a day to roam the rocks and free climb! We didn't come close to winning the contest, but we had a great time anyway! Last weekend for an activity we traveled to Kaikora to try our hands at surfing. It was a bit chilly and the ocean was anything but calm. The only things I accomplished were 1. swallowing salt water and 2. crashing into the rocky beach. I'm not defeated however and I may give it another shot this weekend. Pray for me =)

                                         Castle Hill

                                          Kaikora

    

      Lectures each week have been emotionally challenging and yet so exciting. We've talked a lot about sin, repentance, and forgiveness as well as the Father heart of God. I can't even put into this blog how significant these lectures have been so when you see me next you'll have to ask me all about it! It has been awesome for me to hear again that I don't have to do anything to receive the love of the Father--We don't have to attend 52 prayer meetings and check them off our list of things to do to be a good Christian. The only thing we need to do is seek his face and open our hearts to receive his love! Chew on that people! =)

Here we go!!

      Picture this: I have my schoolbag loaded up and on my back, water bottle filled,  J-Rocks Auto Glass pen locked and loaded, and I'm patiently waiting to head into Day 1 of lecture here on the YWAM base. That was me this morning; and how great it was/is to have the feeling of embarking on a new learning experience, one that will bring me so much closer to the Lord.
     Prior to the official start of school we have had some time to relax and adjust to living a day ahead of you all. If you've ever gone to summer camp or experienced college orientation then you understand the first day awkwardness of meeting a bunch of strangers that you'll live with for a period of time. The main difference between those examples and this experience is that everyone is here for the same reason--to know God and make Him known (YWAM motto); that fact alone erases a lot of uneasiness because we already have something in common with each other! Another great thing is that most everyone shares a love of the outdoors and this makes the setting of this school that much better. Oxford is set in the foothills of the Southern Alps on the Southern Island of New Zealand and it is beautiful!

The view from a walk to base.

This quaint little park has the best view

Ashley's Gorge

**We'll do much more exploring of New Zealand on the weekends so stay tuned for pictures.

      We learned a brief history of YWAM yesterday and one of the most refreshing, encouraging nuggets that hit me was that some things never change.  Since 1960 people of all ages have gone out to the nations with YWAM to love people and spread the news of Jesus...and you know what's changed in the last 50 years? Nothing--YWAM is still doing just that! I'm so happy to be a part of an organization that has changed so many lives.

      This weekend we'll go into Christchurch to help with disaster relief..from what I understand we'll be shoveling silt and visiting with victims of the quake. I'm hoping to put some of my nursing skills to use as well. It is hard to imagine what these people have come through and the long road they will have to travel to rebuild their city. I know some of the citizens must be wondering where was God in all of this and really it's hard to give an answer. What I do know is that God's heart is breaking for them and the world's eye is on Christchurch; millions of people are praying for the city and it's residents--the mayor even went on public TV to tell people to seek refuge in the church and in prayer. I also know that there were hundreds of physicians attending a conference in the city when the quake hit and they were able to provide medical attention to so many...that right there is a blessing and proof that God wants nothing but good things for Christchurch. Please continue to pray for those still missing and those that have lost loved ones! I'll post some pictures after the weekend so you can get a taste of the destruction and cleaning process.

Until then, Much Love!

-Becky