Home Away from Home: The Tour

I have made a post with a tour of my new place in Hawthorn. It took me quite a while to upload all the pictures, etc. So I am just going to direct you to check it out if you like at my other blog, Making Memories in Melbourne, which I think most of you who may follow this know about. I have been posting basically the same on both blogs, with more personal information on this blog, as my former students have access to the other blog and at times refer to more personal information on here. 

Getting There...is a Process

My feet are starting to get grounded on the other side of the big pond; however, I was beginning to question whether or not I would actually make it, or at least really make it on time! The journey started by flying to Denver from Fargo on a little “puddle jumper” plane. I am always a bit leery when I have fly through Denver as I have always had delays…well this flight was no different, I had a delay arriving and leaving Denver. We were held in the air over Nebraska due to weather. The pilot politely came on and told us they were expecting to have to hold for half an hour and if the weather hadn’t cleared we would have to divert to Grand Junction but we wouldn’t have enough fuel to get there if they did divert us. Really, did he have to tell us the last part, some people! We were able to land in Denver after holding for only ten to fifteen minutes. By the time I landed I scurried off to the gate for my next flight.


As I found my seat, on my next “puddle jumper” flight to Bakersfield, California, I heard the lady I would sit by for the duration of the flight talking to someone on the phone that was obviously on another plane and told her that they weren’t able to fly out due to weather. UGG! This flight had to take off on time or there is no way I would catch my flight to LA. Needless, to say my needs didn’t trump the order that the flights take off so we too had to sit in line on the tarmac waiting for our turn to take off. 45 minutes later we were in the air. If we were able to make up a little bit of the time we lost I would we would land at the time my next flight was meant to depart. As we approached the end of our flight I contemplated talking to the flight attendant to see if there was any way that they could hold the next plane, knowing the airport I was flying into was the size of Fargo’s if not smaller. I didn’t have the courage to ask as I felt like it might be out of line to ask everyone else on the flight to wait for me to board and cause them to run late. However, another gentleman on the flight was to be on the connecting flight as well and asked…and they said YES!! Unheard of, the third “puddle jumper” plane of my travels waited an extra 10-15 minutes for six of us to board and we were up in the air again. Needless to say I didn’t really have any sort of layovers my entire trip!


I landed in LA with just enough time to grab something to eat on the plane before the boarding process began for my flight to Melbourne via Sydney. We all boarded the plane that was quite full, however, I was looked upon with favor as there were only two of us in a row with four seats-EXTRA LEG ROOM for the 18+ flight! After the doors on the plane were closed and we backed away from the gate we stopped and were informed that we would have to return to the gate to have a “mechanical error” fixed before taking off. An hour or so after we were meant to take off I was in the air on a massive plane, especially if you compare it to the ones I had flown in previously that day. Before we even took off I think I was a sleep! Most of the journey was taken up with much needed sleep.


The rest of my journey was fairly smooth sailing. When we landed in Sydney we all had to get off, do a security check and re-board 45 minutes later for my final flight to Melbourne. All my suitcases arrived with me! I was a bit concerned with the fact that they might have been lost with all the brief layovers. It is quite amazing how all of the luggage gets to the right place most of the time when flying-have a think about that some time it is a bit mind boggling how it all works! Customs went very smoothly, I always fear customs, so this was a great relief! I breathed in my first breath of the Melbourne air on Wednesday, August 11th at 11ish! It was a fantastic feeling to be off the plane and finally here.


I will write within the next few days about the family I am living with and post some photos of the kiddos and our house here.

Making the Jump

I head out this afternoon with my life (well just the material things in it) packed in two suitcases and a carry on! I am filled with mixed emotions as it is very VERY difficult to say good bye to those I love here knowing we all have changed within the year. I will miss you all very much so please do keep in touch. I will try to post pictures of my "see ya laters" when I have some down time in the airports or when I arrive.




I will have 22 hours of flying time and then approximately 4-5 hours of layovers. Not sure how far the drive is to Hawthorn from the airport. Hawthorn is the suburb of Melbourne I will be living in. I am excited to be heading over and getting the journey started! There is a lot of adventures to be had, memories to be made and friendships to create!



Must finish packing my last minute items! Ta ta for now, see ya before we know it!

