Hello readers,
I have some amazing news!When I first arrived in New Zealand,I started staying with this lady (Marie) and she is actually moving to a different house in a few weeks,so it was necessary for me to find a new place to live.Talk about scary!Here I was, in a totally different location,trying to find an apartment (flat over here).So, I busted out the newspapers on Monday and held the hi-liter in hand.I had always wanted to do that...sit there with a coffee, newspaper, and hi-liter, wanting to find a place to live.Here I was...living out that dream...
So,I started turning the pages and looking for places under $200 a week (which is about $130 American, 65 pounds in England, and about $14,000 in Canadian...hey,I don't know what the currency rate is). As I was looking,there were no flats available for under $200.In fact, the cheapest that I found was $260.That was okay for my budget, but definitely not ideal.So,I prayed that God would help me to find a place to live (because I really needed one...and soon.).I said to the pastor, "I'll look online and see what I can find." You see,I have this thought that if it's advertized online,then those people are somewhat more intelligent because they 1. Know what they're doing online and 2. Will seek a wider range of people...I guess I trust it more.
So,after searching online for about half an hour,I got to this one site that had four locations that were under $200 a week!I checked them each out online and the one that I was really inclined to look at was for $16o a week and it's a house with three local university students (all girls).I called the girl up and she was keen on me coming to look at the place, so Mike(pastor) and I went to look at it last night...and I have found a flat!!!The girls are dynamite and the flat is decent...once I put on some rubber gloves...we'll be all set.What's even better is that we all go grocery shopping together, eat meals together, and the rent includes everything...I mean it...everything!God answered prayer for sure!
I'll be moving in next Saturday and I am so very excited to live with these three girls.What a great ministry opportunity!I have been so blessed and I am trying my hardest to be a blessing to others. Now go out and do the same :)
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
One Week Past
"It's been one week since you looked at me..."
Okay...not quite,but I've been here a week and it's been so amazing.The people here are so welcoming and friendly...they actually leave their doors open for people to just come in whenever they feel like it...that's definitely a different thing to get used to.This past week,I started working in the office.I have never been an "office style" kind of girl,so this is different.The pastor is also teaches some business classes at the local university, so he is in and out of the office constantly.That's a bit different.
I led a teen Bible study on Wednesday night called "laundromat Bible study."Eight guys showed up and I love how open they are to growing in their relationship with Christ.They bring some difficult questions and I actually e-mailed one of my professors to have him try to answer my questions.I'm so pumped to be involved in this ministry and hear what questions they have to bring up in the upcoming weeks.
I said the other day how I can't believe that people can be surrounded by this constant beauty and still not believe that God exists.I find it so much easier to see God in everything that I see around me.It has definitely improved my spiritual life in being here...and I can see my character developing more and more and that is so encouraging!Things are going well and I'll keep you updated!
Okay...not quite,but I've been here a week and it's been so amazing.The people here are so welcoming and friendly...they actually leave their doors open for people to just come in whenever they feel like it...that's definitely a different thing to get used to.This past week,I started working in the office.I have never been an "office style" kind of girl,so this is different.The pastor is also teaches some business classes at the local university, so he is in and out of the office constantly.That's a bit different.
I led a teen Bible study on Wednesday night called "laundromat Bible study."Eight guys showed up and I love how open they are to growing in their relationship with Christ.They bring some difficult questions and I actually e-mailed one of my professors to have him try to answer my questions.I'm so pumped to be involved in this ministry and hear what questions they have to bring up in the upcoming weeks.
I said the other day how I can't believe that people can be surrounded by this constant beauty and still not believe that God exists.I find it so much easier to see God in everything that I see around me.It has definitely improved my spiritual life in being here...and I can see my character developing more and more and that is so encouraging!Things are going well and I'll keep you updated!
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Feet in the Pacific...okay!
Hey everyone!
I made it here!It was a long journey,but so worth the trip already.After waiting in the airport for forever and a day,I boarded the flight to Auckland at 10:15 pm and thankfully fell asleep pretty much as soon as I got on the plane...I woke up when the pilot said that we only had a 120 miles until we reached Auckland. This is when the nerves set in.When I get nervous, my stomach hurts really badly...almost as if I have dinosaurs (because I don't get butterflies...).So,I started to get overheated...so I thankfully had a little fan handy dandy thing (aka paper).
Once getting off the flight, I went to pick up my luggage. I was so scared that it wouldn't be there,so I prayed that God would be behind this and have it show up.After a ton of other people grabbed their's, then came my green suitcase and huge red bag.Thankfully!I put it on a carrier and then headed toward customs.This was another nervous time for me.I handed the "nice lady" my passport and paperwork and she asked who was coming to pick me up and did I have a phone number for them. I said that Mike, Jeff,and Brent were coming to get me but that I didn't have a contact number. She was very snappy and even made me take my hat off for me to reveal my grease-ball of a head.Not good times.She thankfully allowed me in and gave me my first stamp in my passport.Yeaha.
