The Last Frontier

The beginning of July began the beginning of the end. The first of the lasts began last week and my last of the lasts will end next Sunday.  Did you get all that? Try that for a tongue twister!

With only eight days to go in Aotearoa, the revolving door of missionary life seems to be spinning  a bit faster.  My days have been filled with packing, farewell gatherings, cleaning, preparing for the new pastors, and saying good-bye to just about everyone and everything.  There is much to do when you are moving across the globe!
Last week was my last with session with my gymnasts, Bible in Schools students, and Rock Solid youth.  This week will mark my last sermon, my last day at the food bank, my last dip in the ocean, my last hike, and my last meat pie.

I even shared my "last supper" (holy communion) with my church family, understanding only to the smallest degree what Jesus might have felt before his final meal with his closest friends.  It was then that Jesus showed ultimate hospitality.  He served and dined with his disciples in the flesh so that soon they would be able to dine with him in Spirit.

I found myself resonating with Christ's words when he said,
  “I have been very eager to eat this Passover meal with you before my suffering begins.  For I tell you now that I won’t eat this meal again until its meaning is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God.”
(Luke 22:15-16) 

Now, I am surely not Jesus Christ, nor am I preparing to bear the sin of the world on the cross of suffering. But, I had been very eager to share that “last supper” with my church, and reality is that though Chad and I do hope to return to NZ, the timing is uncertain and we may not share this meal again until the Kingdom of Heaven.  As you can see, it was a significant milestone for me.

I mean it when I say that I have been blessed beyond measure during these last four years in New Zealand, so much so, that I find it hard to describe! So. . . instead of describe it, I will let the photos do the rest of the talking.  For the next few days I will post heaps of photos, so watch this space!

Enjoy!