Hey everyone!
I am so sorry for neglecting you all... I wish I could spend more time posting here... But in all honesty, life is moving so fast - I don't even know how to write down what's going on.

All I can say is, God is SO good!

I shall continue to try to post photos on this blog, but if you really do want to know what's happening in my life and in the ministry that I am a part of, I would love it if you either emailed me, wrote me a letter, or messaged me on Facebook. I am so much better at writing directly to a person, than attempting to write everything for the general public.
PLEASE write me! I'd love to hear from all of you!
Blessings,

kristinallund@hotmail.com

I bike to work in the early-morning along the dewy canals... Just myself and a few people walking their dogs on the cobblestone streets.






By providing Shelter for refugees, travellers & families from around the world - I'm living out the basics of Christianity in the everyday.

I get to share the Gospel with everyone I come in contact with. Whether it be with words, or actions. I've had the opportunity to make people's day with just a smile... a hug... a word of encouragement.

I am beyond blessed to be here.

I do apologize for my lack of updates - life has been a bit crazy over the past few weeks.

So, I arrived in Amsterdam on 1 August. My connections all went smoothly and I met one of my 'house parents' at Central Station. The home I am living in is about a 15 minute walk from Central Station along numerous canals.
I am living in a house in the Jordaan district along with 35 others who are working at the ministry as well. I am sharing a room with a lovely gal named Grace - who is from Idaho and working here for a year.
Life in the ministry is amazing. As soon as I stepped foot in the hostel - I felt at home. I am primarily working as a receptionist at the hostel, and occasionally working in the cafe - preparing and serving food to guests.
 Everything I have experienced thus far is so overwhelming... I'm not sure how I can put into words all that I've experienced, and all God is teaching me.

Thank you so much for your prayers over the past few weeks... I am so glad to let you all know that - my residency for the Netherlands was approved! I have 2 meetings over the past few weeks at the City Hall to register with the government - so, continue to pray that I have all of the documentation that is needed for these meetings.
You can also be praying for my health... I have been under the weather over the past few weeks. Partially due to a cold [which has been passed around to everyone in the house!], but I am unsure as to the other cause of my feeling ill. Please be praying for healing, and wisdom as to when I should seek medical attention.

Thanks again for all of your love and support. I am really gonna try my best to keep you updated with what's going on in my life.

Love and blessings to you all!
Kristina

More photos & updates to come!
But in the meantime - here are a few photos from around my neighbourhood to "wet your appetite"

Well, I'm OFF!!
These past few weeks have been a whirlwind of packing and saying goodbyes.
I cannot believe that today is finally here... after 2 commissioning services at church this morning I shall be airport bound.

I am going to be working at The Shelter youth hostels alongside other young people who are passionate about missions. My job will consist of the day-to-day running of the hostel Jordan (ie cooking, cleaning, reception etc) and leading nightly Bible studies at the hostel for the lodgers.
Whilst working at the hostel I will be living in a community house with everyone I work with, that is half-way between the 2 hostels.

I am beyond excited for this new adventure... but I am still in desperate need of your prayers.

More updates to come - but in the meantime, I'd like to leave you with a picture of the general area I will be living in.
Love,
Stina

I forgot to mention...

     


I'm moving to Amsterdam!!!!!
  


  

I am trying to contain my excitement...


After being home from Australia for a year & a half - I hope that my next adventure is just around the corner.

Hillsong has been the highlight of my life thus far... It completely changed me. I was challenged & transformed, both by people, and experiences. But I didn't realize that my time back in the US these past 18 months would be even more challenging. I never questioned God's goodness, or his plan for my life... I was just wondering when my "layover" would be over. That's all my time here was. Just a "layover".

I've spent so many sleepless nights questioning my desires for leaving... wondering whether I was confusing God's will with my own... but then I got IT!


And I finally understand WHY I was put here. My dear friends and I have been in the middle of a majour spiritual battle this past year. Hearts have been broken, life's have been crushed, friendship have been torn apart, and every single one of us has been challenged in our faith. Yet we stayed strong, and clung to Jesus.
People could have strayed from the Lord, people could have let the pain overtake them, people could have let anger consume their lives... but God was gracious.
So, here we are in the aftermath of intense spiritual darkness... stronger.

I love the Lord's promise in Hebrews 13:5:

"I will never fail you

I will never abandon you"

And now here I am... Entering what could possibly be my next life-changing adventure - and I'm at peace about it. Yes, I have my moments of being anxious - especially considering the spiritual darkness that I will voluntarily be waltzing into. But I know if this works - it's God's will. And if it doesn't work - it's God's will.

I hope to be able to share with you all what this adventure is SOON!
And - given that this will be an adventure (hint: a passport & visa is required!), I shall be updating this blog more often with pictures, stories and, yes, coffee shop adventures.