A Time to Celebrate

Let me just say, God provides!

On Sunday, the last Sunday of 2014, I had the beautiful privilege of sharing a testimony at church of a situation where God's hand was evidently at work.  Although somewhat nervous to speak on stage in front of everyone at Citipointe, the opportunity led me to purposefully reflect on our entire first year in Australia.

Jordan and I honestly cannot believe we have nearly been in Brisbane for an entire year! The time has absolutely flown by since we first landed in the Sunshine State on January 9, 2014.

From our first day in beautiful Brisbane to the last day of the year; 

From staying with a generous stranger to finding a home near UQ and ISHS; 

From feeling like a stranger in the land to sharing life with incredible people of God; 

From crying with initial lack of work to rejoicing over an amazing provision of jobs;

From questioning our steps to receiving God's continual faithfulness; 

From stressing over studies to celebrating academic success;

From worrying about income to dancing about inexplicable provision;

From the very beginning to this very moment,

GOD PROVIDES!

There is by far more than just a situation where Jordan and I have seen God at work in our lives this year. There are tens of big moments and hundreds of little moments where God has shown His faithfulness to us. How could I choose just one of which to testify? 

We certainly don't deserve His love and blessings, so the fact that we have is completely humbling. 

If I am honest with you, the teaching job I have received for 2015 is ALL the work of God. Let's be serious. I am a brand new teacher with little to no experience; I have no awards and fancy qualifications; I look nearly the same age as the senior high school students; so the fact that the deputy principal asked me to apply for a teaching position and then subsequently awarded me with the job is an incredible reminder that God is working on my behalf. From the very beginning of the year it seems, if not before, God had this job being crafted for me in His throne-room. Wow.

God provides. It's not a fairy-tale, a distant wish, or a blind hope; it's absolute truth. "And my God will supply every need of yours according to the riches in glory in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19). God has certainly supplied for more than just our needs this year; He blessed us beyond measure. We have what we need to live, with a little extra for an occasional night out; we have become ridiculously close to each other, with a reason to laugh every day; we have grown deeper in our walk with God, with a greater level of dependence on and trust in Him.  "Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen" (Ephesians 3:20). For everything this year, God receives all our praise!

In response to this incredible year, it appears beautifully accurate to end the year with celebration.

Celebrating Jordan's Birthday

With a night out to see the Lion King, gifts shipped from home, and multiple birthday celebrations with friends and peers, 'twas a great 25th birthday indeed.

Birthday lunch with Jordan's PBL/Clinical Coaching
group.

Gifts from home!

 Celebrating Friendships

Friendships take intentional time and effort to develop. One of the hardest transitions to make this year has been coffee dates. Truly. The nights where I can go to a cafe with a friend to have deep conversations about life or the days where I wander aimlessly on a group hike getting lost in the laughter. To get there takes time. Some friendships have been growing since I was 10, yet this year I felt like I had to start from scratch. New land, new people.

Thankfully, God has surrounded us with some incredible people of God. Conversations with them often seem natural and fluid and their genuine hearts are evident. It's been an absolute honour to get to know of these people in a deeper way.

Exploring the Bunyan Figs with the most genuine person I
know, Suzanne, before heading off on her new adventure. 

First visit to the Eat Street Markets with Alex and Kat

Celebrating the End of the School Year

Jordan has finished his first year of medicine!! Let's be real, it wasn't just a finish, but a smashing success! Throughout the dedicated studying and being faithful to maintaining a relatively balanced life, God really blessed Jordan with success academically and impressionably. Over the summer/Christmas break, Jordan has had an incredible opportunity to work with paediatric surgeons and is even beginning his first research project. 

While Jordan studied diligently, God surprised the both of us with a change of visa restrictions. At the end of Term 3, I had nearly reached my limit of 100 teaching days and was beginning to worry how I would receive any income for the last couple months of the year. 

Thanks to Kat, I received great advice for Christmas casual retail positions and began applying to numerous jobs. Although I had no retail experience, I ended up receiving numerous offers that I had turn some down! I never imagined that would be the case! Late October, I started my first retail positions at Skechers and Lululemon! 

