an end and a beginning...

I am officially in New Zealand....what?  Crazy to think that after all the goodbyes, packing, and traveling I am really here.  I am so excited for what is to come in the next few months.  I do already miss being so connected with friends and I don't think I realized that there is potential for times of loneliness.  Today is weird.  I am meeting so many people from all over the world (America, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, Korea, Finland, Germany, Fiji, etc etc.).  I know that in just a few days I will know these people and in the next month we will all be SO close.  BUT for now its just awkward.  Where do you begin to inform someone of your life and learn about their's at the same time.  I know it will all come, just have to be patient and intentional.  I do know one thing though... I am going to come back having learned and experienced so much and I am so grateful for that.  

This past week has been a crazy week of emotions.  I didn't think it would be that hard to leave people I love.  As most of you know I have been a part of a VERY special group/community in Auburn over the past few months.  That unique community made it so difficult to want to go.  It's crazy to think that I was going to be in Switzerland in January and would have never grown so close to so many people.  God's timing is absolutely perfect and He obviously had me right where He wanted me!  I couldn't imagine life right now having not gotten so close to the AU peeps.  The night before I began the long trek here, a few of them drove all the way down to Mobile for dinner and to send me off.  Before they left to drive back they all prayed over me.  SO cool/blessed to know that people support me and love me,  I mean thats what community is right? SUCH a BEAUTIFUL picture of community.  I am so excited to see God's plan for all of these people, because His plans are BIG.  I'm excited to think where everyone will be when I return in 6 months.  I do know that all of them are going to be exactly where they need to be and they WILL BE changing lives.  No doubt about it.  I am trusting that God will sustain ALL of these relationships.

Once again, I am so excited about this journey ahead.  I am so ready to be poured into and feel like I can't fit anymore in this little brain of mine!  I can't wait to explore beautiful New Zealand.  I can't wait to see multiple countries, cultures, and people.  I am so ready to be used and beyond blessed to even have this opportunity.  I want to know HIM more.  I am confident in HIM.  May HIS love pour out of me.  I trust HIM completely.  Thanks in advance for being connected to this incredible journey I'm about to embark on.