OnHollyday

Just wanted to bring you the latest from Toowoomba! (Although I’ve since moved to Brisbane…but this post was written BEFORE Easter…and it’s being posted just now. Sensing a trend with my delays?! Sorry!)

The first day of Easterfest is technically 10 days away….but we all know there is much that transpires before then…and it’s a thing called “bump in”.

since this post is going up post-Easter...here is a pic from Bump In

In finer terminology, it’s the bringing in and setting up of all the gear, tents, toilets, etc…to make this festival fun and exciting (let’s be honest, it wouldn’t be fun and exciting without toilets).

Throughout the park there will be several “stages” — about 10 to be exact — that will be home to hundreds of muso’s (musicians). For three days the soul purpose of the artists will be to minister to the Lord and people with their talents. It will be the soul purpose of the attendees to celebrate what Jesus did on the cross. It will be the soul purpose of the volunteers and workers to serve this city with a great festival that proves to the world we have a reason to live because someone greater LIVED. If you don’t know the reason we celebrate Easter, than an event like this could very well be just another event. But let me tell you what I know that is sure to make this a different experience:

Easterfest prays.

Toowoomba prays.

Queensland prays.

Australia prays.

photo by Josh Woning

It’s fascinating to me that I lived in Nashville for 7 years (Music City USA) walking the outskirts of the music industry but never really participating or having much interaction other than for my own enjoyment. Music is great, I love it and appreciate it. Now, I’ve been thrown into a full on music industry event! Easterfest supports muso’s who claim to represent a deeper meaning behind their music. The meaning of Christ.

Multiple times a week I gather for…

-Morning devotions with the Easterfest team. A time to lift one another up in prayer, recognizing the needs of each other and the organization, and thanking the Lord for what He’s provided – and will continue to provide. Times like these are critical, not only to recognize our inability to do anything without the mighty Hand of God…but also to recognize His blessings and favor over it all and His constant faithfulness.

-Prayer. One thing I see regularly and quickly realized, is Easterfest and this city are not hesitant to pray. I am amazed at the unity. I am amazed at the consistency behind the hearts of the people who continue to pray over Easterfest and the ministries involved, and the continual prayer for hearts to know Him. Toowoomba needs to know…they are prayed for. A lot.

-Christian Leaders Network. A group of pastors and ministry leaders that gather on a weekly basis to pray. To worship the Lord together. To fellowship together. I’ve been told there are 90 churches in this region, and would you be surprised if I told you over half of the pastors and ministry leaders from this city come together…in UNITY on a WEEKLY basis to PRAY…TOGETHER! Does that amaze you? I am so excited to see that. For me, this is my favorite time of week. I am simply amazed at the experience and genuineness of those people to support one another for the good of their city, and more importantly, God’s kingdom. Not just the self seeking motive to do what’s best for “their church” or to stick with their strict religious guidelines. In these meetings, no one is compromising anything about what they believe and it is simply a time to stand together in unity and support for one another.

I could carry on about all of these things, but ever since my first week in this city, I have participated in each of those things on a weekly basis. And in doing so, it is hard not to have a great expectation about what will unfold – not just at Easterfest – but throughout this city. I have grown very fond of Toowoomba and have high hopes for the Lord to do greater things among His people here.

(Now, this post would not be complete if I didn’t tell you about the time I was the guest “American Host” on the daily Bump In blog…you can watch the video HERE.)

Fair warning: This message was written in its entirety 2 weeks ago…however; after jet lag, starting work full time, and adjusting to new life…all I have to say for it is: better late than never!

my landing into australia

Good Morning, Mates!

This message is being written to you from 38,000 feet in the air after a full 24 hours of travel (so far!) — and sooner rather than later I will touch down in Australia wearing thongs (flip flops!) and smiling at the sun with my sunnies (sun glasses!) on.

With that said, I should probably waste no time catching you up to speed (since things seem to be happening quite fast) –

Back in January, before my departure to Germany, you heard my plan was to return back to the states to continue raising support before we finalized my actual departure for Down Under. But, just as I was leaving, I heard about an awesome paid gig in Australia that could supplement some of my needed funds for the year….with a requested start date of February 6th. AHHH!!! Needless to say, I returned from Germany (a quick post about that trip HERE) and just 10 days later I was on my flight to Australia. Goodbye, America!!!

