WEEK ONE: A NEW HOME

My first week at my new home has been filled with abundant joy. I know that without a shadow of a doubt, I am supposed to be here. This is God’s plan for me! The presence of the holy spirit is so evident and so much healing and restoration has taken place already. It also has been mentally draining but so rewarding.

On Friday the 18th, I left home, excited for my new adventure. God gave me peace about my departure, and I just wanted to get this journey started. My travels went off without a hitch, traveling from Toronto to Vancouver with another girl from Ontario, then meeting up with many other YWAM students in Vancouver as we flew from Vancouver to Auckland, then Auckland to Tauranga (the town closest to my base.) We got picked up at the airport and then were taken to the beautiful base. The property is stunning, complete with views of rolling hills and cow herds, orange orchards, gardens, fishponds, avocado trees and access to Gideon's valley. This valley is complete with many paths, a river leading to a huge waterfall you can swim in, many wildflowers and stunning views. We got settled in, meeting the 56 other students from all over the world. Everyone is so lovely, and I can’t believe I’ve known them for only a week. I already have so many deep and amazing relations and feel so valued and encouraged. We are truly a family.

This week was orientation week, and so much happened, so I will just give you some highlights.

On Monday, the Powhiri ceremony was performed. This is a Maori (the native people of New Zealand) ceremony used to welcome guests to their land. This event involved speeches, dancing and singing between the people of the land, and the foreigners (the students). Everyone is dressed in black and is very somber. It was such a powerful and meaningful experiences and was finalized with the hongi. This is a traditional Maori greeting in which people press their foreheads and noses together and breath in. It was so intimate and interesting to learn about history about this land and the culture of this people group. This was proceeded by desserts and coffee to celebrate.

This week, we had a few lectures, but mainly students shared their life stories with each other, and were then prayed for. This was so emotionally draining and heart wrenching, but also so freeing, healing and restoring. The power of prayer and confession is truly incredible, and this vulnerability and honesty really brought this family closer together. After I shared my life story, I felt so much lighter and energized and was so grateful for this opportunity.

Almost everyday I go down into the valley and explore, it is so beautiful, and I think I discover something new every day, whether it be hidden swings, glow worms or new paths. There is a river that flows through it, ending in a beautiful waterfall that we can swim in. I don’t think I can ever get tired of the valley and rolling hills in the background, it is truly breathtaking.

Friday evening, we went into town and were able to go to stores to buy some supplies. I was very grateful for this as I didn’t bring nearly enough warm clothes (who knew it would be so cold in New Zealand). Then when we got back, everybody was singing and dancing. The energy was electric, and I learned so many new dances from all over the world. I am really enjoying learning about other people’s cultures; we are such a diverse group.

Our weekends are free, and after this emotional and intense week, I was very grateful for some rest. In this morning, some ladies and I went down to the valley and exercised, then jumped into river. It was freezing but so refreshing! After lunch, a staff member took four of us surfing! It was so much fun and challenging. The waves were small, and the water was freezing, but I was so grateful for the opportunity. I’ve really been trying to push myself this week to not fear failure, and this was the perfect test as I wiped out, A LOT.

Yesterday I tried out a church her in Tauranga called Curate. It was interesting to see the similarities and differences between my church back at home, and this church thousands of miles away. A trip to town followed, as well as a walk to a local café for ice cream once we got back to base.

I am so full of joy and am learning so much about my heavenly father. The relationships I’ve made here are already so deep and encouraging and I’m so excited for this family to continue to grow closer. I cannot express how grateful I am for everyone who supported me. Some prayer requests are for confidence, as I often doubt myself and put too much value on what others think of me. Also, for health as I have quite a nasty cold and sore throat. Lastly, for energy. This school is quite intense, mentally and emotionally and I know that what I get out of this school depends directly on how much effort I put in. I am so excited to continue to grow, learn and hear God’s voice.

Kiara