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.
About Me
- spartacus21
- I'm a Texan who went west and graduated from Arizona State University. I west farther west into California for three years, and now I'm in Pennsylvania. I work for the non-profit organization the Navigators where I will be ministering at Penn State for the next two years.
4 comments:
I'm so glad you're taking time to rest. God will totally refresh you over the next few days.
...and yes, I'm completely jealous of you and your hottie. I want one, hahaha.
Oh, a couple more things...I was just reading a design article about how the All Blacks had an ad campaign in which each member of the team had their blood drawn and mixed with ink that was used to print their campaign posters a few years ago. Isn't that awesome?! oh, and bring back a penguin for me!
I'm glad you're there!
Did you figure out the Maori dilemma?
Penguins are antisocial?
How is the future?
Things are good here. I still haven't packed and I'm still wasting time. Check out my blog to see what I just bought for my room!
Miss you! see you soon!
lol... hottie. you know i couldn't pass up a comment on that.
anyway, lots of love coming to you from ohio! i'm glad that you're doing well and getting some rest. i feel like that's really great for you.
oh and i wanted to text you today because i was walking into applebees with my friend charity today, and they were playing "brandy" and i missed you all over again.
love you. can't wait to hear what you're learning!
I love penguins. Take a picture of one for me...when you're outside at night.... freezing in your eight layers of clothes...
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