This job is about a two month temporary position and I start(ed) on Monday, February 13th. While I was in Germany, I did have the perfect opportunity to meet up with someone from OM Australia and discuss this possibility of working this new gig and how that affects my commitment with OM, too. So here’s the low down:

• THE JOB: Working for the largest Christian music festival in Australia, called Easterfest. It takes place 3 days over the Easter weekend and attracts more than 15,000 people every year, with the likes of artists such as: Michael W. Smith, Darlene Zschech, MercyMe, POD, Hawk Nelson, etc. Awesome!

• MY ROLE: I can tell you more exactly once I start, but they usually hire help closer to time as plans start to transpire and this event is executed. I’ll assist in any way needed, but mostly, I’ll be the liaison for the near 150 local bands that will be playing around the headliners throughout the weekend. I guess I’ll get to tell them where to be, when — and fulfill their request for only green m&m’s and whatever likes they have before showtime. (Haha, just kidding…maybe. I think I’ve lived in Nashville too long to pick up on crazy musician requests! Is it really true?!)

• THE PAY: This is an 8-10 week, full-time, paid position. With the near $10,000 I was hoping to still raise to support my year with OM, this job will help cut that figure in half. I still have minimal expenses for the next 2 months while working for Easterfest (i.e. food, transportation) but I have been blessed by a sweet family who have offered me free rent (and an awesome furnished room!) to live in while I’m here. (And it truly is awesome!!! Feeling right at home, despite hand washing every single dish, hanging my laundry out on the clothesline to dry, and trying to live comfortably without AC. But I’m quickly adjusting!)

• WHEN OM? Strategically, this job with Easterfest has played out nicely and timely. OM has some connections and opportunities available to them here in Toowoomba (about 2 hours west of Brisbane), so I will be looking for those and building relationships while here. OM will also be represented during the 3-day festival, so this job isn’t too far off the beaten path. It’s aligning well with what I’ll be doing with OM, but delaying my “official” start with OM until after Easter (in April). I’ll let you do the math, but to honor my 1-year commitment with OM, that extends my stay a few months longer in Australia than originally thought…

Really though, there is no telling what the next year will bring. I’ve learned quickly (especially now after booking international travel 7 and 10 days in advance!) that things can tend to be last minute, but perfect timing. I’m excited to be here and look forward to settling into this next season. I’m appreciative of your support – both prayerfully and financially – that have brought me this far.

As of now, I’ll welcome your prayers for:

• Easterfest: This is a tremendous ministry opportunity as Christians flood the town of Toowoomba. Pray for a warm welcome from this city, that God would be glorified through every act of ministry, and hearts would be forever changed!

• OM: That their needs would be met for the next 2 months as they await my arrival. There is much to look forward to in the next year, and I am excited to get to work there!

• Financially: Still praying to be 100% supported! After my stint with Easterfest, I’ll be shy $5,000 according to my yearly budget working for OM. It will surely come in due time. Thanks for your prayers that needs will continue to be met! I’ve seen God do so much and provide in the littlest and biggest of ways already. I have full faith.

Blessings to all of you! You are collectively on my heart and in my prayers — but I don’t want this to just be one-way communication. I would love to hear from you at any time…of any day! You can fill me in on church news, your own radical mission trip, the US political and presidential stance, celebrity gossip (UPDATE: I heard about Whitney Houston! Have they determined cause of death? That’s probably old news now, but I have yet to hear!)…or, even what you had for breakfast, recently made, or bought for your baby’s nursery (…especially if you haven’t even told me you were expecting yet! Anyone?! I may be an entire day ahead of you…but who wants old news?! )

Anyway, I’m going to post again soon with some pictures from a sweet little house where we had a Valentine’s dinner. Let’s just say this was the cutest, most eclectic house I have seen in person! Truly magazine worthy. So check back soon if you’re into that kind of thing…

Bless your time,

OnHollyday

Two weeks of amazingness. Germany was more than I could have expected!

As explained earlier, my time in Germany was a precursor to my actual arrival in Australia…and it did not disappoint. From the moment I boarded the plane, I knew the Lord’s favor and blessing would be all over this trip. I sat down next to a sweet lady who told me everything I wanted to know and more about Germany. After learning she’s an American who has lived in Germany now over 40 years (teaching German to Americans on a military base) she was just the person I needed to meet to get me excited about all Germany has to offer. Not technically planning out the logistics of this trip myself, I failed to even research a little what I might be able to find in this fair country. Once we touched down in Germany a near 11 hours later…I was ready to start planning another trip. So far, so good!

