Choice!

The museum stairs I fell down...
The beautiful rainbow near the museum
My foster mom, Stephanie
My foster dad, Walter
I like this picure of the city :)

wop-wops

I apologize for not updating my blog this past week. I've been spending a lot of time with people from church and I've also been quite addicted to the last Harry Potter book. I don't fully understand part of the ending, so if anyone has read it and wants to explain, please email me. :)

So what have I been up to?

I've spent quite a lot of time with my "flatmates," Stephanie and Walter. We went to Mission Bay one day, as well as some other perfect summer spots. Unfortunately, it has rained quite a bit here lately, so my pictures aren't the greatest. While we were in Mission Bay, I was happy to see they have a Movenpick, an ice cream shop I loved in Germany. Also, we stopped to get some fish and chips. Seeing as how I don't eat seafood though, I just got the chips.

One of the brothers, Mo, met me downtown one day. We went to the Auckland Museum and the botanical gardens next door. It should come as no surprise that as we were leaving the Museum, I was totally into the view and fell down the concrete stairs. As Mo tried not to laugh, I didn't hold back. The bruises I acquire are more like trophies these days, and the one on my back is one to be proud of. The museum was different from other's I've been to. It was full of the most random stuff, but was enjoyable nonetheless. As we were leaving, it began to pour (big surprise), but I got to see the most defined rainbow I've ever laid eyes on.

Stephanie and Walter left me in charge on Friday night during the Singles event that took place at their house. That was interesting...people kept asking me where things were, and I didn't know. Oops.

I've been getting to know another married couple as well, Deanna and Mark. They have two cute little boys that are always providing some sort of entertainment.

Yesterday I went downtown to apply at more hotels. I also hung out with Julia for a bit. She's currently working at a cafe, but only plans to stay in Auckland for two months. Afterwards, she is planning to travel and work throughout the country. While everything in me would love to do the same, I don't think that would be wise for me spiritually. I will do some traveling while I'm here, but I think it's best that I stay based in Auckland.

Besides, I like my living situation. Walter and Stephanie have been great and done everything they can to make me feel welcome. I also don't mind riding the train to and from the city. It's not that cheap, but considering the fact that I don't have a car, it's not that bad. Not only that, but the idea of driving on the other side of the road freaks me out. For instance, last night I tried to get in on the driver's side. Roundabouts also scare me, and I'm still constantly reminding myself to look RIGHT-LEFT-RIGHT before crossing the street. Don't worry, I use the crosswalk when I can.

I was hoping that I would be able to pick up the accent while I am here, but I've found that to be impossible. It's easier to mock an Australian, but the Kiwi's sound different. Walter and Stephanie have been laughing at me as I try to mimic them. Every word I say sounds British. I don't get it. I can have a British accent any time I want, but I cannot sound like a Kiwi at all. Sigh.

It's almost been like learning a foreign language in some aspects. For instance, the trunk of a car is called a boot. I love the differences. I'm going to be really messed up when I come back to the States. Ha ha.

Well, I must go now. I will post pictures soon! (Maybe even today?)

Sweet As....

I have arrived in Auckland safely...and I love this place.

I got stopped at customs b/c my work permit wasn't in their system, but about 30 minutes later, I was finally on my way. A brother from the church in Auckland was at the airport to pick me up, and from there we went straight to church. Surprisingly, I slept most of the way on the plane, so I was able to stay awake during church. :)

The church here has welcomed me with open arms. I met a lot of people, and even though the church is small, there are quite a few singles. A bunch of us went out to lunch too, and I'm really looking forward to getting to know them better.

After 11 hours of sleep (I wish this was normal for me!), I woke up and went to my program's orientation. It was only about two hours long, and quite informative. There was a girl from Germany there, and so of course I had to talk to her. So after the orientation, we went and walked around a bit, then stopped by the bank. She later hung out with me and another brother from the church for most of the day.

Sadly, the job hunt begins tomorrow. While I've enjoyed my time relaxing since May, it's about time to start working again. I've got a few ideas as to where I want to apply, so hopefully one of those will work out.

I'm a bit tired still, so I think I might go crash now. I hope all is well back at home!

And so my adventure begins...

I leave for New Zealand today! It hasn't really hit me yet. When I think about past vacations, reality normally doesn't sink in until a few days later.

I'm looking forward to being a part of the church in Auckland. I hope that I can serve and help in any way possible, as well as learn more about God. I pray that you all have a wonderful year ahead of you, full of blessings and God's love.

I leave you with the verse I plan to engrave on my heart this year:

"Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light for my path.
I have taken an oath and confirmed it,
that I will follow your righteous laws."
~Psalm 119:105-106

P.S. If any female has not read the book, Secure In Heart, I HIGHLY recommend it!