Wow! It’s been almost a month since I posted last. How time flies! I’ve passed the three month marker of being overseas which is also the marker of the longest I’ve been away from home. I am doing well! ☺
The last two weeks have been school holidays which basically means that I haven’t had us much of my scheduled youth work but have been able to relax, reflect and do some things that are harder to do when everything is going on. I joined in with helping to paint a kindergarten for two days, I went skiing for the first time, I moved to a new flat, I went to two birthday parties and one engagement party, and I’ve had numerous hot drinks with people. Basically, it’s been great! The next two nights are planning nights for the school term that starts on Monday. It will be good to meet together and pray about the direction that the Lord wants us to take during the next 10 weeks. ☺
Just to give an update on where Wanganui is at with gang violence and such… things have been peaceful. The mayor has created a taskforce to help deal with youth issues in the different areas of the community. It will take a period of time to get ideas into motion, but it’s a start. Something that I have been encouraged to see is how we have been able to become more aware of the different youth organizations in the area. It has been great to know we are not alone and to also be aware of other options youth available to them. We shall see how God will continue to open doors to work together and encourage the different youth organizations here in Wanganui.
God is doing some neat things in the church community here as well. There have been prophecies that God is going to pour out His Spirit here and bring revival. Several churches leaders have been working to prepare the way for that move of God by working to restore broken relationships with Christian Maori leaders and to help prepare the body for the change that is coming. It is exciting to think that God would bring revival! I do know that we have to be ready for it though! May God begin by bringing revival in our hearts as believers so that we can be ready for the work He is going to do!
Here are some pictures of the ski day I went on earlier this week. Enjoy!
Many blessings,
Mel

Here’s Michelle and I in our ski gear. Those goggles are pretty flash, aye?!

A snowman we “built”. It was sad that we didn’t get to build one because the weather got bad. This one made a good substitute though.

The sign from Ohakune…the town at the base of the mountain where we skied. They are known for their crisp and juicy carrots and for the best chocolate eclair on the North Island.

How many ways can you pose with a giant carrot? We say at least 5!

Joey…#1

Me….#2

Michelle…#3

Scott…#4 (he was supposed to be eating it but I didn’t line the camera up quite right.)

Hayden…#5