I was welcomed at the airport by a few other OM’ers, two of which just flew in from Australia. And to my surprise, Andrew (who I’ll be working with in Australia) sent along a nice little welcome gift…Tim Tams. Thanks, Andrew!

From the airport, a group of us who had arrived that morning piled into a van and we were on our way down the autobahn (German for: highway/motorway) — and if you’re not from Germany, just imagine yourself flying down the autobahn at whatever speed you deem worthy. Any speed you wish! Not only do some Americans love Germany for their “underage” drinking standard…driving down the highway with no speed limits could also top the list of why Germany would be a great place to live!

And since I already brought up drinking, here’s a pic of a brewery (special shout-out to family friends, The Mosbacher’s!):

And what would beer be without pizza:

…or rather,

GUMMI BEARS!

Did you know that Gummi Bears originiated in Germany?! I didn’t! But there were tons of gummi shops all over the towns. You can further educate yourself through Wikipedia, if you’d like.

We had a quick 4 hours one afternoon to venture into Heidelberg (need help pronouncing? “when i and e go walking, the last one does the talking!” — learned this from my German teacher friend. Was so helpful, although I continue to butcher any German pronunciation!)

Heidelberg was breathtaking. Well, the castle was for sure!

I took a quick video and will upload it here once I figure out how to do that. Technology, I tell ya.

A few other things I noticed about Germany:

I experienced recycling at its finest and they take composting very seriously. We even had bins to separate our food in after every meal, too.

You’ll find solar panels are on majority of all the homes and buildings. They pride themselves on efficiency. I’ve gotta give it to them. Especially after the amount of walking I did! Ha!

When it comes to $$$, commas are used instead of decimals (i.e. $3,00 instead of $3.00)

You also have to pay for plastic bags at the grocery store if you want something to carry your stuff home — otherwise you bring your own!

Drinks are served with no ice. (Come to think of it, I didn’t have one lick of ice the entire time I was there. Weird, even though I didn’t notice it.)

They drive on the same side of the road/car as we do in the states. That automatically made it feel a little more “at home” than what I experience in Australia — where it’s the opposite side of the road AND car. That messes ya up!

And when I asked about the ever famous BMW — I was immediately pegged as a dumb American. In German, the w is pronounced like a v — so if I really wanted to act like I knew what I was talking about, I should have referenced it as a “BMV”. This, my friends, is why I don’t talk about cars…

To sum it up: I ate a lot…slept even less…and walked away with more awareness of not just a German culture, but many different cultures of my now “new” friends who are from over 20 countries.

Our one thing in common? We share the same faith and serve the same God.

Our mission? Share the love of Jesus throughout all nations.

It was a brilliant and beautiful unity.

Two days. It’s nothing short of a miracle. Every miracle in my book has afforded itself as a great blessing, too. This is definitely one of them.

For the past two months, the countdown to January 16th has been my weekly highlight each Monday. I think I started counting down when I was nearly 100 days away — plenty of time to plan and prepare (one would think!) I’m surely not telling you anything you didn’t already know here, but God’s timing is oftentimes not our own timing. Sometimes I’m not bothered by that…but sometimes, I am.

I was exactly 7 days away from January 16th, and I had absolutely no plane ticket booked. Just 3 days prior I had to swallow the reality (not to be mistaken for what little faith I was still holding onto!) that I was “under supported”. Two things I don’t like about that: 1) It seems to discount the generous gifts that have been given as support so far; and 2) It seems to imply some type of failure. Neither of which is the case. At all.

Friends, through your faithfulness and overwhelming generosity, you have flooded me with 60% of support for my yearly budget in just 2 short months (and during the straight up holiday season, no less!) Me, being in my own “hollyday” season, I was receiving more than I ever thought possible…and the Lord has not yet ceased to amaze me with His excellent and timely provision.

To my second point, no one has failed. You have not failed as a supporter, in whatever capacity you find yourself able to give. And although I find it hard sometimes and feel like I’ve failed in communicating or effectively raising awareness about my need, I don’t think failure is what it chalks up to be. To lose hope or faith in God’s call on my life would imply failure; I am not to that extreme place yet, but I recognize that reality as a possible place I could land at.

