It's already been over a week since I moved to Redding, California. Familiarity is a thing of the past, but I am embracing my new home, church, and all the "America" a kiwi kid can handle. Excited to go out and see my new town, I quickly realized that everything is.. big. While I had spent 9 months telling myself and everybody else that Redding is a "town"- in the eyes of a kiwi who hails from little Whakatane. Redding is not a town. It is a city. A city. It has everything a 20 year old girl could want- makeup selling in the grocery stores for less then $10, drive thru Starbucks, Chipotle, Walmart, Target, whatever you need- America has got it.
Its overwhelming and exciting, and everyday I am left thinking "am I ever going to get my head around this place". I have been lost getting to and from places 3 days in a row- multiple phone calls to Amy, and driving around the motorways looking for my "Portland I-5" exit. This morning I was well lost on my way to the Civic and Amy came to find me sitting in a car park. I will get this!.
Looking back on this nine month journey, all I can say is He who promised is faithful, and in whatever circumstance big or small, He is our provider. Also, He loves to do it! He is a Daddy who loves to take care of His kids. He always always will. Regardless of what we do or don't do, where we are going, or what we left behind, He looks after His kids. Taking a step back, I see His hand in everything, weaving everything together perfectly. He is so so good. Its the night before school starts, and I have high expectations, but not specific in what I expect. I am here for 9 months, who knows what will happen when I finish, or while I am here. Getting here has been an amazing journey, and its only the second week.
I went to Bethel on Sunday for the first time. I'm not sure that I have words to describe it, you have to experience it to "get what I mean". Worship was incredible- not just the worship team, but the sea of people, with the same heart to connect and worship their God. The word was so good!, Pastor Bill spoke on the gift of testimony, and how we as believers should share and encourage others with testimony, as it reveals a piece of the Father. I am so blessed to call this church home for the next 9 months. It will forever be a 'home' to me, but I have 9 months to soak up as much of it as I can. My prayer: God make me like a sponge ;)
I am living with Jeremy and Amy, and their 3 girls. I love it here, and I love them for graciously opening up their home to me. They have been so graceful, understanding and open to a kid from New Zealand coming over and hanging out with them. They sometimes drop the nek minnut joke (I showed them!) ,"what day is Father's day?", they tried marmite, and hopefully I can show them the movie Boy. Jeremy told me he once watched the start of Once were warriors... They can be honorary kiwis!. They have helped me so much, I am so grateful that I have them. I would be extremely lost trying to get around this place on my own.
This past week has been deep breaths and stepping out into the unknown, literally. God is moving so much here, and its exciting to see His story for me unfold. This chapter is going to be life changing, and I can't wait to"see me" at the end of it. See how He moves through me, and how He uses me after this is all done. It is going to be a journey with ups and downs but life was made for adventures like this.
I love you all who supported me on my journey here, I pray your all blessed beyond imagination. This is setting me up for something so much bigger than I could ever imagine. Thank you all so much.
Courtney xxoo