Update and Your Ideas Are Needed
The time of my departure is fast approaching and I am looking for a gift to give the children that I will be taking care of. I would like to bring them a "true" American toy-but I am uncertain of what that may be. Browsing in the stores I find toys that are very commercial and not unique to America. I have thought of silly putty for M, but not really sure that would work for S, as she is only 2 years old. If you have any thoughts let me know what you think would be some "true American" toys that are small (need to travel in my luggage) that I could give a 2 year old and 4.5 year old? I would appreciate any suggestions!
The the past weeks and these last days state side are filled with work and saying my "see ya laters" (in person and via the phone) to various people I love and play an infulential part in my life. It is certainly a bitter sweet time as I am eagerly anticipating my trip but saddened at the thought of leaving the people I care about here. I wish I could pack you all up in my luggage and take you with! 

I had another big item checked off my list today as I was able to get rid of the "green beast" aka my car. It feels amazing to know my car is dealt with! Let's just say, I was stressed out by the idea of having to sell my car and wondering how it was all going to work out and then well I filled up last week and ended up filling up with contaminated gas. God just reminding me to trust in him and his faithfulness through each step of the journey.

God has shown his face in so many was throughout the journey. It has been such a joy (although at times stressful) to walk through this process! My heart has been reminded of God's faithfulness, grace and mercy time and time again I found myself doubting but softly being reminded to give up all my cares and worries to him. Oh, how freeing it is to place your cares with the Father! 

God has also been teaching me a lot about love this summer. The sermon this past week was a a wonderfully convicting message that lead me to honestly slow down and reflect on the ways I show love to people-those I love and those I have a hard time loving. It was certainly something God has been slowly peeling off layers so that I can see what he sees in my life and an area where much improvement is needed.

I look forward to learning how to love more like Jesus and learning more and more what that means for me in my life. This past year and a half has been filled with many hurts on a variety of levels. I have dealt with many of these issues by putting up walls and holding on to the hurt, bitterness instead of allowing God to work with me and heal it. God is slowly breaking these walls down, and lifting off the blinders over my eyes and heart to see how the walls that have been built not only harm those who hurt me, others around and myself  but also hinder my ability to fully love others as I should- as Jesus loves them.

A couple of dear friends of mine have read the book "Crazy Love" and raved about it. I was eager to read it and I sent it to me for my birthday (in Feb :-( ). I have had very good intentions of just sitting down and reading it but well needless to say I have yet to do so. I am looking forward to seeing how God uses his word, "Crazy Love" and others to speak to me about loving others like Jesus does. So many lessons learned along the journey and I am looking forward to the lessons yet to come as God exposes me to new adventures and new characteristics of him self!

A shout out to my family! I have to say my family has spoiled me rotten this week, and well always! They always have my back and are willing to help out and step up to help with whatever "pickle" I may have gotten myself into! I am so grateful for them and am dreading having to say "see ya later" to them. I know we will remain in contact but it will be difficult to be so far away from them at the same time. Thanks you guys for all you have done for me and blessing my socks off. I know I am spoiled by each of you --and I recognize that everyone doesn't have family members that will drop whatever they are doing to help another out! Love each of you heaps and bunches!

Progress Has Been Made

Progress has been made towards the goal! On Saturday, July 10th I was able to have a brief conversation with the dear kids I will be caring for over the next year. I met both M and S on Skype! M, dressed head to toe in his Superman outfit, took a little warming up but soon thought it was rather cool to be able to see himself on the computer. S was scared as someone strange was actually talking to her on the computer. Since I was at my brother and sister-in-law’s we showed her their dog, Madison, on the web cam and she thought that was neat! I am looking forward to my time with these two precious little ones!



A week and a half ago I was greeted in the morning with an email that read-“This is to advise that you have been granted an Electronic …visa on 12 July 2010.” I am not going to lie I did a little happy dance at that time but restrained myself from waking up my mom to tell her my visa had been granted! I notified N and she was delighted to hear I could now book my flight. She also told me that they (the family I will be living with) had been approved for the home they wanted so they get the keys this Friday, July 23 so that they can be all moved into the new place before I arrive! The 12th was a great Monday!


