Besides the “feels like” 100% humidity that bum-rushes you when you step foot outside any door in Darwin, Australia, I feel like I have been living in a strange, uncomfortable spiritual climate this month. There have been rich, rich, rich times of ministry within our newfound relationships here, but also times when I have felt so dry within other relationships. I think because of this I have recently been missing many things from home . . .
SACRIFICE:
1. breakfast on Saturday mornings (usually blueberry pancakes and bacon) with mum and pops.
2. times when my mum would come into my room at the end of the day, sit on my bed and talk about things.
3. Alison, and as she put it today, our seemingly effortless and supernaturally ordained friendship.
4. Watching Austin and Tyler play basketball. I feel like I am missing so much!
5. visiting with Jamie and Jake and his sweet little 3yr old southern accent!
6. sitting in Kyle and Jeremiah’s livingroom surrounded by friends quoting “can I have yer numba” along with other random inside jokes then laughing till my gut hurts.
7. Apex community church and my family there. The sense of being in God’s Presence from the moment I walk through the door.
8. Sunday dinners at Bubbe’s.
9. hugs from Lisa Jackson, Nikki Rose and Allison Garrett every Sunday!
10. SALSA DANCING on Saturday nights!
11. hikes with Ryan, deep conversation and deep exhortation.
12. watching my sister’s basketball games and talking strategy with her. She’s a great coach.
13. Gideon. Maggie Mae. Meischka. and the comfort they bring me.
14. walking in the evenings with Pops and Maggie.
15. ICE . . . in beverages. I especially miss my milk on the rocks.
PRAISE:
1. God has revealed more of his glory to me through the beauty of New Zealand.
2. God has reminded me that he is the Lord of all Nations and given me a glimpse of Heavenly worship in Auckland, New Zealand.
3. The Lord gently reminds me that even though I miss familiarity; when in the middle of it, my heart yearned for something more. Then he says, Kristen you’re now living it.
4. I have 5 teammates that believe in me and speak truth over me every day.
5. Living in community is so hard, but daily I learn a little more about the attitude and mind of Christ, and how to possess it.
6. When I am weak in spirit, God convicts my heart and replaces grumbling with a song or a verse.
7. The voice of God is becoming clearer in my life and he is teaching me how to be confident in sharing when and what he speaks.
8. God sent a wave of grace and mercy into my heart this very day to remind me that he still delights in me; and when my love and affections are prone to wander- he draws me back.
9. God is teaching me what it means to HAVE NO DOUBT! He is teaching me that, I believe Lord, help thou my unbelief! is a worthy prayer to pray and he is patient.
10. God has blessed me with a team wherein I will not always be comfortable, but I will become more like Christ.
11. I have the ability to take a shower twice a day if I wish.
12. Coffee flavored milk is UH-MAZE-ING!! why do we not have this in the states?!
13. God has provided a temporary walking partner in Dot while my pops and I are apart.
14. On Valentine’s day- that dreaded day for all single girls-God directed me to Isaiah 54:5- For your Maker is your husband, the Lord of hosts is his name; and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer, the God of the whole earth he is called. And once again I am reminded that being pursued by the creator of the world is no small matter.
15. God has provided a couple here in Darwin about my parent’s age to act as constant encouragement while I am seperated from them.
16. God is cultivating a life of self-discipline and I am finding success through him!
17. I freakin learned how to gut a pig and butcher it! Who’da thought?! and Pastor Merv simply stated, “I am just adding to your repertoire of necessary missionary skills.” I laughed.
18. God has opened my mind up to new perspectives on missions and is starting to burden my heart for people I had not before thought of ministering to.
19. Through books I have read and research, God is softening my heart towards Muslims and there is a great anticipation rising within me. What could this mean?
20. I wake up everyday and God reminds me that I have this unique opportunity to live out Matthew 28:18-20 and most days I wake up saying, “Seriously, this is my life?! This is nuts!”
forsake their hope of steadfast love.
will sacrifice to you;
what I have vowed I will pay.
Salvation belongs to the LORD!”
my very own life.
