The Arrival

Boa Tarde! (Good afternoon) Greetings from warm and sunny Pemba!

The Homecoming
Have been back in warm, sunny Mozambique for 13 days and it feels so good to back home! It was such a precious homecoming! To see, to smell and feel all the familiar things I held so dear to my heart was such a dream come true! I was greeted at the airport by co-workers with joyful cry’s, shouts, laughter and tears, not to mention a ton of hugs! Sitting in the plane when we landed, I could hardly contain my joy and excitement! People sitting around me, must have wondered about my state of mind!....hahah…… But flying over Pemba, as we circled before we landed, oh the joy, the beating of my heart in sync with my Heavenly Fathers Heart – that contentment is totally priceless!

When I arrived back at centre 1 – to be shown my little house and my room all decorated so simple and beautifully! It brought tears to my eyes as I fell to my knees in joyous thanksgiving to my heavenly father who has blessed me so much! What a joy it is to serve such a God!

Later the day I arrived, I was taken to centre 2 – to see my beloved children again. I hadn’t even managed to get out of the land rover and I was surrounded by 200 precious smiles, each one pushing, to give me a hug first! There was much squeals of delight that afternoon with my dearest children! God has just blessed me so very much here in Pemba!



The Centres
We have two centres here in Pemba. They are about 10 minute walks apart. Centre 1 (old base), was the first base built by Iris Ministries when they first came to Pemba, just over three years ago. It now houses all the workers, missionaries and visitors, and speakers. Centre 2 (new base), is the second base that was built by Iris, it is still currently been added too. The new base is where the children live, the pastors in training and also the students from the mission schools will be living. Also the new base is where all the feeding programmes, the widows groups, church, medical clinic and mothers and baby’s clinics are based!

Heat and Sweet
The weather is very hot. We are averaging about 37 to 40 most days! We have a huge water shortage, which has been so much fun, when we swim at the beach with about 10,000 others! Many of the villages outside of Pemba are struggling with their water supply! Would really appreciate prayer for God to move and see rain for these villages that depend on this water during this raining season to store for their crops.

Lets Talk to God
Would really appreciate prayer over the Christmas and New Year Season. It’s very hectic here and also our biggest time to reach out into the community and surrounding villages. On Christmas day, we invited the whole area of Pemba, with putting up signs and posters and also while on outreach spreading word, so we are expecting well over 2000 people for church service and also a feed and a present. We believe in miracles and know that God will multiply what we have! Amen!

Well, all right, I'm going steady now

Well, all right! Well, all right, well all right my laptop is connected to the internet!!!!

I also have been to the dentist in the last two days and it anit too good news, so I had to have my teeth x-rayed and then had a couple of fillings! Not to mention my teeth had to be washed with floride - thanks to my 5 yrs of wearing braces - to get my teeth straighten - my teeth are now in bad shape! yip - I am going to be completley toothless by the time I am 40 as told by my dentist. My teeth are bascilly falling apart due to scaring from the braces and also did you know that you can brush your teeth too much and that is bad for them too!

I am now also a proud owner of an ipod mini! Yaya! And its pink - even better. I got a $18 discount as the start disc didnt come with it, but have beenn told if I have a applema laptop (which I do), then things should be fine. So as of now, I am charging it and I guess I will find out what happens!

Ok - so I am supposed to fly out this Tuesday! After working at the Bank of New Zealand as a Temp Staff employed by Hudson International! Going to Mozambique will be completly different! I will miss the bodies at the BNZ - they are a great bunch of people to work with and have fun with! The team was wonderful, as was the oss breaks! But back to the visa - it is still somewhere in London and if DHL couldnt picked it up, well, I just wont be flying out until it arrives. So, I was stressing but have since decided its in Gods hands and his timeing is best!

Well, I am so rambling on bout not much!
Ciao

Simply the best.....

You have to check this ad out - click here! Its brillant!

OK - so I am not really a huge fan of cars or anything really technical - but putting in this way! Come on! I am impressed and I know that you will be!

Enjoy!!!

Brand new LAPTOP

Ok, so its Sunday evening here in the land of the long white cloud. My father and my youngest brother have returned from their 8 days in Brisbane.
I am sitting at the computer listening to Buddy Holly imaging what my life is going to be like in Pemba for the next two years!.... parts of it I can see and others I have no idea what is going to happen.

The big announcement today is - I brought my applemac laptop yesterday! Its the cutest thing ever! I am still trying to load the programmes onto it - ok, so I am not a computer genius - but slowly is better than nothing at all! OK, but I am so totally hooked! I do love my new laptop! I wanted a pink one! :( But, I do have a pretty awesome new laptop! All about the laptop! Its a 12inch G4 ibook! And boy, is it cute! Its white, very easy to sue, loads of memory, its lite and cute!

Its my birthday on Thursday! I mangered to keep it pretty quite, I dont want a big hu-ha made out of nothing! I'd rather be in Pemba. Ok, so I miss Pemba! I miss my children and I will admit, I have thought about the past and the "what if", but I anit going to put silly ideas into my head and let my heart to feel again so soon!

So, things here on this blog, have been pretty serious - how does one brighten up the mood? I think I need to go to a writing class!

Ok, so I am just muttering and all, so its CIAO

Geeks, Nerds and all

Well, I wish I had a photo to prove what happened last nite!