I immediately emailed the travel agent I had been working with (Downtown Travel-highly recommended!) and asked her to be looking into flights for me! Today was the day I booked my flight! I will be jumping the big pond in a little over two weeks-time will certainly fly!


My sister tells me the sooner I leave the sooner I come back! The realization of leaving all of my loved ones behind is starting to settle in. I know I have a spectacular support system in Australia and I am very eager to get to see them again; however, it is still going to be very difficult to be so far away from those I love here in the states. I am so thankful for technology these days that will allow me to keep in contact with everyone on the other side of the pond when I go. My family has been set up with Skype, students have created a blog to keep in touch through and for many others email and social networking sites will be used to help stay connected! Please do keep in touch, and let me know how you are doing! It is has always my fear of mine when I go on a overseas I will lose contact of people I hold dear.


What’s next on the list now that I have a ticket? Although I have completely moved out of my place in Hendrum I have a fair share of “moving” to do. I need to finish sorting through some things and find homes for them; as well as having some organizing parts of my life that still need to be done while I am not here—like taxes!! Other than that I am looking forward to enjoying my remaining time by spending time with family and friends!


I am looking for some Midwest gift ideas for the family I will be working for and some people I will be catching up with from my previous time in Australia. Do you have any great Minnesotan or North Dakotan gifts? If so please comment, I would LOVE to hear about any ideas you have! Australia is quite similar to the US in many ways I struggle with finding true “American” items to share with them!

And We Meet...Virtually That Is

I just finished talking (and seeing on a video call) with the family that I will be living with and nannying for starting in August continuing through the next August! I was a bit nervous to meet them as we have only had email conversations in the past and now it was time for the reality of actually "meeting" them and seeing if I met their expectations as well as the reality of someone once a stranger becoming a friend and a large part of my life for the next year and hopefully years to follow! 


Would they like me? Would our personalities mesh? These and many other questions ran through my head as waited for the call to come through. Conversing over e-mail does not allow for body language or a whole lot of personality show through especially when you have never met the person before; what if they expected someone completely different! I soon remembered I am not in control and that it is best that way. I wasn't going to let anxious thoughts ruin my first experience with the family I would soon share my day to day ins and outs with.

I continued to wait...10 minutes passed from the time we had scheduled to Skype. Huh...what was going on? I soon realized I was an hour early...I had miss calculated the time difference forgetting about day light savings...ah bugger!! Another hour to wait...which seemed to pass quite quickly I must admit! Soon the well known sounds of my Skype call rang though! I was welcomed by Narelle and Simon on the other end of the connection!  

Once we started chatting all my nerves and hesitations faded away! I had a blast chatting with Naralle and Simon, getting to know them a little bit! They both seem to like to laugh a lot, have fun and just overall enjoy life.  I left the conversation feeling more excited than before for the adventure that is store, I wish I could just jump on a plane and get it started!! But...oh, wait there are things like plane tickets, health insurance and visas that have to be dealt with yet!

How could I forget such things-believe me I want to forget about them, that would mean they are all taken care of! Some of the little things in the journey to getting to Melbourne are well quite frustrating. However, in the end everything gets done and the journey that comes once they are done is worth the frustration that occurs along the way.  On a positive note, I currently have an international drivers permit in my possession. This was certainly the easiest thing to check of my list of preparations. Say a little prayer I can get all my ducks in a row to have my visa application completed by the end of the week! Once the visa is in my hands (or at least a letter stating I received one) I will book my plane ticket...then reality really will sink in!

I am looking forward to another Skype call the first part of July. It is during this call that I will get to meet the precious children that I will be caring for! I am super excited to get meet them and start to learn about each of them, the things that they love to do, their silly little quirks and habits they might have and just enjoy meeting them in general!

Remember Surrender

Remember surrender Remember the rest Remember the weight lifting off of your chest And realizing that's its not up to you and never was Remember surrender Remember relief Remember how tears rolled off both of your cheeks As the warmth of a heavenly father came closing in I want to do that again Why can't I live there And make my home In sweet surrender I want to do so much more than remember Remember surrender Remember peace Remember how soundly you fell fast a sleep In the face of your troubles your future still shone like the morning sun Remember surrender Remember that sound All of those voices inside dying down But one who speaks clearly of helping and healing you deep within I want to do that again Why can't I live there And make my home

In sweet surrender

I want to do so much more than remember

Remember

Oh surrender

Remember Surrender-Sung by Sara Groves

A Lavish Love

A dear sweet friend sent me this in the mail today and it overwhelmed me and encouraged me as I read it and reflected on the love our heavenly father lavishes on each of us.

