Slow day, slow week
Today marked the beginning of our (much-needed) mid-year week break at THOP, so we've slowed the pace down quite considerably, and are looking forward to 6 more days of the same. I don't think I got out of bed 'til 8:30 this morning; wasn't that just wonderful! I did manage, however, to find the motivation to go for a run and, more importantly, hang out 3 loads of laundry. The locals will understand the immense importance of this. I think that today and tomorrow are the only two days within a two week time frame that will be suitable for getting anything dry. By this time tomorrow, every laundry basket in this house will be emptied of dirty clothes, unfortunately only to pile up again during the coming days of rain, until the sun dares to appear again. Such is life in the middle of New Zealand winter. (Okay, Trena, don't even tell me how wonderful it is to be putting your wet laundry in the dryer....in the middle of summer!) I will not be homesick. I will not be homesick. I will not be homesick.
In other news, Aaron and I went out for dinner last night to this great restaurant, in celebration of his birthday and our anniversary. We'd never been there before, but the food was amazing and the atmosphere warm and inviting. We'd highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great place to eat out.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Sunday, June 22, 2008
What's happenin' on the ministry front
It's been a long time since I've posted about what's going on at the house of prayer, so I figured it's time for a brief update.
In terms of day-to-day life, things are carrying along much the same that they always have ~ prayer meetings every morning (except the weekends) with the community of young adults the Lord has gathered here, meetings in the afternoon a few days a week for Aaron and I and various other ones, and two nights a week at the house of prayer ~ both teaching and prayer meetings. That's the basic schedule on paper, but in reality, what we are doing requires much more than what the weekly schedule portrays ~ in terms of both time and also heart.
The first couple years that we were here, we were leaning into sovereignty in an intense way as we were finding our own feet and doing our best to lead others in the midst of our own instabilities and uncertainties. There was much grace, for which we are grateful. But there comes a time in the season of pioneering in which a shift is required ~ from "leaning in" to "pressing in". A time in which (under the guidance and leadership of the Holy Spirit, and with much help from Heaven, of course) it is necessary to confidently move forward and initiate change and growth, rather than simply waiting for change and growth to happen. And so is the season we now find ourselves in. Though this shift isn't necessairly manifested in a dramatic schedule change (though modifications to the schedule and routine of life are inevitable), it is more apparent in the initiatives that take place behind closed doors; the decisions made at 'round table' discussions; the subtle re-orientation of time and energy, finance and pursuits; establishing infrastructure; long-term preparation and planning; and perhaps most importantly, the raising up of other leaders who will help us guide this community into all that God has for us as a people, both now and in the days to come.
So, that's our life these days. Is there a lot happening? In the day-to-day-ness of life, sometimes it feels that nothing exciting is happening and things are pretty mundane. But as I step back and look at the bigger picture, it becomes quite apparent to me that much really is happening ~ probably even more than I can see. Now that's exciting.
It's been a long time since I've posted about what's going on at the house of prayer, so I figured it's time for a brief update.
In terms of day-to-day life, things are carrying along much the same that they always have ~ prayer meetings every morning (except the weekends) with the community of young adults the Lord has gathered here, meetings in the afternoon a few days a week for Aaron and I and various other ones, and two nights a week at the house of prayer ~ both teaching and prayer meetings. That's the basic schedule on paper, but in reality, what we are doing requires much more than what the weekly schedule portrays ~ in terms of both time and also heart.
The first couple years that we were here, we were leaning into sovereignty in an intense way as we were finding our own feet and doing our best to lead others in the midst of our own instabilities and uncertainties. There was much grace, for which we are grateful. But there comes a time in the season of pioneering in which a shift is required ~ from "leaning in" to "pressing in". A time in which (under the guidance and leadership of the Holy Spirit, and with much help from Heaven, of course) it is necessary to confidently move forward and initiate change and growth, rather than simply waiting for change and growth to happen. And so is the season we now find ourselves in. Though this shift isn't necessairly manifested in a dramatic schedule change (though modifications to the schedule and routine of life are inevitable), it is more apparent in the initiatives that take place behind closed doors; the decisions made at 'round table' discussions; the subtle re-orientation of time and energy, finance and pursuits; establishing infrastructure; long-term preparation and planning; and perhaps most importantly, the raising up of other leaders who will help us guide this community into all that God has for us as a people, both now and in the days to come.
