New Adventures

Hello and welcome to my blog! I'm going to try and write on here whenever I remember - whether it's lessons I've learnt from God through the struggles I'm going through, encouragement I can pass on, or just general info about my life. I'm not very good at collecting my thoughts and writing about them, but I'm going to try.

Last year, I was living in Dunedin surrounded by a great group of people, I was very involved with my church, and had a steady job in a supermarket. Halfway through the year, I developed some damage to my nerves in my right arm (due to me and some friends playing Snap, I got my finger bent back which resulted in ongoing pain which the doctors couldn't quite figure out...and I haven't played Snap since!), resulting in me resigning from my job a couple of weeks before Christmas. This was a difficult time for me as I didn't know how I was going to afford rent, food, fuel, or even doctors bills (it took them a while to diagnose what was wrong with me, and $40/visit plus costs for medications is not cheap!). During this time, I struggled with laziness, a bad attitude, and constantly questioning God about what His plan was for all this. It's easy to question God when we can't see the big picture, and I know for me personally, I battle with stepping back to see the reasons behind what's happening in this exact moment. Little did I know that 4 months down the road, I would wind up in the opposite side of the South Island.

So anyway, after 4 months of unemployment and various struggles, doubts and internal battles, I found a job on TradeMe in Ruby Bay, looking after 4 boys under the age of 11 (for those who don't know, Ruby Bay is in the Nelson/Tasman area). Long story short, I applied and ended up getting the job. This new stage of life has definitely challenged my reliance on God. I didn't know how I was going to pay for fuel to drive up as I had no money, we needed to find a new flatmate to take my place in the flat, and my parents went to Australia 2 days before I moved, so it was a very weird time not having them there to help me - but God pulled through...like He always does, no matter how much I doubt Him. I moved up here 2 weeks ago, and have fallen in love with the beautiful beaches, the amazing sun (hopefully I won't be so white by the end of the year!) and the people. The family I am working for are amazing, and look after me well. I definitely feel like a part of their family, and can't wait for more adventures with them. 

Last week, I drove down to Waipara (outside of Christchurch) to do a kids camp during the school holidays. We had the biggest cabin in the camp (with 10 girls between 2 leaders), and it was awesome developing connections with these girls throughout the week. We did many activities such as hobo stoves, 4WDing, nerf wars, archery, air rifles etc. Unfortunately one of our girls had to go home on the last night due to homesickness, but they all had a great time. I always love doing camps, and this camp was no different. God's presence was definitely evident during the week, and I feel so privileged to have been a part of it. I met the coolest people (see pic below) and was so encouraged and challenged in my faith. Even better - I met some more people who are living close to me now! I've been praying for some people my own age to be able to hang out with, as living alone can be quite lonely (especially when you're from a large family and have been flatting with 4-5 other people for the past 2 years!) 

Today was my first official day on the job, and so far, it's been good (although it is only day 1!) The boys went to Flip Out after school - which is just a trampoline park in Nelson (like Leap in Dunedin). There was an awkward moment when the dude on the register thought the kids were mine...I didn't think I looked that old (keeping in mind that the oldest is nearly 11), but I had a good laugh afterwards. 

Looking ahead, we have a pretty busy week - with a birthday party for the oldest boy, rugby practice, mainly music, swimming lessons, and scouts. Then next week will be pretty much the same, with a school disco plus my own birthday (which I'm really looking forward to...because who doesn't love their birthday?!?) Some things to keep in your prayers would be that 1) I can shake off this cold that I've had for at least 3 weeks now, and 2) that I will be able to reach out and find more people to connect with in the area.

Now that I've written a novel for you to read (congrats on getting to the end!), I'm going to sign off and make myself some dinner. 

Stay awesome :)
Esther x