Back from the Other Side of the World

There are a lot of things that are daunting about Christianity. Well, to be honest, there are a lot of daunting aspects of life in general: love, school, sisterhood, daughtership (not a word, but why not?), friendship... I suppose the feeling of being daunted is a form of stress...the result of having something you are invested in and the fear that you may not have the resources necessary to fulfill the requirements of sustaining or excelling in said area.

So. Yeah. Christianity is daunting. I don't think I'm any good at it. I read blogs. And see videos. And talk to friends and they seem to have Jesus down to a science. They know what to say and how to live and it all seems to fit together so nicely. I often find myself worried that this lack of confidence, this ineptitude at being a follower of the big J will be an enormous hindrance in my life, career path...etc. etc. etc.

Just a thought.

I'm working on it.

In other news, I'm back from New Zealand. Was kinda glad to leave when I did. It was getting way too cold and JT whines a lot when it's cold :) I joke, I joke, I kid, I kid. I get pretty seasonally depressed myself. It's so odd how different I feel in the sun on every emotional and physical level. But. I was just ready for home. I loved the country in warmth, but to be honest, I didn't feel comfortable at my host home and was just ready for family and friends.

Sadly, I won't get a chance for much catching up -- on sleep, conversation or anything. I am currently family vacaying in Vegas and will leave from here on Sunday to Kenya.

Yes.

Kenya.

I am nervous and calm at the same time. I am just HUGE on uncertainity avoidance, preparation, planning -- and I can't and haven't done much of that for this! I'll just have to hope for the best and do my best. I mean. Yeah.

But let's sum up my abroad year. New Zealand was utterly different than Europe and I am so glad I went. I mountain biked, camped in sheds, fell insanely in love (again!) and saw sights that made me feel like God was whispering right into my soul. New Zealand is such a different type of place. Space is a different concept there. Quiet exists even in the most populated city. Recycling is naturally ingrained. I actually feel like I became a more self-driven academic and did some serious soul searching to centre myself for the future (deep, eh?)

From Otago - Dunnedin. Gulf Harbour to Rotorua. Fish and Chips and Hell Pizza. Giant Skies and Blue Green Water. Sydeney Theatre to Adrienne. Remaking "Tomorrow" - "Did You Touch My Johnson?" Bus Rides and AV Library. Long Walks and Bike Rides. Sambaing and Sucking Kisses... A million memories shared with the most special person in the entire world. Cool!

I can't believe I was blessed and lucky and fortunate enough to have the chance to spend the whole year finding myself. Que guay, no? Que friggin' guay. I hope I never stop.


Well.

Yeah!

Hope you're well,

Janelle