Jack Frost nipping at your nose

I've got to be honest. Christmas music does not have the same effect on me as it did last year. So far when I have played the usual Christmas playlist it makes me long to be home. To be cold outside, but to then cuddle in by the fire. I would love to snuggle next to my cat/dog, read Little Women, light a fireside candle and make cookies with my Momma or watch as my Dad fights with the Christmas tree. Haha! I look forward to having the joy to do that and I know they do too, pets included. It will be a true joy!

Although, know that I made this decision and wouldn't change that. I look outside my window and see mountains. I get to be a part of a crazy adventure. It is 70 degrees (which weirdly isn't saying much when I just looked at Tulsa's weather and it was hotter there today...that's just wrong) here in Oxford and foggy. Fog is beautiful over the Southern Alps.

So friends and family, be thankful. Be thankful for times with family. Be thankful for the cold weather, so you can cuddle together and sip a hot chocolate with big, puffy marshmallows. Drink deep life. It isn't long enough really. Put on a good CD and talk with loved ones over coffee.

I am living life to the fullest here; learning, growing, and appreciating the people and beauty around, but also adoring those that are an ocean away.

it has been too long since the last time we talked...

Hello!

Since I have been here in New Zealand we have had some terrible things happen. An earthquake and now we are watching the news for the update of the mine that exploded just a few hours west of us (well, everything is within a few hours here). It is not looking great, but I believe hope is something we should lean on in these times. So last week we had the priveledge of hearing another great speaker from the Tauranga House of Prayer. They are the New Zealand branch of the International House of Prayer in Kansas City (known as IHOP). He was fantastic! This week is Mark Parker, and for many that have done YWAM know this fellow well. Even my good friend Cory knows this guy from her DTS!

I was blessed with an amazing weekend a few days ago and tomorrow I get to celebrate Thanksgiving! Good ole American Thanksgiving. Man, I wish I could enjoy my mom's mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie.

There are so many things to be thankful for and tomorrow will be an extra special day of praising and thanking God for everything.

I could say a lot more, but for now this is what I have. Love you all!

cane sugar in my coke

I'm not sure if I have said this yet, but I am so thankful to be here. I love being within an hour drive of gorgeous mountains and the waves of the Pacific Ocean. I love fish 'n chips or a cold coke made with real cane sugar. Every coke here is like that. I'm amazed at the fact that in a month I will be headed to a crazy country, to meet new people, and experience a new culture (with new smells and tastes). Seth and I want to do a tad bit of climbing and our team is thinking about scuba diving. We will be using all forms of transportation, from planes, to trains and buses, boats, a taxi, and even a tuk tuk (click for more info, unless you are my parents...you two just don't need to see).

Life has been good. It is amazing to see growth in the students lives and also my own. It was a bit of an exhausting week, but today we got to enjoy the beach. The ocean and beach always have a way to simplifying life again for me. I can be totally stressed, but if I go to the beach I can breath a sigh of relief. I'm not sure what it is. The sound of the waves or maybe the hugeness of the body of water in front of my eyes.

Here is a picture of the ocean by Sumner Beach. Hope all is well back home and while you read this you are encouraged. Love you all.

what you've all been waiting for...

I know you have been on the edge of your seat. I sure have been! In about 5-ish weeks, my co-leader Seth and I (pictured below) will be packing our backpacks, gathering our three students and heading for Thailand!

That's right folks, I'm spending my Christmas holiday in a country that is like nothing I have ever been in. Pad Thai and tea, Thai people and the beach.

There will be more to come when the plans and such start coming together. Seth and I are excited! Sorry, but it is time for bed.

Life itself is the most wonderful fairytale of all.

I have a confession.

I love stories. I love the art of story telling. It is an art, you know. If you are acquainted with me, you always hear me ask you to tell a story. You learn so much about a person when they tell a story. And what person doesn't love to talk about their life and the funny, hurtful or amazing things that happen? That is one reason I love writing a blog, although I wish it wasn't just me writing. This thing isn't about me. It's about sharing, and as my roommate here in New Zealand says, "sharing is caring." That's some good wisdom there.

Do you have a good story to share? Well come on, tell us! Write it in the comment area.

God made man because he loves stories. —Rabbi Nachman of Bratzlev

If you keep telling the same sad small story, you will keep living the same sad small life. —Jean Houston