So...I'm wandering around looking for my people because let's face it,I don't really know what these people look like.Then I see Brent's smiling face and beside him were Mike and Jeff. Again...relief.We sat and enjoyed a cup of tea (juice for me) and then headed our separate ways...just like journey.
My first drive through Auckland was intense. We got in on the opposite sides of the car, drove on the opposite side of the road, and they don't believe in stop signs around here...so the traffic is SO fast paced...which is scary. They have tons of turn arounds...so again, scary. It was so odd to see city on one side of the road, and a proper field with cows on the other side. I said that where I'm from, they separate the two: one is city, and then you drive further to see the country.Mike took me to my first Pacific beach: Tapakura Beach. I dipped my feet in the water...and it was freezing...but I had to!If not for me,then for my dad :)
I was able to shower and meet some more people as the day went on and then I hung out with the youth group "Fusion"which were such a delight. I can already tell that I'm going to have a blast with them!The people here are so laid back and welcoming...they really don't let anything bother them, or so it seems right now. Saturday night (which would be your friday or early saturday morning), Brent put together a "Heidi's Night Out" to welcome me.This was such a huge blessing.I met about 17 other people that I hope to get to know better. The majority of them live on the other side of Auckland. Geoff picked me up and we had an interesting ride to the restaurant...then we went bowling!I was beyond tired,so my social skills were lacking...and that's what I blame my poor bowling on...
That's the update so far...church was great yesterday and I will post pictures of what I did yesterday afternoon.God is so good and He is totally in this. Thanks for your prayers and keep them coming.Love you!
Heids
I made it here!It was a long journey,but so worth the trip already.After waiting in the airport for forever and a day,I boarded the flight to Auckland at 10:15 pm and thankfully fell asleep pretty much as soon as I got on the plane...I woke up when the pilot said that we only had a 120 miles until we reached Auckland. This is when the nerves set in.When I get nervous, my stomach hurts really badly...almost as if I have dinosaurs (because I don't get butterflies...).So,I started to get overheated...so I thankfully had a little fan handy dandy thing (aka paper).
Once getting off the flight, I went to pick up my luggage. I was so scared that it wouldn't be there,so I prayed that God would be behind this and have it show up.After a ton of other people grabbed their's, then came my green suitcase and huge red bag.Thankfully!I put it on a carrier and then headed toward customs.This was another nervous time for me.I handed the "nice lady" my passport and paperwork and she asked who was coming to pick me up and did I have a phone number for them. I said that Mike, Jeff,and Brent were coming to get me but that I didn't have a contact number. She was very snappy and even made me take my hat off for me to reveal my grease-ball of a head.Not good times.She thankfully allowed me in and gave me my first stamp in my passport.Yeaha.
So...I'm wandering around looking for my people because let's face it,I don't really know what these people look like.Then I see Brent's smiling face and beside him were Mike and Jeff. Again...relief.We sat and enjoyed a cup of tea (juice for me) and then headed our separate ways...just like journey.
My first drive through Auckland was intense. We got in on the opposite sides of the car, drove on the opposite side of the road, and they don't believe in stop signs around here...so the traffic is SO fast paced...which is scary. They have tons of turn arounds...so again, scary. It was so odd to see city on one side of the road, and a proper field with cows on the other side. I said that where I'm from, they separate the two: one is city, and then you drive further to see the country.Mike took me to my first Pacific beach: Tapakura Beach. I dipped my feet in the water...and it was freezing...but I had to!If not for me,then for my dad :)
I was able to shower and meet some more people as the day went on and then I hung out with the youth group "Fusion"which were such a delight. I can already tell that I'm going to have a blast with them!The people here are so laid back and welcoming...they really don't let anything bother them, or so it seems right now. Saturday night (which would be your friday or early saturday morning), Brent put together a "Heidi's Night Out" to welcome me.This was such a huge blessing.I met about 17 other people that I hope to get to know better. The majority of them live on the other side of Auckland. Geoff picked me up and we had an interesting ride to the restaurant...then we went bowling!I was beyond tired,so my social skills were lacking...and that's what I blame my poor bowling on...
That's the update so far...church was great yesterday and I will post pictures of what I did yesterday afternoon.God is so good and He is totally in this. Thanks for your prayers and keep them coming.Love you!
Heids
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
the incredible journey...