Times like these require encouragement and reminders of the sweet promises found in God’s word:

 ”GOD’S GIFTS AND HIS CALL ARE IRREVOCABLE”  Romans 11:29 — He will not change His mind or take back what has already been done.

“HE WHO BEGAN A GOOD WORK IN YOU WILL CARRY IT ON TO COMPLETION” Philippians 1:6 — He will finish what He has started.

So, with those two things in mind, I brushed aside my worry and waited and watched the Lord provide. Monday night, at approximately 10:00 PM, I booked my flight for January 16th. This little miracle was full of blessings — the fact that someone was able to graciously book my flight using their accumulated SkyMiles, left me paying $800 less than the original cost of the ticket! (I only paid for taxes.)

AND as we all know, timing is everything. Inside that 7 day window, the airfare abruptly increased the cost of that exact ticket by $500. (Just to see how close we were cutting it, I checked back the next day to find out “what would have happened” if I had to book it any later.) God was right on time! Booked, finally, just 7 days away from my anticipated departure.

My departure next Monday will be to Germany for 2 weeks, and although my final destination is Australia, the trip to Germany is organized by OM for all new missionaries joining a field this year. The conference will be a time to become more aware about the areas of ministry OM is involved (and “where” exactly – over 110 countries, to date); a time to meet and build relationships with other missionaries (we’ll need each other!); and a time of training and focused prayer as we prepare ourselves for global missions.

After Germany, I’ll return to the states and continue to secure 100% of my support for next year. That leaves my departure for Australia – TBD. My hope is for a definite departure date in February. Will keep you posted when that countdown begins!

Check back in the next few days — will be sharing posts and pictures about my time in Germany.

As I showed up at the OM campus back in September, for what they call an “Outbound” Conference, I wandered around with nearly 40 other people on that first day. No agenda. Just name tags. It was rather interesting as we all quickly connected and realized the one common denominator we all had – missions.

My heart was in it. I wanted to be there. I wanted to learn more about this organization who seemed to know what they were doing, as far as supporting missionaries anywhere in the world, and helping them flesh out their calling.  But as much as my heart was in it and I had an invested interest, I was also prepared for things to not continue going according to my plan. Not necessarily them that would hold me back or deter my interest in what I was feeling called to do, but I was also prepared for my own fear to creep in and steer me in a different direction.  But that all quickly diminished. As all 40 of us gathered together – in one room – for our first initial welcome, these were the first words I heard:

“We stand in this very room, on a very regular basis, and pray for God to send laborers to the harvest. YOU are an answer to those prayers.”

Brings tears to my eyes again. This was humbling in many ways.

I was the answer to someone’s prayer? Me?! The reason I’m here is because I’ve been beckoned by God, thanks to someone else’s prayers? It wasn’t just my silly dreams and good idea to try something new and daring, completely out of my comfort zone…? Oh.

See, it’s been easy for me to get caught up in my plans and goals of where I want to be and what I want to do in this life. Everyone wants to make some kind of difference and impact to others, mostly. I was one of them. But to walk this calling out, I needed some humbling. My prayers could only take me so far. I could only be in control of what I was praying for, for  so long. It wasn’t my plan the Lord was necessarily concerned with all along, so I thought. He is using me for a much bigger picture.  One that I wasn’t even daring enough to pray about.

“Lord, send me, your laborer, to the harvest!” No friends. That prayer never came out of my mouth.  Much less, my heart.

The point I am trying to make here, is that your little mind can not conceive the very things God has destined for you.  My prayers have never been to “be a missionary” or “serve in Australia”. Much of my pride stood in the way as I pushed forward with my own goals and obtained much of what I wanted for my life. Yes, I pray. Yes, I’ve had a thing for Australia for years. Yes, I’ve had a heart for missions – to serve somehow, someway, here or there. But it wasn’t my specific prayer to end up here.  I had a fulfilling career working for a non-profit in Nashville…so honestly, I wasn’t looking to leave. I felt like I was making a difference, doing what I was called to do…there.

Collectively – Christians and non-Christians – we pray or seek to find something of  purpose. To find something of importance that we can make a difference in. It looks different for all of us, matched by our desires and different interests…but we are always seeking, aren’t we?

I was seeking. Many of my prayers sounded a little like this:

“Ready my heart, Lord.”

“Be glorified through me.”

“Show me your ways.”

