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