How Time Flies...

In all honesty, I cannot believe how quickly the time has flown...
With one wedding already been (Gordon, and Mum's), and one on its way (Peter & Gen's), it still feels like YWAM is months away still. However, I know this is not true...

Within 5 days, I will be flying to Newcastle, to begin an adventure of a life time! Whilst I feel that I am no where near ready, I know I will probably never feel ready to accept this mission (due to my high standards), so I am going into this mission fully trusting God!

Accommodation, transport, and friends, have all been stitched together by God's hands, to make me feel more at home (and also at rest). I don't have to panic about being forgotten at the Newcastle Airport (which sadly I had been previously), late at night, because I am catching the same plane from Brisbane, with two people. One being Cookie (Michael Cooke, from Sydney, Australia), who I have spent a couple of years getting to know, through Student Life's inter-uni relationships with Universities all around Australia and the World, and the second being Dieuwke, who is one of my leaders, both of whom are heading back to the Newcastle YWAM base. Thanks God. :)

I also feel a lot more at peace at fitting in at the base. I have been talking to a few of the girls and one or two of the guys, that I'll be sharing the journey with, and am discovering that we have similar fears. Fears of not fitting in; not knowing what to pack; not having the money all raised in time; not liking it; evangelising; not being spiritually ready; saying goodbye to friends at home, and wondering if we'll still be friends when we get back; etc.

I have also had fun explaining to some Americans and Canadians, the differences that Australia has, compared to their home country... it is really amusing, and eye opening, to realise the vast amount of differences there are in the western world, even though we have the same fast food shops, same clothes, same language and technology, and almost similarly the same culture. It's really exciting to know the experiences that are to be in store :)

My friends up in Toowoomba, have also decided to arrange a farewell party for me, which has touched me so unbelieveably, and the fact that there are more than 2 or 3 people coming to it, has also touched me, and encouraged me to keep going. It is all so close, and whilst I am nervous about the unknown coming, I am excited at learning to give all my fears and anguishes to God, and to learn to trust Him, in this adventure He has prepared for my feet.

Until another free moment in time,
GBUG
Kara

Children at Risk (Battambang - Cambodia) Video

As most of you know, Cambodia has left an imprint on my heart, and will always tug my heart strings. This video was created by the Battambang (North East Cambodia) University of Nations (YWAM's tertiary study facility, similar to our TAFE, University, etc.), where it represents just a snipit of what Cambodia is like and the need that has not yet been filled in Cambodia, as well as other parts of the world!

This is something I know I am on this planet to do. What I cannot do physically, monetarily, or spiritually; I can do with the gifts God has given me. I want to genuinely care for those who are looking for love and a purpose in life. Whilst I still have not worked out what my purpose in life is yet, I am using what I have, and hoping God fills in the rest.

If we each do what we can, who knows what the world would look like!


Map of Cambodia, with Battambang in red.

Children at risk from uofnbattambang on Vimeo.

More to Come!

Hey all,
Sorry for not keeping you all up to date with what's been happening...
This is just a quick note to let you know that I haven't forgotten to write here, or to you, to say thank you for the support you have given me or prayers you have prayed. It is all super appreciated! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

I'm hoping in a week or so, that the busyness (with the events that happen, and you have to plan, with multiple weddings occurring before October) slows down a bit, and this is when I will fully update you all, to the extent that I can remember. But for now, this is my note to say, that there IS more to come.

God bless you, your family, and your week.
Until next time,
ciao!