My Child,

You may not know me,

but I know everything about you.

Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up.

Psalm 139:3

even the very hairs on your head are numbered.

Matthew 10:29-31

For you were made in my image.

Genesis 1:27

In me you live and move and have your being.

Acts 17:28

For you are my offspring.

Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived.

Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation.

Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake,

for all your days are written in my book.

Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth

and where you would live.

Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made.

Psalm 139:14

And brought you forth on the day you were born.

Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented

by those who don't know me.

John 8: 41-44

I am not distant and angry,

but am the complete expression of love.

1 John 4:16

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you.

1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.

Matthew 5:48

I am the perfect Father.

Matthew 5:48

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand.

James 1:17

For I am your provider and meet all your needs.

Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.

Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love.

Jeremiah 31:3

My thoughts toward you are countless

as the sand on the seashore.

Psalm 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing.

Zephaniah 3:17

I will never stop doing good to you.

Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession.

Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish you

with all my heart and all my soul.

Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things.

Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek me with all of your heart,

you will find me.

Deuteronomy 4:29

Delight in me and I will give you

the desires of your heart.

Psalm 37:4

For it is I who gave you those desires.

Philippians 2:13

I am able to do more for you

than you could possibly imagine.

Ephesians 3:20

For I am your greatest encourager.

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you

in all of your troubles.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are brokenhearted,

I am close to you.

Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb,

I have carried you close to my heart.

Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away

every tear from your eyes.

Revelation 21:3-4

And I'll take away all the pain

you have suffered on this earth.

Revelation 21:3-4

I am your Father and I love you

even as I love my son, Jesus.

John 17:23

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed.

John 17:26

He is the exact representation of my being.

Hebrews 1:3

He came to demonstrate that I am for you,

not against you.

Romans 8:31

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.

2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled.

2 Corinthians 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression

of my love for you.

1 John 4:10

I gave up everything I loved

that I might gain your love.

Romans 8:31-32

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus,

you receive me.

1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you

from my love again.

Romans 8: 38-39

Come home and I'll through the biggest party

heaven has ever seen.

Luke 15:7

I have always been Father,

and will always be Father.

Ephesians 3:14-15

My question is...

Will you be my child?

John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you.

Luke 15:11-32

Love, Your Dad

Almighty God

How often is it that God is just simply waiting for us to respond to the love he is offering us...how often do we allow our selves to turn away and say: "Not today, God, tomorrow it will be convenient to be your child...but today I am to busing playing other roles."

Changes

Change, as we all know, is uncomfortable.

-Francis Chan

Throughout this new year I have felt the Lord knocking at my heart asking me to allow him to do some heart surgery and make some changes to my day to day life. I believe God is preparing me for the future and needs to do some softening and pruning in my life during this time of preparations. God has asked me to really look deep into my heart about the choices I have made and the choices I make on a daily basis.

Happy points is one thing I have implemented into my life, along with some friends of mine. Happy Points is our own system to living a healthier lifestyle. You can earn a "happy point" for getting enough sleep each night, drinking enough water, eating healthy and exercising. Many of you may be thinking God didn't ask me to do this-being healthier is a new years resolution that many people work towards each year...true. However, in God's love letter to us it does state that our bodies are temples and we should treat it with respect and care. I am seeking the Lords strength to help me make healthy choices and respect the body he has given me and glorify Him through it all.

Media and it's impact on my life is another change God is asking me to make. While technology is wonderful and I enjoy using it in a variety of ways I place using Facebook, emails, tv and other technology tools higher on my priority list than I should. God had been prodding at my heart for some time before I would even consider what he was asking me to do. I kept making excuses and trying to rationalize my habits...I need technology to do work from home, to keep in touch with dear friends within the US and across the world, to ensure my bills are paid, to make make my budget, etc. God got sick of my excuses and out came his sense of humor...my computer went on the blink a week ago.

