Wow! What an amazing few weeks have just flown by me here! We have been deep in the throes of VBS or, as it is better known here, Holiday Bible Program. It's awesome to see a lot of planning and hard work come together to turn into a truly exciting program. The kids have been treated to quite an exciting week in the "rainforest". Not an easy task, we have had a team of people working on transforming the central desert into a tropical rainforest. It has been amazing to watch really committed and creative people take our building and transform it. There is the paper mache tree in the corner (and whatever you're picturing in your head, it's bigger!) A waterfall, a ranger station complete with corregated tin roof. And of course, a rickety bridge over a croc infested river! Hopefully I'll be able to get pictures up in the next week or so that will give you a bit of insight into our little jungle.
The program itself has been great too. The teen team has rehearsed some great dramas and pulled them off in a way that is funny and yet meaningful. The story tellers have managed to capture the attentions of all of the kids and convey the wonder of Biblical messages that will last them a lifetime. From the moment the kids step through the door until the moment they leave, there has been an energy, spirit of fun and a thrill which only come with the wonder of being a child, and of seeing things through a child's eyes.
One thing that I really wanted for this program was to help give the kids a foundation upon which the roots of faith in Christ could grow. What I didn't expect was to have my own roots tugged a little. Some of the verses we've been memorizing this week are verses I've known since I was a child. And yet, as I look at some of them, I wonder if I've really got as good a grasp on them as I think. The challenge of God's word, is always a bit confronting. But, realizing that someone else put in the effort years and years ago, so that I could have the same foundation we're trying to give these kids, reminds me of just how important it is.
Thanks so much for all your prayers and all the encouragements I've recieved through the week. It's been a blessing to feel your love and support through a very busy week! The whole program has grown and stretched all of us and I hope that somewhere in the town of Alice there is a kid who is a little bit closer to Christ, and living His way than there was last week.
Thanks for reading,
Shannon
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Bush Tucker
Well, I know it's been quite some time since I posted a blog update, and the last one covered some of the hard work the Outback team put in out at Willowra. One of the things that we did on that trip (and sometimes not on that trip)is go bush tucker hunting. Tucker is a word for food, and bush tucker is food you find in the wild. It used to be the only source of food for the indigenous tribes that lived in remote areas, and today it still makes up a large part of the diet of many yappa folk.
But, in order to eat, you first must hunt and collect the food you want to eat. The first set of pictures is about hunting for witchety grubs. These large grubs live in the branches and roots of certain species of trees and bushes. In order to find them, you either chop open the branch, at the appropriate spot or you dig at the roots of the bush. Then you use a flexible twig with a little hook and pull the grub out of its dark little home. It's quite an interesting process, and it requires some major knowledge so we were glad to have help!
After the grubs have been found you can eat them raw, or throw them in the fire for a bit. Once they've cooked you just pop them in your mouth for a yummy treat. That is what I'm doing in that collection. I'm enjoying my very first (but not last) witchety grub. Everyone wants to know what they taste like, and I'm not really sure how to describe it. A lot of people say it's like egg. I guess that's true. It's also kind of vegetable like. Anyhow, you'll just have to try one yourself!
The second grouping of photos is from a different hunt, we were hunting bush potatoes. Which are like white sweet potatoes. There was a lot of digging and work involved in getting those potatoes but, we had watermelon and the kids entertained everyone with their antics, so that was a good time for all of us. The bush potatoes cook in the fire and are really quite delicious.
So, what's the great deep lesson, you may be wondering. I think it's just this: that God's provision is all around us. In nature, in the grocery store, in the bank, or in your neighbors hand. All these good things come from God. Sometimes, they may not look like the provision we were expecting (witchety grubs) but, they still reflect His love for us and his perfect plans of provision for us all. So many of you have given to me financially to make this time in Australia possible and I'm so grateful, beyond grateful for your obedience to God. He provides for each of us in such wonderful and unique ways. And so it's with a grateful heart that we return praise to the Giver of every good gift!
Thanks for reading,
Shannon
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Pictures from the Outback
Prepping the ground for the posts.
Post hole digger! One of our best friends!
Getting those posts in the ground.
Got to make sure they are straight or it throws the whole project off.
At the beginning of this month I joined a great team from the church and headed out bush to the town of Willowra. Our primary purpose in Willowra was to build a fence around the church yard to keep out the wild donkeys and other critters. I learned so many things about fencing during the trip but I also learned about ministry. Actually, noticed a few similarities in them. Particularly in the beginning stages. When you are building a fence one of the most important steps is making sure all the lines are straight on the ground from corner to corner. Then you dig post holes that are measured equal distances from each other. Then you put in concrete and then the posts.
Now obviously this is a pretty simple description but, it got me thinking about how important it is in life to get the foundations of something right. Especially in ministry and relationships. The preparation of the ground, the measuring and remeasuring can seem like a pain, or a waste of time but, if you want a fence that will stand up to the test, you have to get it in the ground correctly right away. Same with ministry, if you want a ministry to last through the stresses and trials you have to put in the prep time and do the measuring. I think scripture talks about counting the cost. There are a lot of great ministry projects out there that have failed simply because there was too much rushing into it. I know that as I'm working in ministry here at the church that it has been the foundations of new ministry which seem to take time, but, once they are established it can really come out with some great results.
More pictures to come and hopefully more observations.
Thanks for reading!
Shannon
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Four More Sleeps!
"We only have four more sleeps!" The leader of my upcoming mission trip within a mission trip wrote this in a recent email she sent to the team. I am truly amazed to think that the trip I heard about almost three months ago is finally here! For those of you who haven't heard, I will be participating in a ten-day bush exposure trip with a group from my church. There are six team members participating and we will be joining two of the missionaries Alice Baptist supports, Norm and Karen Roberts. The Roberts have been serving in the bush communities northwest of Alice Springs for over five years now. They are great people and I cannot wait to get to know them better and hear more about their journey into missionary life.
So a little about the why of the trip. We are going because we want to support the work that is being done in these three communities to spread the gospel of Christ to the Warlpiri people. We will be starting our journey in Willowra.
This small town with an estimated population of 350 people has a small community of believers and a church building. The building is in need of a fence to keep out wandering critters. We will be working on this as a team with the assistance of a builder and his father from our church. We are really excited to be able to help in such a practical way!
