For Grandma Speck!

Grandma- I have proudly displayed the Speck Sales American calendar in my office- and yes I think about Bowling Green, Ohio every time I look at it:)

Nate the constable.

Good work girls.

These girls did good with their costumes!- we had a Mum, a cheerleader, a nurse, a ballerina, and an air hostess.

Friends and flatmates

Our flatmates- Jono the carpenter and AJ the princess. Oh and our friend Joel who was about 5 different things.

What 5 year old wouldn't like this?

Our food for the party... all 5 year old foods- complete with donuts, pb&J sandwiches, and mini pizzas.

Flat Warming!!!!

So... we threw a great bash on Saturday at our new flat. It was themed "What you wanted to be when you were 5".... Yep Justin wanted to be Michael Jordan, and I wanted to work at Dunkin Donuts:) Good pair.

Yumminess!!!

Fat Cop Begins!

Yes it is true... we are endeavoring to start a donut company in Wellington! My childhood dreams are coming true:)

Oh what a beautiful beginning.

Justin and the gang.

Crazy movie statues.

Stare down with Gollum

Nice Lace, very nice.

King Kong or Justin???

A lil scary I know.

Checking out the Weta Cave!

Good times seeing the mini-museum and store that the sweet-as film company has in Welli!

Our wedding gifts!

Yes!- we finally have all of the gifts off of our wedding registry! Thought we'd take a photo so everyone at home can be re-assured that the on-line purchases worked! We're loving getting settled with our new items! Thanks everyone!

our first car

It may be a bit of a lemon... but she's ours and I like her!

what we do's.

I didn't know if it was possible or not... but now I've written 2 weeks in a row! I'm pretty stoked about this:)

I thought I'd write to tell about J and I's jobs b/c we're so thankful and excited to have them! We really can’t believe we have such great opportunities at a time when so many people don't have jobs or really don't like what they do. Of course we can't wait till Friday’s come around either....but during the course of the week we have some pretty great moments, too.

Justin is working as an Operations Planning Engineer at Transpower. The company has been good to us as they paid to move us over here and to help us get residency! He isn't too thrilled about the number crunching, mundane jobs to come... but right now he's working on something right up his alley. The first job he was given was to help track the patterns of the wind and the turbines that are collecting wind power so they can spread the power out better. He was so pumped to get a job working with power generation and green energy. He's soaking up all that he can now and learning what it looks like to be and engineer…. in the adult world. He did buy a Xbox 360 to help him unwind when he comes home. The day he bought it was one of the happiest days of his life I thinkJ.

So for me…I tried the job search thing for a few weeks and when I got totally sick of it, a friend of mine mentioned a role that sounded pretty fitting for me. Basically I work for Paul (Phil’s friend & co-worker) as a personal assistant. I've been there for 2 weeks and each day seems more and more enjoyable. The job is challenging, yet learnable and Paul, my boss is awesome! He owns 80 properties and about 25 cars which he rents or leases out, while some of the profits go towards housing for those who can't afford it. I do anything from take cars to the service station, find new tennants for a property, send out invites to his daughters wedding shower, or research for a talk that he's giving at church on Sunday. He has worked on publishing a few books before and wants to get those project back out.... he's even mentioned paying me to do some work for him in the States if we do get some publications out-- I'm so excited! My favorite part this week was coordinating some car work that needed done b/c all of the people who lease from him work for Weta Workshop- the company that made Lord of the Rings, King Kong, and Chronicle of Narnia. Justin is afraid I may run off with Peter Jackson, but it is a blast for me to work with these people and walk around the place- it's amazing and the people all look so incredibly cool and interesting to me. I basically want to walk up to all of them and ask if I can be their friend.

So this week was by far my favorite since we've been bacck. I'm starting to feel like there is some normalcy to our lives. Some rhythm and spontaneity at the same time. I truly think we were made to work hard during the week. And rest well on the weekends. I'm loving getting into the groove of things! I can’t help but feel taken care of. That’s the phrase that keeps coming to my head when I give it a think… “Man, how well Justin and I have been taken care of!” Life is a weird thing. But also a pretty amazing one.

Hopefully a lil video of our place will be next!

no... not our lil happy family....but a favorite photo ever!

