We are working our way into week two, but already it feels like we’ve been here for months. I love all of our students already. The students have been loving going into Christchurch to serve the earthquake relief efforts. We have been shoveling “liquefaction” (silty mud), delivering meals, handing out earthquake relief fliers, and working at food distribution centers. Next weekend we will be helping out as the town of Oxford holds a huge picnic and carnival for any earthquake victims. It’s great to see our students jumping in with both feet. In other news, my small group girls are amazing. Wednesday afternoon is one of my favorite times of the week. Lectures are also great. Last week we talked about Sin, The Cross, and Forgiveness, and God began pouring out his love and forgiveness for His beautiful children.
Along with all the amazing ways God is moving in the lives of the students, He is also moving in my life. Coming into this school a month ago, I was freaked out, wondering how I was going to be able to step out in leadership in such a big way. But just as He gave me peace in Auckland about the road ahead of me, He has miraculously taken away most of my fear, anxiety and shyness with these students. He has given me new eyes for seeing His world and His children just as He sees them. I find that I have a deeper love for everyone around me that I don’t have to strive for, it’s just there. I know this is God, and I can’t wait to take these news eyes on outreach, and begin loving “all the children of the world.”
My meditation for today:
“Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them.” Joshua 1:6