After that we will be moving to Ali Curung, another small town North of Alice. I think we'll be helping to clear the area in and around the mission house due to the rainfall the grass has been growing like crazy and so we will be mowing and cleaning up the yard area. We will also be spending time in the community building relationships and spending some time with the locals.
After a couple days there we will be headed to our third community, Yuendemu! This is one of the larger towns in the area and we will be spending time out in the community there too. Who knows what we'll wind up doing while we're there but, I think it's going to be a really great time.
When we've finished our time in Yuendemu we will be headed back to Alice! There are going to be some challenges ahead and some great experiences too. I know that God has been working in the hearts of me and my teammates as we've been preparing for this.
We would really appreciate your prayers as we head out for the next ten-days. Special prayer requests would be:
-Safety in travels
-Speed and efficiency on the fence building as we only have to professionals there for a few days.
-That each of us would have a heart that is open to learn and a spirit that is sensitive to the words of God.
Thanks for reading and for praying!
Shannon
Here's a map of our Journey!
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=115871408322241677933.000485496906df8b42d7a&ll=-21.983801,132.879639&spn=4.043883,7.064209&t=h&z=7
So a little about the why of the trip. We are going because we want to support the work that is being done in these three communities to spread the gospel of Christ to the Warlpiri people. We will be starting our journey in Willowra.
This small town with an estimated population of 350 people has a small community of believers and a church building. The building is in need of a fence to keep out wandering critters. We will be working on this as a team with the assistance of a builder and his father from our church. We are really excited to be able to help in such a practical way!
After that we will be moving to Ali Curung, another small town North of Alice. I think we'll be helping to clear the area in and around the mission house due to the rainfall the grass has been growing like crazy and so we will be mowing and cleaning up the yard area. We will also be spending time in the community building relationships and spending some time with the locals.
After a couple days there we will be headed to our third community, Yuendemu! This is one of the larger towns in the area and we will be spending time out in the community there too. Who knows what we'll wind up doing while we're there but, I think it's going to be a really great time.
When we've finished our time in Yuendemu we will be headed back to Alice! There are going to be some challenges ahead and some great experiences too. I know that God has been working in the hearts of me and my teammates as we've been preparing for this.
We would really appreciate your prayers as we head out for the next ten-days. Special prayer requests would be:
-Safety in travels
-Speed and efficiency on the fence building as we only have to professionals there for a few days.
-That each of us would have a heart that is open to learn and a spirit that is sensitive to the words of God.
Thanks for reading and for praying!
Shannon
Here's a map of our Journey!
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=115871408322241677933.000485496906df8b42d7a&ll=-21.983801,132.879639&spn=4.043883,7.064209&t=h&z=7
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Busier than the Easter Bunny!
There has been a bit of a lag in my blog postings lately. I realize that and I hope that it hasn't left you with nothing of interest to read! But, the lag corresponds directly with an upswing in the activities of other things in my life. The Easter holiday is a very different thing here in Alice than in Baltimore. Here it corresponds with a school break of 1-2 weeks. So it's a vacation weekend for a lot of kids and families. The youth group uses that weekend together with that break to go on a retreat. They call it "Easter Camp".
I was recruited to help out with this weekend by my friends and co-workers from church who were planning the event. I went along willingly but I wasn't really sure what it was going to be like. I don't help with youth group on a regular basis so I didn't really know any of the teens. I hadn't slept in a swag before but I was pretty sure it wasn't going to be as comfortable as my bed. I had been on youth retreats before and I remembered the haggard looks on the faces of some of the leaders whenever they were over. But, I also remembered the changes that had happened in my life and my faith whenever I went on those trips.
It was definitely a weekend to remember! We had an awesome time as a group, playing games, eating meals, listening to the challenge of God's Word, spending time in small groups. But there were also lots of times for a more personal one on one time with some of the students. It was challenging for me to be in such a direct leadership position and yet, I really liked it. The girls in my group were really fun and great to work with. Each one was different and yet we all had a lot in common.
Overall, the weekend was a totally great way to spend Easter, changing lives with Jesus!
Coming back was not easy. Of course, we were all pretty tired. I got home and decided to throw in a load of laundry before I crashed on the couch. This was a great idea and I even applauded my own self-motivation (I think I actually thought, this is what mom would recommend I do before I relax. But, there was one minor oversight in my plan.
The next day I was expecting to receive a text message. By the afternoon when I realized I had received no such message I decided I wasn't even really sure where my phone was (insert music indicating impending doom). I looked around my room for it and then a terrible realization sprung into my mind! I had it in the pocket of my shorts yesterday...
I'm sure the rest you can fill in for yourselves. I washed it and then dried it in the tumble dryer, twice. So that phone is long gone but, a solution presented itself so that is all good.
Anyhow, the whole weekend was a great reminder of why I do ministry, because Jesus is alive and people need to know it. It was also a reminder of the fact that this world and the things in it die, whether by natural causes or washing machine, and that the only answer to death is Jesus' victorious resurrection!
Thanks for reading,
Shannon
I was recruited to help out with this weekend by my friends and co-workers from church who were planning the event. I went along willingly but I wasn't really sure what it was going to be like. I don't help with youth group on a regular basis so I didn't really know any of the teens. I hadn't slept in a swag before but I was pretty sure it wasn't going to be as comfortable as my bed. I had been on youth retreats before and I remembered the haggard looks on the faces of some of the leaders whenever they were over. But, I also remembered the changes that had happened in my life and my faith whenever I went on those trips.
It was definitely a weekend to remember! We had an awesome time as a group, playing games, eating meals, listening to the challenge of God's Word, spending time in small groups. But there were also lots of times for a more personal one on one time with some of the students. It was challenging for me to be in such a direct leadership position and yet, I really liked it. The girls in my group were really fun and great to work with. Each one was different and yet we all had a lot in common.
Overall, the weekend was a totally great way to spend Easter, changing lives with Jesus!
Coming back was not easy. Of course, we were all pretty tired. I got home and decided to throw in a load of laundry before I crashed on the couch. This was a great idea and I even applauded my own self-motivation (I think I actually thought, this is what mom would recommend I do before I relax. But, there was one minor oversight in my plan.
The next day I was expecting to receive a text message. By the afternoon when I realized I had received no such message I decided I wasn't even really sure where my phone was (insert music indicating impending doom). I looked around my room for it and then a terrible realization sprung into my mind! I had it in the pocket of my shorts yesterday...
