Hey everyone! Well, the past month has been CRAZY! I just recently returned from my month tour around New Zealand on the Kiwi Experience. This is a bus where you are travelling with foreigners from all over the world who are mainly right out of high school or in college...which I didn't realize. That, however, was totally fine. But the reality of what all went on during this tour is what made the journey very hard. For some reason, it never clicked that I might be the only Christian on this tour. I don't know why I never thought through this, but anyway. I know this time and experience was good for me, so for that I am thankful for it and I met some great friends along the way but to be very honest, it was a very difficult time. I have never felt so alone before and have never been so submerged into the party society. I saw things that for some reason, I never expected to see. I truly went through a period of shock during my time on this tour. The Lord really began to teach me so much and push me to not care so much what people think of me. He pushed me to be willing to speak of Him when the time was appropriate even if it meant losing the only friend I had gained. This journey was hard but good.
There is so much more that I learned while being there. Ya know sometimes it takes leaving to realize what you really want in life. That is definitely the case for me. Being in New Zealand for two months opened up my eyes to what I really long for...that is to settle down, buy a house, live close to family while my nieces and nephew are young, and discern my career calling. Therefore, as crazy as it may be, the desire to stay in New Zealand for the rest of the year was no longer appealing...not once I realized what I wanted. So, that being said, I am officially back in the States...specifically back to the good ole state of Mississippi! I have not a regret in the world for my decision. You live life once and you never know what you will learn until you take the step. Life is an adventure and I am anxious to see what is around the corner!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Sunday, February 8, 2009
The SIX hour hike to the Emerald Lakes
Can I just say that this past weekend was a blast and the best time for me yet! This past weekend myself and 3 others made our way to do the Tongariro Crossing, which is stated to be one of the most beautiful day hikes in the world. This hike is roughly to take about 8 hours leading you to the beautiful Emerald Lakes.
So, we met up Friday morning at 10 a.m., hooked up our mini mobile and ended up leaving around 10:30 or 11...one may be assuming the late departure was due to a female. However, to my humor, we were waiting on the male to finish packing! Oh, boy that made me laugh and changed all statements ever made for the female gender! Anyway, as we departed there, we were planning on stopping in 1 1/2 hours to have lunch at a one of the girls homes. However, being that I had only an apple for breakfast, I went ahead and ate an awesome burger and fries to tie me down until then. No one else was hungry and no one else ate two lunches that day except me...but that's okay...i am secure enough to handle that. So, we then stop for lunch and finally begin our intense push towards our destination. As one knows, no trip is ever complete without having a blowout! Aww...but this blowout didn't happen to our car, it happened to the poor sweet ole 1970's mini mobile! We luckily pulled over right in front of a pasture of cows...who seemed to laugh at us the whole time because for a period of time, they just stared and mooed at us. I only wish I knew what they were saying because we could've cooked us up a hamburger faster than those cows could've run! So, I helped change the tire as best every female normally does by watching so intensely. I watched so well that it feels as though I was actively a part! Anyway, now we get back on the road and begin our journey again. We made our first real destination to Huka Falls, which is white water rapids leading up to small waterfalls. It was beautiful. After a few more stops along the way, we finally arrive at our campground and set up our beautiful mini mobile and get some rest for the evening. (Man, there were so many moments I would love to share but I don't want to make you read for hours so I am leaving much out.)