Days later, I received two amazing pieces of news! 

1. Milpera asked me to teach part-time for Term 4.
2. The immigration department extended my available working hours from 100 total teaching days to 100 teaching days at each school.

I have absolutely no idea how this even happened! I did not request an extension (I don't know if that is even possible), I did not make any inquiries, yet somehow God made a way - it was exactly what we needed to make ends meet!

Teaching at Milpera for Term 4 was a steep learning curve. From teaching Math and PE for Senior English students to teaching English and Math to Junior Beginner English students - literally beginners - was not a change I was comfortable with. The teaching staff offered great support and the students were absolutely beautiful! It was a great way to end the school year. 

Surf Life Saving lessons at the Gold Coast

Milpera's 1st Swimming Carnival.
I, along with two other teachers, facilitated the yellow house.
The level of team/school spirit was beautiful to see!

 Celebrating Christmas

When the weather is warm and the sun is shining, Christmas sneaks up on you. Carols like "Let It Snow" or "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas" being sung in Queensland are like the Canadian World Junior team losing a game - it just doesn't make sense!

Needless to say, Jordan and I have had a wonderful Christmas. Our friends, church community, and work colleagues certainly knew how to make our first Aussi Christmas a special one!

Jordan playing the drums for "Drummer Boy" at Citipointe's
Christmas Lights Family Concert. 

Jordan and I singing in the choir for the Christmas concert.

Our Life Group's Thanksgiving/Christmas dinner.
I made my first turkey; we played the traditional
Lobbezoo gift exchange game; we ate outdoors
in our swimsuits; we shared many laughs -
a successful night indeed!

Lululemon Christmas breakfast

Celebrating Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at the
Malan's residence in Ninderry, Sunshine Coast

We were treated to an Aussi/South African Christmas feast.
Here are some appetizers: Prawns and Moretan Bay Bugs

Christmas Day at the beach!
Wave-riding and a cricket/baseball game - not a bad way to spend Christmas :) 

Needless to say, Jordan and I have had an incredible end of the year, being reminded of what is important in life: serving in the church, spending time with family and friends, praising God simply for who He is.

Thank you to everyone who prayed for us - we would not be in the same place without you sincerely lifting us up before God. While the beginning of 2015 will mark the beginning of our second year in Australia, I dare to be greedy for your continued prayers, particularly as I begin my official first year of my teaching career. I undoubtedly am going to need God's help to get through it successfully!

You are wonderful. Thank you. Jordan and I wish you all a year of blessing and growth in God.

Happy New Year!!

It Is Well

The last couple of months have seen a roller coaster of blessings and trials. There have been days when I have danced like a fool and sang with such joy in the Lord; and there have been days when I have felt useless and questioned God with tears. The latter has certainly been more recently, but I am grateful for the little reminders God gives me of His presence and faithfulness.

Before Jordan and I left for Australia, Pastor Kevin gave us a truth to hold on to:

"It can become difficult to focus on God when things get tough, but even harder when things go well. 

Remember, each day you are there, why you took this step of faith and who you are following."

The truth is, in the midst of all circumstances, I know that my God is for me and not against me. I know that He is with me and He is guiding my steps. I know that He is worthy of glory and praise, not just in the good times, but in the tough ones as well. 

And so, I give thanks. 

Thanksgiving:

Lobbezoo Thanksgiving Dinner. We may not
have celebrated with the family, but we are 
certainly thankful for our family!

Thanksgiving has got to be one of the best celebrations of the year. Christmas and Easter also top the list, yet there is something very special about a thankful spirit immersed in the fall weather. It's the colouring of the leaves; the perfect season for hiking; the turkey dinner; the house filled with family laughter and memories. For both Jordan and I, Thanksgiving is one of our most treasured days with our families.