Well,I love how when I think that I have things in control,God totally stirs them up.One of my biggest fears was that my flights would not work out...and today...wow,has been insane to the membrane.
It started out in Portland, Maine.My parents dropped me off and said good-bye (tear), and then I waited for my flight.I was quite early,so I passed the time with reading, jamming to some tunes, attempting to write a little bit, and painting my nails.Then, about twenty minutes before my flight was supposed to take off, the Delta rep. said that we were at a ground control because there were too many flights going into JFK (NYC). So, there I was...utter panic.So,the guy calls me up to the counter and tries to get some info because I will miss all of my connecting flights and won't make it to New Zealand.
Between him being on the phone and me calling/crying/panicing...I got on the plane to JFK at 3:15 and arrived at 4:50 (ten minutes late...so I missed my flight). So, I talked to another Delta rep (her name was Zina..sweet,I know).She was wonderful for this tear-stained face...she got me a ticket to LA (the last seat) and worked to book my flight to New Zealand as soon as I could get one.So, I was able to get on the internet for a little bit (paid $10 for it...eeesh) and talk to my friends who I filled in on what was going on and they prayed for me. Thank you so VERY much for doing that.
So,I hop on the plane to LA and sit beside a Marine who manages to fall asleep on my shoulder...I didn't even know his name,but hey,he's doing a service to our country..so I guess I could give him my shoulder.I took some Tylenol PM so that I could sleep...and I did...I slept for about 4.5 hours out of the 5.5 total that I was in the air.I hopped off the plane, sorted out my baggage, and here I sit..in LAX until tomorrow night at 10:30 when I will hop on a plane to New Zealand...a day later than I should have been.
I'm safe. I'm okay.I have internet and my Bible,so Jesus and I will be having good times.Please keep praying for me as I have to do my best to stay awake so that none of my things get stolen.It'll be a long night/day (yawning as I type).Please keep checking up on me.
Blessings!
Heidi
It started out in Portland, Maine.My parents dropped me off and said good-bye (tear), and then I waited for my flight.I was quite early,so I passed the time with reading, jamming to some tunes, attempting to write a little bit, and painting my nails.Then, about twenty minutes before my flight was supposed to take off, the Delta rep. said that we were at a ground control because there were too many flights going into JFK (NYC). So, there I was...utter panic.So,the guy calls me up to the counter and tries to get some info because I will miss all of my connecting flights and won't make it to New Zealand.
Between him being on the phone and me calling/crying/panicing...I got on the plane to JFK at 3:15 and arrived at 4:50 (ten minutes late...so I missed my flight). So, I talked to another Delta rep (her name was Zina..sweet,I know).She was wonderful for this tear-stained face...she got me a ticket to LA (the last seat) and worked to book my flight to New Zealand as soon as I could get one.So, I was able to get on the internet for a little bit (paid $10 for it...eeesh) and talk to my friends who I filled in on what was going on and they prayed for me. Thank you so VERY much for doing that.
So,I hop on the plane to LA and sit beside a Marine who manages to fall asleep on my shoulder...I didn't even know his name,but hey,he's doing a service to our country..so I guess I could give him my shoulder.I took some Tylenol PM so that I could sleep...and I did...I slept for about 4.5 hours out of the 5.5 total that I was in the air.I hopped off the plane, sorted out my baggage, and here I sit..in LAX until tomorrow night at 10:30 when I will hop on a plane to New Zealand...a day later than I should have been.
I'm safe. I'm okay.I have internet and my Bible,so Jesus and I will be having good times.Please keep praying for me as I have to do my best to stay awake so that none of my things get stolen.It'll be a long night/day (yawning as I type).Please keep checking up on me.
Blessings!
Heidi
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Contact.
Oh yeah...I forgot to put my address in there for those of you who would like to send me mail...here you go!
Shore Grace Church
Attn: Heidi Sattler
Greenhithe
New Shore City 0632
New Zealand
Phone: (09)413-6388
Shore Grace Church
Attn: Heidi Sattler
Greenhithe
New Shore City 0632
New Zealand
Phone: (09)413-6388
I leave in two sleeps...I may pee my pants!
Okay...so I'm sitting in my living room updating this oh so wonderful blog...booyah.My toes are freezing, I'm wearing a hoodie,and all that I can think is..."my feet will be in the pacific ocean so soon!"That...along with about a bazillion other thoughts...
Today was my last church service at home.What a blessing to have my pastor pray over me and to feel the support of my church family.I think that in order to feel secure in this adventure, that I needed the support of my church...so, thank you to those of you who are praying for me.If you've committed...please pray! :)
Also...I'm not sure how I feel about this whole "see you in five months" deal.I mean...really?It's sad when you think about it long enough,so I try not to do that.My friend wrote to me "I'll hug you again in five months." Dang...that made reality set in.And then for me to see the youth group tonight and spend time with them (here's your shout out guys...love you!)...it was so wonderful to hear about their intentions for the year.I have so much faith in you guys...go out and be Jesus to people...do what my generation couldn't do.