Adorable. I miss them.

goooood cooking

First we make the food.... then we sit down to eat it together!

goooood eating!

The Kitchen! Where Justin and I are learning to cook. This week we learned how to cut veggies- and I totally needed it! ....shamefully these are a few of our only photos since coming back... I vow to get better at that!

2 of my fav wedding shots

we call this... the kiss:)

Setting up shop

Man how life can move! It's March now! In the last 7 months (when I blogged last) Justin and I have gotten married, moved back to Wellington, and started new jobs. Three life events which can be high on the stress level I'm told. We're seeing how that plays out. And besides just our lives moving along- everyone is growing up! A bit of a look-back before moving to today's stuff:

Getting married was so much fun! I truly loved our wedding and thinking back on our memories is a new favorite past time:) It was so awesome to gather our friends and family to celebrate. And being married is such a great adventure, too. Justin and I are loving finally getting to stay together with no good byes and learning how to love each other through plenty of bad moments. He loves waking up next to me, but since I just hate waking up period... I love laying down next to him at night. I'm so grateful for all of the things he knows and skills he has! He doesn't so much love my need for organization, but he's learning that everything has a place:)

During the whole wedding process we got to spend 3 months at home! It was great to get so much time- I think it was not too long, not too short. We'll see if we can get 3 months vacation time for our next visit:) The definite highlight was time with both of our families!!!!: staying with Lib & Josh at their new house in NY, Lib staying in Ohio for a month with me, time in Florida with Mom & Dad, Settlers with Jake & Brittany, days and days with Steph, Ella and the newest Speck- EASTON WAYNE!, walks with Jamie, meeting the most adorable ELLE!!!!, good catch-up conversations with Jenn & Wade, amazing games of euchure with Jim & Brian (of course J & I coming out victourious), goooood laughs with Mary:), and lots of story telling with all 5 of our grandparents! I needed all of these things and am so, so thrilled that we got to spend lots of time with each other's familes! I do think it's true that as we get older- our family truly is our best friend. But we can't not mention that time with our friends in the States was an amazing blessing as well! We even got to spend the night at a lot of our friends' places as we campainged around the Mid-West (at least that's what it felt like). Our friends taking the time to tell us about their last year, and listen to us tell of ours was so appreciated! Experiencing life through all of them and knowing what they're learning through their experiences is crucial for us. Realising that moving thousands of miles away does change friendships is another part of life that we continue to process- but our frinedships are something we hold dearly. Like tightly. Like a todler holds her blankie:)

And then we moved back to New Zealand! Crazy! Who knew? Moving back to a foreign country is a strange feeling. Upon arrival I kept thinking, "Yeah I know this place. Totally normal." And just like the first time we were here, the longer I'm here, the more I realize how much I don't know this place. And now that were working full time with and for Kiwi's and living with Kiwi's and doing church with Kiwi's-- I sometimes feel like a total foreigner. But I think this comes and goes in phases. I'm learning the ways here. And loving watching how our friends go about doing simple things like laundry, shopping, and cleaning. It's different than at home!

So I think I'll stop there. Yes so much more to talk about- our jobs, our new place, our "bit of a lemon" car, and our Mosaic community... but for the sake of anyone actually reading this all, I'll stop and catch up more later. I'll end with what has been so helpful for me as Justin and I have been setting up life here. I have realized that there is truly always something to be upset, worried, or frusturated about. But there is always something to be thankful for. And life is sooooo much better when you choose to be thankful and grateful and overwhelmed by graciouness. But it is a choice. Gratefulness is not our default. But be awed by what you have and not what you're missing. It's amazing!

All my love from Kiwi-land. -- Lace

August...good times with good friends!

Justin and I looking small in the Wairarapa- the country side of Welli- there is nothing like a sunny day with friends. Nothing.




Our crazy team had a de-licious dinner at the Tinakori Bistro followed by some reflection time to tell one another what we love about him/her. I personally love our funny faces. This night made me feel like our year here is coming to an end... crazy!!!











Justin & I in front of the Chateau with AJ & Jono-- this photo, along with this trip, is a memory of feeling like we have real friends far far from home.

