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!