Looking Forward

An overview of 2011 to see where I've been: (these are in chronological order)

• Arrived in New Zealand after spending Christmas at home
• Cooking for the AW80 school
• Raising the bar in my cooking and walk with the Lord
• Joined Snowboarders Staff while still cooking
• Co-lead an outreach to Queenstown/India
• Back to New Zealand for debrief
• Graduated Basic Leadership School
• Watched the Macy's day parade at 3am on the live stream web cam
• Had American Thanksgiving with Americans!
• Rested on base with the backpackers
• Learned how to LONG BOARD
• Drove up to Tauranga via Gisborne
• I have a home base again here in Tauranga with an amazing family!
• Christmas - Kiwi Style
• Had New Years!!
• Watched the Live Stream Times Square Ball/Party!

I can really say it's been quite the year. I was curious to see what the biblical meaning of 11 was and I found this:

It is associated with things that would be considered imperfect, a disorganization of systems, and the disorder or chaos of things.

It makes sense in a way because it has been an "unconventional" year in my books. The LORD has really shown me how to trust him and how to not plan my life out. If it were up to me I would  have this year looking completely different. I never thought I would ever join the Snowboarders staff. In the end though it is exactly what I needed and it was exactly what God's will for me was. When I was in the kitchen at the beginning of the year I was thrown on a roller coaster of learning and growing in the Lord. The verse that brought me comfort each day during that season was Psalm 78:70-72 

With INTEGRITY OF HEART

He showed me how to finish strong and well. He prepared me for the season that was to come. A season that was going to be very difficult and that was going to test me in any way possible. I learned how to throw myself all in for HIS glory and HIS benefit. I knew that if he was the one that got me into this then I knew that he would be the one to help me through it.

By his grace and his plans I can do anything on his strength. I mean really cooking, staffing a school and leading an outreach seems like a bit much. Which in the end I'll admit it really was but the Lord blessed me with heaps of people at different times to preform different tasks. Some were meant to come help in the kitchen others to take me to coffee and some to just sit and listen. Now that I look back he really blessed me with so much through this time and I learned so much about my identity as a daughter of the king! I remember breaking down in the kitchen to my mentor as we were just talking about the father's love that he has for all his children that we don't have to do anything for. He just loves us no matter what. You know how God has specific times in our lives mapped out for us to experience different things. Well after 22 years all this came up and out. I finally experienced his love without feeling the need to do anything for it! Thank you Jesus! Before I had always felt that by doing deeds and serving was a gain of his LOVE but it's not true.... Just by simply being Courtney I gain the most love of all. It goes for all of us, we just need to BE not do.... Philippians was really the book that got me through this season of snowboarding. Just a constant reminder of being content in any circumstance, knowing that he is my strength and knowing how to have courage. Philippians 4 is really worn out in my bible, full of markings and promises.

Outreach.... Well let's just say that I never ever ever thought I would EVER go to India! It was never really a country on my top ten. But looking back on how the Lord has worked in my life, he always makes me do what I say I don't want to or that I will never do. So it made sense when he said India. It was super hard transitioning out of the kitchen into outreach mode. Suddenly I'm not responsible for 60 people but only 7? It was a bit of a switch but Queenstown provided the perfect atmosphere. Right on a lake with the mountains in sight and the culture of a laid back chill snowboarder mode was just what the doctor ordered. God showed me so much about just being through the church down there. We did an unconventional outreach there by living intentionally and not having a schedule. It was a bit hard at first but dude.... God showed his face to me in so many ways that still bring a smile to my face. We had so many "unplanned" people stay with us over the time period we were there. I had such an amazing opportunity to use my massage skills to bless the church by providing therapy for people that would come in! It felt soo good to get back into massage, it really made me realize that this is a gift that God has given me the I can use for HIS glory. India was a bit different with working with children but what I can really take from it is the way they do church. When we were in Queenstown I read a book called An Army Of Ordinary People, stories of normal people starting home churches. I told the Lord when I was done reading that book that I really want to see that in action! Well he answered that when we got to India. Sitting on a slum floor doing church was the most amazing simple way I've seen God in a long time! It made me realize that we over analyze so many things in our western world and forget one thing..... God is simple...... His love is so simple and we try to make it complex on so many levels. I know because I  do it too! India was rich in culture, family, color and just being yourself.

