Time comes, Time goes

So I was talking to my little brother this morning which was amazing because it's been a month since we've made contact. Anyways I was saying how weird it is when you are actually in a natural disaster, I mean really you just hear about these things you don't experience them. Until you do or even when you do, you don't know what to expect. They evacuated half the city, they are trying to fix broken pipes and such because there are sewer lines broken and backing up into peoples homes. Some are still without water and power. She'll be right mate.
Praise the Lord, we got food delivered yesterday, otherwise I was going to go pick it up. We also got extra milk yesterday, so thank you so much for your prayers! Continue to pray though because of all the other people that aren't so fortunate. Now I have to work on my bread man and see when they are going to deliver. Otherwise I will have to bake up a storm of bread.
Most of the students are here which it doesn't feel like a new school or at least I am not ready for a new school. There are just to many people here in my opinion. I'm sure others will agree. I am cooking for 120 tomorrow (Sunday). Whatever, I figure God's got me he only gives what we can handle.
Some of the MMM (Mobile Mission Maintenance) crew are moving on today. I am quite sad because I feel like I'm loosing some of my grandparents. There are 3 old men and we have tea break together and they impart their wisdom on us youngin's. I nicknamed them the Mischievous Match Makers, because they like to talk about the love bug and when it bites. They are great people and if you guys ever want to get involved in any sort of short term mission (construction) just check them out! http://mmm.org.nz/

I've got a scripture to share with all of you:
"Now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of your servant. For your sake, Lord, look with favor on your desolate sanctuary. Give ear, our God, and hear; open your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears your Name. We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, hear and act! For your sake, my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name." - Daniel 9:17-19
So this is real exciting because the city that bears your Name = Christchurch. God has great mercy on this city and we are the bearers of his Name, we are the ones people look to in a time like this, the "Christians". So God is definitely in this! He has his crazy plan which is amazing to be part of! You are part of it too, by praying, that's so important although you may feel you're not doing much, you are! Rely on that faith and on what God gives you to pray about!
God Bless you all!!!

another update

Another update.... Thank you for all your support!

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/

This is probably the best website for information on the earthquake and what's happening! 

Earthquake update

Hey guys! Just a quick update! If you have any questions just email me: courtodd@tds.net

I am fine and we are all good here at base. It shook us up pretty good...

Just to give specs: 75 dead, 20 unknown bodies and 55 confirmed bodies

300 missing

People trapped, crushed, homeless, without food. 

Sorry the sound doesn't match the video but just listen....

21 hours

You know how people say there are just not enough hours in the day... Well from experience I am here to say they are right.... Friday was one day I don't want to relive. Graduation day, I was up at 5am because I had to make morning tea for everyone because they were leaving at 9am and wouldn't be back until 1pm. So after that I did some devos then had some breakfast. A meeting at 9am for 45min. Then I was in the kitchen preparing lunch and peeling 5 pumpkins, 15lbs sweet potato, and chopping heaps of stuff. After lunch was done I didn't have much of a break because that's when they started setting up for Grad in the dining room and I had to be there for the meeting. So, after that I had a few people come in and help me with some other stuff that needed doing. Then Rachel who is my helper came in and started on the dessert. Our menu was: Cheese, Crackers and Sausage, Hummus & Pita bread for appetizer. Leafy Salad, Roasted Veggies, Pita Bread, Corn on the cob and Steak. For dessert I did a Chocolate Roulade with a mixed berry sauce. It was really good and I was really proud of it! I had many compliments and that was just great. I really must say that this day was easy peasy because I did not get stressed at all. It takes me back to my Subway days of real busy rushes and learning to stay calm for the sake of your crew. I love days like that, I don't know people know what you can and can't handle. It was truly amazing though. I wish everyday was like that... 20 people coming up and asking a million questions. Working at subway definitely prepared me for this because it taught me to multi task, be nice, not get stressed, laugh and get the product out there.
So dinner was done at 8pm then the thank yous started and the diplomas were handed out. All in all we got done at 9pm. Then started the dancing, now let me tell you what, Denver the school leader hired a professional square dance caller. We all had a blast!!! My partner was this tall dutch man Jonathan. He didn't know what he was doing but it was so much fun to teach him and for him to feel accomplished when he did get it. I had the most fun dancing ever! He was my partner for every dance and we just had such a blast laughing and dancing. One thing I love about square dancing is that everyone gets involved and you dance with everyone because you are constantly moving. It was amazing! God totally knew what I needed and that was to let loose, and get out there!
Dancing got done at 11:30pm we didn't miss one dance! Then I went and showered because I was so sweaty and nasty from all day and from dancing. Then I kept getting sucked into conversations with students so I didn't get to bed until 3am Saturday morning. I woke up at 10am then I went out to dinner with some of my friends in Christchurch, then Sunday morning I had to go to the airport at 3:30am and drop off a student then come back and sleep for a bit then go back to the airport at 2pm to drop off 4 more students. Yep so I really haven't had much of a weekend. I will say though that Scott, one of the base staff and one of my best friends is amazing because he offered to drive the 3:30am shift which was awesome because my alarm didn't go off so at 3:30 I had a knock on my window. Then he went to the airport with me again at 2pm. Then tomorrow (Monday) starts a whole new week with about 20 people here it won't be so bad!
So after 21 hours of being on my feet, I could barley stand in the shower and the next morning it took me 10 minutes to get out of bed because all my muscles ached and I am still recovering it is Sunday night...
I love dropping off students it is just a real good way to finish strong in what they do and a way for them to start this whole new adventure. DTS is not the end it's only the beginning of an amazing journey! We only have 4 days and the next lot come in. This time it's about 100 people that we will have and that I will have the privilege of cooking for! God is my strength and he guides my feet everywhere I am obedient to him in every aspect of my life. He gives the freedom to speak and to listen, he is the joy and the love that comes in many shapes and forms. I am free and there is nothing else I could ask for......

