Our first
month on the road has come to an end; we say our goodbyes and leave in less
than a day. But Australia is just around the corner, where we get to experience
a new culture, a new beauty, learn new facts and experience our firsts in
Australia.
I would
like to give you an overview of New Zealand and the experience here:
What I
learned about this island:
Pictures of New Zealand do not do justice, the greens are brighter, the blues
are more radiant and everything you see or experience is glowing with beauty.
Everywhere I went I stood in amazement at the creation of this country. Every day the clouds had new stories to tell
and the land new mysteries to find. The roads all leading in different
directions going all over the place, spiralling through the fields, up and
down, you never knew what was next. And yes sheep and cow eating the grass free
to do what they wanted.
What I
learned about the people of New Zealand:
Every person has a story to tell, a beauty they hold in their heart and a love
they want to give. This country is full of zeal, compassion, a passion to go
deep, love deep, serve and give from the center of who they are. If you listen, they will talk; if you give
time to your neighbour they are seeking for love and someone to show them hope.
What I
learned about myself:
Through learning about this culture, this beauty here- I am only more in love
with God. I love to see new places and enjoy new adventures. I will try to
experience everything I can (ex, swimming in a clear blue ocean, running
through the fields, driving on the left side, trying new food, swimming in a
waterfall – all for my first time) this leads me to a new gratitude and joy of
thanksgiving. I get joy is new things. I
am eager to see what is next but am so thankful for what was- I know each
experience and adventure before me, changes me, my outlook, and brings me to a
new knowledge of God. Why not rejoice in the small things and be joyful at all
times.
Some
memorable moments and learning curves:
*Walking on the
beach for my first time -a smile so big, a joy inside yearning to be expressed
it was the realization I was doing this thing, the race. It was beginning of
the adventure of travelling and serving others around the world. Water is my
place of reflection; of sitting at peace and knowing I am in the right
place. Digging a whole and burring one
of my teammates, watching a child play with their dad, being a child filled
with the innocence of joy
* Hearing children pray in Sunday school, listening to groups worship our God
in one accord, watching people pray with compassion on their knees as tears
come down. Seeing peace surround a
daughter of God and rejoicing with someone over healing, over new knowledge of
the Lord.
* having a new sense of patience and peace personally – my tent pole snapped on
me one night, waking up in a puddle of water. I was not frustration, but rather
found it quite interesting, filled with laughter and a peace that God would
provide. It was all worked out and
victory was had. I realized tent living is not bad, my own space.
*Learning about servant hood, as we served a church- Learning how to keep a
heart of praise to God, and thankfulness when I was tired or frustrated.
Some
more fun facts:
Ketchup here is
just plain tomato sauce
Gas here is called Petrol
The ten cent coin looks like our pennies
It is not weird for someone to walk around bare foot (ex, grocery store) and
for men to wear skirts.
Everyone is called a Kiwi – which is also a fruit and bird.
If you were to buy one thing that represents this country it would be the jade
stone
One month
has almost passed and already so much has been learned, how will I ever keep
up? Hope you have enjoyed this month
with me and continue to follow me over the next month- so much more to learn.
Please
pray for the next month in Australia (they are known for some poisonous bugs)
so please pray for healthy bodies, growth in our team and that we can bring Joy
and encouragement to this aboriginal ministry we will be investing with over
the next month.
My prayer
for you is the vision statement of the local church here, which
explains my passion for each of you:
I accept you for who you are, but I love you too much to leave you where you
are. I desire that you would come to a point of change. Life change is an
ongoing process, which everybody is encouraged to that part in. May you desire change and be inspired each day
in life.
Charlotte
Clark