So after all this and getting back to New Zealand it was great to feel a sense of home for once! Watching the Macy's day parade is a tradition for me and my family so without breaking tradition I live-streamed the parade, got up at 3am to watch it! Thanksgiving was amazing with our little family here. God is so good when he brings people into your life that really are like family because they love you anyways! In the end when all the students left and all the staff had gone and I was the only snowboarder left on base I came to the realization that Life goes on! I can't dwell on the past or on how it used to be but on what's happening now and what the Lord is doing in the lives of the people around me currently! It got a lot easier when I did that! Learning how to LET GO is probably the hardest thing I've learned from all this! After spending 6 months with some really amazing people then saying goodbye is not easy. Thinking of how long I've been on the base you would think that it has gotten easier or that it would be something I'm used to but I can say with complete honesty that it is not easy and it just gets harder. I think I've had a glimpse of what it's like to be a parent and say goodbye to your children! Being called into a season of rest after that was probably the harder news to take in. Knowing myself, I don't really know how to rest or take time to myself because I feel selfish. But looking at it, I needed it and the Lord had provided the time for me to take and really rest in him. To dig into what he has and what he wants me to do was a much needed catch up. I had revelation from Isaiah 49:1-7. In the sense of how it really speaks about my life and where the Lord has lead me. As well how in his strength I can do anything. I took comfort in knowing that he has me right where he wants me.

Every time I would pray and start to worry about the future I kept getting this quote to the left. After a while it made me laugh and think that God must really have a sense of humor and a lot of grace for me! I'm human like the rest of you and we all worry about different things, for me I worry about my future and where it's going and how I'm going to get there and what I need to do in order to get there. Well when I was in Oxford all I kept getting from the Lord was go to Tauranga which is on the north island. So I was like cool, then what lord? All he said was Wait, you have to be there first for me to tell you... So I was a little frustrated but out of obedience and excitement I made my way to Tauranga. It's a lot like my home town in Minnesota. So in a way it is a home away from home. After grieving everything that has happened and remembering everything God has taught me over the year, I am truly thankful for everything he has done and everything that he is going to continue to do in the year to come! I know God's got all of this in his hands,

he has all my desires, dreams, passions, hopes and unimaginable tasks. 

This year is one year that I grew a lot and that God showed me his face, he saw me in the worst times, best times and content times. He knows me inside and out there really is no one I'd rather trust with my future.
As for new years resolutions I kind of gave up on these a few years ago and really just dove into the unknown with the Lord leading. This year though I do have one thing in mind that I want to abandon all expectation of anything that I'm anticipating or desiring for this year. I want everything to be of him and everything to point to him anywhere I go and whatever I do. 12 means: dealing with placing things within perfect order, achieving governmental structural perfection. So I will leave you with this quote for 2012:

NZ

This is currently a commercial in New Zealand on Drunk Driving. I'm posting it for you to get a sense of the language and the accent more than anything. It's a pretty funny one though. Enjoy....

Christmas

Christmas Eve service last night was lovely. We went to the midnight service at an anglican church. I'll admit it was great to be in church for Christmas. We sang Christmas songs and regular songs with a great message. The night before that we went to "Twas a night before Christmas" production in Bethlehem here in TAURANGA! For those of you who don't know, I am living in TAURANGA for the summer! I am no where near Christchurch, I'm on a completely different Island!!! Anyways back to what I was saying, the turn out for Christmas here is incredible. Granted it's summer, it feels like Christmas in July at home. The part of the message that really caught me that I want to share with you is this:

     - Humbly you came to the earth you created - that is a line of a song that we always sing. 

I never really stopped to think about what it meant until last night. Jesus was the son of God, he had more power than all of us and yet he was born in a manger. In the lowliest place all through life. He was not boastful about what he could do but he pointed everything back to God. Jesus did everything by "going low". It just amazes me what he did for little ol me and for you! We are worth so much to him that he would die for us. Yet we put him in a box and just get him out when we want him. (not saying everyone is like this) He has to come to us and be invited in, when really we should be going to him. I guess I never really thought of it like that! I think it's sweet and it gave me a whole different perspective on the Lord as well as a deeper revelation of him. 