The past week has been an eye opener for me not having a functioning lap top. First of all I was able to finish a ton of tasks that I would have other wise postponed. Secondly, I interacted with people in ways I probably wouldn't have. As much as technology helps keep me in contact with my international friends through facebook and skype and even my friends just miles away I have realized how much it has also hinders the ability to maintain authentic relationships. In my lil old apartment in the small town I live in I often feel lonely and this past week has opened my eyes to how much I have relied on technology to provide me with a false sense of companionship...when I could be out and interacting with the people within my real physical world rather than the cyber world, whether that means making some phone calls, sending out cards or meeting up with people.

It has been the plan to cut off from using Facebook as of Feb. 15th and limit the use of other technologies and rely on the "old fashion" ways of communication! I am eager and a bit scared to see how relationships might change as I am not part of the facebook world...as in some cases it is the only way I communicate with people. However, I have realized I will just need to be more intentional about maintaining those relationships. Obviously I am not going to cut out all forms of technology out of my life...but for now somethings just need to be limited. I am looking forward to this change and having some fun with reconnecting with friends in a non-technology intensive manner! We will see how I go!

God is also cultivating in my heart a deeper passion for him and what it truly means to love him and love others as he would. God is doing some wonderful healing and revitalizing my heart. I desire to be a woman after God's own heart-not mans and far to often I detour back trying to please man. God is speaking to me in powerful ways through his word, other books and dear sisters and brothers he has put in my life.

By no means are any of these changes easily done with a simple prayer or a snap of my fingers. Change is an uncomfortable and painful road...whether it be physical, emotional or spiritual pain. I know God, my Father, and he his deep love for me...he only gives me as much as I can handle, his ways are always for the best. He prunes so that the vine may produce fruit in the future. I have prayed for brokenness and know God will answer that prayer. The journey of healing and heart changes isn't a simple road-however, I trust the blessings and growth that occurs through out the journey will far out weigh the pain that might occur during it.

Choices

As a first grade teacher I probably said "you choose" hundreds of times a day...allowing the students to have the power to choose and take responsibility for their actions and reminding them that with each action they choose will influence the rest of their day. Now as a teacher of preteens I am often reminding my students of the choices they make has a direct impact on them.

• What to wear to school
• To eat breakfast or skip it
• To listen in class or not to listen in class
• To be prepared for class or not be prepared
• To do your homework or not to
• To set a positive or negative example to others
• To be respectful to your peers or not
• To study for the test or not to study

Well you get the point. We also talk about how each of these choices brings about a consequence. The consequence can be a positive or negative one...that is up to them to choose which one they would like.

Choices follow us around through life...they don't go away when we graduate from high school. As much as I tell my students they have choices and their choices will make an impact on them later in life, whether it be later in that hour or in the week or the next year, that choice will leave a mark, I have choices too...thousands of them daily that will impact not only my life but the lives of all of those around me.

Although, I have been telling kids for years their choices have an impact, in the past few months I have just come to the realization how much of an impact some choices have had in my life. Some of the choices were choices I made. Others were choices made by individuals that directly or indirectly impacted me and have been part of making me the person I am today. I am glad some of those choices were made, and would never consider reversing them. There are other choices, however, I wished never occurred but I can't turn back time. I can't change the past; but I do have the opportunity to CHOOSE to change my future and change how I allow the choices of the past to influence me.

Today, I am choosing to love others.

Today, I am choosing to look on the bright side.

Today, I am choosing to put relationships first.

Today, I am choosing to think outside the box.

Today, I am choosing to be thankful for the little things.

Today, I am choosing to use my resources more wisely.

Today, I am choosing to allow my Lord and Savior to heal me.

Today, I am choosing to appreciate those God has placed in my life.

Today, I am choosing to look towards the future and not dwindle on the past.

Today, I am choosing to be content where God has me for this time and season in my life.

Today, I am choosing to use the passions that run deep inside me to make a positive impact on the world around me.

Today, I am choosing to let the creator of the Universe hold my hand as I walk through each moment of my life.

Everyone Can Do Something...

Valentines day is a day to show love towards others, whether it be the special someone in your life, a stranger next door,that person who just needs a smile and hug or the child waiting for a pair of shoes in Ethiopia. My friend, Lindsay, wrote a post about the Valentine link that you can find on the side of my blog. You can click the link purchase a valentines t-shirt and in turn you can meet a need for a child across the world! I encourage you to help out someone in need today, whether it is your spouse, close friend, or a stranger in your neighborhood or across the world. We all can do something to make this world a better place.

