gotta have faith

What does it look like to when you set off with 2 other people, 3 sandwiches, $20 bucks, and no agenda for the week?  A lot of faith, a lot of relying on God, and a lot of patience.  Heather, David, and I set off from Oxford and made it to Queenstown 3 days later.  The Lord provided a shelter over our heads and food in our stomach every night.  But, it was a humbling experience from day one.  When every need has to be met by other people, it strips away any form of pride.  From sticking your thumb out on the side of the road to sleeping on a couch in a lounge for everyone to see...it's all very humbling.  It's embarrassing.  I have never had to worry about basic needs like food and shelter and to all of a sudden be put on the street with basically nothing is a scary and helpless feeling.  Helplessness is not a normal feeling I've had in my past.  Thanks to my family and the way I have been brought up, having nothing is completely out of my comfort zone.  This week I was stripped away of all pride.

Before we got to Queenstown there came a "freak out" moment everynight.  This was usually after the sun went down and we had walked from hotel to hotel, to hostels, into restaurants and still had no where to stay and no food to eat.  This "freak out" moment usually lasted about 10 minutes but He ALWAYS came through.  His timing and provision is absolutely perfect.  We are taken care of by a Father who loves us and wants nothing but good for us.  

I know we have all heard the verse, and probably at some point applied it to our lives, in Matthew 6 that says not to worry about tomorrow, what you will eat or drink.  But to seek first His kingdom and these things will be given to you.  This has always been a "common" verse in my walk but it really took on a new meaning for me this week.  I learned to depend on Him moment by moment.  To thank Him for EACH blessing.  As I was falling asleep the first night I was already dreading/worrying about the next day when it hit me... I was sleeping in a warm bed with a full stomach!  He provided SO many blessings for me that day.  I was exactly where He wanted me and SO well taken care of.   I learned to thank Him for what He had given me and to take each day one step at a time.  

When we arrived in Queenstown we were taken in by an amazing family who are pastors of a church.  CRAZY story, but 21 of us (YWAMers) ended up staying there.   We got to serve the family and the chuch but really they blessed us more than we could have blessed them.  Janet (the pastor of the church) taught me that hospitality is not a gift, it's a command.  It doesn't matter what you have to offer, your house should always be open.  Janet and Chris have lived only by faith.  It was so inspiring to spend 3 days with this amazing couple. 

I could go on and on about all the adventures I had and everything the Lord has taught me this week.  I saw BEAUTFUL areas of New Zealand but I definitely appreciate having some money in my pocket, a bed to sleep in every night, and food on the table.  I am glad I had the experience of being "homeless" but lets just say I am happy to be back.