A New Zealand Christmas was amazing, Steak on the barby, summer dress, sitting outside and eating a delicious meal! What more could you ask for.... Well actually I will admit that no matter how much of a NOMAD that I am, I do actually miss home for the holidays. This was my first one spending it with another family but my second one away from home. It's strange with all the "family traditions" that each family has. Although the family I'm staying with I really do just fit right in, I'm older than both the kids but only by a few years. The boy reminds me of my little brother and that's our relationship which is awesome how God gives you the people with certain aspects of other people just to make you feel at home. As well the grandparents that are living in the same house remind me of my grandparents which is awesome! We laugh a lot but I laugh harder with my grandparents. Fair enough I know them better... :) 

The picture I have up is from the botanical rose gardens in Christchurch. It is my representation of a clean path for the next year. Something that is simple, elegant, smells good, not well traveled... Just something new! I'm real excited for 2012 and what it holds! I can't wait to see what God is going to do and where he is going to lead all of us! I pray that he blesses everyone with an abundance of his love and grace in the coming year! 

God Bless, 

-C-

The Trip

Map of New Zealand, my playground for the summer.... This is my story of how I got to where I am, by that I mean from Oxford to Tauranga.... 

                         

                That was it. The car was packed, the alarm was set, every loose end had been tied, what more could there be? I had been. Commissioned to go to Tauranga, there was nothing left but to go. I said my goodbyes which were a little harder than I thought. I went to sleep to the rain. To my surprise I woke to a knock on my door at 3:30am. It was my two Swiss brothers, they woke up to see me off. Luckily they did because my alarm didn't go off! They are ledgends and a total god send! It was pouring rain! They handed me a bar of Swiss chocolate and said "we'll be seeing you". I miss them already and I felt sooo blessed when I saw them at my door. Driving up to Picton was a breeze I love driving up the east coast. 

I arrived early to check-in at the ferry and fell asleep with the window open and a man came by and said "good morning sleeping beauty, do you have any bio-security goods that aren't allowed?" I said no. I caught the ferry at 10am its a three hour long ride through the marborough sounds, they are so gorgeous!!! I met my good friend Ange and we hung out for the day then I spent the night at her house. The weather was so crappy, rain the whole time! I thought it was summer!

After enjoying a nice strong coffee I hit the road for Gisborne to see Skyler. I had to deliver his snowboard. Over mountains, through small towns, curvy roads and rain I made it safely to Skyler's aunts house. Just in time for tea (dinner). This house was incredible!!! It was massive it felt like being in the states. I haven't seen a good well built two story house in New Zealand until this one! It was also on an orange orchard. Needless to say it was amazing!!!! I woke the next morning well rested and skyped home for two hours. It was family Christmas and I got to see everyone! It was like being there!!! It's been almost a year since I was home. My uncle asked me if I had that homesick feeling or if I was over that... I said I was way past that because driving up here with only the things in my car that belonged to me, it felt real weird. Like I really am on my own and I don't have any blood relatives here but I felt so much like a nomad more than I ever have before!!! I'm not saying I don't like it but it just felt weird. So ya, I'm over the homesick stage and I don't know if I'll ever go back to that stage. It was great seeing everyone as well as getting picked on by my brother when he's 18,000+ miles away. Silly kid - I love him though!

So when we were done I packed my lonely backpack said goodbye to my last student then away I went to Tauranga. So Gisborne is not the ideal place for traveling although it is the first place in the world to get the sun but it's so isolated that there are only two main roads there. The one I took there was fine but the one I took out was going through a national park, beautiful but real curvy roads!!! I felt like I was a race car driver going around them! It was fun! So a few hours later and I arrived in Tauranga at the Rosie's. They really are family. They had my room ready and it just feels like home. It feels like life never really stopped with them like we can just pick up where we left off, they know me and love me for me. As well they are providing a place of rest that I need. It's such a quaint place they have with a river in the back yard and construction going on because they are building a house for nana & pop next store. So it totally feels and smells like home. I didn't realize how much I missed the smell of saw dust and wood. It smells so good!!!! Anyways I will keep you all up to date and the happenings of why God has me up here. I'm stoked!!! God bless and Merry Christmas!!!!