Yes, a fellow student from School of Missions (Jamie) phoned me up yesterday and invited me to one of his friends birthday party surprise thing and mentioned that when he came to pick me up, not to freak out cause of his clothes... I laughed and waited to see what he meant!

So, as you can imagne, I was excited and nervous at the same time. It is the first time, I've been out since I've returned from Pemba and also been with a group of guys. So, I spent about 3 hours getting ready. My sister straightend my hair, and I changed like a million times and I did a decent job on my make-up. Needless to say my little brother was impressed!

After helping my Mum make dina and then I smelt like meatballs instead of my perfume, the doorbell rung. My heart skipt a beat and my stomach turned. Now, the excitement had left and the nerves set in. I heard my little bro laugh.... So Jamie had arrived. Ok, this is the moment when you wish you had a birthday present like a cam-cord or that you hadnt let your sister borrow you camera! Jamie was stunning! In true fashion - a geek. Now, I know this dont sound too nice, but if you could of seen him and his mates! Girls - it was funny. So, Jamie was themed to red - working for KFC. Then Simon was themed blue - working with computers and then there was Pat who was themed to green - working for subway and packnsave!

So we had the fat red bus, filled with the geeks, the birthday girl, me and the guys & gals from the youth group. We went into town and literally painted it red! We parked the fat red bus about 20 min from the resturant so we could walk thru town, to see peoples reaction.... oh, boy, that was fun.... just as was walking thru the macDs drive thru! We at dina at the rouge - that was interesting, but more interesting was the washroom situation! Ok, it was flash, not like the latrines in Pemba. It was a smoked glass door - you think is well, see-thru (its not really), so you feel totally uncomfortable sitting on the loo.

After our yummy meal went went for another walk and then a drive thru town! We got pulled over by the cops, that was mm....well, their faces were priceless! We got off with a warning and thus decided to call it an evening and in true geekstyle fashion drive home with our windows and loud pumping music!

Over all - I had a blast. But realised that my heart belongs in Mozambique for the next season of my life. I do enjoy the simple life.......

The plans.....they come & go......

Well, I was so very excited about doing my sarfri - but plans, they come and & go! Thats right, my bank account wouldnt let my dream come true..... BUT the parents have since stepped in and we have decided to delay that dream by a couple of months and thus do a little tour of South Africa.

So yet another plan, therefore after much thought and couple of sleepless nites, I have thus decided that I either need to marry a rich man or find a rich long-lost relative who needs to give an inheritance away. Of course, I would use this inheritance very wisely.... give some to me, my sarfri, my other family and friends to visit me in Pemba, give some money to chariety and of course I would tithe on it. So, heres to the plan! Personally, I have no idea which one will eventually come and play to the moment. But I will keep you posted...LOL....

So, I leave for Mozambique on the 11 November! Not long to go! Oh, I am very excited and have much to do.... But to see the face of my beloved new homeland and my children - its so totally priceless!

I shall miss you all!

Over and out!

Africa, here I come......

Well, well...... here is the story so far!!!

I have been back in NZ for about 6 weeks and I finially have job as a temp thru Hudson working at the BNZ! So, that being said, I am now on track returning to my beloved Pemba and family! Oh, joy of all joys! I have the spring back in step....LOL....(truely - I do!)

Anyways, so we contacted our flight agent and there is good news and news that makes me take a second to comprehend. Basically, if I want to return to Pemba before Christmas, without the flights being so expensive, I have a choice of two dates in November! Either the 11th or 18th! So, to cut a couple of hours down of the story (with unfolded on the phone), I have to decide which date I want to leave.... so yeah! Decision deadline - next tuesday! OK - that anit to stressful to decide.... BUT the saga goes on - but it gets better - believe you me, it gets better!!!!

OK, so - like I said, I was talking to my flight agent and if I decide to fly with the earlier date, I arrive in Joberg on Sunday and there are no flights to Pemba until Wednesday - when he said this, I was like "bummer" - but as I listened on, he made me smile and wanted to give him a kiss and a hug..... He said, he would try and increase my luggage allowance from 20Kg to 30kg (ok so that is the kiss), but wait there is more! My good flight agent has given me some ideas to spend my down time in Joberg - like go on a 3-day Safari in Kruger National Park and also a chance to visit Soweto! (that was the hug) - so as you can imagne I was all smiles and jumping up and down with excitment until he told me the price.... basically I need to come up with almost and xtra NZ$2000! So that is my dilema! But in talking to my parents, they are keen on me to travel around South Africa more than Africa, so they are going to pray and see if they might be able to give me some money towards my 4 xtra days in Joberg! Parents are such a blessing!! :)

And to top things off, my friend Ella (from Eketahuna) has just been accepted as a visitor to Iris Ministries in Pemba and we might be flying together back home - if she decides to come now or next year.

Anways, I am so very excited.... I cant wait to leave NZ and return to my beloved family in Pemba and live the good life with my children! And not to mention to start living with Catia and working with beautiful Tesia and go to the beach and play with the kids..... oh, life in Pemba is great!

That is me - OUT

Well......thinking.......dangerous??

