My computer is fixed! I'm back in business. :)
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Friday, October 26, 2007
Sunday, October 21, 2007
CJ
Alrighty, so aside from my computer issues, I've been having a great time here in New Zealand. Last weekend I went to Mt Ruapehu which is about 4 hours from here I think. It's right next to Mt Ngauruhoe (aka Mt Doom in Lord of the Rings).
Friday after work, Fetu came and picked Steph and me up at the house. We knew he was borrowing his work van, but I know I was not expecting the sight I saw when we peeked through the blinds. Wait till I post a picture of this monster....people were literally staring at us as we were driving. Ha ha. We got down there at around 2am I think and woke up quite early to hit the slopes. I was actually going to ski, but the visibility was quite poor. Not only that, but I knew Paulline and John were going to get engaged so I wanted to spend some time with them. A few people did end up skiing, but the rest of us rented sleds and went sledding. This sledding was unlike anything. I was FLYING down the hill a lot faster than I thought I would be. Steph even knocked some kids down. It was so awesome though.
Steph and I later took the ski lift up to go sightseeing and for the first 20 seconds we were up there it was clear...and then visibility was poor again. I managed to snap a couple of shots in those few seconds, but the best part was that when we got to the top, Steph and I had this 45 minute conversation about God that just made the whole weekend complete. It's just amazing...sitting in such a beautiful place, looking at the snow and talking about the most important thing in my life.
That night, all of us went out to dinner while Paulline and John went on a "special" date (where he proposed :)!) and we played pictionary the rest of the night waiting for them to come back. Paulline's ring is beautiful and she looked absolutely amazing. I am so excited for them, and to make things even better, they're thinking of getting married in May so I might not have to miss the wedding!
On Sunday, we had a special communion in our motel room before we checked out. On the way back, we stopped at Huka Falls (pictures to follow sometime in the future haha) and this small town to have lunch. It was just such a nice weekend to get away. I do wish there were more single women here, but I really enjoy being a part of this singles ministry.
This weekend has been an interesting one as well. Friday I finished this incredible book I was reading. 600 pages in about 3 days...I couldn't put it down! It might not sound like an exciting Friday, but if you knew about the crazy week I'd had at work, you would understand. Anyway, on Saturday I was supposed to go to the luge, but life happened and instead I went and saw Rush Hour 3. Now, I really don't enjoy paying $14 for a movie here, but I felt like this one was totally worth it. I laughed so hard my cheeks hurt when I left. Too funny...
Today I went to church and met this guy from South Africa. I was so excited I ran up to him and asked how long he's been a disciple and he said 12 years. I was really hoping he knew Ron and Lavonia, but he had only heard of them. Sigh...it was still cool hearing about how he's moved here and gotten a job in publishing though. Lol.
Tonight we had some people over for a BBQ and I was able to chat with Paulline quite a bit. I love having time with her. She really amazes me and I'm just so glad to have someone like her in my life. I feel like I can tell her anything. She's just so kind and compassionate and really has an amazing heart for God.
This next thought might come as a shock to some of you back home, but I'm nervous and excited and want to share my thoughts. I came here on a mission. I told God I will serve the church in whatever way possible...and I see a need. I want to help with the teen girls. There's only about 4-5 of them, but I'm the closest in age to them. I want to help. I never saw myself becoming a teen leader or anything like that, but I want to be their friend and be available if they need someone to talk to. The thought of helping terrifies me because I've never seen myself as a great leader, but I just keep being drawn back to this time and again. Paulline and I were able to discuss it and I'm meeting with the woman who used to lead the teens on Thursday to start planning a sleepover and lesson with them.
In all honesty, it's easy to become lukewarm while being abroad. I have my goals...places I want to go, things I want to see and do, but where is God is all of that? I came here with the intention to serve and I don't want to let Him down. I can't explain it...I can only hope for your support, prayers and love while I am abroad. Maybe the teens don't need me...maybe I need them more - they're youth and child-like hearts. I'm about to turn 24 and have never been so confused about as I am now. It goes by too fast and I don't want to be selfish. I want to imitate Jesus in every way and I feel He wants me to learn something from all of this. I don't always understand His plans, but He truly is amazing.