Mumford & Sons

Awake My Soul

How fickle my heart and how woozy my eyes

I struggle to find any truth in your lies

And now my heart stumbles on things I don't know

This weakness I feel I must finally show

Lend me your hand and we'll conquer them all

But lend me your heart and I'll just let you fall

Lend me your eyes I can change what you see

But your soul you must keep, totally free

Har har, har har, har har, har har

In these bodies we will live, in these bodies we will die

Where you invest your love, you invest your life

In these bodies we will live, in these bodies we will die

Where you invest your love, you invest your life

Awake my soul, awake my soul

Awake my soul

You were made to meet your maker

Awake my soul, awake my soul

Awake my soul

You were made to meet your maker

You were made to meet your maker

These past few weeks this song keeps coming up in my quiet time, every time I listen to it I play it over and over. I love the lyrics, it's an invitation to God saying come in and awake me! This song brings me much comfort, it was one of the songs that throughout the school got all of us out of our comfort zones with worship. We would jump around and yell out AWAKE MY SOUL!!! I was made to meet my maker! 

With this new journey ahead of me, I have really been pressing into see what the Lord has for me. With everything going on around me with people packing, sorting their stuff, saying goodbye... All I can say is awake my soul oh Lord for this next season. Let me see what you have for me! I'm excited and really feel ready to have this summer totally open to what he has. 

Here is the music video for this song, enjoy...

Transition

"Only one life, twill soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last." - C. T. Studd

I love this quote, it says it all... Once again another school has come and is now leaving on their outreach phase. Although I did not get to know this school very well because I was only here for the past few weeks, I feel so connected to them. That's YWAM for ya though....It's like life, no matter where you are or what you're doing, you just go from season to season, everything moves on weather you're there or not. I guess transition is hard because I really don't know what's next but at the same time I'm so stoked for what the Lord has. I know whatever it is it will be fun and soo good. Don't worry I will keep you all up to date and posted on what that is. Currently I am leaving on Friday the 16th in the morning, my goal is Gisborne which is on the north island. I have to catch the ferry in the afternoon, it's a 3 hour long ferry ride. Then I'll grab coffee in Wellington with my good friend Ange then on my way. I will spend the night in Gisborne with a really good friend there, then off to Tauranga for the rest of the summer. 

The base closes down over the summer so no one will be here which is too bad because New Zealand is beautiful in the summer, but everyone goes home for Christmas. Which is understandable. It's been almost a year since I was home. This year though, it will be great. I have no expectations and no plan, which is unlike me but it's God, I can't really argue with that. We shall see.... 

Many blessings this season to you all!

-C

Chicago Tribune

I was reading in the Chicago Tribune this morning online, and this is what they had for great escapes on the front page! I was amazed! Thought I'd share a piece of home today.... 

GRAND MARAIS, Minn. — Sandwiched between the magnificence of Lake Superior and the Sawtooth Mountains, Grand Marais seems ho-hum. But don't let its disheveled downtown deceive. This is one of the best bases for exploring the North Shore. Stay in a hotel overlooking the lake, stroll to a gourmet dinner, shop at an art gallery or a classic five-and-dime, and explore the outdoors. The town may not have the charm of Lutsen's clapboard lodge or the flash of Naniboujou Lodge's painted dining room, but in the end it wows as much as the surrounding scenery.

THE BASICS:

Tucked against Lake Superior, Grand Marais, population 1,351, was once a sleepy fishing village. All that's changed, in part because it occupies one of the most scenic spots along the Arrowhead. At the edge of town, a windblown spit of land juts out into the lake, helping to form a big bay and a calm harbor, so the town looks embraced by Superior.

Get tourist information at http://www.grandmarais.com.

