The Hard Times

"Aww, we are doing something Courtney" - Juddy

"What's that Juddy." - Courtney

"Well I would rather not tell you and let you find out. Don't worry though!" - Juddy

"Ha, um well, whatever." - Courtney

*An Hour Goes By*

*Lotsa noise from the Pantry*

"What are you doing?" - Mary to Juddy

"They are making a mess." - Courtney

"No, No we are not making a mess yet!" - Juddy

*Another hour goes by*

"OK!!! It's official! We have made a mess!" - Juddy

"Seriously man, I'm glad you finally admitted that!" - Courtney

"So um, the students are back to work on Monday so that means you are going to have someone deep clean all this flour on the pantry floor and shelves right? *in a sheepish way of asking*" - Juddy

"It's fine Juddy you can leave it don't worry. I'll just use the flour for what I'm making since we don't want to let anything go to waste here!" - Courtney 

Yes this is literally the conversations I have with the maintenance crew. Juddy always gives me a hard time, some days I tell you what. Today since it was real rainy this morning they worked indoors. So really with no warning they come in and start making all this noise in the pantry. Oh well after a while they got the door cut out which was real good! I like the sound of a saw when I'm frying my onions. The smell was like a heavenly aroma (weirdness I know). It was a real busy day today for the kitchen I had meetings all day then with the crew of MMM here and the other guys I have to make afternoon tea as well as morning tea. Those guys I tell you what. As long as their bellies are full then I'm happy.
You know one thing that amazes me is how quick it seems to be that God answers my prayers. Example, I prayed that this next season I would be stretched in new ways and that I would be able to learn how to trust more. Well they have both come about, but we have to remember that he doesn't just give them to us but he teaches us how to use the skills and gives opportunities on when to use them! I heard a metaphor yesterday and that was, "You are a tree, in order for you to grow you need fertilizer (I said CRAP) so that you can grow even taller" So in all the crap you are growing although it really sucks at the time! I told her "I don't like growing that is why I'm this tall" Obviously I was kidding but I was just not liking the friction aka growing. It really sucks when you're going through it but if you keep looking to God and keep giving it to him it does get easier! As for the trust stretching I am learning that it's good to trust and when people let you down you have to rise above it because before, I would trust anyone, but when that trust was broke that was pretty much it then, you were done. (I know not good) But God sees everyone's hearts for who they really are, he sees the potential we all have! I know that's amazing! It is hard to break out of the bubble at home though just the routine. When I was in church at home, people joke about changing like it's a bad thing, but the only normal thing we do know is change. We don't realize it, we just go about our day to day like no big deal when things are constantly changing around us. Churches and Christians are the worst when it comes to change, some just think because they are serving God then everything is good and why would we need to change? Although when you change for God then that's the growth that you need to sharpen yourself! I'll be the first to admit I HATE CHANGE!!! I know it's good for me but it sucks when you're going through it! Like the first day of school once that's done then you're fine and looking for the next thing to conquer!
So yes as I continue about my day some days chaotic, I think about many things. It's a season of contentment, I finally know what I am capable of in the kitchen and I know myself better. I heard this quote the other day "Keep your enemies close, that's why I know myself so well." I was like that's a true statement. Although some people don't know themselves at all. Whoever you are, you should  have a date with yourself! Working in the kitchen with Rachel (Juddy's Wife) has been good. We learn a lot from each other which is where the sharpening comes in! So let me just tell you this, she measures everything religiously sticks to the recipe and all is good. Right!? Well along comes me, I think measuring tools are from the devil so I don't measure anything I go by taste and if it looks right. So us cooking together is quite interesting. We have a good laugh, it's funny how different styles of people come about but you get the same result. Oh the joys of how we learn and do.
Dude, so one thing that I am noticing is, I am starting to really talk like a kiwi. (not good) I have such a bad accent that I sound Australian, Canadian, Kiwi and American all in one. I think if I'm around certain people much longer there will be no turning back. Pray for me... Just kidding it's actually not all bad I feel bad for the students or when I go home. It will be interesting though.
So I will let all of you go now, I've rambled on enough, besides I've got a card game to win...
Much Love!