For us this year, there was no colouring of the leaves, no hikes along escarpments and rivers; there was no turkey dinner; no house filled with family laughter. Instead, we saw Jacaranda's begin to bloom purple; we rode waves in the ocean and tossed a ball on the sand; we ate chicken together on our small kitchen table and reflected on the year. 

Albeit a very different Thanksgiving this year, it is perhaps a more significant celebration than years past. Sitting at our tiny kitchen table with the smallest, turkey-less thanksgiving dinner we have ever experienced, Jordan and I took the time to reflect on this past year and to highlight the top three things for which we are thankful. 

Jordan:

1. Med School: Thankful to be studying medicine, and having the opportunity to work towards the career that I really feel God has led me to. 

2. God Providing: Somehow, even with the little work we have been having, God makes a way and continues to provide everything we need. 

3. Jen: I couldn't do this without her!

Jen:

1. The Journey

This journey to and in Australia has been filled with mountains and valleys. It hasn't been easy, but I am really thankful that God has used it to grow me. When you are in the valley and not sure why, it is easy to question God and let those moments take me further from Him; but God has been faithful in reminding me who He is and drawing me close to Him. I would not be growing in God to the same degree if it were not for this journey. 

2. Provisions

God amazes me with how He provides. There are days when I don't really know how we will be able to pay for groceries or rent (which is how I am exactly feeling right now!!), but God blesses me with a day of work or unknowing help from friends. God has been so faithful to us here, undeservedly so, and I am thankful beyond words that He cares so much for us. Even when we are lukewarm, God shows His love. 

3. Jordan

I am forever grateful for Jordan. There is no way I could do this journey without him. He picks me up when I am down; He makes me laugh like no other; He redirects my focus to what truly matters. There is no doubt, I have an incredible husband! He loves me, how amazing is that!

Term 3

On the topic of thankfulness, God provided me with full-time teaching contracts for the full 10 weeks of Term 3 (July-September).  Right before my birthday, I received a call from Milpera State High School offering me a Maths/Phys-Ed teaching position for the term. I was both fully stoked and stunned! At the beginning of the year, I walked from school to school in Brisbane introducing myself to staff and submitting my resume. When I walked into Milpera in February, I was immediately told that I needed ESL teaching qualifications since Milpera is an English intensive school for refugees and migrants. 5 months later, I did not have these ESL teaching qualifications but it appeared that my minimal teaching abroad experience did the trick. 

Milpera State High is unlike any other school in the state. The entire school is made up mostly of refugee students and the goal is to develop their English language and core subject skills in order for them to attend a regular school. Some students are at Milpera for two years; other students are at Milpera for a few months; but all the students have a story to share and trauma to work through. 

There were nights I cried myself to sleep knowing the hardships particular students were fighting through. I cried for them to be safe. I pleaded that I could be the light in their day. I don't know what my impact was, but I know they impacted me. 

One particular day, when I was feel down and uncertain that I could make a positive difference in the students' lives, one of my beautiful students, also a Christian, made this yarn pencil cover for me. This small act was a HUGE encouragement!! It reminded me that day to persevere, and it will forever remind me of the students calling me "Miss Lovely". 

Milpera Girls AFL team about to score a try. They played well!

I have so many stories I could share! Of the wonderful opportunities that have opened up at church, of the local adventures and experiences Brisbane has to offer, of the ways God has been so good. To keep it brief, here are the photo highlights of the past couple of months. 

Mt Coot-tha Botanical Gardens.
Beautiful place and a great view!

Paintballing. A great study break! 

Roma Street Gardens in the heart of the city. 

This view reminds me of the presence of God.
A road paved gold and this would be heaven's gateway. 

The flower is the size of my head. Stunningly gigantic. 

Brisbane RiverFire. Helicopter pre-show.

Brisbane RiverFire. Fireworks at the Story Bridge. 

Fellow choir members for the INC Conference.
A great night down at the Gold Coast: "Let's start a wave!"

Young Adult Night @ Citipointe. We love this group!

Aaron Gillespie, lead singer of The Almost and drummer for
Paramore, shared a message on "It is well".
A muchly needed message for me!

