A new chapter (you gotta love those!)

Well, we have only 6 more days left in New Zealand. And although it is the second time we have left home to embark on a new adventure, this time has a distinctly different feel to it. 

Byee byee NZ we will miss you!

For one thing, we leave for a different purpose. Josh is looking forward very much to starting study at MARS (although I think there are a few nerves in regards to Intensive Greek over the summer, but he is very stoic in his preparation for it). :) Last time we were headed to the UK for a 'working-holiday', whereas this time it's more about the 'work' less about the holiday (well, more so for Josh anyway ;)).

Heading into the ministry is a very daunting albeit exciting prospect. Speaking for myself, there are times when doubtful and disparaging thoughts pop into my head. And I confess, it's a massive blessing to remember that we are not going in our own strength! (Praise God for that!)

And this has already been illustrated to us in a huge number of ways. We are crazy overwhelmed by the generosity of the people in the RCNZ (Reformed Churches of New Zealand). Without this support, we wouldn't be going. It's as simple as that! 

And we are so thankful for the prayers and encouraging words that people have given us. Again, without these - it would be too easy to fall victim to those doubt thoughts that threaten to sneak in all the time. 

So, with great thankfulness to God, for all He has already given us (even though we haven't even left yet!) we embark on a journey that really does start a new chapter in our lives. 

As as much as we are leaving for a different purpose this time (maybe a bit more on our last trip in another post ;)), we have the same ultimate goals:

To best serve our Saviour wherever He sends us; 

trusting in Him for strength and guidance; 

acknowledging that everything good we receive is from Him; 

and being willing, in humility, to learn to be more like Jesus. 

So! Here we go! 
~Hannah

P.S. We would love your prayer support in the lead up to us leaving - particularly in regards to having all our documentation sorted, trying to sell our car, and making sure our bags aren't overweight (which sounds kind of silly, but if we are overweight we have to pay an extra $200! :p). And most importantly, that we will keep calm, trusting and not stress (ok, yup I'm mostly talking about me - Josh already is very good at these things, I'm so thankful for him!)