My first time skiing! Such an awesome experience. I was terrified and thrilled all at once. Pretty sure I would not have left the kids' slope if Justin wouldn't have made me. Then again I may not have gotten whiplash then either. But it was soooo worth it. (That's Mt. Doom in the background.. from Lord of The Rings- for all of the nerds reading:)

life is moving!

It's September now! That's my favorite time of year in the States...here it doesn't have the excitement of season change and back-to-school feel... we're headed out of school soon...but it has still been an exciting time. August was even one of my favorite months! I feel like Justin and I have been spoiled by good friends who have taken us on a skiing trip, and another couple who took us on a weekend excursion to the countryside. Kiwis really do know how to do hospitality and how to show off their country!

The last month has also been a challenging one for my personal growth. I think Justin and I both feel like we've matured 2 years worth in 2 months. Marriage preparation has proven itself to be a challenge.. but a very worthy one so far. I waiver between the feelings of being completely in over my head with decisions, and excitement for all of the new changes to happen! My eyes are being opened to just how much determination and care it takes for 2 people to love one another well for a lifetime. Our pre-marriage counseling has given me plenty to process and work on! Who thought it would be a good idea for a couple planning a wedding to also process such things as children, conflict, and finances:)? I thought those were all things that magically figured themselves out?

I am completely thankful for couples like Phil & Michele who are willing to sit down with J & I to talk about all things marriage. Through our marriage prep with them I've realized that I have a lot to learn about conflict. I realized that as a kid I felt like I never won a conflict so my solution was to never have conflict. Throughout high school and university I saw myself as someone who didn't need to learn about conflict because I could avoid it by being super nice. In a committed relationship... this just doesn't work. Realizing that it's not conflict that tears people apart, it's how we handle (or don't handle) disagreements that leave scars and separation. This actually has been super helpful to me! One night Justin and I had a dispute about cleaning up after guests-- and after we settled it-- I said to him-- wow, I actually can have conflict and still like you all in the same day- this is kinda fun! I'm not sure that it's healthy to find fighting fun-- but the fact that I could get over something so quickly and still like him- huge for me.

There are times like this when (I know it sounds strange but) I feel like my soul is actually learning. Who I am is actually changing. It's such a cool process to see God work in our lives. I hope you experience soul-stretching times like these as well. All my love-- Lacey

engaged!

I have really wanted to call and talk to all of you but the time change and a busy schedule has made this difficult. I love you guys and want to share this time with you so much. Here are the photos from the day, the best day in Wellington!

Life is here... and then it's there.

So I've been told I'm a bad blogger. I write too much and far too infrequently. That's ok... just leaving lots of room for improvement for myself:) So cool that some of you have stuck with me and my blog this far. It's nearing the end of June-- oh man-- and life has been a bit scattered lately. In the last month I spent time in Christchurch at a leadership conference, a whirlwind week in Ohio for Min's wedding!!!, 4 days traveling from Auckland-Wellington in a van, and another week playing hostess in Welli for my Mom. It has taken me 2 weeks to root myself back down into life, and I'm feeling much more with it now that I have 1 day until I leave again for another conference. Just enough time to check back in with all of you. My life is a constant state of adjustment. Maybe it's always that way?

I'll keep it short... I'm trying my best. Man was it so weird to travel back to the states for 7 short days. I now realize why every Kiwi thought I was crazy for taking such a short trip-- It was painfully tiring. It was also a really special treat at the same time. Ella and I totally took off where we had left off-- my most favorite, adorable, now really smart niece and I spent lots of time together, and Min and I made the most of the quick trip. Catching up with family and my OC friends felt much quicker but I'm so blessed that I got to see both groups for a bit.

Some quick thoughts about my trip home--

• The season difference really hit me as we're headed into a busy winter here, and everyone at home is geared up for a relaxing summer. I realized how weird it is that life goes on in so many different places and in completely different ways. Mindy is married, Ella knows her ABC's, my OC friends have graduated... when did these things happen????

• It hit me how much I've been impacted by living here for 9 months. I knew this year would change me, but you never know how and you don't know how others in your life will change as well. Learning to adjust to these changes will take time. As I'm looking forward to some big upcoming decisions... where I'll be living next year, what I'll be doing... I have spent lots of time pondering where I've come from and where I'm headed. I can't fathom the future sometimes.