WHAT TO DO:

The Gunflint Trail — which cuts inland to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area and where moose sometimes wander onto the road — begins its winding way in Grand Marais, but you don't really need to drive along that road to feel lost among the elements. Instead, take a walk along the bay beach to Artists' Point, the peninsula of rock and pine trees that juts out into Superior. It's the locals' go-to hike.

If you want more miles, not to mention views, of the lake, head just outside of town to Pincushion Mountain Trail System (www.pincushion trails.org). Or pop onto the Superior Hiking Trail (www.shta .org) from a number of entry points near Grand Marais.

Perhaps you'd rather hike from store to store downtown. The Sivertson Gallery (www.sivertson.com) offers warm tea for sipping while browsing its collection of works from Inuit, Alaskan and regional artists. The locally made jewelry is nice eye candy, too.

Joynes Ben Franklin Department Store can hook you up with everything from Uggs and Carhartts to Barbie dolls and Norwegian sweaters (joynesbenfranklin.com).

With its diminutive size and purple shutters next to the beach, Drury Lane Books looks like a fairytale house (www.drurylanebooks.com). That's appropriate given its small but spellbinding collection of books for children and adults.

Around the harbor bend from downtown is the North House Folk School, a collection of clapboard buildings where artisans preserve northern crafts by teaching hands-on classes (www.northhouse.org). Subjects include knitting, kayak-making and surprises such as "deer processing for carnivorous locavores." Visitors are welcome to explore the campus and stop by the gift shop.

HIDDEN TREASURE:

If you're in need of gear — or inspiration — check out Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply (www.stoneharborws.com) on the bay. The hot spot for outdoor sports opened in June 2010 and has been selling and renting essential supplies — and some unusual cool outdoor toys — ever since.

In the summer, there are kayaks, canoes and paddleboards. But when snow flies, this place becomes the cutting edge of winter fun. You can rent the usual cross-country skis and snowshoes. But you can also rent — or buy — Wintergreen clothing (beyond warm and pricey to own), Snowtrekker winter tents and the wood-burning stoves to keep them cozy, and Marquette skis, a sort of ski-snowshoe hybrid that lets you hike up a snowy trail and ski down the other side. Want some tips for your first time? Snow Harbor offers guided outings.

The place also sells nordic skates, which are specialized blades that attach to cross-country ski boots and are made for gliding over the bumps and cracks of frozen rivers and lakes. It's your route to explore the Boundary Waters by skate.

WHERE TO EAT:

Judi Barsness not only cooks exceptional meals at her sophisticated harborside restaurant, Chez Jude, she also teaches others how to do the same by offering cooking classes (www.chezjude.com; closed in November and April). At Crooked Spoon Cafe, inventive, delicious dinners include Lake Superior fish with cucumber-corn relish (www.crooked spooncafe.com; closed after today until Dec. 27). For live music and chili with a micro-brew beer, head to Gun Flint Tavern (www.gunflinttavern.com). Breakfasts are divine at the Pie Place (www.northshorepieplace.com); don't miss the maple sausage.

WHERE TO SLEEP:

Only in Grand Marais' website (www.grandmarais.com) offers links to a variety of lodging options, from cabins to B&Bs. I've enjoyed East Bay Suites, with luxury units that have sleek kitchens, stone fireplaces and expansive views of the lake just beyond the balcony (www.eastbaysuites.com).

GETTING THERE:

Grand Marais is northeast of Duluth, Minn., on Lake Superior, along Hwy. 61. The drive from the Minneapolis/ St. Paul takes about 4 12/2 hours.

Punching. In. A. Dream.

