The choices we make define our life. When at a crossroads,
we try to consider all risks and benefits that would be found on either path.
There comes a point where you just have to trust your heart and jump! Many of
you know that I have found myself at a crossroads and have had quite a struggle
trying to decipher which path to take. One path (A) was to return to the USA in
May as I had initially booked my ticket home for and the other path (B) was to
extend my ticket until November to fully take advantage of my working holiday
visa that lasts one year. I had a deep down desire to extend my ticket, but
there were lots of challenges that made me second-guess my instincts. After
working for 3 months at the resort in a secure job and house and then finishing
a 2-week road trip exploring the South Island with my French friend Mathilde, I
was again uprooting my life and moving into a new state of the Unknown.
Sitting in the Basket of Dreams atop Queenstown Hill |
With
Mathilde gone, I knew no one once again. I was moving to a new place where I
had no friends, no job, and no clue what was going to happen. I was entering a
transitional period so I knew that there was a lot that I was unsure about and
that I would have to FULLY trust God to guide my heart and my mind down the
right path. Loneliness and anxious thoughts about what to do next filled my mind
with insecurity. I cried out to God for help and guidance on an hourly basis. I
felt lost, but I always felt God near me. I could sense Him reassuring me that
things would work out, but that I may have to wait longer than I had initially
wanted. During this transitional period, I was living in a small town called
Arrowtown that had a population of 2,000 and reminded me of my hometown of
Wolfeboro, NH. It was a great place to be this time of year because of the
gorgeous fall scenery. Absolutely stunning! I knew I would not stay here long,
but after searching for jobs in the town of Wanaka where I really wanted to be,
I felt I had to reevaluate my “plans.” I began looking for jobs in Arrowtown
and didn’t have much luck there either. After much prayer and debate, I decided
to take a leap of faith and move to Wanaka. No job secured, expenses to be
paid, but hopeful. I felt a pull to go to Wanaka and I thought that I mind as
well give it a shot! Most places wouldn’t start hiring until beginning of June,
so I could potentially not have a job for weeks and have to carefully watch my
budget. Even with all of this uncertainty, I am so grateful that God has
allowed me to experience this country and bring me into closer relation with
Him. I am grateful for these moments of complete loneliness and fear of the Unknown
because it has created an inseparable bond between God and I. I fully believe
that He is my provider and will take care of me each step of the way.
Overlooking Wanaka, my new residence! |
So here I am about to enter a whole new community once
again. I am looking forward to getting to know more locals, engage in
fellowship, find a place to dance, enjoy local cuisine, and get lost in the
gorgeous outdoors.
During the 3 weeks of the transitional period, I have found
a nice house to live in with affordable rent. I have even been connected with a
gal named Amy who used to live in Asheville and knows some of my friends from
home! We will share a room and begin our journey in Wanaka together. I am very
much looking forward to this! As I’ve mentioned before, you have to trust the process
and all things will be worked out. My patience and hope has been tested in the
process, but I feel more hopeful now.
One key factors in this is that we must remain thankful in
each phase of our lives. Give thanks for the hardships and struggles; this is
what molds you.
Queenstown Hill, taking it all in. |
Be Present. The more we focus on the present and what we DO
have, the easier it is to make it through the difficult times. It is so hard
for us humans to stick to the present moment. We are always analyzing the past
and complicating the future with our fears.
One of the greatest lessons this trip has taught me is that
is it exciting to not know what exactly is up ahead and to be open to new ideas
that you hadn’t previously considered. By doing this you remain open to people,
opportunities and God’s will for your life. We also have a tendency to plan out
every detail. I have found that as I have ventured through New Zealand, I
barely had a plan and things always worked themselves out and usually better than
I expected.
So, Let Go. The right path is just ahead of you waiting for
you to begin the trek. Trust it.
Surrender and Trust |