I can’t believe tomorrow I leave New Zealand! Honestly, I don’t know where the time went. We’ve created lasting memories here and I will truly miss the serenity and beauty of this place. I will also miss the people, culture, ease of life, tea breaks, the trees, the mountains, the flowers, the ocean and the weather just to name a few specifics…
This month I was shown the importance of slowing down and enjoying life as it comes. We worked hard and we played hard. We invested not only in our teammates, but in the people of New Zealand. Our friendships won’t soon be forgotten, but I’ve started to realize that it will only get harder and harder as we continue to travel to new places and meet more people. God has placed these people in our lives, rather–these BLESSINGS–in our life for “such a time as this.” During this month I have felt times of complete rest and of complete exhaustion. I am thankful for both. I’ve laughed so much this month, and cried some too. I know if I’m ever given the opportunity again, I will return to New Zealand.
Now, I want to catch you up on last week’s ministry too. When I say we worked hard, I wasn’t kidding. The group of World Racers that were here in Wakenai, which was about 20 of us, served on kitchen and cleaning crews. What crew was I on you ask?
The “Poo-Crew”
My team (Danny, Megan, Kelly, Lana & I) worked with Sam McAllister (wonderful man & head custodian) at El Rancho, cleaning all the camps bathrooms twice a day that were used by 700+ people…It was a humbling job and I was thankful to do it. As Rob, the camp director put it, “You’re never closer to Jesus than when you’re cleaning toilets.” Amen. We were reminded to take the time to seek out the Lord during our everyday tasks. Where will you find your joy today? If this was all you did the rest of your life, how would you make it edifying to Jesus? I was so thankful for this job because twice a day I had concentrated time to think and pray. How do I seek God out in my day-to-day routine? Sure, some days I just put in my ipod and got to work, but other days were for just talking with my Father. The cool thing is, He meets you wherever you are, whatever you’re doing.