So, is thinking dangerous?..... I'll let you decide

Well.... I have given much things much thought..... if only I had the time! Actually a few things have been swirlling around in my hot little mind.... yes, my mind is switched on, perhaps not just all of the time....

So the topic that is on the thought board or discussion is well..... it was marriage, then boys, then men, then God, then Pemba, they I started to dwell on "what if.... or what if....." and also my mind wondered on back to conversations and moments that I should of said this.... but I said that.... so yea!

Basiclly my mind has really been deep on thought(s), realising that hurts and issues that I thought I'd dealt with or even stuffed down, well, they popped up again, and this time, I have no-one to run too, expect my Heavenley Daddy - which is a wonderful thing, but gets straight to the heart of the hurt or issue, especailly when you want to have a pity party or someone share the sympthy thing with you.... yup - that dont work with your Heavenley Daddy.

So my answer on what I've thought, jouneralled, thougth and talked thru - is that.... WAIT! Let the sweet aroma, the perfume of JC complety flood u, so all you feel His peace, rest and love.... Holy Spirit has been so instrumental my healing my broken heart after my boyfriend of over a year decided he didnt love me anymore amougst other things (wont go into detail)... oh, all the issues came up.... but being such a strong young women, I hid them, bottled them up and decided to be strong, I didnt want him to know how much he'd really hurt me, I wanted to show people that I was ok - that I had it together, but it was more out of fear of embarresment and more rejection! I mean, this guy, I thought he was the one, we were going to be married..... how things change..... how people change..... so I've been dealing with all the issues of anger, rejection, self hatred, broken heart, he loves - he loves me not, what if I'd done this or said that.... tried to replay the whole situation over and over trying to work out what I'd done wrong or whatever.... BUT somethings are meant to be and some things arent. OK - back to the healing part! So, I no-one to turn too, after putting it off, I decided I couldnt do to it to myself anymore - I had to be honest and truthful and realised that I'd been hurt and that I was hurting and how! Once I penned that down, well, the flood gates opened! God really ministered to me, brought up other issues, but I know for every tear I cry, there are more smiles, and 10x more laughter in each memory! I know that I am on my way to be a better young women of God.... the first thing, is to ADMIT there is a problem or a hurt, if you cant do that, well, then you wont experice the HUG, the LOVE, the JOY of the father wrapping his arms around you and hold you while you cry and hear his gentle wispher in your ear of encourgement, promises and life! To feel His embrace, the sweetness of His kiss against your tear-stained cheek - its pricless and that itself is healing and meaning the heart that was smashed into pieces.

So today, I say, I CHOOSE LIFE, I want to meet my maker, I want to be a spotless bride....therefore, I will lay my life down, whatever the cost....that means the highs and lows of life, the whole heart, the broken heart.... we need to give him all the good memories and bad memories.... God wants all of us, not the plastic part of us.... God himself is honest and truth, what is the point in not being honest and truthfull with ourselves, we then cant be honest and truthful with our maker and king. When God says ALL - He means everything, even the hurts and dark parts of heart.... cause in being honest, truthfull with ourseleves we can be honest and truthful with our King, which comes with being open and intimate! Then the healing, the wholeness and joy comes! For with intimacy comes fruitfullness!!!

OK - so I might be rambling on, but a little thing I heard at a recent conference has stuck in my mind and hear it is (well, something along the lines of).......INTIMACY......It is when, we pick up the phone and if we dont recongise the voice we either ask who it is or we hang up.... that is like when we hear the Fathers voice, how can you listen if you dont know His voice.... We need to ring our Father up and hear His voice, so when He calls us, we recongise it....

Oh, dear, someone is board

OK...so here it is, simple - black and white!

I MISS MOZAMBIQUE!

OK, now that I have all said and done, the weekend with my friend in Eketahuna and also the Conference up in Palmy - well, was pretty awesome! Speaking in church didnt quite go to plan, but hey, Holy Spirit came and rocked, well, everyone with his sweet presence - his imitate love! The conference, was an eye-opener...LOL.... many were touched, healed and had their spiritual eyes open. Gary and his sweet wife brought the manifest presence into Pamly - and its going to stay. They also introduced angels....yes, the a word! Guess what??? I SAW mine and I also went surfing - it was wow! Words cant express and if words could, my spelling is so bad...LOL...

Over and out!

hummm......

Well.....I, hummm......

OK, so the news is? Well, there is no news! Actually, am entirly frustrated, I want to add some photos on and I cant - arugh!

OK, so I dont have a real job, I am just working for my Mum and helping out at various kids and youth clubs and programmes - so life anit too bad. But I cant stop thinking about Pemba and my life there! How I miss it and long for the day, that I can purchase my ticket out of here back to the place I love and call home! I constantly think of the dear children, and cant wait to hold them in my arms and see their smiley faces! And not too mention back to eating rice & beans and bottled water! People think I'm crazy for wanting to live in Africa, but something is drawing me. Some see it as a sacrifice, others see it as stupidty, but I see it as a joy, its not hard. But I do trust the God I serve. Cause where He guides, He provides!

At the sunday morning service at church - well, it was different. We had a guy share about the Jesus rose from the dead, but he focused on the cross. That is not a bad thing, but he didnt answer the question - but anyways. At the end of the service, they played a song by Nicole C Mullen - I know my Redemeer Lives! It got me thinking and realizing what a wonderful God we serve!