This is Kristoffer and Evan, they helped me in the kitchen throughout these past months! 

This is Malori, Laurie and Becky, some of the girls I mentored.

This is the ah-mazing Jonathan my dance partner...

This is my good friend Scott whom is just amazing!

Amazement

Oh, so many things are going through my head at the moment. Which is good and bad... I am physically, emotionally and spiritually tired. I really need the prayer support from all you out there.... I am run off my feet, literally it hurts to stand. This week has flown by but has also been a bit of a stand still. I don't even remember what I did yesterday. There are so many people here that it's really overwhelming and I know I have to stand strong because when you're down that's when it's easy to attack. I am learning so much, teaching so much, cooking my heart out, and enjoying the quiet times. Don't get me wrong I love it, but it's a bit crazy right now. I just keep getting reminded of how small David was to Goliath and how he had victory over him but he was only being obedient to God. No matter where we are we have to find the small things that remind us of how amazingly awesome God is and how massive he is! I went to the ocean last night, the moon was shining and the stars were beautiful. Christchurch was lit up to the one side then it was just the beach. The ocean reminds me of how the tide keeps turning and new rocks and shells appear instantaneously and how that's how our lives are. We get the strength everyday to go push through, to die to ourselves and swallow our pride and be a humble servant to our Great God! No matter what it never ceases to amaze me! 

Little Bo Peep

"At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens. The words "once more" indicate the removing of what can be shaken that is created things - so that what cannot be shaken may remain." - Hebrews 12:26-27  We cannot be shaken by earthly things or when the enemy tries to attack us. 

With all the teams getting back it has been a crazy rush to get things done around here. Our first two teams came in last night (Friday night) I had to make dinner which wasn't relayed until 5pm. So I crazily whipped up something for the MMM at 6pm then I made something different for everyone else at 8pm. I must say I didn't quite like making two dinners. They used to do that with split shift dinners and lunches. Things are coming along pretty well though. I had the honorary job of picking up nails yesterday so that the backpackers (who go barefoot) won't get anything in their feet! I also made some beds for hospitality yesterday for some unexpected guests that popped on base. Earlier that morning I went in to Christchurch which is a 45min drive, to visit another meat locker. I came out spending a lot of money on meat which will last us a month or so! I felt like I saw a glimpse of heaven, so much meat! More hugs are to come today, we will have everyone home today! I am excited but also a little sad because I only have a week with everyone then they leave. Then we have 6 days and another lot come in. It'll be good, I must say I won't be bored.

So the students and staff have this week as debrief which means they process outreach. They have lectures and things to do. But I believe it's talking it out one on one with people, that's when you process it. It took me a while to process outreach when I was a student but once you do and once you have closure from it you're good to go! I am excited for some sleepless nights this week, it will be a great week! With them getting back I am honestly so excited to lead an outreach at some point. I haven't told anyone what I'm going to do yet but that's because I really don't know yet. I have to lead an outreach in order to finish my BLS. So we will see what's to come. 

You know how there is a first time for everything. Well last night was my first time being called little bo peep by Denver. It was a new one for me but honestly I have so many names around here I just answer. Then it reminded me of how everyone is called but few answer. Well maybe we are being called by different names like daughter, mother, sister, brother who knows what. hhmm, I think I will ponder this a bit..... 

