I have had a fair share of new experiences while being here and this past weekend was no exception. I have gone camping before, I have gone opossum hunting before and I have gone for a tramp (hike) before. However, I have not killed anything intentionally before (that squirrel I killed in the States was not supposed to run in front of my car, really!) but this past Saturday night I shot two opossums! Do take a moment to reflect on the truth that opossums here are considered a nuisance since they kill native birds and animals so I really was doing the environment a favor. It does feel weird to have officially killed something though since I’m not normally a hunting/fishing kind of girl. That night I also helped Michelle look for eels to spear and the next day during a tramp we slid and hiked down this hill without using a path. Least to say I have a fair share of sore muscles, bruises and scratches. *sigh* It’s all part of the experience!

Yesterday my friend Joey came by the youth centre and hung out with some of our kids after school. Then, last night at home group he asked me about why things go the way they do and what I do to try manage it. We started three weeks ago having whanau (family) time at the close of the centre for about 10 minutes. It’s not compulsory for you to participate but we encourage the kids to come and listen to some notices and then to a 2-4 minute audio devotional written by teenagers for teenagers. We then close the time with an opportunity for the kids to have us pray for anything that is going on personally or with their family or friends. This time has stirred up all kinds of reactions from the kids. There is usually a lack of respect to whoever is talking and to each other. That is what Joey had observed. On the up side we have a better understanding of where some of the kids are at in their view of God. My prayer is that in some way during the time we have at the youth centre whether it be when we are just talking and playing a game of pool or cards or during our whanau time, God would plant seeds in the hearts of the kids. Before I left the States a couple who prayed with me gave me the picture of seeing me in the youth centre and there were flowers blooming. There wasn’t any fruit from the blossoms yet but there were flowers. I think of that and am encouraged that in some ways I will hopefully be able to see at least the blooms of the truth and care that are being planted in the lives of these kids. Oh, that I would have His wisdom to know how to handle the situations that arise with the kids and to know how many times I need to ask them to please watch their language or to remind them of the rule “if it’s not nice, don’t say it” and when I just need to let it go. Sometimes I feel like a parent! Even with the ups and downs it’s all worth it and it’s an honor to serve Him!
There you have it…where I’m at and what I’m processing through.
Much Love,
Mel

Tomorrow marks a month of being in New Zealand! In some ways it seems like it should be longer and in other ways I am glad it has only been a month. It seems like it should be longer because of all that I have done and seen and experienced and I am glad it hasn’t been longer because if it were than I would feel bad for still not having adjusted to the culture quite yet. I think it is safe to say that I have been experiencing some culture shock. This past week I really felt it as I felt like my brain had reach the point of all it could hold and remember…names of people, names of streets and areas of town, locations of the bank and post office, details of how things go at the office, etc. People have been gracious to me as I have had to ask their name again or have asked for help in finding something. It has been quite a bit to take in these past two weeks!

This week I hope to purchase a car. Thankfully Wanganui isn’t too big and so I have walked a bit and have been able to get shuttled around by people fairly easily. I will be glad to have my own wheels though. We’ve done some shopping around and I must say that I have learned a lot since I haven’t purchased a car for myself yet. I’ve been praying for God’s car for me and have been trusting on Him to guide me to the one He wants me to have. I am looking forward to sharing with you guys what He provides!

There are so many things I could share with guys about the city, the people, ministry, church, etc…. it’s a bit overwhelming to think of all I could write. So, I am going to bite off a bit of it at a time and see how it goes. I will also take special requests. With that being said, tomorrow’s blog will feature a description on Wanganui to help you get a better feel for this place I am living. Have a wonderful Monday (or Sunday for those of you on the other side of the world)!

Hugs,
Mel

Kia Ora!
Just wanted to let you all know I have made it safe and sound!! Thank you for your prayers! All my luggage made it as well. I’m doing well energy wise and am excited to be here! I need to make this one short but I did want everyone to know I have made it! I will try to update within the next week once I get back to Whangerai. Have a wonderful week!

Hugs,
Mel