Tomorrow I am going to the beach for a BBQ with the church. It's Labour Day here so no work!
It's also what would have been Heather's 21st birthday tomorrow. Some of my old sorority sisters are throwing her a birthday party back home and while I wish I could be there, I plan to keep Heather in my thoughts tomorrow...then again, she's in my thoughts everyday. Oh Heather...I will never understand, but my heart aches for you and the pain you must have felt. I wish I could have a Sonic's drink in memory of her tomorrow. It might not make sense to some that I still hurt and cry over her death. It still feels like yesterday...the sobs and the weeping, things and emotions I'd never experienced before. I wish she knew how much I'd cared...
I suppose I should try to get some sleep now. I knew I needed to update everyone on what's been going on in my life, I just wish I could actually post some pictures. And so I now leave you with a quote I received from someone recently.
"Life is too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so love the people who treat you right, forget about the ones who don't, and believe that everything happens for a reason. If you get a chance, take it. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said life would be easy, they just promised it would be worth it." ----Harvey Mackay
Friday after work, Fetu came and picked Steph and me up at the house. We knew he was borrowing his work van, but I know I was not expecting the sight I saw when we peeked through the blinds. Wait till I post a picture of this monster....people were literally staring at us as we were driving. Ha ha. We got down there at around 2am I think and woke up quite early to hit the slopes. I was actually going to ski, but the visibility was quite poor. Not only that, but I knew Paulline and John were going to get engaged so I wanted to spend some time with them. A few people did end up skiing, but the rest of us rented sleds and went sledding. This sledding was unlike anything. I was FLYING down the hill a lot faster than I thought I would be. Steph even knocked some kids down. It was so awesome though.
Steph and I later took the ski lift up to go sightseeing and for the first 20 seconds we were up there it was clear...and then visibility was poor again. I managed to snap a couple of shots in those few seconds, but the best part was that when we got to the top, Steph and I had this 45 minute conversation about God that just made the whole weekend complete. It's just amazing...sitting in such a beautiful place, looking at the snow and talking about the most important thing in my life.
That night, all of us went out to dinner while Paulline and John went on a "special" date (where he proposed :)!) and we played pictionary the rest of the night waiting for them to come back. Paulline's ring is beautiful and she looked absolutely amazing. I am so excited for them, and to make things even better, they're thinking of getting married in May so I might not have to miss the wedding!
On Sunday, we had a special communion in our motel room before we checked out. On the way back, we stopped at Huka Falls (pictures to follow sometime in the future haha) and this small town to have lunch. It was just such a nice weekend to get away. I do wish there were more single women here, but I really enjoy being a part of this singles ministry.
This weekend has been an interesting one as well. Friday I finished this incredible book I was reading. 600 pages in about 3 days...I couldn't put it down! It might not sound like an exciting Friday, but if you knew about the crazy week I'd had at work, you would understand. Anyway, on Saturday I was supposed to go to the luge, but life happened and instead I went and saw Rush Hour 3. Now, I really don't enjoy paying $14 for a movie here, but I felt like this one was totally worth it. I laughed so hard my cheeks hurt when I left. Too funny...
Today I went to church and met this guy from South Africa. I was so excited I ran up to him and asked how long he's been a disciple and he said 12 years. I was really hoping he knew Ron and Lavonia, but he had only heard of them. Sigh...it was still cool hearing about how he's moved here and gotten a job in publishing though. Lol.
Tonight we had some people over for a BBQ and I was able to chat with Paulline quite a bit. I love having time with her. She really amazes me and I'm just so glad to have someone like her in my life. I feel like I can tell her anything. She's just so kind and compassionate and really has an amazing heart for God.