I'm sure the rest you can fill in for yourselves. I washed it and then dried it in the tumble dryer, twice. So that phone is long gone but, a solution presented itself so that is all good.
Anyhow, the whole weekend was a great reminder of why I do ministry, because Jesus is alive and people need to know it. It was also a reminder of the fact that this world and the things in it die, whether by natural causes or washing machine, and that the only answer to death is Jesus' victorious resurrection!
Thanks for reading,
Shannon
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Bush Dancing
It's hard to believe it was almost a month ago that we here in Alice Springs got a little bit country and had ourselves a bush dance. I've posted pictures, and I'm sorry they are in three separate posts I couldn't figure a different way to do it. So I'm going to go through them now and tell you what the pictures are of.
1. Three wonderful ladies from my home group and Sunday school ministry. Tanya, Sarah and Hannah.
2. This one is my dear friend Rael. She is a wonderful lady and she was having a good time dancing her heart out.
3. Mystery woman...
4.Tianni and Sammy two little girls from church.
5.The next one is in the next post window. It's Elise Maloney on the keyboard!
6.And Matt Maloney, youth pastor, husband of Elise and Caller for the bush dance.
7.Ben Hall fantastic drummer.
8.Rohan Barwick who played a fantastic variety of instruments that night.
The rest of the photos are of the dancers dancing! It was a great night and a fun fundraiser for the youth Easter camp which is happening this weekend. Easter Camp is a retreat a lot like our Fall Retreat. It gives the youth group a chance to get away for some serious time with God and each other. Please be praying for us this weekend.
There are quite a few youth coming who are not regulars at youth group so that's exciting and a challenge. I will be helping lead a small group of 12th grade girls. It's going to be a ton of fun and a great opportunity for the gospel to go forth. I'll let you know how it goes.
Thanks for praying and reading,
Shannon
1. Three wonderful ladies from my home group and Sunday school ministry. Tanya, Sarah and Hannah.
2. This one is my dear friend Rael. She is a wonderful lady and she was having a good time dancing her heart out.
3. Mystery woman...
4.Tianni and Sammy two little girls from church.
5.The next one is in the next post window. It's Elise Maloney on the keyboard!
6.And Matt Maloney, youth pastor, husband of Elise and Caller for the bush dance.
7.Ben Hall fantastic drummer.
8.Rohan Barwick who played a fantastic variety of instruments that night.
The rest of the photos are of the dancers dancing! It was a great night and a fun fundraiser for the youth Easter camp which is happening this weekend. Easter Camp is a retreat a lot like our Fall Retreat. It gives the youth group a chance to get away for some serious time with God and each other. Please be praying for us this weekend.
There are quite a few youth coming who are not regulars at youth group so that's exciting and a challenge. I will be helping lead a small group of 12th grade girls. It's going to be a ton of fun and a great opportunity for the gospel to go forth. I'll let you know how it goes.
Thanks for praying and reading,
Shannon
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Grasshoppers!
So if you're not here in Alice Springs you may not be aware of the grasshopper influx that we have had in the past couple of weeks. After the rain incredible numbers of these little buggers popped up everywhere. And I mean EVERYWHERE!
Normally, I am not bothered by grasshoppers, but when they are in my laundry basket or in my kitchen or all along the halls at church they become somewhat annoying.
We aren't gardeners, but my friends who are have been having immense problems with everything in their gardens being eaten by these new guests in town.
The hoppers are also dying off everywhere. I don't know what the life span of a grasshopper is or how they decide where they will expire. It seems though, that there are a few favorite spots. One is on my back patio. I'm assuming they go out there to soak up some sun and wind up expiring due to the prolonged exposure. So, as I step out my door to hang my wet laundry on the line I have to step on the carcasses of at least fifty bugs. It's not a very pleasant experience. Another place they seem to die in masses is inside the main lobby at church. I guess there they come in while the doors are open on Sundays and they just never find their way out.
People have varying responses to these critters. Some are frightened by them. Some are indifferent and attempt to ignore them (me). And some have declared war on them. I watched a grown man, who appeared to be out on a walk, strategically stepping from grasshopper to grasshopper in a sort of twisted dance.
Every morning when I get out to my car there are a few grasshoppers sitting on the hood of my car. Usually, when it starts up they leap off as if to save their lives from the roaring beast. This morning though, there was a new breed of grasshopper on the hood of my car. If you've ever seen Mulan, picture the little grasshopper from that movie and you've got the image in your mind. Tiny, spring green, long antenna, tall springy legs. I chuckled as I pulled out onto the street thinking, "This guy won't last" But, as the car accelerated and the wind picked up, he just scrunched lower, closer to the hood of the car. Turns, stops, traffic circles, crosswinds, it didn't matter he just hung on.
Now, I'm sure that if we are realistic a grasshopper's mind doesn't think through the whole process of traveling but, as I watched him I thought, "What spirit he has! He's doing it!" And when I arrived at my destination I let up a little cheer for my green friend as he hopped off and went on his way. I felt like that little guy a bit this week. Just feeling the wind and the turns and wondering if I would be able to hang on but, it's nearly the end of the week and so far, I'm hanging on. Antenna flapping in the breeze, scrunched close to the hood of the car, I'm hanging on!
I hope you all are hanging on too and I'd love to hear from you this week and hear how y'all are doing.
Happy Reading!
Shannon
Normally, I am not bothered by grasshoppers, but when they are in my laundry basket or in my kitchen or all along the halls at church they become somewhat annoying.
We aren't gardeners, but my friends who are have been having immense problems with everything in their gardens being eaten by these new guests in town.
The hoppers are also dying off everywhere. I don't know what the life span of a grasshopper is or how they decide where they will expire. It seems though, that there are a few favorite spots. One is on my back patio. I'm assuming they go out there to soak up some sun and wind up expiring due to the prolonged exposure. So, as I step out my door to hang my wet laundry on the line I have to step on the carcasses of at least fifty bugs. It's not a very pleasant experience. Another place they seem to die in masses is inside the main lobby at church. I guess there they come in while the doors are open on Sundays and they just never find their way out.
People have varying responses to these critters. Some are frightened by them. Some are indifferent and attempt to ignore them (me). And some have declared war on them. I watched a grown man, who appeared to be out on a walk, strategically stepping from grasshopper to grasshopper in a sort of twisted dance.