Saturday morning, we woke up around 6 a.m. to begin preparing, cleaning up, and loading up or mini mobile in order to begin our hike on the Tongariro Crossing. This hike was absolutely incredible. It takes roughly 8 hours from start to finish...you have to set up transportation at the end of the hike because you have parked your car at the beginning. I tell you I wanted to weep multiple times along the way because of how absolutely beautiful this hike was...every corner held some new piece of God's beauty...there were either snow topped mountains, black covered volcanoes, awesome streams, beautiful waterfalls or the amazing emerald lakes! I couldn't help but think throughout this journey that God must find such joy and excitment in tucking away such pieces of beauty knowing that one day one of His children may find it bringing them such joy and leading them unto worship. I just know there must be hundreds of thousands of places like these that are hidden away in the middle of no where with some of the most remarkable displays of beauty ever known to mankind! This hike was not a bad hike at all! It had its moments but the intensity of the hike was so spread out that I literally loved every bit of it and never for a moment was so tired that I was ready for it to end...and maybe that is because around every corner there was always some new piece of creation for me to enjoy that I never even thought about it. There was almost every type of terrain (not sure that's right word but anyway) going through this. We had some straight paths, intense straight up walks, cliff walks with loose rocks (this part did really scare me), long downward slopes that were so steep that I sat on my rearend and slid down for a portion of this, walks over rocks in streams, and through paths in the woods (on a mountain of course). This walk was so diverse which made it absolutely incredible! I would truly encourage every person possible to take this hike. It just shows small pieces of the beauty the Lord has tucked away for us. It led me to such worship that Iwould truly love every person to experience what I was able to experience! I was literally so awestruck that hours later I sat outside and just wept.
Well, I am home now and am preparing for my next awesome adventure. I leave this Tuesday (no longer in a car that I am driving) on what is known as the "Kiwi Experience". This is an on and off the bus tour. It picks up backpackers taking them throughout their country stopping at cool sites and cities and giving us awesome adventure opportunties and beautiful scenic stops. We will be stopping each night and staying in backpackers lodges, and because this is an on/off bus tour...we can choose to stay in any city longer than that bus does because they have several buses that pass through all these towns...so you can jump on and off as you choose and stay as long or short in each city as you desire. Cool huh! So, anyway, this trip will be as short as 2 weeks or as long as I desire! Only time and my budget will tell!
Hope you all are doing so well and I would always ask for your prayers. Take care and I look forward to sharing more stories real soon!
So, we met up Friday morning at 10 a.m., hooked up our mini mobile and ended up leaving around 10:30 or 11...one may be assuming the late departure was due to a female. However, to my humor, we were waiting on the male to finish packing! Oh, boy that made me laugh and changed all statements ever made for the female gender! Anyway, as we departed there, we were planning on stopping in 1 1/2 hours to have lunch at a one of the girls homes. However, being that I had only an apple for breakfast, I went ahead and ate an awesome burger and fries to tie me down until then. No one else was hungry and no one else ate two lunches that day except me...but that's okay...i am secure enough to handle that. So, we then stop for lunch and finally begin our intense push towards our destination. As one knows, no trip is ever complete without having a blowout! Aww...but this blowout didn't happen to our car, it happened to the poor sweet ole 1970's mini mobile! We luckily pulled over right in front of a pasture of cows...who seemed to laugh at us the whole time because for a period of time, they just stared and mooed at us. I only wish I knew what they were saying because we could've cooked us up a hamburger faster than those cows could've run! So, I helped change the tire as best every female normally does by watching so intensely. I watched so well that it feels as though I was actively a part! Anyway, now we get back on the road and begin our journey again. We made our first real destination to Huka Falls, which is white water rapids leading up to small waterfalls. It was beautiful. After a few more stops along the way, we finally arrive at our campground and set up our beautiful mini mobile and get some rest for the evening. (Man, there were so many moments I would love to share but I don't want to make you read for hours so I am leaving much out.)
Saturday morning, we woke up around 6 a.m. to begin preparing, cleaning up, and loading up or mini mobile in order to begin our hike on the Tongariro Crossing. This hike was absolutely incredible. It takes roughly 8 hours from start to finish...you have to set up transportation at the end of the hike because you have parked your car at the beginning. I tell you I wanted to weep multiple times along the way because of how absolutely beautiful this hike was...every corner held some new piece of God's beauty...there were either snow topped mountains, black covered volcanoes, awesome streams, beautiful waterfalls or the amazing emerald lakes! I couldn't help but think throughout this journey that God must find such joy and excitment in tucking away such pieces of beauty knowing that one day one of His children may find it bringing them such joy and leading them unto worship. I just know there must be hundreds of thousands of places like these that are hidden away in the middle of no where with some of the most remarkable displays of beauty ever known to mankind! This hike was not a bad hike at all! It had its moments but the intensity of the hike was so spread out that I literally loved every bit of it and never for a moment was so tired that I was ready for it to end...and maybe that is because around every corner there was always some new piece of creation for me to enjoy that I never even thought about it. There was almost every type of terrain (not sure that's right word but anyway) going through this. We had some straight paths, intense straight up walks, cliff walks with loose rocks (this part did really scare me), long downward slopes that were so steep that I sat on my rearend and slid down for a portion of this, walks over rocks in streams, and through paths in the woods (on a mountain of course). This walk was so diverse which made it absolutely incredible! I would truly encourage every person possible to take this hike. It just shows small pieces of the beauty the Lord has tucked away for us. It led me to such worship that Iwould truly love every person to experience what I was able to experience! I was literally so awestruck that hours later I sat outside and just wept.