So, that's our life these days. Is there a lot happening? In the day-to-day-ness of life, sometimes it feels that nothing exciting is happening and things are pretty mundane. But as I step back and look at the bigger picture, it becomes quite apparent to me that much really is happening ~ probably even more than I can see. Now that's exciting.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Time to take a little time out
I'm posting this evening from a local hotel room. Aaron and I have taken a much-needed night away to get some good R&R after an intense week at the House of Prayer. We might as well take advantage of having Nana and Grandad in town and give Taylor the chance to enjoy a fun night at home with them!
The second All-Blacks game of the season is on TV tonight; of course, someone here is extremely excited to watch it! And speaking of the All-Blacks reminds me of the Haka, which reminds me of our latest favorite YouTube video. (I've posted this link is for my Kiwi readers; I'm afraid that this will be irrelevant to my American readers). Here's to New Zealand!
I'm posting this evening from a local hotel room. Aaron and I have taken a much-needed night away to get some good R&R after an intense week at the House of Prayer. We might as well take advantage of having Nana and Grandad in town and give Taylor the chance to enjoy a fun night at home with them!
The second All-Blacks game of the season is on TV tonight; of course, someone here is extremely excited to watch it! And speaking of the All-Blacks reminds me of the Haka, which reminds me of our latest favorite YouTube video. (I've posted this link is for my Kiwi readers; I'm afraid that this will be irrelevant to my American readers). Here's to New Zealand!
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Fieldtrip to the Fire Station
Today Taylor and I went with the rest of her pre-school class on a fieldtrip to the local fire station. The kids loved it ~ Taylor's favorite part was when they were allowed to climb in the engine and sit in the seats! Here are some photos of the day:
For Taylor, the bus ride was almost as exciting as the fire station itself!
They divided the kids into 2 groups while they did the tour.
This is the group that Taylor was in.
All the kids got to stand on the hose while they turned on the water so they could feel the water filling the hose under their feet. They loved it!
Taylor with her teacher, Mrs. Bennett
Each of the kids had a chance to hold the hose and spray the water.
Taylor's favorite part of the fire station was getting to sit in the engine!
Monday, June 02, 2008
What New Zealand Thinks About American Politics
But first, a brief explanation for the photo you are about to see. "Tui" ads are famous in New Zealand for featuring a sarcastic statement, followed by the notorious "yeah, right". Some of the billboards are borderline offensive, some are pretty dumb, a few will definitely make you laugh out loud, and others are downright clever. After seeing this ad on my way to the airport, I couldn't resist taking a snapshot. I will leave it up to you to determine which category this one falls into:
Sunday, June 01, 2008
Oh, Happy Day!
Aaron has been in Vanuatu for the week, visiting a good friend who lives up there....and Taylor and I are so excited that he is coming home! As much as I've enjoyed having lots of quiet around the house and lots of alone time, I'm missing my hubby tons and can't wait to see him tonight. And there's a little girl here who will be so happy to see her daddy!
Speaking of the little girl, she had a couple late nights recently, so I was quite delighted when she woke up (and therefore, I also woke up) at 8:30 this morning! I think that both of us were quite ready for a long sleep-in; and it's amazing what a good mood she woke up in. Good thing, too, 'cuz someone will be having a bit of a late night again tonight since we have to go to the airport to pick up her daddy! Tomorrow is a public holiday in New Zealand, so no pre-school for her. Maybe she'll surprise us with another big sleep-in tomorrow. Now wouldn't that be a treat?!
Aaron has been in Vanuatu for the week, visiting a good friend who lives up there....and Taylor and I are so excited that he is coming home! As much as I've enjoyed having lots of quiet around the house and lots of alone time, I'm missing my hubby tons and can't wait to see him tonight. And there's a little girl here who will be so happy to see her daddy!
Speaking of the little girl, she had a couple late nights recently, so I was quite delighted when she woke up (and therefore, I also woke up) at 8:30 this morning! I think that both of us were quite ready for a long sleep-in; and it's amazing what a good mood she woke up in. Good thing, too, 'cuz someone will be having a bit of a late night again tonight since we have to go to the airport to pick up her daddy! Tomorrow is a public holiday in New Zealand, so no pre-school for her. Maybe she'll surprise us with another big sleep-in tomorrow. Now wouldn't that be a treat?!
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