Anyways, I am looking forward to this weekend. I am going up to my friends house, in Eketahuna to preach at her church and also attend a couple of sessions at a conference with Gary & Kathy Oates. WOW! This guy is cool - he works with Randy Clark! I heard Gary speak at TACF in Jan, and its an honour to hear him in the land of the long white cloud.

Love, Grace, Mercy & Compassion

L-O-V-E
It is a small four-letter word that will cost you everything: laying down your life; passion and compassion; giving without expecting; feeling His very heartbeat and surrendering to His rhythm; following the Lamb wherever He goes - even to Mozambique.

- Heidi Baker, Iris Ministries -

My heart beats for the King. My life is not my own, I live for another!
Here I am Lord, SEND ME!!

Always Remember

I found this on the web

Always remember what John Wesley said

Do all the GOOD you can

By all the Means you can

In all the Ways you can

In all the Places you can

At all the Times you can

To all the People you can

As long as ever you can

Inspiring aye?

My Life is not my Own

So I crave for a life of purpose and adventure. How does one live a life like that? We serve a mightly God! A King, who gave his life for me - what does he get in return? My LIFE!

I see these movies of wars, geniocides in Africa. Oh, how it breaks my heart! How can people not be moved? How can people watch and not do a thing about it - they just change the channel. I feel they then dont deserve to know what is going onto humankind - the very race that Jesus died for! Oh, let His death not be in vain!

I see this horrid stuff, I hear the stories and cry with them - almost wanting to bleed with them. I then wonder and imagine what it would be like to experience what they went thru and going thru. To share their greif, sorrow and pain? I have no understanding of that. How to understand? Go and sit with them, listen to them, hold their hand - they need to know that someone cares, even if they dont understand, a hug and smile is better than changing the channel.

I guess my thought and question is who will go? To hold, to love, to comfort, to heal, to serve? My answer - is ME, I will go. Will you come?

Why? These people need a touch! Someone has to make a difference - a simle difference. It could be just as easy as lightening the load, brigthening a dull day or God moving so powerfully they are healed and saved! Everyone needs Jesus!

OK, so I need to explain myself? YES! God impacted me so very much, while I was in Mozambique studying as a missions student. In fact God challenged me! I prayed, I listened, I watched and I answered Him. I am no longer myself, but a daughter of the King. His price has been made, now mine must be made. I give up and let go and say HERE I AM - SEND ME!

Its all about LOVE! Perhaps one of the most mis-used words in the world.
I, Anna Barber, now a laid-down lover, a missionary! Yes - I am going to be working Iris Ministires in Pemba, Mozambique.

My life is not my own - I live for another! - Its all about LOVE

Survived, Changed, & Glory of God

Ola, como esta? Gloria Senor!

Well, the time has come for me to set foot back in the country of my birth, filled with mixed emotions. So I arrived back in NZ after spending some time in Hong Kong and China. Which was an experience to behold.

Mozambique - that country rocks! God rocks!

In the School of Missions run by Iris Ministries - God totally rocked my world! He wrecked me, pulled me, killed me, loved me, lifted me, filled me and I will never be the same!
I am just a simple girl from NZ who loves a great big God! Who knows what is instore? I dont, but I know the one who does! All I know that its going to be an honour to share my life with Jesus! The one who leads me on all these increidble adventures! They are going to be hard, scary, filled with highs and lows! But from each experience I can learn and grow! O, how life is full when we serve a mighty and powerful God! To God be the glory be given!

So in Mozambique, I died. I laid my Elisha down, and handed over my Samuel! I truely died a death, and counted the cost. I spent many hours crying in the dirt and laughing with the children. Only do it all again - for sure! All for what? A LOVE - A love for my King - cause he first did it for me!

I left Mozambique! I cant hardly belive it. The last 3 months have been amazing, increidble and life changing. I cried from Pemba to Maputo - with the once was and what could have happend ringing in my mind. Realizing that when we landed in Sth Africa, I had totally left my heart in Mozambique. Not with a guy (that was returned), but with a nation, a culture that needs Gods love ever so despritely. I have felt and experience the rhythm and beat of Africa; it has penitrated me! I guess you could say that Africa swallowed me whole! When and Where? I havent a clue! But just thinking all that has happened, brings all the sights, smells and sounds back to my heart, the center, the forefront of my heart, my life! How I long, and crave for a life fulled with purpose to glorify my lover and King! So its lower still!!!

My life is not my own - I live for another

In Mozambique

Well, I've landed in Mozambique. Actually, I've been in Mozambique for over 10 weeks now and I am totally loving it. I find something new everyday to fall in love with! I love the people, the culture and the food - so I am feeling ever so at home.

The missions school has been totally amazing! Made some friends, shared a shower, eaten bugs, drunk ice that smells like fish..lol...God has totally wrecked me! I love missions and I know that I am called to be a missionary. The speakers at the school have been brillant and ever so timely!

Houston - we have contact...

At last, the electrcity is up and internet is online! Yay! Life is good!!!

Well, I am finially here in Pemba, Mozambique! Oh, its such a dream come true. So far, it has been very beauitufl and peaceful. Its very hard to think that only a couple years ago, this seemless restful country was in a cival war.

