picture update! and we saw a sign for "Titanic: the Musical" any takers?

local ads

The view at the supermarket!

this is the rain from a rain, sun, rain, sun, rain day

pretty

Teammate Alycia had some issues

Leaving our mark

The coast by where the previous post was written about

This is our team and our "Rockstar" picture at the Maori "Bay of Whales" where our cottage was

rest

So I am in the land that invented bungee jumping. A place where the Rugby Team of the All Blacks rules all. A place where hobbits have once roamed.

I got into New Zealand Tuesday morning. I am 19 hours ahead of you all, so my Monday was very short and spent entirely on an airplane. We took a ferry to inner Auckland and explored for a bit. The time was "sweet as" (NZ for cool) to get to know my amazing team leader Janeen, and mates Alycia and Sarah. We are still missing one from Arkansas, but she gets in tomorrow morning. We bought "gummies" (rain boots) and headed to our rented cottage.

Janeen said something that really struck me. She said that when God created man, man got the seventh day off. He rested before all of the work begun and as Americans sometimes we have to change our mindset to rest first and then work hard. So we are taking three days to relax, chat, and prepare our hearts and minds for God's work.

One of the best things, is our cottage is just a short walk down to the Maori "Bay of Whales." We have yet to spot an Orca, but we did apparently have a penguin at our house a few nights ago! No one saw it sadly as they aren't fond of daytime or people.

For those of you asking, YES! It is cold! I am totally wearing four layers now and sometimes wear five! Sleep is going well as though indoor heating is foreign here, we build a fire each day and have hot water bottles (hotties) to put under our sheets. So i sleep with a hottie every night! :)

Friday, we begin the hard work and split up to team with other international leaders to work with other internationals to teach them about Christ. We'll be doing that for just under a week and then we begin the trek down south.

I feel confident this is where I am supposed to be, and am so thankful of all of you for your involvement in me and this trip. Yes, I miss you guys, but what an amazing opportunity I have here to delight in the Lord's creation and put myself faith first into his arms.

I pray for all of you as well, that these next six plus weeks, God will push you to grow closer to him. That He will embrace you so strong and give you confidence you are placed wherever you are at for a reason. I love you all!

For the joy of New Zealand and the nations!
-Alicia D.

NZ

I've landed! I am now in the land of te Kiwi. It is 17 hours ahead of Texas and 19 hous ahead of AZ. I'llupdate more when i get a chance. Love you all and thank you so much for all your encouragement and prayers.

"Don't worry about today, it's already tomorrow in Australia." -Charles Schultz

Well, I'm in the future now! Relax! Spread the news!

And so I bid adeu to my flip flop, shorts, and shades...

In just over six hours I begin my journey abroad. I leave Tempe, AZ for San Fransisco. I am blessed to be able to have a "long" layover and visit my good friend Katy in NorCal for two days before my long flight to Auckland. I'm up late packing, praying, and finishing preperations for my trip! I'm to the point where beyond preperations, I am so excited to be going to NZ.

Look at the Nations and watch-

And be utterly amazed.

FOR I AM GOING to do something

in these days that you would not believe

even if you were told.

Hab. 1:5

Thank you again so much for your support and prayer. I'll be keeping you updated on here.