This next thought might come as a shock to some of you back home, but I'm nervous and excited and want to share my thoughts. I came here on a mission. I told God I will serve the church in whatever way possible...and I see a need. I want to help with the teen girls. There's only about 4-5 of them, but I'm the closest in age to them. I want to help. I never saw myself becoming a teen leader or anything like that, but I want to be their friend and be available if they need someone to talk to. The thought of helping terrifies me because I've never seen myself as a great leader, but I just keep being drawn back to this time and again. Paulline and I were able to discuss it and I'm meeting with the woman who used to lead the teens on Thursday to start planning a sleepover and lesson with them.
In all honesty, it's easy to become lukewarm while being abroad. I have my goals...places I want to go, things I want to see and do, but where is God is all of that? I came here with the intention to serve and I don't want to let Him down. I can't explain it...I can only hope for your support, prayers and love while I am abroad. Maybe the teens don't need me...maybe I need them more - they're youth and child-like hearts. I'm about to turn 24 and have never been so confused about as I am now. It goes by too fast and I don't want to be selfish. I want to imitate Jesus in every way and I feel He wants me to learn something from all of this. I don't always understand His plans, but He truly is amazing.
Tomorrow I am going to the beach for a BBQ with the church. It's Labour Day here so no work!
It's also what would have been Heather's 21st birthday tomorrow. Some of my old sorority sisters are throwing her a birthday party back home and while I wish I could be there, I plan to keep Heather in my thoughts tomorrow...then again, she's in my thoughts everyday. Oh Heather...I will never understand, but my heart aches for you and the pain you must have felt. I wish I could have a Sonic's drink in memory of her tomorrow. It might not make sense to some that I still hurt and cry over her death. It still feels like yesterday...the sobs and the weeping, things and emotions I'd never experienced before. I wish she knew how much I'd cared...
I suppose I should try to get some sleep now. I knew I needed to update everyone on what's been going on in my life, I just wish I could actually post some pictures. And so I now leave you with a quote I received from someone recently.
"Life is too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so love the people who treat you right, forget about the ones who don't, and believe that everything happens for a reason. If you get a chance, take it. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said life would be easy, they just promised it would be worth it." ----Harvey Mackay
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Why do fire extinguishers weigh so much?
My computer is still broken. The HDD is failing so they've ordered new parts. It's only a little over a year old, so hopefully most of it will be covered under warranty. Anyway, it's a complete bummer to be without my mini laptop, but I'm hoping they will get it fixed and sent back to me SOON! At any rate, I miss you all and hope to catch up this week. :)
Sunday, October 14, 2007
I can't hear you when you push the button
My computer is currently broken and I'm having to take it someplace to have it looked at. I will try to update soon! I have so many pics I want to put up. :)
Thursday, October 4, 2007
You stole my FUNDA!
For anyone who is wondering why I haven't been keeping in touch, it's been rather busy...and my computer crashed. Someone was able to fix it but it's still not working as well as it should. Hopefully this weekend another person can have a look at it.
Life's been going well here in Auckland. I went to Rotorua last weekend with Walter and Stephanie and had such a great time...I really can't wait to go back. We started our Saturday off getting up early since it was a three hour drive. On the way there, we stopped at this candy store called Candyland. Wait till you see the pictures. After that, we went zorbing...or rather, Walter and I did. Stephanie did a fantastic job taping it though. Zorbing is this giant plastic ball you get in to with water in it...then they roll you down this huge hill. It was so much fun. I will try to post the video but seeing as how my computer is under the weather, that might have to wait. We also went to a park and then ended the day at a Polynesian Spa. It was such a great day. Rotorua is my new favorite place. :)
Other than that, I've just been working and thinking about my spirituality. The other night I actually had a dream about two people who used to be a part of my life. I was so angry at them in my dream that when I woke up, I was sad that I felt that way. I know there will always be people who come and go out of my life, but I never expected it to be them. I think what bothers me the most is that I still care. Honestly, I don't want to care. Everything in me wants to forget one of them was ever part of my life...yet that is impossible.