I love it here! The food is good! - its rice & beans, rice & matapa, rice & rice, rice & potatoes, rice & beans and not to mention the not so fresh bread roll for breaky! Am drinking bottled water, as the connection from the town water hasnt been done yet. They always saysoon, but we are now running on Africa time, so we add an "is" at the end of everything...lol...

The culture is amazing, doesnt seem that much different, but I am sure there are things that separate Africa and Kiwiland. Village life for me is very interesting. There are plently of children around Iris and on the streets. The poverty is very real here - and its in your face all the time. My orginal understand of poor has changed dramaticly. The children are hungrey for love and attention - which I am more than happy to give them.

The missions school is going very well. We are very blessed to have wonderful speakers and also to have Papa Rolland and Mana Aida every other day! Am learning lots. God is breaking my heart for Him and also for the lost! Life is very simple here and its so amazing! Nothing is complicated and neither is the gospel. We have had opporunties to go out on outreaches, either for one evening or for two nites. The people are so very hungery - for God and his love! I was given the privillege to share a testimony so far! Oh it was so amazing! I am hoping to get the opporunity to preach - when? I dunno - so that is awesome! It really is such an honour to be used by God.

A little bit about the Iris Base! We have two bases. I am on base one witht he children & pastors. Then there is base two, which is where we have class (in a huge tent) and also church on Friday nite and Sunday morning. We have over 100 children here in Pemba Iris, but that number is growing daily! Its only about 10min walk between the bases. I love the walk! We get a chance to view the scenery and chat to the locals!
We have running water (well, not really), the water is supposed to come on at 6am & 9am, then again at 6pm & 9pm - but that hasnt happened often. So we pump our water for our bucket baths at the well! Talk about strength! Dust is everywhere, so you dont feel that clean, but hey, we are less than a 3min walk to one of the most stunning beaches in the world! (Riversdale, eat your heart out!)
Have just discovered that we shouldnt be walking around in barefeet, as there are worms in the ground and a couple of students have had to gone to the hospital (another interesting story) to get them removed - actually removing them is very mmm.....not for senstive stomachs!

Bless you all so very much! Big hug to you all! You are all in my prayers. Please continue to keep Iris Ministries and Mozambique in your prayers! Cause one day, Mozambique will be living for Jesus!

3 days till take off!

OK - so its just a tad stressful getting organised...but I am extremly exicited!

Liftoff is in 3 days...3 whole days, that is 72 hours! So, seriously, I have 72 hours left in this land of the long white cloud!

A lot has happened since I last wrote, well the weather has changed, Mothers Day has gone and I have meet with the Elders in my Church, shared in Sunday School and in Church! I've phoned Canada, USA, talked with Pauline & Clifton, Crystal, Robyn, Amy and left messages for Colleen! But hey...all is good!

I am so excited, I can hardly sleep at nite - I am going in 72 hours, soon I will be seeing my beloved face to face, I will be meeting lots of awesome new people that for the next 3 months will be my family! Not to metion the beautiful landscape of stunning Africa, the smiling faces of children and the many hearts we will have the privillage of leading to Jesus! AMEN!!

On the way to my new home, we (my Dad & I) will stopping ova in Singapore to visit CJ and her church! Talk about CRAZY! SO that is SO, SO something to look forward to! Holy Spirit - COME, you are so very WELCOME! Lord, I pray that you come and impact the youth in CJs church - that you fill them and dont leave them the same! Lord I pray, that as I open my mouth that your words will come out and touch the hearts of those that listen, that it may bring healing and restoration and joy! AMEN and Amen!

The countdown as offically started!

That is right ladies and gentleman! The countdown is offically on!

So its only 18 days till the trip begins! Excited?? - ME!!!
I offically leave Wellington on 20th May at 8am! Then its off to Auckland, then to Singapore for a couple of days to visit CJ, her church and being wowed by the scenes of Singapore!
Then we leave on the 24th to Jo'berg in South Africa - where we will see Africa, for the first time! And the noise of insects - God help me! I will not sleep for a day as I will be so nervous and excited about the next day! Yes, then early morning on 25th of May we will leave for the finial destination - Pemba, MOZAMBIQUE!!!! We arrive at 1.40pm! Oh yay! and into the arms of my handsome, hunky boyfriend FELTIO!

YAY! Mozambique - Here I come!

The countdown begins - tomorrow

Well, well...today is the last day in April, which means that tomorrow is MAY! Yip, that is day the count down starts.

You may ask why the countdown? Well, tomorrow I leave for Mozambique in 20 days! oh, so very excited.

Oh my, Mozambique - here I come!..lol..cant belivie it, I will be in sunny, beautiful Mozambique standing side by side with my beloved Felito - THANK YOU JESUS! You are so good. We love you and praise you! We give you all the glory. AMEI.

Ouch....

Needles and I...well, we are not the best of friends....

Yesterday I had an appointment with the doctor regarding my vacinations for Mozambique. After a long chat, it was decided and worked out that I had not recived all my childhood vacinations...so I am in the process of having them as well as the ones needed for Mozambique! Last nite I had 4 in total, next week I go back for two and then 3 days before I fly, I have to go back for at least 3 more! I feel like a pin cushion!