A Good Word

Here is an incredible promise from the Creator of the Universe I am holding on to. I hope it encourages you as much as it encourages me.

Call on to me and I will answer you and tell you great unsearchable things you do not know. Jeremiah 33:3

New Year New Schedule

Turn on the radio, turn on the tv, read a magazine or the news paper around the new year and you read all about the various New Year Resolutions people are making and determined to be successful in. I however, don't typically do well with new year resolutions and tend to feel defeated within the first day to three days at tops. Therefore, I just don't do new year resolutions. I am do, however, try to routinely try to reflect on who I am and the person I am meant to be. At times I become overwhelmed and just point blank depressed when I think about who I am and where I think I should be. Other times I think I am doing okay although I know there is plenty to work on. 2009 was a tough year in many ways. The year was full of challenges and changes along with much joy. As I reflected on 2009 during the weeks and days that lead up to the new year and the days that have already passed within 2010 I realized when the tough times came throughout the year I put many critical and important habits and routines on the back burner and in some cases completely erased them from my life. Habits like getting enough sleep, stopping and just being still, reading or doing other activities for enjoyment, making time to hang out or call and chat with dear friends, and going outside my box to help others in need. I allowed the hard, tough situations to rule my life instead of living my life and preserving through them. In response to my reflections I have created myself a new schedule...in hopes to gain back some of the healthy routines I allowed to fall out of my day to day life. I am not doing this because it is January and I need to have a new years resolution or because someone put me up to it. I have created this new schedule for no other reason besides...I want to. I know there are many things I want to work on as a individual to help me become the person I want to be, to be the person that God desires me to be as a daughter of the King. I want to do what brings me joy and I love doing and some how in the past year I lost many of those things so I want to take them back. I want to challenge myself and push myself farther out of my comfort zone and into the new adventures that God, himself, has planned for me in this time and season. Who knows where I might be by the end of the year! God has great things in store and I am eagerly anticipating what they might be! At times I am fairly anal and like to start things on either the 1st or the 15th of the month; simply because it allows me to feel like I am starting on a crisp clean day. I really want to wait until the 15th because I feel like it will be a better day to start and I am anal but I also realize I can't push this off anymore. Therefore, tomorrow I will start my new schedule tomorrow. I continually tell my students that it takes 30 days to form a routine. Therefore...the next month is going to be the hardest...and I hope I have the ambition and self control to stick to my schedule and routines I have planned as much as possible. So why did I take up an entire post to tell you about my schedule? Well because everyone needs accountability...it is my goal to post at least once a week about how I am doing on keeping my schedule and share more about what the various new habits I am including into my life as well as the old ones I allow to drift out of my life. I encourage you to ask me how I am doing with keeping my schedule! Accountability is so important!

360 degree flip

Wow, I knew it could happen but didn't allow myself to go there until it did. I am back in the classroom this fall!!! It is amazing to consider in just mere weeks I will be back to "Ms. Oelke" to 20 or so lil ones-but not so little-5/6 graders are not all to little and actually! What a transition it will be from first grade and the very casual daycare setting I have been at. I have appreciated the time I have had at the daycare and the numerous lessons I learned from being there and the journey I have taken to get back to the classroom! In just a few weeks time I will be not only a teacher but a coach--yes don't die from laughing so hard but I will be helping to coach the high school volleyball team and possibly the Jr. high girls basketball team. Although I have no experience whats-so ever coaching I am excited for the new adventure and the lessons I might learn about myself and the world around me through the experience. It is amazing how God prepares everything-things that I never thought would come to help me out in the future career have been vital in getting this job-merely playing the sport and having a general idea of how the sport works! God has also taken care of some other prior obligations that I had and provided people who are willing and able to step up and take them over due to school or volleyball conflicts. It is a joy to stop stressing (I did that last night-had my little freak out party) and just reflect on how God as already provided and been faithful and trust God will continue to take care of everything and provide all that is needed! It is so much fun to see where God's hand is already at work and to consider what he might do this on this new journey. I will be moving out to Hendrum at some point. I am not sure when and I am not exactly sure where but that will also be a change. From being able to meet up with family or friends at a moments notice to having to have everything somewhat planned from my shopping and get gas! My life will look very different very soon but it is an exciting difference and I am ready to go on the adventure! You can look forward to some stories from the classroom or the court in the future!