The bittersweet between my teeth, I don't know what I'm doing exactly... Wrestling with myself and God to "move on". It's so hard... Not knowing the next step is hard, I know that change is apart of life and I'm fully stoked for what God has, it's just hard in the in-between. I am looking forward to my time in Tauranga for the summer, I know my time will be filled with laughter, beach time, catching up with old friends so-on and so forth. Looking at a few things in the current news from all around the world in the lives of many, it seems that change is in the season for not only me. I took comfort in knowing that God is moving in not only my life but in the lives of many that are currently going through BIG changes. The future is vast and full of endless possibilities. Right now I'd rather wait and see what mine holds. For the first time in my life, I am currently left with nothing to do but rest. I know I fully needed it and still need it after outreach and being on school staff, it's intense. After 3 weeks I am just Courtney a daughter. I have realized how hard it is for me to rest though! It's a challenge because I've just grown up with going going going. When you're done you just move on to the next thing life has for you, don't take a breather just go! Well dear friends we need to rest and breath to catch up with our creator! We need to enjoy where we are! I was watching the current Amazing Race with Andy and Tommy the pro snowboarders. I met Andy when he was in Queenstown last year, he is a very good violinist. Anyways watching them live life to the fullest and serving God is amazing. On and off the mountain. It reminded me that what you are passionate about is what you'll have motivation to do as well what you'll be excited to do! Talking to my good friend here, I was saying that yes I did backpackers but I think I'm more of a snowboarder just the passion and excitement they have. She asked why and my answer was that backpackers need to be re-lit and snowboarders just need to be stirred. I'm better at stirring people up. Interestingly enough it's so true. I don't know what my future holds if I'll staff another school or not at this point it's all the Lords and I'll let him decide. I'm not looking for things to do I'm just waiting to be told where to go and what to do. So the key is to wait, listen then do. The first two are the hardest because we live in a world of go. We don't have the patience or grace for ourselves to wait and see. It's really shaken me up. I've so enjoyed it though. It will be interesting to see what happens this summer. :) I'm excited and nervous at the same time! He is good no matter what or where!
Bless you all in the winter season, I will enjoy summer for you all! :)
-C

Warship

First of all check out this amazing new song from Hillsong United. It will blow your mind....

Worship is a lifestyle. You can't help but love the one true God. I have learned over the past few months and had revelations of how worship is apart of everyday life. 

Lazy Friday...

A sunny day, my bible, ray bans and a flower...

It's really cool to hang with God all day... re-connection is where it's at right now for me at least....

"Being happy doesn’t mean everything’s perfect. It means you decide to see beyond the imperfections."

Peace & Weirdness

So, a week.... Well it has been a peaceful one with lotsa rest and getting my body to catch up with my brain. Monday was the last day of going to the airport and seeing all my "kids" again. They are all still out traveling NZ. I feel so blessed on this Thanksgiving Day for all the people I have around me, all the people I know and my family back home. After seeing off some of my really good/best friends that I've had over the past 6 months, it was really hard to adjust to "normal" life again. I don't even know what normal is anymore. The most normal I know is change... I'm thankful that all the staff here are longtime friends that I've had for a while, it's nice because after all my snowboarder friends left I still have a family to come into, where they know me and I don't really have to get to know them again! One thing that I miss about the snowboarder students is, they just love to love. Meaning they don't care who you are, where you come from or what you can bring, they will love you anyway, shape or form! I miss that, other schools are more cautious in how they get to know you. It's weird without them here. I learned so much about myself over these last 6 months, things that God really highlighted! It helps when you're working on a more one on one basis with the students. I love that they are not afraid to point things out! I still don't know what's next, but that's what I have peace about. At this point I just know that I'm going to the north island to Tauranga to spend Christmas with a family up there. The base is shut down a month during Christmas break. Tauranga reminds me a lot of Grand Marais the artsy town. I love how God gives you pieces of home when you're so far away.
We celebrated Thanksgiving last night. I haven't been home for Thanksgiving in 2 years. This one was so great, we all brought something to pass, I made Grandma's stuffing, veggies and helped with the pie. There was about 20 of us staff that gathered, it really felt like family! I love how comfortable we all are with each other. We went around and said what we are thankful for. Then all of us Americans stood and sang the national anthem. It was glorious to see how amazing God is and how he just surrounds you with people that are really like family! I for sure miss home around the holidays, it's really funny how all of the Americans have these "traditions" that no one else gets. Like watching the Macy's parade, having leftover turkey for the next week, pumpkin pie... I love how we just all understand each other and we don't have to explain, it's like it's in our DNA of how to do holidays. I mean it's the same everywhere, I wonder who started the foundation to traditions. Sure we all have our quirky family traditions but the foundations are usually the same, even in Canada they are. Oh well it was a great night and it felt good to be "home".
I'm going to castle hill tomorrow, taking some of the students to climb and do cave stream. I love the boulders at castle hill, they are fun although it is easy to get lost (that won't happen). Summer is afoot in New Zealand! I'm stoked for the beach, volleyball and hiking! Anyways, Many blessings to you all on this wonderful holiday!
PS good luck on Black Friday!





