Bertha...

So here is a play by play of the past couple days. Starting with Sunday, the welcome party. We had about 80 people we were cooking for, so I started at about 2pm. I had Andrew and Ben helping me in the kitchen (they are other base staff, the property managers) Dinner is at 6pm. So I made the dessert at 2, Andrew got the grill going since we were having roasted lamb, Ben started chopping pumpkin. About 2:30 I started chopping the potatoes (40 lbs), so the knife got stuck and I sliced my thumb on the first one. I had Ben across the counter from me and he just smiled and said "well lets see it" I said "see what?" I do have a tendacy to cut myself at least once a day. It's sliced pretty bad, so I didn't really have a choice but to keep working so I just cut my thumb off, I mean who really needs one anyway I do have another one! Just kidding, I put a glove on and it filled with blood so I doubled it up, I am always going and getting super glue from Ben because that's what I put on my cuts. So I started the bread then I had Andrew ask me a question, and for one he doesn't talk the loudest, he is kiwi, and he talks fast. So what I'm trying to say is that I have a hard time understanding him. He asked me "How is the bread doing?" but what I heard was "What books are you reading?" so in my response I told him what I'm reading, then him and Ben look at me and start laughing, I said "WHAT!" Then he stated the question so I could understand it. I told him that because I'm short I have a hard time hearing him because he is on a different level than I am!! Needless to say it was a big laugh on Sunday. We got everything out and served 80 people with a snap! I was really in my element some people may see it as chaotic but for me it was really fun! It is what you make it. So I got done in the kitchen at about 7pm. Monday, I was up at 6:30 doing my devotions, then 8am worship practice, 9am worship, 10am in the kitchen until 1pm, then after lunch I had to train the dish crew so I got done at about 2:30pm, then I took a 10 min nap, then went to the butcher, then back in the kitchen after a meeting with the base leader. Then dinner at 6pm, after that I had to train the other dish crew, so I got done at 7:30pm then I went to bed at about 10pm last night. I was dog tired! When I was laying down for my nap though, I told God you have to give me the strength to get through the rest of the day! So as usual he did! I would not have been able to do it without him! I really had a good couple days though, I can't let anything get me down because when that happens the devil trys to get in. Even when I'm weak God gives me the strength to get through anything, other wise he strengthens my back! He's pretty much ah-mazing! The snowboarders so far are very funny and have such a good attitude. While I was helping the dish crew last night one kid decided to make it more interesting by naming the sprayer Ferdinand, and the dishwasher Bertha. I just love that because when you're given a job like that you might as well make it fun!
Today I have BLS class, it will be fun, I'm super excited! Then for dinner tonight we are having Chicken Curry. YUM YUM!!! I will have to upload the recipe later. So for now I will have to go, enjoy the rest of your day!

Fully Alive...

So today is Sunday, we have 20 of the students here. There are four more that arrive on Tuesday. I have to cook for the welcome party tonight, I'm pretty excited. While I was praying last night I was asking God what he thought of me. I try to do it once a month just for encouragement and to see how much I've grown on the inside. With all the chaos that's about to start I need to keep my focus on God. When I have an off day every thing is off, the food, my conversations, my quiet times. I never realized how much it effects everything!
I always get these silly songs stuck in my head like right now it's Beautiful Bride by Flyleaf. I can thank my lovely brother for getting me hooked on flyleaf. They are pretty much amazing. We are all beautiful brides of Christ. When one of us is down we all suffer. "As for those who seemed to be important - whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not judge by external appearance - those men added nothing to my message" - Galatians 2:6 This says that if impressing man was my mission then I wouldn't be God's servant. I love that! We need to do everything for God and for his Glory not for the glory of man or the recognition of anyone but God! Everything I do I do for him and only him. I am fully alive in him and love him so much. He loves all of us and wants to see all of us prosper into his will for each of us. It's hard to give the future up to him because we all have a plan whether that's a 2 or 5 year or a 2 to 5 month plan. We all have it, and it's so hard to just go ok God here you go do what you want with it! It was really hard for me because I have in mind what I wanted to do and who I wanted to be with. But you know God's plan is so much better and being here in New Zealand is beyond what I had ever planned. God has really given me a peace about everything, which is really an amazing feeling. I know I'm going to be here for a while because I have a lot to learn and he has a lot to teach me. So for today I am fully alive in him because he gives me the strength and the love I need to get through. Love all around.

10 cups of coffee

So in this house or on this base when you make coffee you always make a full pot. Reason being because when you have coffee you are never alone! I love it because we always have a pot on! I drink coffee pretty much whenever through out the day. You know you have those ones that like a specific coffee a specific way but for me coffee is coffee, it's caffeine why complain! The students all come this weekend and it's real exciting on base! Everyone is rushing around getting things ready and getting the base ready! I think I'm ready but then again I don't really have to prepare myself it's just an extra 24 people I'll be cooking for which rounds it off to a nice 55 people in total! Except for the second week to where we have a kids camp running with us just for a week but that makes it a nice super 100 people. I have already apologized to people for that week in case if I get a little stroppy as they say here. I've been reading about David and how he handles things. David pretty much got whatever he wanted, until it came to something he couldn't have but took it anyway. I guess I just have to remember that I can't have whatever I want I can only have what God gives me, then that brings me back to the saying "God will either lighten your load or strengthen your back" Which isn't so bad I guess. As long as your heart is in the right place you will be blessed one way or another. Failure is a blessing in disguise which I have to remind myself of once in a while. Or this might be better you can find a blessing in everything! yep that's it!

