I am always fascinated by the power of one: one person, one random act, one choice, one event. Our move to NZ was primarily for Kevin to continue his role as a pastor in another congregation. We were open to wherever God would take us and NZ is where the doors opened. Along the path of this journey the rest of us, as in myself and our daughters, have wondered what God has in store for us: what's our purpose and role in this big move. Yes, we are 100% supportive of Kevin's role as pastor in our new church, but what else can we do personally to make a difference in the lives of those around us.
This past week, a couple of things have happened that have confirmed to us that God does have a job for us to do here too. I have been helping out a lady with some babysitting. She is going through a divorce and is in the process of selling her house. I love her kids - they're adorable. I believe that I am placed in her home for this time to encourage her, help her, and be a loving caregiver to her children.
Also this past week I have spent a lot of time with a young lady from our church who has been going through some mental health issues. I have loved her, cared for her, fed her, prayed with her, driven her places, phoned her, listened to her, helped her find a new home, and basically just been there for her. She is doing remarkably better right now and we trust that she is on the path to wholeness.
Paige has a group of friends who invite her to their parties. Now, in Canada we never really worried about the party-scene. We knew everyone. Here it's been a bit more unnerving! However, we've had some great discussions, met some parents and teens, and have allowed Paige to attend 3 parties. She's always ready to come home by 11, which is nice! Anyway, her first party she was trying to decide if she would drink alcohol or not (mom and dad don't panic). So we had a chat about it. I didn't freak out or say 'no way'! I just listened to her work through her decision making process. One day she said, 'I think I'll try a drink'. I said, 'Okay, just don't have more than one or it will really affect you because you've never drank before and you're a thin person'. After receiving the freedom to make this choice, the next day she came back to me and said, 'I 've decided I'm not going to drink. When I was at camp and heard the stories of people who drank and how it affected them and left them feeling empty, I've decided that I don't want to drink. So Mom, can you buy me a V?' (it's an energy drink in a cool can). With great relief I rushed out and bought her a few V's!!! :-)
Anyway, so Paige has made this decision and has attended 3 parties now with her V in hand. (also with strict instructions not to leave it unattended!) At her first party two girls who were drinking asked her why she wasn't drinking. She gave them the spiel about her friends from camp. Both girls started crying. She was able to have a little chat with them and encourage them to make good choices. After the second party, the host girls were cleaning up the next day and were picking up endless beer cans and came across Paige's V can. With a big smile they ceremoniously placed Paige's V on the shelf and had a happy memory of Paige. (she told the story better, but that's the main point). At her last party, one of the girls who was quite a drinker showed up with 4 cans of V and no liquor.
I was sooooo proud of our daughter!!!! What a leader. What a wise kid. We continue to pray for all three of our girls to make wise choices and help others.
Lastly. When we made our decision to move here we were extremely blessed by our friends who decided to join us for 9 months here. Well, this past week Chelsey had one of those power of one moments. She is nannying for a family who have troubles in their ability to communicate with one another. This past Saturday at her encouragement, the family sat down for their first ever family meeting to talk and listen to each other about things that needed to be discussed. Chelsey's presence here has made an enormous impact on a family who may otherwise have never received the help and support they are now receiving.
There are more stories, but I'm sure you're tired of reading my blog and have other things you need to do!
God is good!
This past week, a couple of things have happened that have confirmed to us that God does have a job for us to do here too. I have been helping out a lady with some babysitting. She is going through a divorce and is in the process of selling her house. I love her kids - they're adorable. I believe that I am placed in her home for this time to encourage her, help her, and be a loving caregiver to her children.
Also this past week I have spent a lot of time with a young lady from our church who has been going through some mental health issues. I have loved her, cared for her, fed her, prayed with her, driven her places, phoned her, listened to her, helped her find a new home, and basically just been there for her. She is doing remarkably better right now and we trust that she is on the path to wholeness.
Paige has a group of friends who invite her to their parties. Now, in Canada we never really worried about the party-scene. We knew everyone. Here it's been a bit more unnerving! However, we've had some great discussions, met some parents and teens, and have allowed Paige to attend 3 parties. She's always ready to come home by 11, which is nice! Anyway, her first party she was trying to decide if she would drink alcohol or not (mom and dad don't panic). So we had a chat about it. I didn't freak out or say 'no way'! I just listened to her work through her decision making process. One day she said, 'I think I'll try a drink'. I said, 'Okay, just don't have more than one or it will really affect you because you've never drank before and you're a thin person'. After receiving the freedom to make this choice, the next day she came back to me and said, 'I 've decided I'm not going to drink. When I was at camp and heard the stories of people who drank and how it affected them and left them feeling empty, I've decided that I don't want to drink. So Mom, can you buy me a V?' (it's an energy drink in a cool can). With great relief I rushed out and bought her a few V's!!! :-)
Anyway, so Paige has made this decision and has attended 3 parties now with her V in hand. (also with strict instructions not to leave it unattended!) At her first party two girls who were drinking asked her why she wasn't drinking. She gave them the spiel about her friends from camp. Both girls started crying. She was able to have a little chat with them and encourage them to make good choices. After the second party, the host girls were cleaning up the next day and were picking up endless beer cans and came across Paige's V can. With a big smile they ceremoniously placed Paige's V on the shelf and had a happy memory of Paige. (she told the story better, but that's the main point). At her last party, one of the girls who was quite a drinker showed up with 4 cans of V and no liquor.
I was sooooo proud of our daughter!!!! What a leader. What a wise kid. We continue to pray for all three of our girls to make wise choices and help others.
Lastly. When we made our decision to move here we were extremely blessed by our friends who decided to join us for 9 months here. Well, this past week Chelsey had one of those power of one moments. She is nannying for a family who have troubles in their ability to communicate with one another. This past Saturday at her encouragement, the family sat down for their first ever family meeting to talk and listen to each other about things that needed to be discussed. Chelsey's presence here has made an enormous impact on a family who may otherwise have never received the help and support they are now receiving.
There are more stories, but I'm sure you're tired of reading my blog and have other things you need to do!
God is good!
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