Good Stuff

Commit to the LORD whatever you do,

and your plans will succeed.

The LORD works out everything for his own ends-

even the wicked for a day of disaster...

In his heart a man plans his course,

but the LORD determines his steps.

Proverbs 16: 3, 4, 9

What encouraging words when the world wants to get in the way of our faith!

Exhausted

As I type I am half asleep, as well as very physically and emotionally drained.I love relationships and think that they are the most important thing that you can invest in while here on Earth; with the most important relationship of all being the one you have with Jesus Christ. Although I truly believe relationships are vital and much needed I am ready to throw them out the door and not look back. I look around me and see my co-workers stress and frustration from relationships with co-workers and the children as well as stresses from relationships outside of work. I look into my own life and see relationships numerous positive relationships where there is mutual support and encouragement with among one another. I am so very blessed with many dear friends and loved ones that I adore spending time with; dear people in my life who accept me just as I am and who I am becoming with each passing day. But I also see other relationships with much strain and toxic relationships at need to be dealt with in a positive and respectful manner but dealt with non the less. Do I think they will be this way forever, not all, but some possibly. With those that I feel wont change I will give them up to God and go let go as he leads me. I am also thankful for these relationships as they help shape me into the person God has for me to be and valuable lessons are learned from such relationships. They too will forever impact my life. It saddens me to think that people come and go in your life. I love the coming portion but not so much the going portion but have come to terms that as much as it hurts at times-change is a good thing and can bring healing. Sometimes it just means a change in how you interact with one another and how often you meet up, etc. due to a variety of situations. Other times it means that you have to recognize that God is saying it is just time to move on. Seasons come and go and there is a reason for that...and in the end it is all for God's glory! So even though I am drained and don't think I can handle much more, and consider how simple my life would be (but really have no meaning or purpose) without relationships I will continue to strive to be a positive influence in the lives of those who God brings to me and puts into my life, no matter how long or short of a time they may be in my life. Living one day at a time, minute to minute, walking with the King.

A good feeling

I must say it isn't very often that I have a some what of a low key, productive weekend. Usually I have heaps of things going on such as tutoring a few hours, babysitting, running around to shops, preping for the next week, doing stuff with the family, cleaning up from the weeks activities, etc. so not that I lead the most exciting life but the point is the weekend events typically eat up my weekends real fast. However, this weekend has been exceptionally productive and left me with a great feeling! It was very productive! Friday I was able to spend time with my aunt and cousins! It was good to have a relaxing evening with them. Saturday, I was able to scratch things off the "To Do" list so that later in the week I can maybe be a bit more low key and do some hobbies! I was so excited that by Saturday afternoon I had cleaned out my kitchen and room taking numerous tubs to the garage as I will be moving (yes again! I never stay anywhere too long!)! I was also able to bake 2 batches of banana bread biscotti and 4 loaves of banana bread, throw in a few hours of tutoring and some time with one of my favorite girls, Riley! Saturday was a good day! Sunday was also productive as I tried making sweet potato fries for the first time, which didn't turn out to bad for a first go around! Got ready for the week ahead and crossing out a few more things on the list! I must say it is a great feeling being able to lift the pen to scratch the next thing off the list of "To Do." I love the feeling of accomplishing something and how it makes me feel well prepared for the week ahead (no matter how false the feeling of being prepared to spend the week with 20 school ager really can be)!

Transitions into the unknown

As of late I really feel God calling me to change my life-live more frugally, honestly and just live. So often I get caught up in the whose and whats and business of the life in this world. To be honest, I am super excited for some of the changes and quite terrified of others but know all will be good in the end. I think it is always some what invigorating and scary all that occur when I just let go to some of those things I feel I have started to grab back from God and those I have never fully released my grip. I am excited for the opportunities that will come with this and the possibilities. Where will I be in a year, what will my relationships look like, what career path will I be on...and so much more! Oh the possibilities-although I have some possible ideas I could be way off the mark, but no matter what I will enjoy the ride! I would love to have your prayers and accountability in this. It is so easy to get tangled up into business and the world that one doesn't really enjoy life at times...so if you feel comfortable to pray or ask me about it, please do so! It is greatly appreciated!