I think the reason I'm so angry about it is that they don't care. They haven't in such a long time and I wish I could be just like that. Ignore the past, focus on the future and not acknowledge what those friendships once were. Unfortunately I don't operate that way. I am a complicated individual and I can't get over this. I know this must be getting so old to the people who have heard me struggle with this over the past year, but it still haunts me. I never wanted to give up. I felt like I did everything I could...and yet, I'm the only one left caring. I'm a disciple of Christ and wish I could face my Judas the way Jesus did.
Jesus is truly amazing, eh? He washed Judas' feet knowing full well he was to betray him. How do I learn to wash the feet of those who hurt me and love them despite the ways I've been treated? I didn't come to New Zealand planning to struggle with this...actually I never planned for this past year to be the way it was, but God has taught me a great deal.
All I can say is that while I never wanted to spend my time abroad thinking of the problems I left behind, God wants me to face them...why else would I be dreaming about them? As frustrating as it is, I want to get past all this. What would happen if I had to face my Judas again? I have a year to heal, a year to mourn, a year to forgive and learn to love again...and I must succeed. Life is too short and I will have to face God one day. I don't want to hurt him and I obviously want to go to heaven. I'm even annoyed that I've written this blog, that I still waste time thinking about this situation, but there's something I haven't learned yet.
If only I could figure it out...
Prayer. Patience. Persistence.
I feel like such a loser. I wish I didn't care. Yet I do. Sigh.
Life's been going well here in Auckland. I went to Rotorua last weekend with Walter and Stephanie and had such a great time...I really can't wait to go back. We started our Saturday off getting up early since it was a three hour drive. On the way there, we stopped at this candy store called Candyland. Wait till you see the pictures. After that, we went zorbing...or rather, Walter and I did. Stephanie did a fantastic job taping it though. Zorbing is this giant plastic ball you get in to with water in it...then they roll you down this huge hill. It was so much fun. I will try to post the video but seeing as how my computer is under the weather, that might have to wait. We also went to a park and then ended the day at a Polynesian Spa. It was such a great day. Rotorua is my new favorite place. :)
Other than that, I've just been working and thinking about my spirituality. The other night I actually had a dream about two people who used to be a part of my life. I was so angry at them in my dream that when I woke up, I was sad that I felt that way. I know there will always be people who come and go out of my life, but I never expected it to be them. I think what bothers me the most is that I still care. Honestly, I don't want to care. Everything in me wants to forget one of them was ever part of my life...yet that is impossible.
I think the reason I'm so angry about it is that they don't care. They haven't in such a long time and I wish I could be just like that. Ignore the past, focus on the future and not acknowledge what those friendships once were. Unfortunately I don't operate that way. I am a complicated individual and I can't get over this. I know this must be getting so old to the people who have heard me struggle with this over the past year, but it still haunts me. I never wanted to give up. I felt like I did everything I could...and yet, I'm the only one left caring. I'm a disciple of Christ and wish I could face my Judas the way Jesus did.
Jesus is truly amazing, eh? He washed Judas' feet knowing full well he was to betray him. How do I learn to wash the feet of those who hurt me and love them despite the ways I've been treated? I didn't come to New Zealand planning to struggle with this...actually I never planned for this past year to be the way it was, but God has taught me a great deal.
All I can say is that while I never wanted to spend my time abroad thinking of the problems I left behind, God wants me to face them...why else would I be dreaming about them? As frustrating as it is, I want to get past all this. What would happen if I had to face my Judas again? I have a year to heal, a year to mourn, a year to forgive and learn to love again...and I must succeed. Life is too short and I will have to face God one day. I don't want to hurt him and I obviously want to go to heaven. I'm even annoyed that I've written this blog, that I still waste time thinking about this situation, but there's something I haven't learned yet.
If only I could figure it out...
Prayer. Patience. Persistence.
I feel like such a loser. I wish I didn't care. Yet I do. Sigh.
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