My First Week of DTS

Hello all!

Wow. I have been in New Zealand for a whole week already! It honestly doesn’t feel real yet. I feel like I’m on vacation or something. But I am here and it has been a wonderful week FILLED with God and amazing people!

Gosh, I just don’t even know where to start! I have already been learning so much about God and myself. I guess my journey started when my parents dropped me off at the airport in Denver, so I’ll start there.

I’m 23, but when my parents dropped me off at the airport, I felt like I was 5 years old again and I was honestly terrified. It hit me that I was on my own traveling across the world 8,000 miles away. But I wasn’t on my own. God was with me the WHOLE time and He took my terror and produced peace and I knew I could do this because He was walking with me. Thank goodness God was with me because my traveling tested me!

My first flight from Denver was delayed by 1.5 hours due to bad weather which made me miss my flight from LA to Auckland, New Zealand. I can honestly say I wasn’t worried or freaking out because God kept reminding me He was in CONTROL. And God showed me He was in control because He got me on a flight to Sydney, Australia (which was awesome because I’ve always wanted to go to Australia, too!) And then United Airlines lost my suitcase (but don’t worry I have it now). I am so thankful for my traveling trials because through it, God taught me how to begin to open up and be vulnerable.

Vulnerability.

Man. YWAM sure has a way of challenging you to be vulnerable. This week we all got to share our life stories. In front of everyone. All 32 of us. Talk about intimidating and a little scary!! But you know what, I am so thankful I got the opportunity to be vulnerable and share my story of the emptiness I used to feel, the mistakes I’ve made, and the hope, forgiveness, and worth I now have in Jesus! Wow, I didn’t know how much I needed to be vulnerable and be prayed over in such a powerful way!

The next day when I woke up after I shared my story, I felt refreshed and like a weight had been lifted off me. A weight I had been carrying around for so long I didn’t even know it was part of me. It has been a challening but freeing experience so far! I have seen God show up in amazing ways already.

I can see Your heart in everything You’ve made.

One way I’ve got to experience Him is by seeing His amazing creation! New Zealand is absolutely BEAUTIFUL! Pictures do not do it justice for sure. Every time I look outside, I am constantly amazed by the beauty of God’s creation. I highly recommend visiting New Zealand if you get the chance!

I have seen God show up in amazing ways already and have met some great people! I am so blessed to have this amazing life changing experience and I can’t wait to continue to be challenged and grow!

Thank you for your continued prayers and support!!! (And for reading this sort of long post!!)

I hope your day and week is filled with God’s amazing love. He is SO worth pursuing, trust me!!
Much love,

Ashley