Coolangatta Beach for Labour Day.
These coniferous trees reminded me of home :) 

Jordan and I are loving the opportunity to serve in the church.
This host team is absolutely fantastic!

We bought a car!! A great story of provision to go along with
this one, but let's just say the opportunities for work and
church involvement have multiplied. God is good! 

The Jacaranda Tree. It's raining purple in Brisbane this month!!

 I must admit that this week has been a challenging one. During days of discouragement, it is easy to look at others and covet their blessings. Social comparison is an absolute weakness of mine. I was in this exact state of mind when I tied up my shoes, put my earphones in place, tuned in to a message by Pastor Kevin, and set out for a run. In this state of mind, Pastor Kevin's preach on "Faithful To Give God Praise" turned my head to a new perspective.

"If we focus on the blessings of others, we lose sight of our own."

Last week, I was Skyping with my beautiful, encouraging, and inspirational sister when she said, "Jen, I wish I was like you. You are so inspirational." I needed to hear this. Not to boost my self-esteem, but to change my perspective. You see, I so often look at others, see their blessings, and wish I could have what God has given them. Some people pray with great boldness. Others are extremely creative teachers. Michelle has an amazing talent in all things related to food and craft. I do not often see myself as being talented or inspirational, especially on that day skyping with Michelle; but Michelle helped me to see that God has blessed me in ways that are unique to me and I need to be praising God for that!! 

Praise Reports:

• Jordan has nearly finished his first year of med school!! Post-exams, he will be interning with paediatric surgeons for the summer. Exciting times for him!!
• Jen's visa process is now beginning to move as meetings have taken place and paperwork is starting.
• God has provided a great car at a great price - the car has opened up more work opportunities for Jen and more church involvement opportunities for both Jordan and Jen 

Prayer Requests:

• Success in Jordan's exam, that he would be motivated to study and effectively retain and recall information during the exams
• Speedy progression of Jen's visa, that the school would be able to gather appropriate documents and the department of immigration approve it quickly
• Development of a lifestyle of trust and praise ... whether times are good or in the rough
• Continued provision for work, food, and finances so that Jen can properly support Jordan 

Thank you all for your love and support. For all you Canadians, keep posting fall photos please - I am missing that Canadian landscape! 

Sending you our love from Brisbane!

July: God is Good!

God is good!! As of July, Jordan and I have been in Australia for 7 months now. It's strange because I feel like so much has happened, yet we have not done much per se. The main purpose of us being here is for Jordan to study and train to be the doctor God has called him to be; so with his head buried in the books, pretty much all of our time has been spent in Brisbane.

At this point in time, Jordan is leaning towards becoming a paediatric surgeon. A beautiful endeavour with a beautiful purpose, but if I am correct here, it is a field so small, delicate, and detailed that it will take over 10 years to reach a fully qualified position. But already for Jordan, doors are opening as he has been approved for a summer internship with paediatric surgeons at the Children's Hospital. If God is calling Jordan to this specific role in medicine, then we are believing that God will open the seemingly closed doors, that God will widen the narrow pathway - He will make a way!

Jordan practicing skills at a Surgical Interest Group conference.
Love to see him in his element!

To be quite honest, this blog was really designed for Jordan and I to share OUR journey, but it has become more of just mine. The reality is, being in Australia has had different effects on the both of us. The big transition has really challenged by faith and made me deeply reflect on my actual dependence on God, rather than it being just a Christian cliché statement. I can tell you without a doubt that my faith has grown to new heights because of this move, and I believe that the same would not be true if we remained at home for these past 8 months. That's not to say that I haven't had my moments of break down and wondering what God was up to; but I have experienced Him 'come through' when I needed him and am continuing to learn how faithful He is.

1. Work Opportunities

I am so humbled to announce that I have accepted a job offer to teach Junior Secondary next year at Indooroopilly State High School!! I say humbled because I know that this opportunity is all God's doing. Let's be real here. The very day after introducing myself to the school staff and submitting my resume in February, I received work to supply teach at their secondary school. I am not even qualified to teach all secondary year levels. Keep in mind that a significant portion of the students look older than I do!

