Waiting.

It seems like we're always waiting for something doesn't it? I have been waiting for months to arrive in Wellington to begin a huge new adventure of ministry, love, and growth. I have been waiting to see God's faithfulness in raising all of my support money, and I have been waiting to begin a whole new life.

Now my wait has begun all over again. At least that is what it has felt like this first week in New Zealand. I had total expectations that it would take me time to adjust to my new home, but now that I am in the midst of the transistion, I am very eager to be adjusted. Nothing has been more comforting than knowing that I have so many faithful family and friends who are praying for me and our team. Truly-- I have never been so thankful for prayer! I know that I am being sustained by your loving prayers, so thank you heaps for your support in that way.

This last week has been quite a journey! God has carried us successfully accross the ocean to an island full of very friendly people, cold rain, new food, amazing cafes, and a helpful team. I have yet to meet a person who is not gracious to "the new Americans." Taking in this whole new culture has been overwhelming at times; I wanted to cry when I had to climb 210 stairs just to get to our teammembers' house and I wanted to scream when I got honked at becasue I don't understand the traffic coming from the other direction; but I am learning that waiting is something to be treasured. I know that right now I am not treasuring all the waiting in life, but when I look at God and how He builds His Kingdom-- He waits. He is okay with waiting for us to choose Him. He is okay with waiting for us to mature in our walks with Him. He is okay watching and waiting patiently as we struggle and grapple with the tough parts of our faith. And He waits knowing that hurrying us along will not help and will only ruin the journey. It takes a lot of faith to wait. And it takes hope.

So-- I'm still waiting for anything to taste normal, for the language to sound normal, or for my new teammates to act normal (joking)-- but most of all I'm waiting to become okay with waiting. Part of our call here is to build a lasting movement of Christ followers-- this won't be done instantly-- and so my waiting will probably continue. But I know that God will continue to wait for me-- to mature, to see that all of this is about Him, and to learn to love.

Praying that all of you are seeing God in your waiting-- whatever it is that you are waiting for-- God is faithful, and He gives hope. Wait for him. -- Lacey