Reflections...

5/6 Team...Rowan, Jo, myself, and Bruce

Forever supportive and an outstanding team to work with!

Monique and I...ah how I miss you! We were being a bit goofy...it is candy in our teeth!

Geoff and I in the school yard. Geoff allowed me to be a tag-along on numerous occasions.

Ken and Liz, Me, Hilary and John.

The great couples that opened their homes to me and welcomed me in like their own child. Thank you.

Ken and Liz

Me, Hilary, John

Give me some time and I will figure out how to have a fully functional blog...being capable of putting things (such as pictures) where I really want them! I can't believe it and perhaps it is because I don't want to or because I want to hang on to my experience, my lessons learned, my memories, my friendships...but three years ago I would be sitting in Australia on school holidays while student teaching. It was in Oz that I met some of the most amazing and supportive people that will forever have an everlasting impact on my life. People who opened their homes and lives up to me--welcoming me and accepting me just as I am without judgement or condemnation. My experiences in Australia has had such an impact on both my professional and personal life that I never had dreamt about...that is what happens when God is control and you open your arms up to His will--amazing blessings that you couldn't even imagine. A good friend of mine always says "Dream big, 'cause God dreams bigger." Well I dreamt big...I dreamt to student teach in Australia...but little did I know the huge work God was going to do in my life in those mere months that I lived there. While in Oz God opened my eyes to many life lessons. He opened up wounds of my past that occurred half way around the world to start healing them if I choose to let him, if I choose to open my arms up to him and step out of my comfort zone into the pain. He brought incredible people into my life to teach me and help heal me, without them ever realizing what they have ever done. Not a day goes by that I am not forever grateful for them, that I don't think about the lessons that learned and the smiles, words of encouragement, chats over tea or rides in the car that help to start the process of healing. When I got home...I started shutting the doors to that healing process as "life took over" and got busy. Three years later I hear God whispering into my heart that its time to clean up the mess. As past hurts and new pains have been left lingering and it is time to finish healing them. It is time I be obedient to allowing God in to completely heal them, to open my arms up fully and allow God to reach in and heal the deep wounds so that I may be fully prepared for the next step of the exciting adventure that He is preparing for me.Perhaps this adventure called life will soon bring me back to the land down under at least for a visit! Or perhaps will bring some of those Ozzies right on over the big pond to America! Cheers to all of you Ozzies out there! I miss ya heaps!

Something to Say-The Motions

This might hurt, it's not safe

But I know that I've gotta make a change

I don't care if I break

At least I'll be feeling something'

Cause just okay is not enough

Help me fight through the nothingness of life

I don't wanna go through the motions

I don't wanna go one more day without

Your all consuming passion inside of me

I don't wanna spend my whole life asking,

"What if I had given everything,instead of going through the motions?"

...Let Your love make me whole

I think I'm finally feeling something'

--Matthew West

So often we want to live in our comfortable little bubble of life...just going through the day to day motions, while God is knocking at our hearts telling us he has so much more to offer us but we have to be willing to step out of our bubble. Never did he tell us that it would be easy by any means. But it is worth it and as the lyrics say at least I am feeling something-even when God convicts of sin or calls us to work through painful situations of our past. His all consuming passion and love is far greater than the nothingness that this life and this world lead you to...the material possessions and quick fixes that provide only momentary happiness and possibly years of heartache.

As I go through my own storms in life I am thankful for the pain and I am certain God is working through every moment of it, that he is using it to mold me into the woman of God he has created me to be and that I need to be for the various individuals that he places in my life today and years down the road. It is painful now and I only see a glimpse of the glory and a glimpse of his purpose in it but it is much better than going through the motions of this world. So I ask, are you going through the motions? Are you lettings God love make you whole? Will you hold me accountable to stepping out of my comfort zone and leave the motions behind? Because there are certainly plenty of days where it is easy to say-Its just a day-let me escape the pain for a day...but really I don't want to miss God's all consuming power in my life for a moment let alone a day. I need him to make me whole everyday.