You know what is just so amazing is loving people! I love to love people. All shapes and sizes and ages and characteristics! People are beautiful and deserve to be loved. I mean don't get me wrong sometimes I think it's impossible to love someone but then God meets me and says look at them this way, the way I see them. Which is just stinkin' awesome!!!! Being in this type of setting with people coming and going every couple of months it's hard to get attatched. I say to myself should I really get to know this person although they're leaving in a couple months. The answer is yes because I can learn something from everyone, life is like a highway some people will ride along side you for a while then take their exit, some people will come and go, and some stay with you forever. I love that saying it's so true!
Nevertheless I am so stoked for this snowboarders school to take off! Often I forget I'm in New Zealand because it feels so much like home. Which it should since I'm here for 2 years or who knows how long. I hope everyone is enjoying the nice sunny warm weather, don't worry about me I'm just enjoying the nice, cold, snowy weather. It's awesome! Have a great weekend!

Don't let the little things pass you by, enjoy them while they're here...

weather

I feel so inspired today, it was a rainy day today. Although a good friend of the base left early this morning and I volunteered to go with to drop him at the airport at 3am. It was still a good day. I have been processing a lot this weekend, it's kind of like ok the honeymoon is over and now it's reality. Which reality isn't so bad but people just need to help out more, or take initiative to help out. Once that happens it will be a snap! I get energized by rainy days, although my mother would disagree I love it when it gets dark early, like tomorrow is the shortest day of the year down here! I'm so excited!

Soul Sisters

What an amazing day today! It's about 65-70 degrees out I love it! Although June 1st was the first day of winter this is just so heavenly! It's a quiet day today because the snowboarder staff left for the weekend to have some bonding time. I feel so energized today I could just go run 10 miles! It's days like today that remind me of being home and going off for a drive with the windows down, radio turned up, not having a care in the world! You need days like that to keep you sane. Or at least I do! I am taking this weekend to recharge and process myself. I have to pinch myself sometimes or just burn myself with the stupid oven in the kitchen to make sure I'm really here. It hit me last night that I'm really here for 2 years. It seems so long but then again so short. I am happy to be doing it and I'm psyched to see what God is going to teach me! Ultimately that's why I'm here, just to be stretched by him. Being this far from home really doesn't feel like I'm in a different country or across the ocean because everyone is family here and I feel right at home. It's such great life experience to get out and experience the world and different cultures! I was telling my mother yesterday that once in my life I would really like to go to India. Asia has such beautiful people with beautiful hearts. Who knows though my future is up to God. Which you know thank goodness because I really don't want to think about it! hehe...
Living in a house with 6 girls is so great! The stories that come out of it are what will last a lifetime. I just love how we are six individual girls but we are a tight knit bunch. Granted I am the youngest but my maturity level is higher than most my age but I can also act like a 12 year old at times don't get me wrong. Have you ever heard the line:
"I'm just really immature"
It's from a movie, my friend and I say that to each other whenever we do something stupid or embarrassing. It makes us laugh and brings us back to reality. Here in this house I do that a lot just with how funny we all are. What I also love though is how we build each other up in prayer and encouragement. When one of us is down or having an off day there is always someone there to be a "pick me up" to the other.
One big happy family! So that's all for now I'm gonna enjoy the weather while it's here and hopefully lasts until tomorrow. (or the rest of winter would be nice too!)

People as places as people...

So I realized the other day that I have just gotten so busy and have neglected to post anything new... I'm sorry please forgive me. There has been so much happening with me and with the base. I can't believe I'm a month in already. Time has flown!

So this is my beautiful mama. This is us at the last mothers day. Some days I really believe she had the privilege of giving birth to me just to cover my mouth. No, that's not it let's see here right now I can't really think of any other reason, except that she is probably the coolest mother that did give birth to me that I know. I love her lots and lots. So back to my point, this week I have learned so much about discernment on what to say to whom and when. I'm going through the study of David, just learning about the man that was after God's own heart. I love it and God uses what I have learned each day in that day. He puts his words into action through out the day. I love it because God is just so funny and I love laughing with him.

We had worship last night and I just love worship, getting right into it with God and praising his name just to bring him glory. It's amazing how he works through people in worship, when I pray for people I feel it's more powerful when I'm worshipping. The kitchen here is phenomenal I have so much joy working in there and serving the people that are here.

I have also learned so much about resolving conflict. It is also a way for me to be obedient to God, he has really blessed me in being bold and stepping out and resolving whatever is going on with me. I mean who really likes conflict? Anyone? No not so much for this kid. But we have to go through it to make our relationships stronger. It's great! It may suck when you do go through it but in the end it really makes a difference.

