Transition Continues

After being in NZ for over 4 months, I'm realizing that transition is a long word. :)  Here are a few examples!

1.  I reached into my jeans pocket to make sure there wasn't any money it before putting the jeans in the wash.  I felt paper and thought, "oh, that must just be a receipt, not money," and was about to throw it away--when I realized it was definitely money.  The texture of Kiwi money is different from that of US money, and even after four months, I associate the US texture with cash.  SO glad I looked at it before throwing it away!

2.  I'm recovering from being sick with a flu-ish bug.  While I was sick, I realized that one of the only medications that helps me when I'm sick is not available here.  Not only that, but I can't find just good old, regular, salty, very-little-chicken, Campbell's chicken noodle soup!  The only kinds are the hearty ones with big chunks of chicken and veggies!  Top all that off, when I was driving while not feeling well, I kept questioning, "Am I on the right side of the road?"  I was--but just not feeling well was enough to make me very uncertain!

3.  At a 21st birthday party where I was asked to share the devotion, I was talking with the pastor beforehand about how things would be structured for the evening.  After explaining it to me, he asked, "So Bob's your uncle?"  I was blown away... I had never told him that I had an uncle named Bob!  He saw the confusion in my expression and explained that this is just a saying in the British Commonwealth that means, "Is everything all good?  Everything sweet?"  Then he had a laugh when I told him I had an uncle named Bob. :)

Transition is a long word.  Definitely longer than four months.  Some things that are long are really good!  Like an extra long coney dog from Sonic.  Mmmm... Sonic... I miss that.  Focus.  Anyway, some things about the length of transition are really exciting.  I love learning new things, experiencing new things, on a regular basis!  Other things that are long aren't so fun... Like long lines at the DMV.  There are aspects of long transition that are frustrating, like not having your usual comfort items when you're sick.  :)  Even in times when transition seems hard, I am reminded of God's faithfulness, the beauty of His Body, and the consistency of Who He is. 

I am thrilled by God's faithfulness.  I am amazed by His grace.  I am so thankful for His peace.  And I am encouraged by the ways He has answered prayer and moved among us here in Aotearoa New Zealand.  I am privileged to experience this transition with Him and in the midst of His Church here.  I have the gift of working with an amazing team of youth leaders and young people.  I am stoked about what God has planned for the future here!