“Make known to me your desires.”

With prayers like that, it’s hard to answer this question when the Lord asks:

“Holly, if not now, when?”

The need in Australia is now. The realization came and the opportunity presented itself. I was nervous to even begin exploring it further, as I wasn’t sure this is what it should look like. But after showing up at OM…with several others…I was amazed by the conviction and beautiful path the Lord had led each of us down, to get us to this place. There are needs all over the world, and God is providing the help – the laborer – to show up and reap the harvest. He has equipped each of us for a different purpose, and it is amazing to watch the connection take place.

“SO CHRIST HIMSELF GAVE THE APOSTLES, THE PROPHETS, THE EVANGELISTS, THE PASTORS AND TEACHERS, TO EQUIP HIS PEOPLE FOR WORKS OF SERVICE, SO THAT THE BODY OF CHRIST MAY BE BUILT UP UNTIL WE ALL REACH UNITY IN THE FAITH AND IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE SON OF GOD AND BECOME MATURE, ATTAINING TO THE WHOLE MEASURE OF THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST.” Ephesians 4:11-13

It is a timing thing…”until we all reach unity”. You could be in the equipping stage. Or you could be in the sending out stage. Your mission field will look different than mine or anyone else. But I’m praying for you. Yes, you. I now have joined the prayer for the Lord to send laborers to the harvest. For Him to ready your heart and make known to you His timing.

What will you say when God asks, “If not now, when?” Are you ready for Him to reveal His next plan for you?

(Pictures taken by Amy Bristow.)

Whoa. If only I had the time to seriously stop and take it all in. A 7-year chapter of my life in Nashville is coming to a close, and is supposedly going to just pick up in another city, thousands of miles away. I quit my job, I’ve packed up an entire house and moved it to storage, and I’m making the necessary plans to transition my life into international living. This isn’t unheard of…people do it all the time. But I’m learning a new kind of responsibility as life as a missionary. I don’t know if you can put yourself in my shoes and catch my perspective, but it is Weird. With a capital “W”.

WHY?

The only direction I can point you to for this answer is up. It’s Weird that I don’t have more of an answer than that, when generally I have my analytical, finite plans and explanations weeeeell thought out. If there was ever a time I could truly believe that God does order our steps, it is now. How do I know? Because of the peace He has provided that surpasses my understanding. For the record, on some days (like today) it still requires a little more faith to continue walking in the direction He is leading. It is total obedience. He has shown me the way…but it is up to me to keep walking. It has been a tiring and busy few months. Lots of little (and some big) tasks, like…

WHAT?

Well, like…learning to blog. collecting emails and addresses. creating a budget. researching everything. working full-time. maintaining relationships. going to church. babysitting. visiting family and friends. traveling out of town. packing. thanksgiving. changing accounts and bills. renewing a driver’s license. applying for a visa. going to work everyday. calling home. calling australia. making future plans. meetings. updating your budget. raising support. communicating your needs. writing a blog. attending farewell parties. loading a uhaul. eating. sleeping. remembering to breathe. taking time to pray. making lists. selling items via craigslist. embracing a technology learning curve. watching plane tickets. managing a budget. working. training your replacement. stressing. worrying. church. responding to emails. attempting to keep up with social events. cherishing final moments. sorting out housing. researching the sale of a car. making time to sleep. remembering to eat. saying goodbye. drying tears. working. packing some more. praying. praying. praying. praying.

WHEN?

When does it end? As long as we are living life, many of those “tasks” will never end. It’s a part of life. It’s a part of an international move. It’s a sure part of this journey. Right now. But some things are ending. An end to a home full of furnishings: that happened on December 8th – over a week ago (and yes, I am sleeping on an air mattress!) Not one single chair or table or piece of furniture left in this house. Currently every article of clothing I own is on the floor around the perimeter of my room. What is left is what can fit in a car when I make my final drive out of Nashville….and that happens in just 4 short days.  More goodbyes will take place between now and then, I am wrapping up my final days at my current job, but come December 22nd, I will have hit the road to head home with family for the HOLLYdays. And then…

WHERE?

After what I’m sure will seem like a few short weeks, January 16th marks the day that I should find myself boarding a plane…to Germany. While Australia is my final destination, I will spend the first 10 days of this new adventure in Germany to meet with other OM missionaries who are embarking on the field this year. It is sure to be a time of learning, faith-building, training, refreshing  and a good dose of support and encouragement as we ALL work together to advance the mighty kingdom of God with those we are called to serve. Like…

WHO?