The packing process...check.Done that...only after about an hour of packing with my mom.You see,I wasn't the best at geometry,so trying to make everything fit into a little suitcase...just wasn't happening,so my mom packed my stuff..yes,I know...I'm a big baby.Go ahead and think what you will,but I'm packed,so there :) I realized one thing that I forgot though...a watch.I mean,who really needs to keep the time?Not me.Who needs to know when her flight is leaving?Not me.Who needs to know if she's late for her flight?Not me.So...I went to the lovely Wal*Mart and purchased a great sunflower watch...little girl's style...yeaha.
Here I sit...with cold toes and thoughts in my head.I'm really doing this.The next time you hear from me,I'll be in Kiwiland.
Blessings,
Heidi
Today was my last church service at home.What a blessing to have my pastor pray over me and to feel the support of my church family.I think that in order to feel secure in this adventure, that I needed the support of my church...so, thank you to those of you who are praying for me.If you've committed...please pray! :)
Also...I'm not sure how I feel about this whole "see you in five months" deal.I mean...really?It's sad when you think about it long enough,so I try not to do that.My friend wrote to me "I'll hug you again in five months." Dang...that made reality set in.And then for me to see the youth group tonight and spend time with them (here's your shout out guys...love you!)...it was so wonderful to hear about their intentions for the year.I have so much faith in you guys...go out and be Jesus to people...do what my generation couldn't do.
The packing process...check.Done that...only after about an hour of packing with my mom.You see,I wasn't the best at geometry,so trying to make everything fit into a little suitcase...just wasn't happening,so my mom packed my stuff..yes,I know...I'm a big baby.Go ahead and think what you will,but I'm packed,so there :) I realized one thing that I forgot though...a watch.I mean,who really needs to keep the time?Not me.Who needs to know when her flight is leaving?Not me.Who needs to know if she's late for her flight?Not me.So...I went to the lovely Wal*Mart and purchased a great sunflower watch...little girl's style...yeaha.
Here I sit...with cold toes and thoughts in my head.I'm really doing this.The next time you hear from me,I'll be in Kiwiland.
Blessings,
Heidi
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
I Leave in a Week!
So...this is insane...I leave in a week.Actually,less than a week.In exactly 6 days and 19 hours I will be boarding a plane for the adventure of a lifetime.This is crazy.I'm actually doing this.A year ago,I never would have thought that this time would actually come.
It had been such a huge struggle to find a place that would accept me and that had mentors even available...that I never thought I'd be at this point.I am so blessed.After looking in multiple different locations and attempting to be mentored by some great mentors, God placed me at Shore Grace Wesleyan.
I will depart on September 16th at 2:36 pm from Portland, Maine and I will then fly to NYC, stop in JFK for 40 minutes, then board my next flight to LA.I'll have a layover there for about four hours and then board my final flight "Air New Zealand" for a 12-14 hour flight.That's intense.This experience is such a blessing.Even getting ready...is a blessing.I haven't started the packing process,so that thought could change very quickly.
Please pray for me as I tie up things at home and say good-bye to friends and family.This is no doubt going to be a stretching process for me and I know that I will need the Lord's strength.Please keep my family in prayer as there are some things going on with them.I am so excited to embark on this adventure!
If you think of challenges to have me do,please tell me...because I want to challenge myself as much as I can while I'm over there.May the Lord bless you!Heidi
It had been such a huge struggle to find a place that would accept me and that had mentors even available...that I never thought I'd be at this point.I am so blessed.After looking in multiple different locations and attempting to be mentored by some great mentors, God placed me at Shore Grace Wesleyan.
I will depart on September 16th at 2:36 pm from Portland, Maine and I will then fly to NYC, stop in JFK for 40 minutes, then board my next flight to LA.I'll have a layover there for about four hours and then board my final flight "Air New Zealand" for a 12-14 hour flight.That's intense.This experience is such a blessing.Even getting ready...is a blessing.I haven't started the packing process,so that thought could change very quickly.
Please pray for me as I tie up things at home and say good-bye to friends and family.This is no doubt going to be a stretching process for me and I know that I will need the Lord's strength.Please keep my family in prayer as there are some things going on with them.I am so excited to embark on this adventure!
If you think of challenges to have me do,please tell me...because I want to challenge myself as much as I can while I'm over there.May the Lord bless you!Heidi
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