OK, so last nite I had Typhoid, Polio, DTP & Hep A & B! So I still need MMR another dose of Hep A & B and also I need to get the Malaria tablets. So yeah! My arms were a little sore the next day! Acutally the arm that I had the DTP in hurt like crazy! It bruised and went stiff and I couldnt use properly - totally embarrsing not being able to put on a jacket by yourself or even making your own cuppa!

Poppies

In May 1915 Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae of the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps was working in a dressing station on the front line to the north of Ieper, Belgium, when he wrote In Flanders Fields:

In Flanders fields the poppies blowBetween the crosses,

row on rowThat mark our place;

a nd in the skyThe larks, still bravely singing,

flyScarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the dead.

Short days ago We lived,

felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved,

and now we lieIn Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe;

To you, from failing hands,

we throwThe torch;

be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep,

though poppies growIn Flanders fields.

We shall remember

Today is ANZAC Day!

On 25 April 1915, eight months into the First World War, Allied soldiers landed on the shores of the Gallipoli peninsula. This was Turkish territory that formed part of Germany's ally, the Ottoman Empire. The Allied forces encountered unexpectedly strong resistance from the Turks, and both sides suffered enormous loss of life.
The forces from New Zealand and Australia, fighting as part of the ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps), played an important part in the Gallipoli campaign. At its beginning, people at home greeted with excitement the news that our soldiers were at last fully engaged in the war. New Zealand soldiers distinguished themselves with their courage and skill, establishing an enduring bond with the Australians they fought alongside.
The Gallipoli campaign was, however, a costly failure for the Allies, who after nine months abandoned it and evacuated their surviving troops. Almost a third of the New Zealanders taking part had been killed; the communities they came from had counted the cost in the lengthy casualty lists that appeared in their newspapers. And the sacrifice seemed to have been in vain, for the under-resourced and poorly-conducted campaign did not have any significant influence on the outcome of the war.
Although Anzac Day, the anniversary of the first day of conflict, does not mark a military triumph, it does remind us of a very important episode in New Zealand's history. Great suffering was caused to a small country by the loss of so many of its young men. But the Gallipoli campaign showcased attitudes and attributes - bravery, tenacity, practicality, ingenuity, loyalty to King and comrades - that helped New Zealand define itself as a nation, even as it fought unquestioningly on the other side of the world in the name of the British Empire.

AnzacNumbers
260 - days of the Gallipoli Campaign
8556 - NZ forces landed:
4852 NZ forces wounded,
2721 NZ forces fatalities
8709 - Australian forces fatalities
33,072 - fatalities from all British forces

mmm....its been a long time

Well, havent written in like totally ages, and a lot has happend!

I love Felito - my handsome boyfriend, who loves God with such a passion! His vision to see people walking with with God is so inspiring! (amoung other things). Hard to beleive that in just under 6 weeks that I will be seeing my beloved face to face, is a feeling hard to shake! To feel his hand in mind - priceless - brings a smile to my face!

Being out to Riversdale and caught up with Uncle Grim and Auntie Kate from Camp Anderson (Learn n Live Ministries) - must admit it was real hard going out there again. Havent been in over 18 months! It was like walking into a time capsule - all the memories came flooding in - good and bad! We walked along the beach - my favourite thing to do, which stired every possible emotion! Its so healing, relaxing, just getting away from the hussle and bussle of city life and retreat to the sea which is calming and peaceful. I love camp, its such a special place and has a place in my heart! Then in the evening went and watched the Hot Air Balloon Festival. Ok, thought it was only for old folks, but honestly, it was good. The balloons were huge and beauitful and graceful! They danced to music - was cool. The fireworks at the end were stunning! I love them - reminds me of my childhood in Aussie, carefree summer days!

My dog Kayla had to be put down as she was ill. Actually she had two tumors, one in her tummie and the other in her liver! That was a sad day for us all! She was such a great dog - very loving, caring, sweet natured and not to mention loyal.
Has been hard adjusting to not having sweet, Kayla around. Hard walking in from a long day at work with my Kayla to greet you at the door, or wanting cudles just so she can be around you a bit longer before bedtime! Must admit, its lonely going for walks on my own!
So the Barber household is petless - first time I remember not having a pet in the house, its very werid.

Went and visited my Grandmother (Gran) in Masterton! Well, I got off the train and the questions started. I was grulled for over 4 hours on just about everything you could ever possibly think about of! Questions on dreams, the future, God, love, life, Felito, Holy Spirit, Africa, Felito, Iris Ministiries, School of Missions, being in Canada, Felito and Africa. Oh, did I metion Felito and going to Africa! I felt I'd being kidnaped and taken ransom and was put under a light and had to answer the questions...lol...Gran - she must love me...but I did get a nice dessert though!...lol...

Also, this weekend I went to my friends house - ELLA from good ole Eketahuna and preached! Wow! Was so nervous - was werid preaching and not having friends around from SoM - I kept expecting them to come in! But God came and people were touched! Did soaking for ministry time - the sweet heavy loving presence of God filled the room! People silently wiping the tears from their face, as Jesus wisphered into their hearts how much he loved them and wants to be with them! The joy of seeing the revelation move from their head into their heart, that God wants to be involved in their lives, that he wants to know them, he cares for them and loves them so very much! That is so priceless!

