i've started a new life in wellington! well. not exactly a new life, but it sure feels like it. it's been almost 3 weeks since i've moved down from aucks, and my lifestyle has changed pretty drastically. i've got hardly any "free time" anymore. there's always something to do! especially when i'm not living with the folks. gotta keep the room tidy, gotta get groceries, cook the next meal, clean the toilet, vacuum the floor, do the laundry... gotta study, gotta go to the office, gotta come back home and just REST. do nothing.

i used to wonder why people just like to sit at home and watch DVDs all the time. but now i understand. i have become one of those people. i love watching DVDs and just doing nothing. but i'm praying that God will grant me opportunities to get out there and do some fun stuff like Hiphop. and meet some sweet people to hang out with. :)

i'm really enjoying learning how to cook new things. cooking is not as hard as it seems. it's not hard to whip up a decent tasting meal. but if i'm really trying to impress - that's a bit more of an effort. :P my mum's amazing cooking skills are definitely my main inspiration. and she's the first person i go to for advice on food.

Minty has kicked off well. There's only 2 interns this year. that's Chris and I. we had a really amazing time at new staff orientation where we got to know staffworkers a bit better, kicked it at the beach, cooked and ate together while discussing important issues. It's real inspiring being around the TSCF staff. everyone is passionate about different aspects of ministry, but remain united in the gospel of Christ. May Jesus continue to be the apex of the gospel we preach and live, because if He isn't, then the gospel isn't the gospel anymore.

Here's my perspective of my role this year.

pretty exciting stuff! :) i want to be able to say that i have done those things at the end of the year. will you support me in prayer as i strive to make Christ my all?

It's also been pretty sweet being able to see and experience a living breathing Josh in front of me... in contrast to the moving and talking Josh on skype or the voice of Josh on the phone. i've felt pretty secure here in Welly knowing that he's got my back and he gives me great comfort. he always has. we're trying to figure out how much space to give each other... especially since i'm new to this place. the last thing i want is to be overly dependent on josh and to put pressure on him as "my only friend" - which would be pretty sad. but i'd love the opportunity to grow and relate to others independently from him too, just so i'm not reliant completely on him. it's a bit of a challenge trying to find this balance, but i'll definitely be figuring it out throughout this year. just as an update, we made it to a year yesterday! and we celebrated it by going out for a posh dinner (josh's idea), a movie (Fair Game) and topped the night off with a peanut butter milkshake from Sweet mother's kitchen. :) we were pretty exhausted by the end of the night!

he's really been an encouragement to me during the time we've been together. he leads me in godliness and with confidence in Jesus. he picks me up with his cheerfulness and enthusiasm when i lack motivation. it's funny, i never thought having a boyfriend would be good for me. relationships always seemed so complicated! but would you pray for us? pray for godliness and hearts that seek His will as we explore each other's lives and figure out what God wants to do with us as a couple.

well, that's it for now. i'm gonna try and blog weekly just to give an idea of what's happening with me down here in wellywood. i'd love to hear your thoughts if you read this. drop me a line sometime!