Update from New Zealand

It's been nearly 11 weeks since my arrival in Christchurch, New Zealand. I now have sheep riding, onion picking, and a few mountains under my belt. One of the highlights from trekking in the Cook Mountain Range came as I neared the end of my ascent. All that was left was to climb a 250 meter ice face and I'd be at the hut I was going to spend the night in. Typically any Floridian would stick out like sore thumb fumbling up a steep wall of snow and ice but I was feeling especially adventurous that afternoon. Plus, I had an ice pick. Surely, it wasn't necessary but it somehow fueled my adrenaline as I drove it into the snow with every step. When I reached the top I found myself more exhausted than if I had spent the day lounging at the beach reading gossip magazines,but somehow I felt more accomplished. And if my accomplishment on that afternoon could be surpassed than it was by my descent the next morning. I hadn't realized that looking up at the ice face the previous day would not be nearly as daunting as looking down it the next morning. I didn't know how to get down the right way, but I did know the right way dig a hole for an umbrella at the beach and suddenly I was wishing to be doing just that instead. But my hesitation turned to anticipation as my Dutch companion Mark gave me a top notch lesson in glissading. I strapped my pack onto my stomach and with my ice pick in hand began sliding down the steep ice on my backside. I was riding on a river of snow as I flew passed a couple of climbers just beginning their ascent. It was one of the most fun things I've ever done. Thanks to Mark's detailed and precise coaching on how to stop I ended my high speed descent by slamming my pick as far into the snow as I could. Of course I was cold and wet the rest of the way down but I suppose I won't get a chance to do much glissading when I return to FL.

In the midst of all the adventure and adrenaline there have been moments of reflections. Sitting atop a mountain peak looking up at the blue sky and looking down on the clouds I have had revelation. Sitting beneath the shooting stars, galaxies, and clusters of the southern hemisphere listening to the waves of the south pacific crash on the sandy shores of Sumner I have remembered things. Beneath the shade of a giant oak in the botanical gardens of Christchurch I have thought new thoughts. My journal is full of new ideas. My mind is consumed with possibilities. Peculiar how a change of scenery can lead to change of heart.

I have new friends. From all over the world. I would have paid any price to meet the people I have crossed paths with here. Encouraging people with a genuine care for wellness. Interesting characters with so many stories to tell. Each one with a moral. There are lessons to be learned that can never be taught from a book or a stage. Just by listening to people and observing colliding cultures and backgrounds become one functioning body, I have seen the gospel preached. Not with words, but with love.

I have found the small town of Oxford to be healing place. A place of forgiveness and humility. A place of restoration and recuperation. A place to give things up and take up new things. A place to enjoy the mountain tops and a place to carry on through the valley. A place to be heard and a place to listen and learn. I am thankful for these times. I will never forget them.

For reasons beyond, but including lack of financing, I have opted to decline the outreach opportunity. I was offered the chance to go to Australia to travel for a few weeks working in hostels and other arenas typical to backpacking. But since my arrival in New Zealand I have not felt compelled to leave just yet. I feel as though a foundation for the next season of my life is being poured here and it is not finished. I will continue with the work that has been started in me here. I will remain in New Zealand over the next few months continuing to grow through working and traveling. I'll be able to earn income as a helping hand on a produce farm or helping around hostels.

I have been exposed to future possibilities for my life and I am very excited about moving forward to pursue those goals. I would like put myself in a position to maximize my potential in that arena by simplifying and narrowing my focus. I know full well that God will have favor on my decisions and wants me to succeed in everything I find within my heart.

Erin will be joining me in January which I am really looking forward to. I'd say there's a few mountains here with her name on them. I was able to acquire a very inexpensive vehicle, to the tune of just several hundred dollars. Thank God. I'm expecting a very interesting season with a huge threshold for growth. I'm looking forward to seeing more of this beautiful country. After all, I've only been but a few hours from Christchurch during my furthest journey at this point. I'm excited to cross paths with many more new friends. I am expecting to see a nature of God otherwise unknown to me during the next few months. Keep praying for me. I am starting to miss home. I know it won't be much longer till I return but I am excited to get back. Thanks for reading!