"There's a reason God gave us two ears but only one mouth. Listening is twice as important as talking. But He gave us ten fingers, so He must really want us to poke things." 

What Now?!

 Well it really has been a whirlwind of events since being back and getting settled. Or should I say not really settled. I can honestly say, I do not know what is next. Right now when people ask me what I'm doing, my response is "I'm just going to be Courtney for a bit." It's not a lame answer and I really mean it. I really just need some time to be myself and not have so much responsibility for a bit. So that looks like this: I will not have a specific role on base but I will help out wherever needed. I'm more than happy to do that because then I get to work with a bunch of different people.
I dislike transition time... I know I should be used to it by now since it is the most normal I know but I'm still not. It gets harder every time you do it. This time it's really hard, after seeing all my "kids" off then seeing Josh off was so hard. It hit me today when Stephen, Sophia and I went to Akaroa for the day. Akaroa is a little french town on the other side of Christchurch. It is on the ocean. It reminds me a lot of Grand Marais, MN which was amazing for today because I needed some "normal" home feeling after everyone left. The rest of the staff are leaving this weekend. It is hard this time because I got so close to all of them. It hit me today that I really do miss them and I know I will continue to and I know that we will stay in touch but in the mean time it's hard. Change is not an easy thing, in anything you do. Especially when you're dealing with people. It's important to take time to grieve the time, the people and places you were. I find that if I don't, it all bottles up and I become more harden hearted towards the new people coming in. If there is one thing that I've learned from these past 6 months is that it's hard to just be, but in the end that's all God wants.
Akaroa was a God send today. A little town with a harbor full of sailboats and a light house. I couldn't of asked for a better day.

Botanical rose garden, Christchurch.

Long-boarding in Akaroa

Grad

Kat, Becca and I at the Backpackers vs. Snowboarders soccer game!

our amazing outfits, we were best dressed! We may have lost the game but we had a blast playing!!!

This is our dress up for the Grad! A little better than the soccer game but maybe not as comfortable!

Becca and I showing how tall she is and how little I am. She likes doing this to me...

All us girls...

Kat and I 

Aussie Jane and I, she's crazy but I love her!

My outreach husband, Josh... I don't know what to say, I couldn't have done it without him. He was amazing to lead with and it will be hard saying goodbye to a best-friend, but I know we will see each other again! We grew a lot with each other, it's funny when you're with someone 24/7 and you trust them to point out the things in you and you also help them in their walk. I have no regrets, let me just say it was a life changing experience!

The start of travel, in Bangkok airport waiting to go to Dubai...

Our whole team at the amber fort on our first weekend in Jaipur

One of the slum girls did Henna on me, it was really sweet! I couldn't do anything for 2 hours while it was drying, let's just say that was a bit difficult but my team was a blessing! 

 Skyler, Kat and I in-front of the tuk tuk, this was the start of India for me, NO TOUCHING MEN! So yes this is me breaking the rules! I couldn't help it! 

 Skyler, Kat and I again at the market taking a break!

 Street food! My favorite!

 My co-leader Josh and I, ready to call it a day...

Auntie Courtney, give me a ride...

This kid is my favorite! Jay, he was my buddy he is the son of the base directors from YWAM Jaipur. 

on the street...

Josh and I in-front of a palace.  

The Taj Mahal 

 Jump!

Puppet Ministry anyone!

Rocky and Minu, girls from the school

At a tomb

Segregation from Indian Ladies and Ladies. I wanted desperately to go in the Indian line but decided not to! 

The start of photos...

Lake Tekapo.

Jess, Sophia and I out for coffee.

our outreach team in Queenstown

This is me hugging Scott, yes I did pick him up...

The church view of Tekapo

Kat telling me an interesting story

Our whole school

Our outreach team photo shoot:

New Brighton beach

Me with my favorite coffee