Not to mention have a meeting with the elders in two weeks time, about going to Mozambique! Am going to share my heart with them! As I want to go under the churches covering and submit to them - yes, I have told them that before, but I dont think they beleive me when I say that! Want to show them wonderful photos of stunning Mozambique and the beautiful people who live their!

I shall sign off now - Goodbye

Amazing Words

"It is not how much we do, but how much love we put in the doing. It is not how much we give, but how much love we put in the giving."

"Speak tenderly to them. Let there be kindness in your face, in your eyes, in your smile, in the warmth of your greeting. Always have a cheerful smile. Don't only give your care, but give your heart as well."

- Mother Teresa -

Words from the Heart on Paper

I received part of this letter from Heidi Baker - wow! She wrote her heart - the words describe the feeling...wow! I picture everything! It brought light to my eyes, a smile to face, my head shaking, I am going to this place! I am speechless, my mouth is dry. God is faithful and incredible. Let God impact you and His Holy Spirit fill you as you read!

I read it, my heart beat faster and faster - I feel like that, she removed the words from heart!

The more I read, the more I want to be like Jesus!

Below is Heidi sharing her heart!

After seven weeks of traveling and fourteen conferences in a row, I am so ready and eager to come home to my beloved Pemba and my beautiful African children. Jesus has called me to speak to the Western church as well, but my heart cries to sit with my Makua people, learn their language, and be surrounded again by the happy, excited faces of my Mozambican family. I long to be back in the bush, winning Moslems to Jesus whole villages at a time. I started my itinerary in Sierra Leone, now surpassing Mozambique as the poorest country in the world. The Craigs from Ireland did a fabulous job of organizing an evangelistic outreach. Nearly every church in the city cooperated, and we were joined by friends from around the world. We all taught pastors and prayed for the sick. The Lord called me to stay in my room to fast and pray during the day. The first two nights of the large outdoor meetings, we were breaking through and contending for more of the presence of the Lord. The third night the Lord began to fulfill a vision that I have repeatedly been seeing. There was a large football field full of people, and after I preached thousands of people gave their hearts to the Lord. As I began to pray for the healing anointing to come, the Lord spoke to me, saying that if I stayed low, He would walk across the field and pour oil upon the people, and heal them. The whole crowd knelt down, and the miraculous happened: there was silence in Africa!!! Not a baby cried, no one stirred. Total silence. I felt the weighty glory of the Lord Jesus falling upon me and the crowd as oil ran down my arm. After some time the Lord began to tell and show me what was happening as I knelt down with my eyes closed on the platform. The blind saw, the deaf heard, the crippled walked as Jesus Himself walked through the crowd. Then lines formed as many came forward to give their testimonies to the glory of God. This is surely what I am created for. I am believing for a million souls to come to Jesus this year. Thank you for keeping in touch and especially for praying for me.

Much love in Jesus, Heidi

Doesnt that stir you? Doesnt that move you? Doesnt that make your heart beat? Dosent that make your mind swell? Above, that is what I want! That is inspiriaton to the core! That is what I long for! I must decrease and you must increase Lord! More of your power, more of your spirit in me!

I'm your Servant Lord

I found this song and it really spoke to me! It went straight into my heart! Lord, I just want to thank you for everything you've done! For you are my Lord, my light and my salvation, in whom shall I be afraid? Thank you for your love, the love that passes all fear, the love that I do not deserve. Lord, I am your servant, here I am, I give myself to you. Take me, mould me, use me, fill me, walk beside me! Come live in me, take over. I am yours and you are mine.
Lord, all the glory to you!

I'm your Servant

Words & Music by Andrew Ulugia

© 1998 Parachute Productions

Now into your presence Lord

I will boldly come

It's only by your grace O Lord

It's nothing I have done

Grant me your servant heart

That I might live like you

and as you set me apart

I will humbly share the love

I found in you

I'm your servant here I am

Bended knees and open hands

Lord I hear your voice today

Lord I hear and I obey

When I am weak will you be strong

When I'm lost will you lead me home

Though I struggle on the way

would you use me anyway

Lord I give my life today

A dream is worth living

Argh!...God is so brillantly amazing! I've never screamed so loud in my life...

Ok, so I need to backtrack a bit. I had applied to go to Iris Ministries International School of Missions, and I was on a waiting list due to accomodation. So I was like mega praying and hoping and wishing and praying some more! Then last nite I got an email to say, that they had not received my organial application - I was so guttered! So I tried to email it again, only to find that the file was too big! They can only recieve 40k and mine was almost 50k - so I spent most of evening trying to reduce the file, by cutting things out and reading to see if there was any repeatition! After mid-nite I gave up and went to bed, I was so tired. I thought that my brain would function better in the morning after a sleep and recover from a very busy week at work!

