Arrived safely in Oxford, New Zealand!

Greetings from Oxford, New Zealand!

I have arrived safely here in Oxford!  Had a long, yet great flight overseas and had no problems with connecting flights into Christchurch, and arrived on schedule. 

It is absolutely beautiful here in New Zealand, beyond what I ever imagined!  The views from the air were breathtaking!!  Oxford is a small farming community in the countryside, with rolling hills and beautiful mountain views. I am getting settled into my room at a lovely host home just down the road from the YWAM Base. There will be eleven of us from the school housed there.  I have very nice accommodations and will have a roommate, a local from Christchurch, that will be arriving tonight.  I have met some wonderful people that have already made me feel at home on my first evening and day here!  One thing that will take some getting used to is the lack of central heating in the homes here ( I was warned, but not quite prepared!).  It can get pretty chilly here at night, and I was very relieved to find my bed had been warmed up for me with a hot water bottle by my hosts! 

Many more students will be arriving today, and our CDTS school starts tomorrow. 

I am having some difficulty getting a wireless connection on my laptop, they say possibly due to the earthquake, so for now I will be using the computers available at the base until this problem is corrected. 

I will keep you all updated and send photos as soon as I am able.

I am anticipating that God has some amazing things in store for all of us, and am so excited to be here and begin this journey with Him!!

Blessings to all,
Cindy

Arrived safely in Sydney, Australia!

Arrived safely in Sydney this morning!  Had a great flight overseas and met new friends during the 15hr flight.  Am at the airport waiting to board my connecting flight to Aucklund, NZ and then on to Christchurch.  What an amazing view as we descended into Sydney! I know this is going to be an awesome adventure as I anticipate all that awaits in New Zealand!

Leaving today!

Bags are packed and I am ready to catch my flight for New Zealand today!  After hearing the news about the earthquake that hit Christchurch there was some question as to whether or not my flight would be delayed, but we have the "GO" from the YWAM base in Oxford to leave as scheduled...so I am on my way!!

My next post......from NEW ZEALAND!!

"Blessing People"

Today I enjoyed my last Sunday service at Chase Oaks Church here in Plano TX, before leaving for New Zealand.  Heard an awesome message by guest speaker, Reggie McNeal about our call to be "People of  Blessing".
What appropriate words to hear as I prepare to leave my home, family, and country on this mission journey! 

My prayer is that God will use me as an instrument of His love, and make me a blessing to the world....

Genesis 12:1-2
" Now the Lord had said to Abram: "Get out of your country, from your family and from your father's house, to a land that I will show you.  I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing."

Counting Down

Greetings everyone,

I am counting down the days with only one week left until I leave for New Zealand!

I enjoyed a wonderful send-off party last weekend with some very dear friends and family, who shared many words of encouragement and prayers for me.  I had a chance to spend time with daughter, Shannon and my grandson, Braydon a couple of weeks ago, and look forward to a visit with daughter, Rachel and son, Josh this weekend before I leave on the 23rd.

This week is busy with final preparations and packing.  Hoping I can meet the challenge of packing everything I need for 5 months into one suitcase and a backpack! (not and easy task for those who know me best!) 

I have been so blessed by all the responses of encouragement, prayer, and support from everyone!  Since my last update, I have received many generous donations, including a sleeping bag and travel supplies. 

I still have need of approximately $2,500 to cover the balance of outreach fees, which are due a few weeks after I arrive in NZ.  If anyone would still like the opportunity to help and donate, please let me know, and please make checks payable to YWAM with note: for Cindy Gross.

My prayer requests are- for this week of final preparation and packing to go smoothly, for peace, safe travel, and for God to prepare my heart for the journey before me!

Thanks and Blessings,

Cindy