Today at the butcher I went into get my meat that I ordered (only 2.5kg) and I came out with about 25kg of meat! "He said since you take care of us with your cookies we want to give you this meat free of charge!" I just stood there and didn't know what to say with my jaw dropped to the floor! I felt so blessed! I was blessed for being a blessing. They're so great down there, whenever I call no matter who answers the phone I just have to say this is Courtney and they know exactly who I am and they always thank me for my cookies. I just figure that why not be a pick'me'up to someone, I just do it through cookies. So then my milk man came today as well. He handed me a piece of paper and said I cut your milk prices down. He halved my prices! I was amazed, I gave him a big hug and couldn't thank him enough. See when you give someone cookies and continue to bless them eventually they will return the favor! It was almost overwhelming today God is just so awesome and works in the little things that others may not get excited about. I mean really who gets excited over this stuff except for may be a mom or a business person!

Having the snowboarder staff here is so, just so, so hhmm what's the right word...... fanfreakingtabulous! I love them so much, I just feel so blessed to serve them here. This school is going to be amazing and God is just going to rock it out! They are different from backpackers which is good I love the mentality of them and learning new things from them! I feel so encouraged everyday when they come in the kitchen just to see how I am or just to give me a hug! They are ah-mazin'! I'm psyched to see what God has in store for us!

“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”

Something Beautiful...

This is my brother Cameron and I when we were real young. I think this was about 16-17 years ago. It's funny how different we look don't worry we still look different. Just kidding I love him not because I have to or because I'm forced to but because he is a pretty cool bro. Today is a pretty rainy day, it's been that way for a while. June 1st was the first day of winter which is weird to say because everyone else is enjoying summer but whatever. Today is also the queens birthday so it's a public holiday and a pretty big deal down here. It's nice to have it off and have a 3 day weekend!
I'm super pumped for this snowboarders school to start! They are a pretty cool bunch, I love how enthusiastic and energetic they are about everything and still full of love! It excites me to see what's next and what is going to happen on this school.
God is just so good all the time, I love how no matter what I do I am still amazed with him. We had worship this morning and I had such an amazing time singing to him and delighting in his glory and all he has for me. God really is something beautiful!

In your ocean, I'm ankle deep

I feel the waves crashin' on my feet
It's like I know where I need to be
But I can't figure out, yeah I can't figure out
Just how much air I will need to breathe
When your tide rushes over me
There's only one way to figure out
Will you let me drown, will you let me drown?
Hey now, this is my desire
Consume me like a fire, 'cause I just want something beautiful
To touch me, I know that I'm in reach
'Cause I am down on my knees.
I'm waiting for something beautiful
Oh, something beautiful
And the water is rising quick
And for years I was scared of it
We can't be sure when it will subside
So I won't leave your side, no I can't leave your side.
Hey now, this is my desire
Consume me like a fire, 'cause I just want something beautiful
To touch me, I know that I'm in reach
'Cause I am down on my knees.
I'm waiting for something beautiful
Oh, something beautiful
In a daydream, I couldn't live like this.
I wouldn't stop until I found something beautiful.
When I wake up, I know I will have
No, I still won't have what I need.
Hey now this is my desire
Consume me like a fire, 'cause I just want something beautiful
To touch me, I know that I'm in reach
Cause I am down on my knees
I'm waiting for something beautiful
Oh, something beautiful


This is by a band called Needtobreathe. They are pretty rad in their lyrics. So that's really all I have for today I hope you all have  a marvelous day and enjoy the rest of your weekend! Peace & Love

Who's a Woman, She's a Woman, I'm a Woman!

We really need to respect each other, because that means we respect God. My roommate and I were talking that God is probably the biggest optimist, just hoping that we make the right decision or say the right thing to people we may need more love towards. Respect means: an act of giving particular attention. Respect in a way is showing Love towards a person or situation. So in the morning I get up at 6:30 and do my devotions til about 8am. God is really teaching me how to be humble and how to be a leader like David. I love David he is one of my heroes! What I'm learning here on base is that I am not only getting humbled, but that others around me need to humble themselves. Because I am only 20 and head of the kitchen. When there's a problem people come to me when they need something or have a problem. Since I am long term I am the house monitor for my house. I just found out today how much authority I really have and how much I over see. You know, I don't let it go to my head because I just give it straight back to God, I don't really want any of it. He has it and those are the only hands I would trust with it. So in a way I am humbling myself, along with others. I know it's hard for people that are older than me to submit to my leadership and What I say goes mentality I've worked with so many people like that and you know those are the ones I learn so much from, just by how they respond. I know it will help me in the future.
God is just one amazing man my day is always brighter because I know he has my back. He has yours too don't worry. The kitchen here is a hub and I love it. One joke on base right now is that the Kitchen is the new Living room and we are going to move couches into it because since I started a couple weeks ago there are probably about 5 people in there whenever there's a break or whenever at night. Pretty much whenever I'm cooking, people always stop to say hi or to talk. I love it because it reminds me of home and it's just such a meeting point. Well or it's a trap because people think well she has to cook so she can't go anywhere. Just kidding I don't look at it that way! It is amazing to see God move through me and through people that come to visit...