So, I'm up in the morning! I boggled around a bit, eating breakfast, made cup of tea for fam members, talked to Kayla (the dog), then decided that I would check my mails before I would have another go at my application! So I opened my mail and found that Iris SoM had emailed me! My heart was pumping fast, and I was excited and nervous at the same time. I was too chicken to open up the email, so I opend up another one first, then half way thru reading it, I couldn't handle it anymore and opend up the email from Iris SoM! Well, I read it thru, was a bit confused, so read it again! Then I read the words "dear applicant, you are now accepted as a student", I read it again, and again, took a couple of times for it to register! I AM GOING!!! I thought to myself! This exictment, grew up from deep within my tummy...then my lungs filled with air and came out of my mouth (that was already open - wide open) and boy did I scream!! It was so loud my little brother went pale - thinking I'd read bad news! I was like, speechless and excited at the same time! The words did first come out of mouth and I had to calm myself down! I was shaking, couldnt stoping smiling and laughing, and shaking, and jumping up and down and running around the house! I could have run a marthon and probably won! My reaction after a while was to run thru my street and yell at the top of my lungs and wake all the neighbours up and then pray for them! Oh, being able to go to Iris SoM is such a huge DREAM come true! Words cant express my joy, excitment! I just cant wait to go, I wish I could click my heals together 3 times and I'd be there!

I went out to lunch with my brother and his girlfriend, and everytime I thought about it, I just wanted to jump and clap with excitment! God is so good! Its so funny - everytime I look around, and I see people who are from Africa, I feel instantly like I know them, and wanting to run and give them a hug - they would prob look at me rather oddly, but hey!

Jesus! I love you and I thank you so very much! This is such a dream come true! God is so inrediable, amazing, joyful, faithful! THANK YOU SO MUCH LORD! You rock dude!!

To be able to go to Africa - a dream since I was a child, when I first heard about my favourite missionary Mary Slessor, my heart was beating, my eyes became bright and my mind alert! I knew that is where I wanted to go! Like when words jump off a page and you get a revelation from God and you know your answer - that is how I feel about going to Africa! To be able to hold those dear children in my arms, to tell them stories etc...oh, my heart is melting just thinking about it! To see the hundreds (if not thousands) of hungry, hurting, lonely, sick people, all crowed in, to hear the voice of God - to recive Him as their father, someone who will love, heal their sickness and take away their pain...wow, that is such a precious moment, and brings a smile to my face! What an honour to work for Jesus! I can picture everything in my mind now - wow! God is so amazing! But going to Africa means so much more, not just to meet amazing and beautiful people, to see them walk into the arms of Jesus, to see them healed, it also means I can see my handsome, amazing, God-loving man of God, Felito Utuie - my boyfriend, whom I love so very much!

God you rock! Thank you so much, for totally everything, my family, my job, my handsome boyfriend, being able to go to Iris SoM - you are such a dream maker! I love you and praise you and thank you again!

My dream, is no longer a dream, its reality and I am living it!

Bring it on!

Welcome Holy Spirit! COME LORD COME

An awesome prophcy from Phil Pringle (Kiwi born) whose being living in Oz for some time. This word was brought during a big conf that was focusing on fire for Oz, but this word came too! This really is so exciting, and we are all really praying for it to happen! For all of us to be part of this somehow! Again, Holy Spirit have your way! We are so hungry for MORE and MORE!

The word from Phil Pringle

"I believe New Zealand is about to have in 2005 a revival that will eclipse any kind of revival it has ever had in the history of that nation.

I believe by the power of the Holy Spirit New Zealand is about to have a touch from Heaven. A touch from Heaven and the finger of God is poised in the heavens.

I see it. I see lightning bolts coming out of the Long White Cloud.

I see feet running through the streets to get to meetings.

I see things happening that have never happened before, people running to church in New Zealand. I see them running through the streets of Wellington.

I see them running down and the wind is blowing.

They are pushing against the wind, they are trying to get churches.

There are people running in Auckland down Queen street to get to church, people are running. They are desperate,some are full of fear and some are full of faith.

But they are running to church.

This is going to happen in New Zealand 1000's and 1000's of people running to church- running. It's probably not ever happened in New Zealand before. Amen.

Amen and Amen! Lord, COME, Holy Spirit we welcome you! Come and fill this place!

Returning to the Land of the Long White Cloud

The trip back to NZ, was long, but I meet some amazing people and made two new friends, I also meet my sisters Pastor in Sydney - so we had a great chat on the way to warm and windy Wellington. So its back to life in SUNNY NZ, enjoying the warm weather, going for long walks along the river and beach, not to metion soaking up the sun and eating all the fruit I can get my hands onto! What a life! What can I say, I live in paradise...lol... (Right now I am sitting in the lounge with all the windows open, enjoying the sun & drinking, wait for it ladies and gents - Feijoa juice!)

Being back in NZ, is ok. Has been so great seeing family and friends and spending some quality time with my pets, whom I have missed terribly. Church is...welll, its not TACF, but God is still here! God is really teaching me about HIM, knowing him deeper, his thoughts and his smiles, what makes his heart pump and beat fasta and also where his love is! Finding him, his presence in the smallest things and things we even take for granted...like the sunrise, the sunset, the flowers, the smile from a loved one etc.. and then chain of life...its been inspiring. I have finially got a job, which is keeping me nice and busy, and am looking for some weekend/evening work...but I know that God will supply! Sometimes it feels as if I never even left, and other times, it feels that I was away for more than a year! The Hutt Valley has changed so much, I feel like a tourist walking around. Quite odd really asking people for directions to the local store, the gym, where to buy phone cards and asking for a measure tape to work out my size! Then they ask - What a nice accent - where are you from? I always just smile and give a little giggle, and then promptly change the subject, as I am too embarresed to let them know that I am actually a kiwi.