Every morning when I get out to my car there are a few grasshoppers sitting on the hood of my car. Usually, when it starts up they leap off as if to save their lives from the roaring beast. This morning though, there was a new breed of grasshopper on the hood of my car. If you've ever seen Mulan, picture the little grasshopper from that movie and you've got the image in your mind. Tiny, spring green, long antenna, tall springy legs. I chuckled as I pulled out onto the street thinking, "This guy won't last" But, as the car accelerated and the wind picked up, he just scrunched lower, closer to the hood of the car. Turns, stops, traffic circles, crosswinds, it didn't matter he just hung on.
Now, I'm sure that if we are realistic a grasshopper's mind doesn't think through the whole process of traveling but, as I watched him I thought, "What spirit he has! He's doing it!" And when I arrived at my destination I let up a little cheer for my green friend as he hopped off and went on his way. I felt like that little guy a bit this week. Just feeling the wind and the turns and wondering if I would be able to hang on but, it's nearly the end of the week and so far, I'm hanging on. Antenna flapping in the breeze, scrunched close to the hood of the car, I'm hanging on!
I hope you all are hanging on too and I'd love to hear from you this week and hear how y'all are doing.
Happy Reading!
Shannon
Sunday, March 7, 2010
New Name Same Me
Well, it's been a little while since I've managed to get on here and write a post. Part of that has been my own laziness in not actually sitting down and doing it, but mostly it's been because I've actually gotten quite busy. Between two services on Sunday, skit writing, Ladies Bible Study, Home group, various appointments, funerals, Tiny Tunes, and all the home stuff it seems my days are filling up. Which, by the way, didn't stop me from agreeing to go play tennis tonight...I've never played tennis before...I have no clue what I'll be doing, but I'm going.
One of the new things I'm getting involved in is a Bible study group with the tribal people who attend church here. Most of the people who come to church here are from the Warlpiri tribe. The Warlpiri number between 3000-5000 total in the tribal group. I think the broadness of that number variation comes from Warlpiri who exist tribal back ground wise and Warlpiri who actually speak Warlpiri. Anyhow, there are several ladies who attend church here on Sundays and they decided they wanted to have a study during the week that was in Warlpiri. So, naturally I stepped up to facilitate that, since I'm so fluent in the language and culture. (that was sarcastic)
No really I was looking for ways to build relationships with these women and men who come to church and I heard that they were looking for a facilitator for their study so I volunteered to help with that. I think it's going to be great and we may be starting this week on Thursday. I'm not sure what will happen or how it will go so if you could keep me and the group (or mob to use the Aussie term) in your prayers that would be great.
In planning for this group and building into those relationships I've been spending more time with the ladies on Sunday mornings. Yesterday I went out to sit with them and Rachel, who is an elder here in the church and a really lovely Warlpiri lady, asked if I had a skin name. Skin names are vital for the Warlpiri because without a skin name there is no clear place for you in their society. So when I told Rachel I didn't have a skin name yet she gave me one. She actually gave me hers which means that she and I are sisters. I was really blown away at how simply she gave me one and how excited all the other ladies were when she told them I was Napaljari now. So now to the ladies I'm still Shannon but I'm Napaljari too, which is more important. Now when I talk to the ladies they can know how I fit into their cultural structure. It was a truly exhilarating moment for me, even if it was just a small thing for them.
So there you have it, another chapter, another name, same me. Well, almost the same me :)
Love you all,
Shannon Napaljari
One of the new things I'm getting involved in is a Bible study group with the tribal people who attend church here. Most of the people who come to church here are from the Warlpiri tribe. The Warlpiri number between 3000-5000 total in the tribal group. I think the broadness of that number variation comes from Warlpiri who exist tribal back ground wise and Warlpiri who actually speak Warlpiri. Anyhow, there are several ladies who attend church here on Sundays and they decided they wanted to have a study during the week that was in Warlpiri. So, naturally I stepped up to facilitate that, since I'm so fluent in the language and culture. (that was sarcastic)
No really I was looking for ways to build relationships with these women and men who come to church and I heard that they were looking for a facilitator for their study so I volunteered to help with that. I think it's going to be great and we may be starting this week on Thursday. I'm not sure what will happen or how it will go so if you could keep me and the group (or mob to use the Aussie term) in your prayers that would be great.
In planning for this group and building into those relationships I've been spending more time with the ladies on Sunday mornings. Yesterday I went out to sit with them and Rachel, who is an elder here in the church and a really lovely Warlpiri lady, asked if I had a skin name. Skin names are vital for the Warlpiri because without a skin name there is no clear place for you in their society. So when I told Rachel I didn't have a skin name yet she gave me one. She actually gave me hers which means that she and I are sisters. I was really blown away at how simply she gave me one and how excited all the other ladies were when she told them I was Napaljari now. So now to the ladies I'm still Shannon but I'm Napaljari too, which is more important. Now when I talk to the ladies they can know how I fit into their cultural structure. It was a truly exhilarating moment for me, even if it was just a small thing for them.
So there you have it, another chapter, another name, same me. Well, almost the same me :)
Love you all,
Shannon Napaljari
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Tea...why yes thanks!
I don't know who the first tea drinkers were. I'm not sure how the habit or tradition of all of it came about, but I do know that it is one of the greatest contributions of the British to the world they so thoroughly conquered.
Here in Alice we love our tea and drink it whenever possible (many people do substitute coffee for their tea now). It is a staple at church meetings, Bible studies, work days, mum's groups, children's meetings pretty much any time people are gathering together there must be tea. Temperature or weather conditions are irrelevant. You may be sweating, having biked in to church, but you will drink piping hot tea.
It certainly doesn't look the same for all people. Some like it white (that means with milk); some black. Some like it with sugar, some without. Some prefer green tea or roobius. Some like herbal, some just want it strong and plain. Basically, each person has their own thoughts about how it would be best prepared or served.
But, despite this diversity the real purpose of the tea is to provide a moment of pause. A moment to get to know others a bit better over "a cuppa". It provides a key element for fellowship, and refreshment.
I'm not sure if other people have really delved into the social constructs that surround the tradition of tea but I know that for me it has been a really helpful part of getting to know people here. Taking that moment to drink tea really has very little to do with tea and actually a whole lot more to do with deepening relationships with the people around you.