Anyone and everyone. I pray I experience a boldness for sharing the love and hope of Jesus more than I have ever known. My intentional ministry will be specifically to teens and international students. Through TeenStreet, we will help teens grow in their relationship with Jesus, and equip them as they develop a vision for missions. Teaching English to international students from Saudi Arabia will also be a strategic partnership as we serve and minister to people from a purely Muslim nation. There is much more to unfold, I am sure, but these are areas of need in which I will be able to support immediately.

So there’s a brief update! I am thankful to be a part of the family of God, but in times like these, I see that family as an army — equipped with the armor of God! You all are prayer warriors and a support network like none other! Blessings to you and your families as you prepare for a celebration this Christmas.

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel…” Ephesians 6:18-19

This has been the word of the  week.  month.  year.  Today, I am full.

Full of food.

Full of love.

Full of family.

Full of friendships.

Full of peace.

Full of hope.

Full of concern.

Full of faith.

Full of anticipation.

Full of favor.

Full of joy.

Full of anxiousness.

Full of trust.

Full of expectation.

Full of nervousness.

Full of confidence.

Full of fear.

Full of grace.

Full of awe.

Full of worship.

Maybe you know the feeling? Just a glob of emotions. Some better than others, but they are all there. I have a hard time putting what I am “feeling” into words some days. I am overwhelmed by the goodness of such a gracious God. Honestly, I have never felt so humbled. (That, of course, lets me know I’m in a good place.) I am full of surrender, yet full of so much dependency…but not on myself (self: that is what I’m surrendering).  I am too full of promise NOT to hope for the best despite all of my concern. I can trust fully in someone so much bigger than myself, and know that “all things work together for the good of those who love Him (God), and are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 

That is truth worth holding onto.

Though, I am afraid of the unknown sometimes, and I am certainly not full of understanding of how or why all of this is the way it is. But rest assured, I tell my anxious heart, there is more that is promised: “the peace of God, which transcends ALL understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7

My heart and mind is guarded with PEACE…the peace of GOD…the God who works things together for my GOOD.

And when I get tired, worried, and feel helpless in my own strength, there is even more promise. The promise that I don’t rely on my might nor my power to make things happen, but by HIS spirit are things accomplished. His spirit that readies hearts, orders steps, prepares plans that prosper and not harm, leads beside still waters, and renews my strength – each and every day – to soar on wings…like eagles.  Gracefully.

I am full.

I pray you are, too.

Full of emotions and feelings and hope and peace. For some, it doesn’t always take a big move (read more about that HERE) to make you full. For some, it just takes food! Talk about being full of food…I’m sure all of us may have experienced that on Thanksgiving day this week. Hopefully you enjoyed the day! How about I share a few pics of food, from my visit to Australia two years ago…

Kangaroo, anyone?! There it is, in the top left of this photo:

As you can see, I just thought the presentation of everything was like none other than the states. Unless, of course, you were enjoying 5-star dining…on a daily basis.

This salad bar? Just at the pizza place in the mall food court. Seriously?! I’ve never seen anything that looked THIS good at a mall food court!

Mini desserts with tea…

…but of course, that was AFTER we stopped by this van to enjoy a MEAT PIE…roadside.

It was good!

Soooo, what are you full of today? (And don’t say crap. Haha.)

Let’s play a game…what do these three photos have in common?

A sidewalk ramp:

Inside a car:

A motorway:

What’s your guess?!

Picture 1: Walking through a grocery store or mall or even down a sidewalk, it is customary for pedestrians (in Australia) to keep LEFT. See if that doesn’t mess with an American who is set in her “right” ways.

Picture 2: In a car every front seat passenger can find themselves traveling on the LEFT side of the vehicle.

Picture 3: On a motorway (highway)…once again, ya keep LEFT.  Yeaaa…didn’t attempt driving while I was there last, but it might be somewhat hard to avoid if I find myself in the country for any long period of time…like 12 months!

So the point of this post is to acknowledge how RIGHT – but “different” – this move feels. Sure I can walk down a sidewalk, ride in a car, or drive on a highway. It’s all the same…but different. It’s just enough of a difference that it serves as a (I’d say “slight annoyance”, but that’s not it)…it’s just a constant reminder that things won’t stay the same. I can resume life and serve God as I always have – I’ll eat, breath, sleep – but it is going to be different.

