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