Time for Teams

I guess I should start from the point that most people will have been waiting to hear… Where will I be going? To put it simply EVERYWHERE, I’m going to be part of the National traveling team and we will be going ALL over Australia from Brisbane to Perth to Darwin and lots of places in between, we will drive all across this nation in a 12 man van.

Before leaving I know I said I wanted to be based, I simply HAD to be on a local team and in all reality I stood a pretty good chance. I mean there are eight teams and only ONE is travelling, statistically speaking I had a very good chance of getting my way. But God doesn’t go by the statistics. Growing up I used to get very homesick and I’m still completely opposed to change, Mum suggested moving the place where the Christmas tree is ALWAYS located this year and I simply couldn’t handle it, when the pictures around home change I find it distressing, needless to say this will be a year of challenge for me. However even in my desire to be based God worked through me and my heart align with his, for it is His ways that I desire, this is something I will always be sure of. Within a few days of arriving on training, which began with a weeklong retreat for us, God changed my heart. I never made a choice I never dwelt on it for too long, my only prayer was “Your will be done Lord, this year is for you” I knew very quickly that I would be on the National team, God had placed it on my heart without my even knowing and I was ok with that. It didn’t frighten me, in fact it gave me a great sense of peace. My new fear was no longer “Oh no what if I’m put on the National team” but rather “What if I’m not” for I knew that it is what God planned for me and I just had to hope that the staff realised that too. This isn’t to sound presumptuous or stuck up, but to simply share with you my mind and heart so far. Thankfully the God gave the staff the same message and put me on the “Natty” team, all teams were announced on Monday 23^rd so at this point I’ve had some time to get to know my team on a deeper level. I was lucky enough to be put on team with one girl who I initially met at “The Beat” music school and who was then in my small group all throughout our retreat period and had quickly become one of my closest friends here, in saying that however ALL my team is amazing and I can’t wait to get to know them all on a deeper more intimate level. The National team consist of 11 people 5 girls and 6 guys. We still have quite some time here at Peregian (Peru-gee-in) the township where training is but I’m very excited to start ministry with these people.

All other news, in my opinion, seems to pale in contrast with team announcements but for a brief recap: it has rained almost solidly since arriving on training (which is very odd or so I’m told, so I think I brought the BOP weather with me) kangaroo’s casually hop around the property (no joke, although you can’t pat them cause they’re dangerous but they make great photo opps) we have had a week of retreat and getting to know each other (which has been the most blessed, fruitful, amazing, challenging time of my life) we have visited Noosa and a bunch of other beach side towns, played sport, laughed, cried, joked around a lot. NET training thus far has been so awesome and so difficult, praise God.

 PS check Facebook for photos! xx

 AMDG

Aussie Update

Australia, the land of baby eating dingoes and a vast array of deadly spiders and snakes is surprisingly not as inhospitable as it sounds. I have patted a dingo and no young children were harmed in the process and even a snake and lived to tell the tale. At this point I have just finished my time at “The Beat” music school which was amazing but also stretched my musical ability and forced me out of my comfort zone. We had numerous “hands” workshops in which we focused on our particular instrument, which for me was acoustic guitar along with this I also took a lesson on how to put psalms to music for mass, how to lead worship and had the chance to play in a band. During our time at “Beat” we also had an event called “Heartbeat” which for those of you who have been to “Setfree” or participated in a “FOP” it was a similar experience to this; it was held on the Sunday night and was an amazing experience of praise and prayer.

Aside from the hands on side of music training there is also definitely a social aspect, there were 20 some “netters” at “beat” and it has been so awesome getting to know them, along with some of the staff. I went to “Lone Park Koala Sanctuary” in which I saw PLENTY of koalas, patted a dingo, kangaroo, snake and a lizard the size of me forearm it was so much fun to play the tourist and take in some good old Australian wildlife. Tomorrow (Wednesday 11^th) I will be going into Brisbane city with of a few other “Netters” and we hope to go to Southbank which is a manmade beach as well as taking in the sights and sounds of the city. For the duration of music training I have been staying with a host family which already has four children, a very big change from my life as an only child but they are all so lovely and kind I was also lucky enough to be put with Katrina so she and I are staying together at the same host family. As of today (Tuesday 10^th) I have two days off and then orientation and on Saturday will be heading off to begin the actual five week training. At this point the hottest day we’ve had got up to 40*c but luckily it’s a FAR drier heat than NZ so I can maintain my straightened hair, which is such a blessing!!

Today (Friday 13^th) was our orientation it was so much fun to meet everyone who will become my brothers and sisters for the next year, a big change from being an only child! Tomorrow (Saturday 14^th)  we are driving to where we will be having training for the next five weeks all the locals say it’s absolutely beautiful but I shall have to wait and see, as I have high expectations coming from NZ which is debatably the best country in the world, although I’m biased.

I am having such an awesome time with incredible people, well that’s about it for now, all the best and hang tight for the next update as I think my access to internet will be even less than it had been but I WILL update you when I can promise!

I love you all so much and am having such a fantastic time in Australia, I am truly blessed.

AMDG

PS. Please note I wrote this in advance of the date I was able to publish it because internet is scarce so I never know when or if I’ll be able to post. Also When I am able I will post pictures on my Facebook page but that may not be for quite some time yet but I will do my best.  Lastly please excuse the mismatch of dates this post was written at different times.

so long farewell auf wiedersehen goodbye

Tonight is my final night here in NZ before I depart for NET Australia tommorow. I am filled with mixed emotions but regardless of how I currently feel I know it will be an adventure that will change my life and that God knows what he's doing with me. I wish I had time to write a long message but I really don't I left my packing a little to long and now I'm a bit stressed, but that's just me forever a procrastinator.

To my friends I love you all very much and please pray for me, I promise I'll be praying for all you NZ'ers and of course my non kiwi friends too.

I will do my best to keep this updated with what's going on in my life, with my thoughts, madness and ministry. However please be patient as I don't know how much internet access I will have, especially during training but I promise an update will happen as soon as I can manage.

That's about it, off to start a new adventure and God help me.

AMDG