Quite a lot of radical change over the past wee while. Well just one radical change really - location. Am now back in Bonnie Scotland for a bit while I wait for a visa for life back in NZ. Was quite a quick transition from summery start of academic year excitements back in NZ to getting on a plane for an age and ending up in snowy Edinburgh.
There are some very exciting things happening back in Aotearoa at the moment: Marsden madness is up and running with the new ministry flat - so exciting seeing this taking shape and God using it already; O-Weeks have been happening around the country and have seen 160 folk along at the first joint TSCF event at AU and hundreds of cups of ice milo given out at AUT; the two Auckland Minterns are finding their feet and beginning to invest in relationships and groups; and the Auckland Team is growing!
So exciting to hear about all this stuff but brings with it frustration that I'm not there to be part of it! Has been hard to feel like I am abandoning an awful lot and that responsibilty will fall to others who have enough to cope with. Also just sad to not be part of exciting times as the groups start up again on campus and ministry continues in earnest at Marsden.
But I'm praying! And convinced that God knows what is going on and why I am back now!
Has been great to get the opportunity to catch up with folk back here - see friends and family, be part of church and small groups, see Scotland play at a respectable hour (although respectable is not how I'd describe the performance so far...). It really has been a trip full of opportunities so far - to encourage and share my excitement at what God is doing.
It's now just a waiting game to hear back about visa from immigration. I like games. This one is not so fun though. Andy suggested I use my blog to post one word updates of my emotional state through the whole process. We will see what transpires...
Through it all - whatever country, whatever visa status - it is my desire that God be glorified in all I am and that he use it to further his glorious message! Trusting in Him!
4 comments:
Glad you're still trusting in God's goodness Gills! NZ misses you.
Goose! Can't believe you came home and I left all at the same time!
Sorry that you're having visa dramas, but I will be praying that your's are a lot shorter than mine!
Much love, x
Great to hear your update - waiting eagerly and patiently is a good thing to learn!
Oh Scotty, I miss NZ... a lot.
Ellie! can't believe the timing on my return and your departure! Am following your exploits on your blog and praying for you my friend! So exciting to see how God is using you.
Keep in touch.
Dr Dray! Such a good lesson to learn you're right - hope you're doing well!
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