Good day to yous! (kiwi accent) Courtney and I have now parted ways. She is back in Michigan and I am back in Oregon. So sad...But I am so glad we have the memories of this trip to share! So, in our three months of being in a different country, we learned a few things about ourselves, live and God. I wanted to share with you all some of what I have learned. Therefore, the following are three things I have learned from our three month adventure.

1. Farm work
This trip has given me a diverse experience in farm work, of which I learned a thing or two about it all. I am not going to boast that I know everything there is to know about farming, because that is just not the case! But I did get a good idea about different types of farms, what I like and don't like and the hard work that goes into it.
Most of the people we worked with, had more of a hobby farm that made enough for the family with a little profit. This was great, because that is the kind of farm I would love to have! Also, most of them hadn't grown up on a farm and didn't really know much about it, but wanted to get involved. So they found a place, bought it and learned as they went, asking advice from professionals and their neighbors, then deciding what worked best for them. All the families were so different yet so happy to be farming! This made me realize that anyone who wanted to have a farm badly enough and were willing to learn and work hard, could do it! I was so encouraged by this, because I don't really know much about farming. This made me hopeful!
Also, I realized that I LOVE it!! I love working hard and being outside and there is so much satisfaction from farm work! Now it's not all hunky dory or go according to plan, but I know it is something I love and want to keep doing!!  I love living in the country much more than the city. It is much more laid back, however, there is always something to keep you busy! It's a different kind of buys than the city. Farming is more a lifestyle than a job. I definitely know it is the lifestyle for me.
Thirdly, Farm life is a wonderful setting for people to escape, pull away from their busy city schedule and take a breather. Not only am I passionate for farm work, but I want to make a place for others to come and take a break from life and find rest and encouragement. A farm environment is a great place to set aside your troubles for a bit and just enjoy being alive. One can step back and see their life from a different perspective and clear their minds.
So that is a little bit about Farm life I have learned and look forward to getting more involved in the future!

2. Hospitality
Something I am passionate about is to have a home of hospitality. As a follower of Christ, it is something we are encouraged to do; to have a heart of hospitality and to share what we have with others and to love our neighbor as ourselves. As we traveled New Zealand, we stayed in many people's homes and learned a thing or two about hospitality. We learned what kinds of things were helpful and some things that weren't so helpful. Also, as travelers, we gained a perspective of hospitality from the receiving side. The following are a few examples.
A good example of a form of hospitality is to have the mind set of welcoming my guests into my home as a part of the family and, instead of putting life on hold, inviting them to join in the activities of my life. To have a heart of hospitality, I must also have a genuine willingness to be flexible and ready to accept anyone who is in need at a moments notice. Also, having a traveler's perspective, I have gained an understanding of what a traveler needs and appreciates most, especially if the traveler has been living out of their car or camping. Even just a warm meal and a place to sleep is enough!

3. Confidence in the Lord's provision
Last but certainly not least, actually most important of all, I have gained from the experience a confidence and trust in my Lord's promise that He will provide for my needs. In times of financial need, or in need of transportation, or even just in encouragement, he faithfully provided for Courtney and I just in the moment of greatest need. He was active in our journey and in times of vulnerability or confusion, we were confident in our God and he came through for us. I have never actually been in need to the point that it was out of my control and to see the Lord work and provide when I was not in control gave me a peace, trust and confidence that I will never be without need, as long as I trust my God to provide. He truly is faithful. Not only did I gain a trust and confidence in him, but I also realized more fully that I can do anything that I set my mind to do, with the help of my God. He says in Scripture that whatever you do, commit it to the Lord and your plans will succeed (proverbs 16). I saw just that. Courtney and I continually committed our journey and the activities we did or decisions to our God, desiring to honor him in what we did and He made it possible. Shoot! We had a desire to go to New Zealand and He made it possible and took care of us the whole time!

Through the whole trip I have gained a new appreciation and respect for farmers, those who open their homes to strangers and my God who provides all my needs. I have discovered a new Joy for life and excitement to see what other adventures lie ahead and confidence that anything is possible when you trust the Lord.