Well, I am home now and am preparing for my next awesome adventure. I leave this Tuesday (no longer in a car that I am driving) on what is known as the "Kiwi Experience". This is an on and off the bus tour. It picks up backpackers taking them throughout their country stopping at cool sites and cities and giving us awesome adventure opportunties and beautiful scenic stops. We will be stopping each night and staying in backpackers lodges, and because this is an on/off bus tour...we can choose to stay in any city longer than that bus does because they have several buses that pass through all these towns...so you can jump on and off as you choose and stay as long or short in each city as you desire. Cool huh! So, anyway, this trip will be as short as 2 weeks or as long as I desire! Only time and my budget will tell!
Hope you all are doing so well and I would always ask for your prayers. Take care and I look forward to sharing more stories real soon!
Near to Death Experience
Well, before I actually begin sharing how my life was nearly taken in a moments flash, I would like to draw an image for you...a large piece of metal darting towards your throat...hmmm...one must now wonder if I was an innocent bystander that was receiving the brunt of this situation or if it was a fight that I myself became a part of....hmmm...
Ok...so here's the story. I was sitting by myself very patiently on the sidewalk waiting for a LATE bus. I am, of course, observing the scenery to my right when from my left I hear squeeling tires. As I turn to look, the car swerves over the island hits a 2 foot metal sign which is now propelling directly towards my body! I don't know if I was in shock or just letting the sign know that I ain't scared of it because I didn't move or flinch at all (I would like to say it is because I am fearless!) This metal sign landed no more than 2 feet in front of my lefts and their license plate cover landed next to my arm! Two cars pulled over up the road and came back to check on me. I guess one of the cars thought I was standing and that the sign actually hit me causing me to fall. However, knowing my level of strenght and fearlessness, we know that didn't happen! The car that actually hit the sign turned around and came back to check on me. This is the part that I love. The girl in the passenger seat said "you didn't even move when it came your way did you?" I then kindly and very humbly, of course, stated "no, i sure didn't". I tell you what I felt like a superhero that day...as if one who laughed in the face of danger!!!
Well, hope this story reminds you that you never know how many minutes in your life are left because life could be taken in some of the most absurd and unexpected ways! So, live life to the fullest while you can or just never wait at a bus stop again! Carpe diem..."seize the day".
Ok...so here's the story. I was sitting by myself very patiently on the sidewalk waiting for a LATE bus. I am, of course, observing the scenery to my right when from my left I hear squeeling tires. As I turn to look, the car swerves over the island hits a 2 foot metal sign which is now propelling directly towards my body! I don't know if I was in shock or just letting the sign know that I ain't scared of it because I didn't move or flinch at all (I would like to say it is because I am fearless!) This metal sign landed no more than 2 feet in front of my lefts and their license plate cover landed next to my arm! Two cars pulled over up the road and came back to check on me. I guess one of the cars thought I was standing and that the sign actually hit me causing me to fall. However, knowing my level of strenght and fearlessness, we know that didn't happen! The car that actually hit the sign turned around and came back to check on me. This is the part that I love. The girl in the passenger seat said "you didn't even move when it came your way did you?" I then kindly and very humbly, of course, stated "no, i sure didn't". I tell you what I felt like a superhero that day...as if one who laughed in the face of danger!!!
Well, hope this story reminds you that you never know how many minutes in your life are left because life could be taken in some of the most absurd and unexpected ways! So, live life to the fullest while you can or just never wait at a bus stop again! Carpe diem..."seize the day".