Time is still flying by. I'm still learning a ton about life, ministry, and myself. And I'm trying to take heed of the advice given me most recently.. take it a day at a time. I know we hear this rather frequently... but do we really relish in today? Lots of days I'd say that I don't. I'm praying that tomorrow brings something to life that no other day can bring. I want to look forward to tomorrow like I look forward to sitting down to coffee with an old friend. Praying that your today and your tomorrow would be relished. It's here.... and then it's there. Really feeling how much I miss all of you. Much love-- Lacey

traveling NZ with the rents!

It was a quick trip around the N. Island-- but what trip that includes Justin's parents, my mom, and a camper van isn't fun? Jim loved the tourist stops we made such as the Waitomo caves and the Maori village- hehe. I really did love spending time with them-- even in a camper van. The weather turned out much better than I imagined. And yes... Justin's Dad and my Mom went sky diving! I guess crazy parents = crazy kids. That can always be my excuse:)

she's really that pretty

Min- Your wedding was amazing! So so so so glad I was able to spend that weekend with you. I still can't believe you're married... did that really happen???




Pretty sure you'll go down as one of the world's most gorgeous brides. I kept telling her she looked exotic. Especially next to my winter NZ tan:)

is this my life?

Do you have days where you are sitting (or standing) somewhere and you can't believe this is your life-for the better or for the worse? I had one of those last week when I was sitting on a porch overlooking the sea in New Zealand having coffee with Erwin McManus-- a man who I admire and some people say stalk. I don't think I stalk him-- not in the least bit-- but I do call him my friend:) Let's think about this-- I listen to him every week and he always answers the questions I have in my head so I must be talking to him somehow. And...he told me he felt like he's known me his whole life. I don't think he was put up to it- even if everyone around was laughing. I think he meant it. Erwin-- you are amazing! Every second that I was around him I was trying to soak up what he said. It was definitely a time where I was sitting there thinking... how did I get here? Erwin spoke about leadership, the church's future, the future of humanity, and about how we can create environments for unbelievers. This is a man who is not afraid to try new things, take huge risks, and who loves humanity deeply. I walked away from the trip feeling refreshed and absolutely encouraged to deeply believe in the people around me, and to be a person who is not afraid to lead my generation into the future. Ahhhhh- this trip was so what I needed. So thankful that I work for Josh and Sarah who let us take this crazy mid-week trip, and so thankful for the Mosaic crew who took us. The picture above is of the Mosaic crew + Erwin (the Latino man with a fun hat) Check out my Kiwi jeans-- I try to rock em. And the picture below is of Justin and I walking around Mt. Maunganui-- the fastest growing NZ city. I'm thankful for such days of life... and I'm hopeful for many more to come for all of us!

heavy and hopeful heart

Why is it that the longer I wait to update my blog- the harder it is to say what I'm trying to say? Thus I wait longer to write, and it gets more difficult to articulate. That seems to be what happens to everything I put on my to-do list-- it just gets harder and harder to get done. So I'm going to write you an update- and apologize from the beginning for it's rough edges.

It's Tuesday, April 22 here-- we're in the middle of our mid-semester break-- and I must say it has been a wonderful, needed break. I've had a chance to catch my ministry-breath and to try and re-energize myself. Some days I'm more successful at this than others. I suppose though that the best way to update you is with a lovely list of what's been happening:

• I have been spending most of my days with the students at Victoria University (although there are 3 other campuses in Welli), trying to build relationships and help students to see God in all of life. Most people (myself included) wonder what our schedules should look like to do this so I'll paint as best a picture as I can. Most mornings I spend doing Bible study planning, thinking though what needs done for the ministry, what needs my girls have, and growing in my understanding of Scripture. After this time, we have designated the hours each day from 10am-4pm "hot hours" where we make out best effort to be on campus. During this time I have 4 different Bible studies, prayer times, or time to connect with students whom I'm building relationships with. What does that mean? The best example I have is of a group of 1st year students who meet in the bar on campus every Tuesday afternoon to chill out with one another. They have invited Justin and I to join them whenever we want. So we make our best effort to place ourselves in their world and to meet them where they're at spiritually. Right now the group has 4-5 regulars. One guy calls himself a Christian but struggles to stay sober most days. He's really honest about his life- but the rest of the group knows he's a Christian and I'm sure become confused by his actions. One guy in the group is a strong atheist who comes from no church background. Through him I met his girlfriend- and this is where the story gets interesting. I don't want to use names- but his girlfriend comes from a "strong Christian background." She grew up going to church and believing in God. As she started Uni a few months ago and dating her atheist boyfriend, she decided to start really thinking about her beliefs. This led her to read "The God Delusion," a best-selling book right now all about having a fulfilling life of atheism. Her parents are fighting with her constantly about reading it, her professors are praising her new found agnosticism, and she will gladly discuss with me all the reasons for not believing in God. And she has plenty. After the first conversation I had with her, my heart was heavy. We chatted for an hour or two about the things she was learning through her philosophy class and "The God Delusion," and I walked away feeling the weight of my job. I felt the weight of all the students around me. I felt the weight of Christians in today's very post-Christian culture, and I felt the weight of her personal experience with Christianity.

• The next week, the weight didn't lighten up much. I was sitting in the atrium preparing to leave campus for the day and thinking about my goal for the week to engage with students on the outside of the uni culutre--when a guy sat across from me. Not wanting to pass up the opportunity, I engaged in conversation with him and soon enough he was explaining to me his spiritual beliefs for the next hour or so. He believes in a higher power, he knows his life is meant to be much more than living for himself, he seeks to understand others at all times, has 1 Christian friend who he admires, and he's gay. He's studying religion and loves chatting about his beliefs. Once again- my job didn't feel like an easy one.

• So what have I been learning and doing beyond this? The first thing that I've been confronted with is the fact that God is the one in control. He's the one speaking inside of these students, and He's the one with the power. Through Him I seek to love these students and to point towards Jesus in whatever way I can. If they believe we are a 1 in billion biological accident- I try to affirm in them that they are so much more. If they can't believe in Christianity b/c they don't want to sit on a cloud and strum a harp all day, I try to discover with them that this is not at all the hope we have with Jesus. If they hate or mistrust Christians because they've seen actions that don't line up with their words, I seek to line up my words and my actions and live them out for them. Whether it's a girl who meets with me for Bible study, or a gay friend I've made- I ask God to help me live my faith out with them and to love them for who He's made them to be.
  

• So there have been days when my heart feels so heavy that I'm not sure I can do it. There have been days when I ask God why the heck He's set up the world this way. But there have been days when I thank God for every amazing thing He is doing and every amazing person He has placed in my path. I thank Him for allowing me to journey with Him, for his depth!, His grace, His incomprehensible love, His promises, and for the way He provides me with the hope and faith to press on.
  

Being that it's April and I just got an email from the Crusade headquarters asking me what's next- plans for the future have been whirling around in my head. Oh man has this placed me back in the world of the students I serve. I'm asking myself some big questions about where, what, who, and why. If you know exactly where I'm headed next please let me know!

I can't write this blog without expressing to you how much I ADORE THE WELLI MOSAIC COMMUNITY! Some days I step back and admire God for placing me right here and right now because it just seems so fitting. No the community is not perfect. But could I have asked for a better fit for what God is teaching me right now- absolutely not. This is a community- who like they told me from the 1st day-- have jumped out of a plane to go after God-- and I love going through the sky with them! (it's as fun as sky diving was)!

Thank you heaps and heaps for those of you who I've gotten to chat with recently to energize me and reconnect me with life at home!!!! Sometimes I cry just thinking about home, yet it makes me think about crying when I realize I only have a visa here for 7 more months. Even though I have no idea where God is taking me next, or even this afternoon, I am extremely thankful for the ways God gives me dreams and teaches me how to go after them. And I am thankful for all of you that let me dream. Much prayer and love goes your way!
~Lacey Leigh

ps- I just realized I didn't really wrap up the story of my friends on campus-- but although it's beyond my understanding-- they continue to meet with Justin and I each week to chat about life and God. I have to believe that God is doing His thing.

pps- If you buy one thing this week for yourself-- buy "Everything is Spiritual" it's a dvd of a talk by Rob Bell. Since I can quote it now I think I've watched it a few too many times-- but I love it!!!! http://shop.everythingisspiritual.com/ -- check it out!

