The Balancing Act and Transitions

This past month has been one of learning to juggle the various aspects of my life as it heads (slowly) for New Zealand. I have been working six days a week at the restaurant in order to keep myself out of any further school debt during my last semester at Wesley Biblical Seminary. I need as little debt as possible as I prepare to leave the country! Also, youth ministry here at home in the States has been a huge priority as Wired Student Ministries is preparing for International Youth Convention in Orlando, FL next month. I spent a good nine hours in the blazing Mississippi heat with teens this past Saturday for a yard sale fundraiser. It was great--but I almost passed out at work that night from heat exhaustion! I'm also in the middle of a Theology of Evangelism/Missions online course this summer. While I've been struggling to keep up with the syllabus, the material has been awesome as I think and pray toward New Zealand.

On the field, I have been excited to see God at work in various ways! The Wesleyan Methodist Church of NZ just held its annual convention. From the pictures I've seen and stories I've heard from friends over there, it was a great time of spiritual renewal. Also, one of my dear missionary friends, Stephenie Garey, just arrived in New Zealand to fill her position as a youth pastor. She has already been given several amazing ministry opportunities, including sharing the Gospel in a public school to students who had never heard who Jesus really is. Finally, I am so excited to hear about what God has done for the Church through a best Kiwi friend of mine. Jo, my best friend on the other side of the world, was just officially licensed as a minister in the Wesleyan Methodist Church of NZ. It is awesome to see how God has led her to this point! I know the Church in New Zealand will be in good hands with people like her responding to the call! I miss her like crazy, and I so wish I could have been there for this special day! If you're reading this... "Love you, Jo! -Amba." Below is a picture of Jo and I together at the W.M.C.N.Z. convention last year.



Another characteristic of the past month in my journey has been transition. I moved out of my wonderful, "homey" apartment that I shared with three of my best friends to move back into the seminary dorm. One b.f., Tory, just got married and moved to Florida with her husband, Kalon (also a best friend of mine). I was privileged to officiate at their wedding; it was one of the most beautiful experiences of my life. Another b.f., Malene, just moved back to her home country of Denmark, and the third one, Colleen, just left today for Denmark to tour Europe with Malene for the summer. I miss them all terribly, but "see you later's" are going to become a common part of my life, so I'm trying to look at this as par for the course. My dorm roommate, Agnes (who is from Kenya) is spending three weeks in Israel, so I'm spending a lot of time alone when I am at home. It is a new concept for me. :)

Starting this support team building process is certainly a transition as well. When I start to feel overwhelmed, God sends a bit of affirmation and encouragement to keep me going. I am amazed by His provision. In the past few weeks, one supporter paid my car insurance bill, another bought me tennis shoes for work (mine were seriously falling apart), and others have made financial contributions and commitments. Every instance of God working through His people never fails to put me in awe of His work and the beauty of His Body. Within the next couple weeks, I should receive my prayers cards in the mail. This will mean the process can get more underway! I'm excited to keep embarking on this journey of ministering to the North American Church and anticipating ministering in New Zealand! To God be the glory!