Life . . . an insane one at that

Life has been anything BUT normal this last little while. I have been stretched in so many ways it is ridiculous and I am honestly surprised I have not snapped in two. Don't get me wrong I wouldn't change the last few months of my life for anything, well except how I have responded to a few things maybe. Since I turned 20 I have been in New Zealand, India, Turkey and now Tunis doing what I love but it is not coming as easy as I had hoped. I knew that this life style would cost me something, who would have guessed it would be my sanity?

India - was INCREDIBLE! I can't even begin to say how great it was. We started out so strong; first with our time in Greater Noida soaking in the Father's presence and speaking truth out and then Jaipur working with amazing kids and loving on the "untouchables". This is a life I could get use to. Those kids made my world vibrant. As much as I loved my comfy life in New Zealand or even back home for that matter nothing can compare to India. Things that may make some people squirm get me excited and ready for more. I know for sure that I left a big chunk of my heart in that wonderful land.

The song "I Left my Heart in San Francisco" never made so much sense.

Turkey - "Istanbul was Constantinople. Now it's Istanbul, not Constantinople" confusing, eh? Words can not describe my time there but confusion seemed to be a given. I had some of my lowest lows and some of my highest highs in this great historical country. I know that the Father has a reason for leaving us in Turkey for nearly a month. I know that it was a time of refining me and in years to come I will begin to see the fruits to my labor. Tears flowed for me in Turkey (it was weird) and not because I was sad to leave or that my heart was breaking for the people but instead because I was broken; in my brokenness I gave space to Daddy to do His will in my life which may be the best things about our time. I also had some amazing high lights in Turkey, such as time in Ephes and the town of Selcuk where I was able to share my faith with multiple store owners in my time off.

Tunis - has been wonderful. Hanen, our contact, has been whipping us into shape and I absolutely adore her for it, along with about a thousand other reasons. I have not felt this useful since India, it is nice to feel like you are having an impact even if it is something miniscule. I have not been a fan of the attention I seem to be getting off the streets and it has been a long time since I have felt like decking someone so badly. Yes, I know that it is not the most gentle response but having guys saying, "Bonjour!" in your face every 10 seconds get aggravating.

When I sit down to write about my life I don't have any major complaints as much as I feel like I have the right to fuss I realize that in comparison my life is much sweeter than most. I am chosen and loved by the King of Kings. He calls me daughter and I call Him, Abba. My life is pretty great. I am blessed beyond belief. I pray that I never lose this perspective. I have no reason to complain and when I think I do I need to stop and count my blessings, that will keep me busy for a while.

One Week Left in Oxford, New Zealand

Holy Cow! It is almost done, well the lecture phase atleast. We only have a week left here on base before our school splits into six teams that are going to invade the world with the Father's love. My team is off to India to start, 3 weeks in India! Should be pretty sweet. I am looking forward to the change in temperature, it snowed here in Oxford today. Snow, can you believe it?! Snow in May! I am 6 days away from my birthday and there is snow! Craziness!

I am completely blown away by all the changes in my life. I am truly not the same person I was when I left Texas in February. My heart is different, softer and more open. Ready to face this great big world without running and hiding. God is bigger than it ALL! No man can hold me back any longer, there is no fear here. I am eager to see where it is God is going to take me next but I have decided to just enjoy the ride at hand. So far it has been quite eventful and fun.

Continue to keep us in your prayers. Life is by no means easy for us here in New Zealand. Some of my friends aren't even sure if they are going to be able to go on outreach because of lack of finaces. I pray this does not happen. Our Father is bigger than any dollar amount so I am trusting for a miracle and I am asking you to do the same. Thank you all for your support!

Heaps of Love from the South Island!

2 months in to DTS

Hello Everyone! Greetings from the South Island! I pray you are well and loving life wherever you are.

These last two months have been a whirl wind of an adventure and I will try my hardest to share my heart as well as keep it brief. People, we serve a BIG God...and that is an understatement. Over the last 8 weeks I have been through a roller coaster of emotions and I can't even describe it in a way where it will make sense.

The lectures I have sat through have been inspiring, challenging, aggressive and sweet. Each speaker with their own unique style sharing what it is God wants for each of us. I have dealt with a number of heart issues I didn't even realize I had and I can honestly say that God has been restoring me piece by piece. I feel incredibly blessed to have had this time to deal with me before I go out and serve.

Once a week we go into Christchurch and do ministry of different kinds. We have this awesome music/stomp team where people come out to listen and dance in the town square. We also have a prostitute ministry team where people go and do prayer walks up and down the main streets where prostitution happens, as well as work at a shelter set up for the prostitutes. We also have an art team, a mobile team, a sports team and a rock climbing gym team. I typically stick to the first two and absolutely love it.

Last week was faith week. Pretty much that means we go out in teams of three with $20 a piece and pray that God provides. You know what, He does! We had food to eat every day and had a place indoors to sleep 6 out of the 7 nights. Our whole school had so many amazing stories and I just love that we serve a living active God who cares about our every need. It was insane 21 of us (7 teams) ended up at one house in Queenstown for a couple of days, serving their amazing church. ( www.ontherock.org ) Another team ended up on the north island. Yep, God is cool.

This week has been one of overload. We have a ton going on and there is so much for me to do but here I sit writing and trying to upload pictures. Please be praying for me and the school as a whole. I am still trusting for finances for myself as well as classmates here. On top of that there is stuff going on back home that could really use another coat of prayer. Jamie, my sister in law's dad has had a relapse in his leukemia PLEASE be praying for him (Alan Eakins) as well as strength for my sister.

Thank you for all of your support. Heaps of Love from the land of sheep!

Lauren Ashley Fabel