Baby Ellery!!!!

One of the sweetest bits of news this month-- Justin's sister and bro-in-law had a lil girl-- Ellery!! Now I have an Ella and an Elle to love on. Sooooooo cute! And so makes me want to come home and meet her.

We do still exist.

J and I with our new haircuts:) We took a lil photo so you can all see our new do's-- especially you Jim- You told me to cut his hair- so I did. We're sitting outside of my flat on one of our last :( sunny days for a while prolly.

Easter wishes!

Happy Happy Easter everyone! I posted a lil film of my flat in Wellington- not that exciting- but may help you picture more of my life here. I know that it's blurry and you can't really even see me- but I had to make the file small. I'll post another one sometime where you can actually see me and hopefully Justin, too. I miss everyone lots. Easter weeekned has been great and we have today (Monday) off as well. New Zealanders take their holidays seriously... well not really- but they do know how to get a lil r&r. Hope Easter is filled with hope for you! ~ Lace

Lacey's Home Tour

life is like a retractable pencil

It's the middle of March... how did that happen? I get to come home for a week in 2.5 months!!! So thrilled to get to stand next to Min as she gets married. And to snuggle with Ella-- yes Ella we will even sleep together when I'm home. And to hug Mom & Dad, and see my siblings, and go to Panera, visit Otterbein, and put my clothes in the dryer! Oh how excited I am!

This week and the past week we've had visitors from the States here to encourage us and to help us with the ministry- which has been cool- but as I sat down with the woman who is the director of NZ ministries in Indy I knew she was wise when she said, "This time of year can be hard, you're at the point where you know you've been here for a while, yet you still have a while to go." Yes- I'm feeling it. We've lived in Welli for about 5.5 months, but we're here for 8 more and while I do LOVE Welli, I am confronted with the reality that I miss people, I miss feeling like an insider, I miss driving on the right side of the road. The hardest part is that I don't want to leave here, I just want to be here and there. Ahhhhh!

So enough of that. Let me update you on the ministry here and why my life is a roller coaster. It has been super exciting to sit down with some of the Kiwi women here and really talk about life and faith. I've met girls who are fighting depression, just coming out of depression, figuring out what they believe, deciding how to live what they believe, and some are simply trying to find a Christian community that can push them while at Uni. I have about 15 women right now who are going to meet with me weekly and journey with me and probably teach me more than I teach them. One of my biggest prayer requests is for Emma-- she and I are going to meet and chat about Christianity each week, b/c she said that she believes in God, but from there feels very lost about her beliefs. She is so smart and so honest-- and I would love for her to fall in love with Jesus. Please pray that God would work in her life.

The highlights are great- but of course there are low lights, too. Some days it feels like every student is too busy to care about God. Some days I look around and think that we are ignoring the students who most desperately need or want to believe- the goth crowd, the homosexual crowd, the alcoholic crowd-- and I just don't know how to love them well. Some days I don't feel like I'm doing enough. And some days I feel like my faith isn't enough. Some days I'm just annoyed with every person around me. And it was one of these days when I read an article which talked about loving people. It said that loving people is one of the most powerful ways which we worship God. He loves when we truly care about His creation. Man-- that was hard to read when I was feeling like I just don't love people. I want my faith to push me further into loving people well... not push me away from people. I guess I really can't do this on my own.

In conclusion: 1. please pray for Emma 2. please pray for each of us to truly love people 3. if you could figure out a way for people to be in 2 places at once that would be sweet az.

The best way I can think to end this blog is to have you check out the funniest thing I've seen in a long time: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0rtaDDSvxY It's a song from 2 comedians from Welli-- they have a show in the states and it is HILARIOUS. Sometimes inappropriate, but still funny. If you watch it 10 times it gets funnier each time. (I'm laughing at it now)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LIB! And sorry Mom that this isn't a video blog- I'll keep working on it. Love and miss you guys-- really. Lace