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Wow, life in New Zealand
Wow...so sorry it has been SO long since I have written. Well, in case you didn't know, there are many differences in New Zealand. They have no air conditioning, so you raise your windows for air; they do not use dryers, so you can hang your clothes on a line...which might I add is slightly embarrassing if your not used to that; their toilet and shower are in two separate rooms; and of course, they drive on the wrong side of the road! Ya know, I must say that I love how much they embrace nature. I know that must sound corny and all, but allowing the outdoors to dry your clothes, always having your windows open for the outside air, etc... something about it absolutely give me such enjoyment here. I love that! Now for the part I don't love...whatever article I read that said New Zealand only has two types of spiders and they are rare...is a lie! I have seen more than two types and those critters are VERY common. One thought it would be funny to dangle down in front of my face the other night while I was sitting on my bed. You know how funny I thought it was...so funny that I killed that critter. Didn't even give him a chance to say his goodbyes to his family!
So, I am living in Manurewa, which is a community in Auckland. I honestly thought that wherever I live in New Zealand would have incredible beauty, however, the truth is it is just like anywhere else. Where I live is just like living in a part of Tennessee where you have loads of hills around you....which that is wonderful! But in order to see the beauty I was truly seeking, you must travel for it. I know, I know...call me crazy! Well, the Lord has been so kind and continues to surprise me daily at how quickly he is giving me friends here. It absolutely blows my mind. Because of that, I have been able to visit a few cool places recently. I went to Coromandel, which is this beach of indescribeable beauty. I have never seen anything like it before. Then, this past Saturday (or Friday for you readers) I went to Piha Beach, which is a surfers beach with a few friends. The sand here is black, yes I said black. Really weird but very neat! Of course, no person can go to a beach that has hills and not explore...so me and Alex (female friend of mine here) did! And guess what we found...a cool hole in a large massive rock that led to the ocean! Beautiful! Then, on Monday (your Sunday), I went with several others to Goat Island where we snorkelled. Can I just say that snorkelling makes me very nervous? For those of you laughing and thinking I am ridiculous, I want you to picture this for a moment. Being out in the ocean snorkelling around this island with a girl in your group who has cut up her leg so she is slightly bleeding...yes bleeding...what do sharks smell from miles away??? BLOOD! So, my chances of survival in my head are very slim! Needless to say, I continued to have visions of swimming swiftly from some massive shark, but thankfully I came out alive! However, it was really neat to be able to see another world that I haven't experienced but I don't think that will become a routine in my life...at least not until sharks become extinct!
All this being said, I have been able to see some remarkable things of which I am so thankful to the Lord for such an opportunity. However, all the girl friends I have made were mainly teachers and they were off for summer break. They are now starting back so I am spending much time at home this week because I do not have a car at this point. This, however, has been the most beautiful time of it all. I have been learning so much! The Lord and I have had such a damaged relationship that we have needed a good span of time to begin to work through things in order that we might reunite to such sweet fellowship again. So, even though I am seeing amazing sights know that the Lord and I are truly working through things that are so much more beautiful. So thankful for this time and am so anxious to update you on the adventures to come!
Heads up...I really look forward to sharing about my next adventure. On Feb 6th, a group of us will be camping out in the woods and then going on a 8 hour hike to the Emerald Lakes. I am so pumped but none of us are really prepared for this hike, so you should want to be a fly on the wall for this experience! Then, I will be renting a car for 3 weeks to travel throughout both islands. Must say that I am slightly nervous being that I am not used to driving on the WRONG SIDE OF THE ROAD! Anxious to share what it is to come and so thankful for the opportunities the Lord has made possible!
Miss you all SOOO much but am so thankful and excited for the opportunity the Lord has so graciously given to be here.
p.s. I am trying to post pictures on here but for some crazy reason, it isn't letting me. I am sure it is the user and not the program...but I am still learning how to use this blogger!