Several months into supply teaching at ISHS, the deputy principal approached me and asked me to apply for a teaching position. For me, this was the confidence boost and the confirmation that God was opening doors for me.

Despite the interview for this position being the first of its kind for me, I felt a strong sense of peace while waiting to be called in, like God was reminding me that He has it in His control and that it will all work out regardless. Walking out of the interview, it was one of the few times in my life, if not the only time, where I did not reflect back and wish I could/should have added or omitted anything. That in itself is a miracle and testifies to the fact that God really was with me in the interview, because I always look back and think of all the things I wished I had done differently.

When I received the phone call regarding the job offer, I couldn't believe that two answers to prayer came in one phone call! Not only did ISHS offer me a teaching position (Prayer 1) but they also offered to sponsor me for a permanent working visa that would allow me to stay in Australia while work for them full-time (Prayer 2). Hallelujah!

I am beyond excited to start teaching full-time, to be able to develop relationships with each student, and to care and love them like Jesus does. While I'm nervous about having the responsibility over kids' learning progress, my goal is to make a positive difference in EVERY student's life by shining the light of Jesus. If the Spirit is dwelling in me - full-on, every day - then I suppose I am more than suitable for this position :)

2. Anniversary Adventures

Lucky Jordan was cooped up studying for and writing exams on our anniversary so when we both had the first week of July off together, we took the opportunity to celebrate.

The Kookaburra, a hilariously-sounding bird!

Perhaps one of the laziest animals, sleeping 80% of the day
away, but certainly one of the cutest! 

Tis a joey!!

I now understand the phrase "boxing kangaroo".
They do literally box. This one roo was having too good of
a time taunting the other!

After a few light punches, the other roo replied with a quick
punch, knocking him over. Priceless to watch!! 

As if siblings, a mediator roo rushes to the scene to dissolve
the fight and separate the brothers.  The whole interaction
was quite hilarious!  

Mt Coot-tha, overlooking Brisbane CBD

Jordan and I took on the challenge of biking up Mt Coot-tha
with some friends. Needless to say, it was quite the
workout! Jordan was a great support :) 

3. Holiday Programmes

Even though I had two weeks off for semester break, God provided me with work at North Shore teaching for the holiday programme. I can't believe how intense some parents are about their kids receiving the best education, but I'm happy to have some work! 

The holiday programme is all about examination prep, so during day one, in one of the tests, there was a passage the kids had to read and answer questions regarding fish in the Bible. While taking up the test, one of the girls asked me, "What's the Bible?" What an opportunity! After asking the other students, all of them, except 2 of the 15, had absolutely no idea what the Bible was or where to find it. The question really caught me off guard, but I was grateful for the opportunity to openly share since it was a student-led question. I promised the class I would bring in my Bible to show them if they were interested. Some weren't too interested, but when a few came to look through my Bible, it brought such joy to my heart. Five of the students told me they wanted a copy of their own, so I went to Koorong, the Christian bookstore, and purchased Children's/Easy-Read New Testaments; I wrote a note in the NT to each of the students who wanted one, praying that the Spirit would use the Word to store their hearts. I have no idea what will result from this special moment with them, but I can only hope and pray that its a link in the chain to their salvation. These kids are in Grade 5. The earlier they surrender their lives to Christ, the better :) One girl made my heart soar when she came to me at the end of class and said, "Thank you so much. I'm going to read it tonight." Ahh! So excited!!

4. There's a baby!!

My brother is a father, how crazy is that!! So excited for Jason and Carolyn as their little miracle has entered the world. Weston Anthony, he's a cutie! Thankfully he has inherited most of the Jonkman genes as us Lobbezoo's were not so cute looking those first years ... seriously.

This little man is much too cute!!

Super duper proud grandparents!! 

Jordan and I are beyond excited for our family back home, and looking forward to how God is going to use us in our distinct fields here! Stay tuned for more updates!

Much love,

Jen