So here's a suggestion, the next time you're meeting someone or you have bit of business to conduct, stop for tea first. It doesn't have to be literally tea in china cups or anything, just an intentional moment to deepen the relationship. For some it might mean taking a minute to talk about family before jumping in to the next code review(that's for you daddy:) or taking a second at the grocery store to ask how the clerks day really has been. It could mean having a chat with your child when they come home from school, intentionally tuning out from any phone calls or house cleaning that's going on for a moment. Maybe for some of us it means intentionally taking a few moments with God before beginning the business of the day, putting the priority on our relationship with Him.
I think this is a key part of God's plan for reaching the world. Having followers who are willing to take a moment to build relationships with all people and basing their lives on their relationship with Him.
Enjoy your tea.
Thanks for reading,
Shannon
Acts 2:42 And the devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
Here in Alice we love our tea and drink it whenever possible (many people do substitute coffee for their tea now). It is a staple at church meetings, Bible studies, work days, mum's groups, children's meetings pretty much any time people are gathering together there must be tea. Temperature or weather conditions are irrelevant. You may be sweating, having biked in to church, but you will drink piping hot tea.
It certainly doesn't look the same for all people. Some like it white (that means with milk); some black. Some like it with sugar, some without. Some prefer green tea or roobius. Some like herbal, some just want it strong and plain. Basically, each person has their own thoughts about how it would be best prepared or served.
But, despite this diversity the real purpose of the tea is to provide a moment of pause. A moment to get to know others a bit better over "a cuppa". It provides a key element for fellowship, and refreshment.
I'm not sure if other people have really delved into the social constructs that surround the tradition of tea but I know that for me it has been a really helpful part of getting to know people here. Taking that moment to drink tea really has very little to do with tea and actually a whole lot more to do with deepening relationships with the people around you.
So here's a suggestion, the next time you're meeting someone or you have bit of business to conduct, stop for tea first. It doesn't have to be literally tea in china cups or anything, just an intentional moment to deepen the relationship. For some it might mean taking a minute to talk about family before jumping in to the next code review(that's for you daddy:) or taking a second at the grocery store to ask how the clerks day really has been. It could mean having a chat with your child when they come home from school, intentionally tuning out from any phone calls or house cleaning that's going on for a moment. Maybe for some of us it means intentionally taking a few moments with God before beginning the business of the day, putting the priority on our relationship with Him.
I think this is a key part of God's plan for reaching the world. Having followers who are willing to take a moment to build relationships with all people and basing their lives on their relationship with Him.
Enjoy your tea.
Thanks for reading,
Shannon
Acts 2:42 And the devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Lessons I learned in Sunday School
This past week in Sunday school I was helping with our youngest class, the 3 year old to 6 year old group. They are a very darling group of kids who are at an age where everything is fun and adventure and everyone is a potential friend.
The class was making telephones this week. You know, the kind you used to make with a couple of cans and a length of string. We poked the holes and tied knots in the string and then we really had a ball! Running around with one end of the phone to your mouth trying to find someone to listen. I had one kid run up to me with the listening cup extended towards me, I took the cup put it up to my ear and told him to say something. We stood there in silence for a moment when the little boy suddenly went, "LLLLLAAAAAAA". That was it no message, nothing special just LLLLLAAAAA. We both laughed at his game and then he ran off to find his next victim.
One child in the class had been having a bit of trouble listening and obey and so I thought he probably didn't get what all this was about. The lesson was about spreading the message about Jesus to people. We talked about how God gives us the courage we need to tell others the gospel. Well, when this little rascal came up to me and wanted me to listen, I was pretty sure I was going to get another LLLLAAA. Instead, from the other end of the string came that timeless message, "Jesus loves you!" So simple, yet so astoundingly profound. This little fellow was listening! On some level, he was absorbing the real message we wanted to share with those kids.
What a wonder it is to know that Jesus Christ loves me! Despite my natural bentness. Despite all that I truly am he loves me. If you take a look at Romans chapter one (like we did at my home group on Tuesday night) you see it laid out pretty clearly what people are like. Sinful to the core. And yet in the chapter Paul is telling people that he is not ashamed of the gospel which is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. (Romans 1 vs. 24-32, vs. 16)
So this week I've been trying to live in light of the love of that father, that savior and remember that God will give me the courage I need to share that message with other people, who need to hear it, whether they seem like they are listening or not. :)
Thanks for reading,
Shannon
Prayer Points:
The church is going through a series focused on serving and reaching out. We are putting together some new ministry ideas, please pray that God would raise up leaders and ministries that will spread the good news here in Alice and around the world.
Please pray for a continuing deepening of the relationships I'm building with people here especially the children.
The class was making telephones this week. You know, the kind you used to make with a couple of cans and a length of string. We poked the holes and tied knots in the string and then we really had a ball! Running around with one end of the phone to your mouth trying to find someone to listen. I had one kid run up to me with the listening cup extended towards me, I took the cup put it up to my ear and told him to say something. We stood there in silence for a moment when the little boy suddenly went, "LLLLLAAAAAAA". That was it no message, nothing special just LLLLLAAAAA. We both laughed at his game and then he ran off to find his next victim.
One child in the class had been having a bit of trouble listening and obey and so I thought he probably didn't get what all this was about. The lesson was about spreading the message about Jesus to people. We talked about how God gives us the courage we need to tell others the gospel. Well, when this little rascal came up to me and wanted me to listen, I was pretty sure I was going to get another LLLLAAA. Instead, from the other end of the string came that timeless message, "Jesus loves you!" So simple, yet so astoundingly profound. This little fellow was listening! On some level, he was absorbing the real message we wanted to share with those kids.
What a wonder it is to know that Jesus Christ loves me! Despite my natural bentness. Despite all that I truly am he loves me. If you take a look at Romans chapter one (like we did at my home group on Tuesday night) you see it laid out pretty clearly what people are like. Sinful to the core. And yet in the chapter Paul is telling people that he is not ashamed of the gospel which is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. (Romans 1 vs. 24-32, vs. 16)
So this week I've been trying to live in light of the love of that father, that savior and remember that God will give me the courage I need to share that message with other people, who need to hear it, whether they seem like they are listening or not. :)
Thanks for reading,
Shannon
Prayer Points:
The church is going through a series focused on serving and reaching out. We are putting together some new ministry ideas, please pray that God would raise up leaders and ministries that will spread the good news here in Alice and around the world.