So, I am living in Manurewa, which is a community in Auckland. I honestly thought that wherever I live in New Zealand would have incredible beauty, however, the truth is it is just like anywhere else. Where I live is just like living in a part of Tennessee where you have loads of hills around you....which that is wonderful! But in order to see the beauty I was truly seeking, you must travel for it. I know, I know...call me crazy! Well, the Lord has been so kind and continues to surprise me daily at how quickly he is giving me friends here. It absolutely blows my mind. Because of that, I have been able to visit a few cool places recently. I went to Coromandel, which is this beach of indescribeable beauty. I have never seen anything like it before. Then, this past Saturday (or Friday for you readers) I went to Piha Beach, which is a surfers beach with a few friends. The sand here is black, yes I said black. Really weird but very neat! Of course, no person can go to a beach that has hills and not explore...so me and Alex (female friend of mine here) did! And guess what we found...a cool hole in a large massive rock that led to the ocean! Beautiful! Then, on Monday (your Sunday), I went with several others to Goat Island where we snorkelled. Can I just say that snorkelling makes me very nervous? For those of you laughing and thinking I am ridiculous, I want you to picture this for a moment. Being out in the ocean snorkelling around this island with a girl in your group who has cut up her leg so she is slightly bleeding...yes bleeding...what do sharks smell from miles away??? BLOOD! So, my chances of survival in my head are very slim! Needless to say, I continued to have visions of swimming swiftly from some massive shark, but thankfully I came out alive! However, it was really neat to be able to see another world that I haven't experienced but I don't think that will become a routine in my life...at least not until sharks become extinct!
All this being said, I have been able to see some remarkable things of which I am so thankful to the Lord for such an opportunity. However, all the girl friends I have made were mainly teachers and they were off for summer break. They are now starting back so I am spending much time at home this week because I do not have a car at this point. This, however, has been the most beautiful time of it all. I have been learning so much! The Lord and I have had such a damaged relationship that we have needed a good span of time to begin to work through things in order that we might reunite to such sweet fellowship again. So, even though I am seeing amazing sights know that the Lord and I are truly working through things that are so much more beautiful. So thankful for this time and am so anxious to update you on the adventures to come!
Heads up...I really look forward to sharing about my next adventure. On Feb 6th, a group of us will be camping out in the woods and then going on a 8 hour hike to the Emerald Lakes. I am so pumped but none of us are really prepared for this hike, so you should want to be a fly on the wall for this experience! Then, I will be renting a car for 3 weeks to travel throughout both islands. Must say that I am slightly nervous being that I am not used to driving on the WRONG SIDE OF THE ROAD! Anxious to share what it is to come and so thankful for the opportunities the Lord has made possible!
Miss you all SOOO much but am so thankful and excited for the opportunity the Lord has so graciously given to be here.
p.s. I am trying to post pictures on here but for some crazy reason, it isn't letting me. I am sure it is the user and not the program...but I am still learning how to use this blogger!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
The entertainment of travel
Well, hello everyone...but really it is only myself reading this right now because I have not actually invited anyone to read this yet! However, I am hoping to have some obsessive followers...it will be shameful to do all this typing for the pleasure of myself.
I can't believe it, but I am actually living in New Zealand right now. However, the flight experience leading to New Zealand I would not have wanted to miss for it made for great remembrances. First, there was the nauseaus man who ended sitting next "to who" on the plane?? Correct...lucky ole me! After a wonderful conversation, I notice him beginning to prepare his barf bag, which he then informed me that he normally throws up on planes. Of coure, my heart was rejoicing as he continued to share how on an earlier flight he had thrown up and the bag burst and went on those sitting next to him. I know you all may actually find this humorous...however, my heart laughed on the outside but truly wanted to give him some pill to knock him out for the entire trip! He then proceeded to say that I seemed like a person of grace so he felt as though I would be fine with the situation. BOY was he wrong! I guess that makes me a really good faker though huh. Finally, halfway through the trip, the boy begins to spit in his bag...yes I am saying spit. Disgusting huh, bless his little heart. Thankfully, I had to use the restroom or the loo as New Zealanders say tremendously bad...which was awesome timing. So, when I get back, I find out that he has thrown his bag away. However, towards the end of the flight, he felt nauseaus again, and the horrible thing is that WE HAD NO BARF BAG for him and he wasn't interested in asking for one! AHHHH! Talking about a plane ride that leads you to prayer!