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!

Progress

They put the frame down which is now ready for cementing. Just one step closer!

This side will be the outside entrance to the freezers.

This is in the Hyatt which was a real small room that they are turning into a bathroom since we will have 100 people on base it's nice not to wait for a bathroom. 

All in all it's coming along slowly but surly. As well with the physical changes on base we're also getting new base staff coming in. It's exciting to get to know new people and make them feel welcome part of the family. Ya know! 

Kiwi Humor

"The best cure for discouragement or qualms is another daring plunge of faith" - C.T. Studd

This man, C.T. Studd was a great missionary. His name keeps popping up on our base so I looked him up. One of my nicknames is CT and that's how it came about. Anyways this is one of his sayings and it's so true! If you think about it whenever we are down in the dumps we either do something irrational or radical to change the situation. Hence a Plunge of Faith. This new season for me is really going to be exciting I can just feel the passion and excitement every time I pray about it! We are all on an adventure. For me one of the things I did pray for this year was a real crazy plan just new ways to do ministry and goals that I can start working towards. For instance, starting a home for girls that have been abandoned or writing a book or becoming a world famous chef. Catch my drift? 
Oh the joys of kiwi humor, it never ceases to amaze me and how I missed it when I was gone. They are known for their bluntness which can really come across as being rude if you're not used to it. When I was home my mother and other people were constantly telling me to speak up or to repeat myself. Because they mumble so bad here that you really can't understand them they also talk so fast, compared to the rest of the world that is one thing they do fast. See the thing is that if you're from the North Island it's worse because they don't move their top lip when they speak. Try it, it's harder than it looks. If you're around it long enough you pick it up, unfortunately. If you have a dry sense of humor then the kiwi life is for you.  
So we are at the end of my first week back which it feels like I never left which is good! I organized my whole kitchen with labels so that I don't get the same questions of where stuff goes! Next week starts what I feel is the storm. It's like the calm right now which is amazing and quiet to where I can hear myself think, then Saturday begins the tornadoes rolling in one by one. It will be good though with more people on base there will be no time to be bored! I'll be in a full house again which I think I'm ready for. It's nice and sunny out so I can't really complain!   

You're A What?

So with being back in the swing of things and a good visit with the butcher I can officially say it is good to be home. It's funny how over the past few months I've been here I really have built relationships around the community. The MMM (Mobile Mission Maintenance) are a group of people from all over and they go from project to project. Right now they're working on our local church, the one I attend the Oxford Baptist. They are expanding because they need more seats for the sermons and such. So they come around for meals sometimes. During the last school they were here 3 times a week. That was so much fun because the ones that came were over 65, lets just say they are some of the coolest grandparents ever! So Old Stan (one of the guys) comes around every night walking his dog, it was great to see him and they are going to be back on base working on some projects we have! I get a knock on my door last night (I'm the only one home) he says "cookie (what he calls me) why haven't you picked the plums?" I said "what?" He said "how can you call yourself a cook when you haven't picked the plums?"  I said "I didn't even know we had plum trees" He said "Come on I'll show you" So he took me and showed me all the plum trees we have. So New Zealand plum looks like a cherry at home. The taste is exactly the same as home though. He is such a funny old man, witty as can be, we get along just great. I was showing him where my chiller and freezer are going. He worked on this building as well so he told me some stuff that I didn't know which I passed onto the maintenance men. After that I went and picked me a bowl of plums!
Today they and by they I mean Juddy and Scott started the construction for the moving of the chiller and freezer. Such a joyous day that means it's closer to the time of moving! It's like Christmas day for me I'm so excited! Not having so many people on base is good and not so good in ways. It's good because I have successfully organized my kitchen with labels and clean shelves! It can also be lonely since there are no students here there are only 2 people that actually live on base. Needless to say we have family hangout nights. Like tonight was one of them! We went and played Quelf, it's an Australian game (you can tell) it is the most ridiculously fun game I have ever played! We spent the night laughing our hardest at the things we had to do, see you pick these cards and on each of them there is something different that you have to do. For instance I had to do the splits and if I did not then I would have to move back 2 spaces, I had to also sit with one hand on the ground for the rest of the game or I would go back 1 space each time I took my hand off the ground. Then there's group cards which everyone has to do, most of them are embarrassing and really get you out of your bubble! It's a real good get-to-know you game, I would recommend it to fathers of daughters that bring home boys. Just saying...
"If God who sits in the heavens can laugh, His children on earth should be loyal enough to do exactly as their Father does"- C.T. Studd