Please pray for a continuing deepening of the relationships I'm building with people here especially the children.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Day by Day
So I've decided to post an entry that is just about my life in Australia. What I do day to day, what the town is like, what life in the town is like, what church is like etc. All the things I know you've all been dying to hear. And hopefully I'll be able to post some pictures to show you some of my life.
So first What I do day to day:
The average work-day is pretty similar to the US work day although while I'm still settling in it's a bit different and really quite short. I head in to church right around 8:20 and I usually get there in 6-8 min. I head home right around 3 or 3:30. It's across town but really it not far at all. I spent the first week driving my uncle's smaller car, to get used to the right hand drive and the opposite side of the road thing and this week we traded and I'm driving his Pajero since I work much closer to home so the gas mileage isn't as much of an issue.
So far, my job has mostly been orientation, helping get Sunday morning programs up and running for the new year which seems to start in February here. This is mainly due to the fact that the schools run on a different schedule here and they have tri-mesters with school all year round. The old year ends in December before Christmas and the new year begins late in January. So a lot of people leave town for long trips and vacations and the church (and the whole town) sees a bit of a turn-over of people. When February starts though, schools are up and running and we start back into the normal programming. So, we've kicked off the new year and last Sunday was the first week in the new program so I got a bit of a feel for it. I've been helping with scripts and memory verses and things for our large group time, which is fun. And other than that we're still trying to define my position a little bit. But, it's only two weeks in so that's to be expected.
Other than that at home I do a lot of chilling. I'm past the point with jet lag where all I want to do is sleep so that's nice. So I spend time online, watch a bit of TV, read or work on craft projects (knitting beanie caps or beading lately). I think for the most part I'm getting a feel for it although now I have a bike so I could do a lot more riding and such. I also have not been over to the pool yet, somehow that is intimidating to me. I think it's the whole sharing a lap lane thing that's really getting to me, but I think today I'm going to be brave and go over.
What is the town like:
Alice is a bonza town! It's got a small town feel but it isn't too small where there's nothing to do. This has been the last week of the ice rink which was a holiday set-up and a huge success. I was able to go with some people from church and we really had a great time. It was not the best conditions but, I'm not a pro so I'm not too picky and besides, we're in the middle of the desert, ice skating!
There's plenty of shops in town and some are quite interesting due to the tourist population. They sell everything from stuffed echindas to didgeridoos. There is a great little craft store in town called The Polka Dot (which immediately endears the place to me) which is run by a lady from church. They have great stuff and seem to be able to order just about anything. I'm afraid my budget will not allow for too many trips in there but, it's a great little place.
The primary day in day out shopping is done at Coles, Woolworths, and Kmart. They have all the things you need for daily life and it's not too hard to figure your way around as they are very similar to U.S. grocery stores. There is also a Target, and though it's not large there is definitely a great selection of ladies clothing at reasonable prices which is why we all really love Target anyway!
What church is like:
Alice Springs Baptist Church is a great place and I'm beginning to feel really at home here. It's a very busy church with lots going on every day of every week. There are home groups for varying life stages and topics. The Love groups is the 18-? group and our first meeting was last night. It was really great to meet everyone that is part of those groups and just socialize for an evening. There are two separate meeting places but the groups do the same materials so next week I have to pick one to participate in. Monday during the day there is a ladies Bible study that I am probably going to be a part of. It is a group with mixed ages and the lady who leads it is a wonderful older lady, Veryl. I'm really excited to be apart of that group and to get to know some more ladies really well. Wednesday mornings is Tiny Tunes, a playgroup for moms of preschoolers and their preschoolers to come out and sing and dance and have some fun. This morning was the first meeting of that group and it seems to have gone really well.
Sunday mornings we have church from 10:00-11:30ish. I've only been here two weeks but so far I'm really enjoying the fellowship and the worship and the teaching. After service we have tea and just enjoy each others company and get to know each other better. It's a little strange drinking hot tea when it's about 100 degrees but, it's good in the name of fellowship.
Sunday evening we have another service. This is an overlapping group, but some of the congregants only go to evening church. It is a different type of service, more intimate and small. It seems to be a little bit of a younger crowd too. Not as many families go to that service. We have dessert beforehand and uncle Cliff seems to do a lot of the baking for that. He is in fact quite famous for his baking skills, and is highly appreciated for them.
So, there's the basics. Town is laid back and bike-friendly, Church is laid back and people-friendly, and home is quiet and just friendly:)
All this to say I think I'm settling in well and getting a feeling for the place. I certainly miss home a good bit and sometimes wonder what I'm doing here, but I think overall I'm getting to like it.
So there, a big informational post to whet your curiosities. Maybe the next one will be Aussie sayings and the joys of Outback living. We'll see.
Thanks for reading!
Shannon
Prayer Points:
Build some strong relationships and friendships here.
Clarity in the job position.
My pursuit of God in all things.
So first What I do day to day:
The average work-day is pretty similar to the US work day although while I'm still settling in it's a bit different and really quite short. I head in to church right around 8:20 and I usually get there in 6-8 min. I head home right around 3 or 3:30. It's across town but really it not far at all. I spent the first week driving my uncle's smaller car, to get used to the right hand drive and the opposite side of the road thing and this week we traded and I'm driving his Pajero since I work much closer to home so the gas mileage isn't as much of an issue.
So far, my job has mostly been orientation, helping get Sunday morning programs up and running for the new year which seems to start in February here. This is mainly due to the fact that the schools run on a different schedule here and they have tri-mesters with school all year round. The old year ends in December before Christmas and the new year begins late in January. So a lot of people leave town for long trips and vacations and the church (and the whole town) sees a bit of a turn-over of people. When February starts though, schools are up and running and we start back into the normal programming. So, we've kicked off the new year and last Sunday was the first week in the new program so I got a bit of a feel for it. I've been helping with scripts and memory verses and things for our large group time, which is fun. And other than that we're still trying to define my position a little bit. But, it's only two weeks in so that's to be expected.
Other than that at home I do a lot of chilling. I'm past the point with jet lag where all I want to do is sleep so that's nice. So I spend time online, watch a bit of TV, read or work on craft projects (knitting beanie caps or beading lately). I think for the most part I'm getting a feel for it although now I have a bike so I could do a lot more riding and such. I also have not been over to the pool yet, somehow that is intimidating to me. I think it's the whole sharing a lap lane thing that's really getting to me, but I think today I'm going to be brave and go over.