Then, my next flight I ended up sitting in between two sweet older married gentleman. One loved New Zealand so much that he literally would NOT stop talking about it. He even pulled out a map and began sharing everything he knew about the North Island, I then began to notice that his map had the South Island on the back...my palms began to sweat as I feared his passion was so great for the country that he couldn't withstand not sharing the full spill. To make matters worse, I had about an prior taken a dramamine, which I was desperately beginning to feel the affects of. But this sweet man loved sharing so much that the constant lowering of the eyes meant nothing to him. Then, my fear became a reality, as he turned the map over to show me what???? EVERYTHING HE KNEW ABOUT THE SOUTH ISLAND! Then, a few hours later, the other gentleman on the other side of me, noticed that I ended up not sleeping well...this was the 10 1/2 hour flight. So, he offered me a sleeping pill...I have never been one to take medicine from strangers, so if any kids are reading this, DON'T YOU EVER DO THAT! However, I did this one time and might I say, it was the best thing ever! It knocked me out for probably a good 6-7 hours!
After we landed in Fiji, we had about an 3 hour layover. So, as I am sitting down relaxing and reading the book "Blue Like Jazz", I look up and begin to fear in my heart thinking surely this is not happening, but it was true...the sweet old man on the plane who loves New Zealand WANTED TO JOIN ME. So, then the stories continued!
As I have told you all the stories that made me smile, I must say that the Lord truly encouraged me through the flights and layovers. I truly did meet some great people during that time...one female that I plan on meeting up with in a few weeks or so.
Soli Deo Gloria!
I can't believe it, but I am actually living in New Zealand right now. However, the flight experience leading to New Zealand I would not have wanted to miss for it made for great remembrances. First, there was the nauseaus man who ended sitting next "to who" on the plane?? Correct...lucky ole me! After a wonderful conversation, I notice him beginning to prepare his barf bag, which he then informed me that he normally throws up on planes. Of coure, my heart was rejoicing as he continued to share how on an earlier flight he had thrown up and the bag burst and went on those sitting next to him. I know you all may actually find this humorous...however, my heart laughed on the outside but truly wanted to give him some pill to knock him out for the entire trip! He then proceeded to say that I seemed like a person of grace so he felt as though I would be fine with the situation. BOY was he wrong! I guess that makes me a really good faker though huh. Finally, halfway through the trip, the boy begins to spit in his bag...yes I am saying spit. Disgusting huh, bless his little heart. Thankfully, I had to use the restroom or the loo as New Zealanders say tremendously bad...which was awesome timing. So, when I get back, I find out that he has thrown his bag away. However, towards the end of the flight, he felt nauseaus again, and the horrible thing is that WE HAD NO BARF BAG for him and he wasn't interested in asking for one! AHHHH! Talking about a plane ride that leads you to prayer!
Then, my next flight I ended up sitting in between two sweet older married gentleman. One loved New Zealand so much that he literally would NOT stop talking about it. He even pulled out a map and began sharing everything he knew about the North Island, I then began to notice that his map had the South Island on the back...my palms began to sweat as I feared his passion was so great for the country that he couldn't withstand not sharing the full spill. To make matters worse, I had about an prior taken a dramamine, which I was desperately beginning to feel the affects of. But this sweet man loved sharing so much that the constant lowering of the eyes meant nothing to him. Then, my fear became a reality, as he turned the map over to show me what???? EVERYTHING HE KNEW ABOUT THE SOUTH ISLAND! Then, a few hours later, the other gentleman on the other side of me, noticed that I ended up not sleeping well...this was the 10 1/2 hour flight. So, he offered me a sleeping pill...I have never been one to take medicine from strangers, so if any kids are reading this, DON'T YOU EVER DO THAT! However, I did this one time and might I say, it was the best thing ever! It knocked me out for probably a good 6-7 hours!
After we landed in Fiji, we had about an 3 hour layover. So, as I am sitting down relaxing and reading the book "Blue Like Jazz", I look up and begin to fear in my heart thinking surely this is not happening, but it was true...the sweet old man on the plane who loves New Zealand WANTED TO JOIN ME. So, then the stories continued!
As I have told you all the stories that made me smile, I must say that the Lord truly encouraged me through the flights and layovers. I truly did meet some great people during that time...one female that I plan on meeting up with in a few weeks or so.
Soli Deo Gloria!
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