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! =)