Training Camp: Bonita Park

Well, today was our first full day here at training camp in New Mexico, and I am just overwhelmed already. This is not the bad kind though. I have just heard so much and it is all becoming a little more real to me.

Tonight in particularly, I was hit really hard by what the speaker had to say. I have always been one to question my motives for things. I tend to be a people pleaser, which can be both good and bad. It is because of this that I question my motives for ANYTHING that I do!

His example tonight was actually going to New Zealand. He said the one thing about our trip that all of us had heard the most when people find out where we are going- "New Zealand... LORD OF THE RINGS!!!!" While its true, it makes me second guess why I am going there. Did I choose to go there for the right reason, or did I go for my own agenda; to go to a beautiful country? While I am still going no matter what, I will just trust myself and God that this is where I'm supposed to be.

I am going to a beautiful country and it's a wonderful experience and blessing from God. Yes, it's not Africa or some more "difficult" place as far as setting/culture goes, but there are still lives that need to be impacted. God will use me in ways, I am willing. I can't even begin to describe the feeling I have inside me! Despite all my doubts and second guesses about my motives, I know this is where I need to be.

More to come, tomorrow will be great- I can just feel it! :)

May the love of Christ be made known in unique and intimate ways to you today...

Melinda Leanne

New Zealand

Well, in 9 days I will be in New Zealand. It's true, I have all my funds in- Praise the LORD- and I am packed (the suitcase opens and closes as I go over all my things constantly, but the items never change... I'm just a worry-wart).

The first two weeks, I will be working in Whangarei. It is a community near Auckland on the North Island of about 40,000 people. Next, I will be traveling to a near-by communnity called Dargaville. There, my team and I will be working in the community of about 4,ooo doing a kid's club from about 3-5pm each day. After two weeks in Dargaville, we will be heading off to Auckland, which has a population of about 1 million. We will be located there for just over two weeks, and will be touring the rest of our time (about 4-5 days) in a popular tourist place- Rotura. When I get there, I'm sure I will receive more information about what all we will be doing, and I will be sure to pass that information along!

It's crazy to think that a little over 5 months ago, I found out that I would be going to that great country and now... now I'm almost there! Sure, I have reservations- will I do a good job? I'm not all that happy about having my 20th birthday over the Pacific Ocean for about 4 hours as well. Despite those two things and more, I wouldn't pass this opportunity up for anything!

I was thinking the other day about how I would feel next semester in school if I had decided last minute NOT to go. After thinking about it, I realized that all the fears I will conquer and get over, no matter how difficult they are to face, will be reason enough to actually go ahead and do it! I can still hear my grandpa telling me that I'm "the kind of girl that goes out and accomplishes anything I set my mind to." That may not always be a smart thing, but it is good to hear that from someone else.

I have always been one of those girls who doesn't want to look back on my life and wonder "what if." Anyone who knows me well has probably heard me say that a lot, but it's true. I really seek to stick to that way of life. I will face things that aren't the best, but with determination and the strength of God empowering me daily... I can achieve great things. Who knows when you're faced with a seemingly impossible task, what the outcome will be? The very least you can do is give it a try.

I'm going to New Zealand... I've focused myself on the mission God has called me to do this summer and I won't back down! Let's see where this journey takes me! :)

Prayers are greatly appreciated...

Hei konei ra ( See you later),
Melinda Leanne

**I hope I come back with an awesome accent and amazing rugby skills :)**