What is the town like:
Alice is a bonza town! It's got a small town feel but it isn't too small where there's nothing to do. This has been the last week of the ice rink which was a holiday set-up and a huge success. I was able to go with some people from church and we really had a great time. It was not the best conditions but, I'm not a pro so I'm not too picky and besides, we're in the middle of the desert, ice skating!
There's plenty of shops in town and some are quite interesting due to the tourist population. They sell everything from stuffed echindas to didgeridoos. There is a great little craft store in town called The Polka Dot (which immediately endears the place to me) which is run by a lady from church. They have great stuff and seem to be able to order just about anything. I'm afraid my budget will not allow for too many trips in there but, it's a great little place.
The primary day in day out shopping is done at Coles, Woolworths, and Kmart. They have all the things you need for daily life and it's not too hard to figure your way around as they are very similar to U.S. grocery stores. There is also a Target, and though it's not large there is definitely a great selection of ladies clothing at reasonable prices which is why we all really love Target anyway!
What church is like:
Alice Springs Baptist Church is a great place and I'm beginning to feel really at home here. It's a very busy church with lots going on every day of every week. There are home groups for varying life stages and topics. The Love groups is the 18-? group and our first meeting was last night. It was really great to meet everyone that is part of those groups and just socialize for an evening. There are two separate meeting places but the groups do the same materials so next week I have to pick one to participate in. Monday during the day there is a ladies Bible study that I am probably going to be a part of. It is a group with mixed ages and the lady who leads it is a wonderful older lady, Veryl. I'm really excited to be apart of that group and to get to know some more ladies really well. Wednesday mornings is Tiny Tunes, a playgroup for moms of preschoolers and their preschoolers to come out and sing and dance and have some fun. This morning was the first meeting of that group and it seems to have gone really well.
Sunday mornings we have church from 10:00-11:30ish. I've only been here two weeks but so far I'm really enjoying the fellowship and the worship and the teaching. After service we have tea and just enjoy each others company and get to know each other better. It's a little strange drinking hot tea when it's about 100 degrees but, it's good in the name of fellowship.
Sunday evening we have another service. This is an overlapping group, but some of the congregants only go to evening church. It is a different type of service, more intimate and small. It seems to be a little bit of a younger crowd too. Not as many families go to that service. We have dessert beforehand and uncle Cliff seems to do a lot of the baking for that. He is in fact quite famous for his baking skills, and is highly appreciated for them.
So, there's the basics. Town is laid back and bike-friendly, Church is laid back and people-friendly, and home is quiet and just friendly:)
All this to say I think I'm settling in well and getting a feeling for the place. I certainly miss home a good bit and sometimes wonder what I'm doing here, but I think overall I'm getting to like it.
So there, a big informational post to whet your curiosities. Maybe the next one will be Aussie sayings and the joys of Outback living. We'll see.
Thanks for reading!
Shannon
Prayer Points:
Build some strong relationships and friendships here.
Clarity in the job position.
My pursuit of God in all things.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Names
Names are tricky things. And yet everything seems to have them. People, places, objects. Moving here to Alice I've got tons of names to learn and it's been kind of exciting. Normally, I'm very good with names so I do have that in my favor, but when you're the only one in the church that doesn't know everyone and everyone knows your name it can be a bit tricky. There are also a lot of new names, ones that you don't hear everyday in the US, so that makes it tricky too. But, overall that's just the start to building relationships isn't it.
Knowing someones' name is an important first step in knowing them. That's why it's important to learn names, and perhaps why it can be really hard to do. You can learn a lot of things about a person and forget them and it won't really matter, but forget their name and the very basis for starting a conversation with them or having one about them becomes very difficult.
You know that old love song that says, "I think I love you, now won't you tell me your name." The ridiculousness of that phrase is what makes the song really. We all know you can't love someone fully or well if you do not know their name. Especially not the way he's describing, speed romance.
This got me thinking about God's names and how descriptive they are of who he is. Scripture is full of names for God which tell us about him and his nature. The Lord Our Provider, The Creator, God Sufficient, The Saviour, The King. So many and all highly descriptive of who God is and what He does. I think as a Christian it is important that we know these names and the meanings so that we can better know our God.
And in a similar way isn't it incredible that He knows our names! Each one of us He knows by a name He gave us. And in John it talks about Him as the Good Shepherd who calls each of us by name and we follow Him (John 10:3). What an amazing God that loves us enough to know us by name. Even though we are, who we are and we have done nothing to earn His affections or His attentions. What a Father and Friend He is to us!
Thanks for reading,
Shannon
Please pray with me for clarity about what God wants me to do while I'm here in Alice.
Knowing someones' name is an important first step in knowing them. That's why it's important to learn names, and perhaps why it can be really hard to do. You can learn a lot of things about a person and forget them and it won't really matter, but forget their name and the very basis for starting a conversation with them or having one about them becomes very difficult.
You know that old love song that says, "I think I love you, now won't you tell me your name." The ridiculousness of that phrase is what makes the song really. We all know you can't love someone fully or well if you do not know their name. Especially not the way he's describing, speed romance.
This got me thinking about God's names and how descriptive they are of who he is. Scripture is full of names for God which tell us about him and his nature. The Lord Our Provider, The Creator, God Sufficient, The Saviour, The King. So many and all highly descriptive of who God is and what He does. I think as a Christian it is important that we know these names and the meanings so that we can better know our God.
And in a similar way isn't it incredible that He knows our names! Each one of us He knows by a name He gave us. And in John it talks about Him as the Good Shepherd who calls each of us by name and we follow Him (John 10:3). What an amazing God that loves us enough to know us by name. Even though we are, who we are and we have done nothing to earn His affections or His attentions. What a Father and Friend He is to us!
Thanks for reading,
Shannon
Please pray with me for clarity about what God wants me to do while I'm here in Alice.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Here in Alice
Wow! What an adventure the past few days have been. So rarely does one get the opportunity to see how other people live around the globe, that I really try to never, ever take it for granted.