Last month I got a jump start on my first (of all MY junk!) ever yard sale. That was a good cleaning out. Whether I was planning to move or not, that huge purge was much needed. And much appreciated. I know it was God to keep my emotions at bay and for my  sentimental reasoning to rest quietly inside…because let’s face it. Who doesn’t have stuff they just want to keep?

I do.

I can’t understand it. Things are finding a new home (because it can’t come with me). And I’m OK with it?! I just know there is peace that surpasses my understanding, and these steps are directed…not fully by my plan…but by His. That’s the only reason I can go LEFT.

“A man’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand his own way?” Psalm 20:24

All is well? Enjoying the changing seasons? Anticipating the holiday festivities?!

Ummm, are you thinking to yourself – she means, how are you doing??? Well yes. That is what I mean…but that is not what I said. You may have just had a moment of panic that my grammar was wrong BUT…“How you going?” is actually a very common greeting in one particular country. And let me tell you, this is a phrase I will become ALL too familiar with and will (hopefully!) be hearing with my own ears on quite the regular basis. Why? Because in about a month I hope to be telling YOU that:

I AM MOVING TO AUSTRALIA.

Seriously! Pick yourself up off the floor.

Now are you thinking…“How ARE you going???”

Australia. The lovely country of kangaroos and koalas.  The country you could only point to on a map, not actually experience in person. I’ve dreamed for over 10 years that one day I’ll visit. Not live there exactly, but certainly visit. And surprisingly enough, the dream actually came true about two years ago when I went OnHollyday! Want to hear all about it? Stay tuned in the coming months. I want to dig out my pictures and relive the experience. A picture is worth  a thousand words…but a blog post is worth two-thousand! Meaning, you’ll hear alllll about it.

Arriving in Australia!

This might be my very first post on this brand new website, but I’ve got more help in the world than I know what to do with. (All thanks to my amazing tech support…aka, my too-smart dad and creatively funky friend, Mandy!), so you better believe I’ll be cranking out a few pages, posts and pictures soon!

What? You thought Australia was a big move?! Sheesh. Add blogging to my big adventure list too!

So…Australia. Been there, done that. Check it off my Top 10 Places To Visit. But live there? Not this homegirl. It sounded like a good enough idea for everyone else, but as a creature of habit, I was happy to stay put around the comforts of home. Somewhere deep down inside, though, there was surely a dream waiting to be born. I never would have thought that nearly two years later I would be making plans to pack up my house, sift through my stuff, and decide on just enough personal belongings to survive off of…that can only fit in a suitcase! If you didn’t already know, God has a funny way about Him.

“DELIGHT YOURSELF IN THE LORD, AND HE WILL GIVE YOU THE DESIRES OF YOUR HEART.” Psalm 37:4

So true. I love the Lord with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. I delight myself in Him. Honestly, it’s only HIM that can bring the desires of my heart to full fruition. I had a desire to visit Australia at some point in my life. I love what I know and have experienced about that country. I have also had the desire for missions. As a Christian, I think we all want others to experience God like we have. You desire it for your family, your neighbors, and the random people you get to do life with.  Whether that means living here, or living life there.  I am on a mission.

A desire for missions marries a desire for Australia. And well, that pretty much sums it up so far!

The start of this journey (thoughts of moving) began in July 2011. Since then I have been prayerfully considering every step and simply basking in the overwhelming amazement of God’s confirmation of this open door, and realizing the time is now. Throughout August I completed an extensive application process to further solidify these plans, then attended a week long conference at OM (Operation Mobilization) in September (with 37 other amazing missionaries about to depart in the next year!) October for me was the month to begin my support raising efforts with a serious purge and successful yard sale of all my “things”! November is here, my support raising efforts continue, and I am still working full time until Christmas. At that time I will then leave a wonderful place of work after 3 ½ fulfilling years of serving the youth in Middle Tennessee at Junior Achievement.

It feels as though I am juggling many hats right now as these two journeys overlap and this transition takes place, but I am truly able to attest that God’s mercies are new every morning, and it is Him that supplies the strength!

And really, never a need to stress when you can just go…

So, how you going? Have any words of wisdom? Traveled long term or moved overseas before? What to pack?! Thanks for your prayers as I start this journey!