The past few days have also been a bit on the overwhelming side. It's just like that when you're trying to figure out a new life in a new place. I would be totally lost except for the wonderful guidance of my Uncle. He has been taking me all over town and he has bravely sat in the passenger seat while I got the feel of driving around town. I only had to circle a round-about once and only nearly missed turns three or four times, we're working on that.
I've met the pastoral team at church and the church administrator (secretary)and I'm very excited for Sunday when I'll get to meet a whole bunch more people :)
I use a conversation starter with my family at dinner sometimes, especially when we're on vacation. It's called Highs and Lows and basically you describe the high point of the day and the low point of the day. So I think to summarize the past few days I will use this tool.
Tuesday: High point-Seeing Kate (best friend) for lunch Low point- Saying good-bye to Mom and Dad
Wednesday: High-Sleeping 6 hours on the plane ride! Low-The stress of close connections and long lines
Thursday: High-Seeing my Uncle in the terminal in Sydney! Low-Going brain-dead in the grocery store, which made making decisions and having a conversation very difficult.
Friday: High-Feeling comfortable driving Low-Jet lag headache in the morning
So there you have it. So much happened in between all those highs and lows and through it all God was so gracious and faithful. Thank you so much for praying during my travels and please lift up my adjustment period as I get settled in here.
I'd love to hear from you all too so leave a comment here or send me an email maybe with some of your highs and lows from the past few days.
Love to you all,
Shannon
The past few days have also been a bit on the overwhelming side. It's just like that when you're trying to figure out a new life in a new place. I would be totally lost except for the wonderful guidance of my Uncle. He has been taking me all over town and he has bravely sat in the passenger seat while I got the feel of driving around town. I only had to circle a round-about once and only nearly missed turns three or four times, we're working on that.
I've met the pastoral team at church and the church administrator (secretary)and I'm very excited for Sunday when I'll get to meet a whole bunch more people :)
I use a conversation starter with my family at dinner sometimes, especially when we're on vacation. It's called Highs and Lows and basically you describe the high point of the day and the low point of the day. So I think to summarize the past few days I will use this tool.
Tuesday: High point-Seeing Kate (best friend) for lunch Low point- Saying good-bye to Mom and Dad
Wednesday: High-Sleeping 6 hours on the plane ride! Low-The stress of close connections and long lines
Thursday: High-Seeing my Uncle in the terminal in Sydney! Low-Going brain-dead in the grocery store, which made making decisions and having a conversation very difficult.
Friday: High-Feeling comfortable driving Low-Jet lag headache in the morning
So there you have it. So much happened in between all those highs and lows and through it all God was so gracious and faithful. Thank you so much for praying during my travels and please lift up my adjustment period as I get settled in here.
I'd love to hear from you all too so leave a comment here or send me an email maybe with some of your highs and lows from the past few days.
Love to you all,
Shannon
Monday, January 18, 2010
My Father
Well the time has come! By the time most of you read this I will be in the air, or in an airport, or in Australia (depending on when you are reading it!)
I have been thinking a lot about this ministry time and what it will be like. Recently, we finished up a sermon series at church which gave me a lot of perspective. The series was all out of Luke 15 dealing with the story we call "The Prodigal Son". The final sermon was about the father.
In the course of the sermon the pastor told the following story about his family. He needed to build a woodshed in his back yard and he invited his sons to help him. They worked all day and progressed on the woodshed. That night as he was tucking his sons into bed, his four-year-old said, "Daddy, wasn't I such a good helper today!" to which the father replied, "You sure were." As he left his boys room he chuckled to himself thinking how sweet it was that his boy thought he had asked him to help because he needed his particular expertise in woodshed building, when really all he wanted was his boy to be present with him.
This simple story has totally changed the way I've been thinking about this ministry time in Australia. I was thinking that God wanted me to go because of my particular skill and ability in ministry, when really the whole thing goes back to God wanting me. All of me. He wants me to be with him and in a relationship with him. He could save the whole world with a word (and sometimes I wish he would) but instead he invites us to join him. He wants us to be with him that much.
So, with this change of heart and mind I am going to be with God, to do the work he's doing and to find him where he wants to be found. I pray each of you will be doing the same.
Thank you is not enough, to express my gratitude to all of the people who have made this trip possible. I would list you all by name, but then this would be the longest post ever. Needless to say God works through his people and all of you are already a part of the work God is going to do in the next 10 months.
I'll do my best to be on here often, updating all of you and putting up pictures and stories!
See you all on the other side of this journey,
Shannon
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Preparations
There are a lot of things we prepare for in life. Births, deaths, parties, graduations, promotions, career changes, moving, vacations, engagements... pretty much any major (or minor) change in life requires preparation. I have to confess I am not a very prepared person. I usually rush into things only to realize later, ah I forgot the toothpaste again.
My mom however, is a master of preparations. She somehow manages to pack everything she needs plus everything you're forgetting, plus the "just in case" stuff. Whenever a vacation was imminent, during my childhood, out would come her purple notebook. A seemingly normal, spiral notebook (college rule) but, the inside of that notebook was anything but normal. That simple book held the battle plans for the entire event. Written in whatever color pen was nearby at the time she would stand at the kitchen table and plan. Packing lists, menus, schedules, to-do's, it all went into the book. And somehow during the weeks preceding the trip it all would come together. Now, my mother would be the first one to tell you it wasn't as simple as that. That there were hours of effort that make those words reality and that there was sleep lost and moments of indecision or times when it seemed that only a miracle would bring all those things into being at the appointed hour. But, when the right moment came everything would be ready.
As I prepare for this Australia trip I can't help but wonder how long God has been preparing me for this moment. How many lists he made in his cosmic notebook (college rule, I'm sure). I think there's probably even been things that looked impossible that needed to come together, and by His grace they have. I think of that and somehow this is all easier to handle. All my lists, scattered on random post-it's and scraps. The boxes and suite cases the loss of sleep and the millions of emails (thank you Uncle Cliff). Everything I'm doing to make this trip happen is just the end of a long awaited process and not even the end it's just a point in the process of God making me who he wants me to be.
I'm sure that not all of you are packing suite cases for Australia (if you are let me know and we can have coffee in Alice one day!) but I know that each of you has a purpose and a next step with God. But, don't think it's a surprise to Him. He has been preparing since before time and He will be the one that sees you through. So trust His preparations from the past will hold, today and tomorrow, wherever He leads you. Oh, and don't forget to pack your toothpaste!
Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Happy Packing,
Shannon
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