October in New Zealand

One of the things I like about October in New Zealand is that the weather is almost like October in America......can't say that about many other months here, but in many ways, October feels like what October is "supposed to" feel like. I'm realizing again what I always knew to be true about myself - I love the seasons. I love what each month (and therefore, it's respective season) feels like and represents. And so it's been pretty disheartening living in opposite seasons. Don't even get me started about the holidays being in summer.....sigh......

But anyways, it was cold, wet, and rainy today, so how did I spend my Sunday afternoon? Doing exactly what I would have done on a cold, wet, rainy October Sunday afternoon in America - baking. Pumpkin bread, for that matter. Very fitting for October. I also bought ingredients at the store today to make pumpkin cheesecake bars (your recipe looked great, Jaime! Want to give that one a try.) I think it's engrained deep into my subconscious that October means fall baking which means pumpkins. Good thing we still have 7 cans of pumpkin - imported from America - on our pantry shelf.

Nevermind the fact that it really is spring.

Great to have my hubby home

The drive up to Auckland airport was good - easy directions, but I have to admit I'm not much for driving on NZ roads. It sure isn't the 4 lane highway where you set the cruise on 70 and go. No, this is driving on roads with twists and turns and if you get stuck behind a slow truck, you're stuck. Until there's either a passing lane or a safe opportunity to pass. Or, you could happen to be driving behind a big truck carrying something quite large when two huge metal chains suddenly fall off and fly across the road. Of course, I'm not speaking from personal experience or anything........

But I made it safe and sound and was overjoyed to discover a Dunkin Donuts just outside the airport. They don't even have one of those in Kansas City! So yes, I stopped, and they had 2 bavarian cream donuts left. And I bought both of them. Can you say, "yummy"?

Aaron and I enjoyed a great little time away - beautiful hotel situated in the most beautiful countryside. It sure was great to see him again and to share all our stories from the last week.
And of course, when we got home, Taylor was sooo happy to see her Daddy!

On our way home, we stopped for lunch at a cafe recently voted "best in New Zealand". The food was really yummy ~ I think that will now have to become a regular stop whenever we drive through Matamata.

I do need to brag on my wonderful husband for a bit....he sure knows how to make his wife happy. The presents he brought me back from Fiji? Two containers of American Kraft Mayonaise, a huge container of Kraft parmesean cheese, and a huge bottle of Hidden Valley Ranch dressing! Seriously, that made my week! Apparently there's some sort of Sam's/Costo sort of place there with lots of American stuff, so he cleaned up. He also brought me back this cool little flax woven basket/bag sort of thing with coconut soap, lotion, body butter, etc. in it. And he bought Taylor the cutest little island dress for summer time. He's got such great taste and knows what His family loves!

Strawberry Time

Strawberries are now in season - what a long-awaited joy! I've been anxiously waiting for strawberries to make their appearance on the store shelves......for a decent price. Since we're now in the southern hemisphere and found ourselves in the middle of winter in what "should have been" strawberry season (June-August), I've had to wait what seems like an enormously long time (admittedly only a few extra months) for those fresh, sweet, ripe strawberries to make their grand entrance into the grocery stores. And after my first experience today of New Zealand strawberries, I'm just about convinced that these could just be the best strawberries on the planet: bright red, slightly glossy, big, plump, juicy, and sweet!

Anyways, moving right along to more important things, this evening I drive up to Auckland to pick up Aaron from the airport - can't wait to see him! We managed to squeeze out a tremendously good deal at this hotel, so Nic is going to have Taylor for the night, and Aaron and I will enjoy a nice little getaway before venturing back home sometime tomorrow. I know he'll be anxious to see his littlest princess, too, so we probably won't spend the whole day away, but even so, it will be nice to have some good time together since he's been gone all week. Yeah!

A Potpouri of Subjects...

Aaron got off good today to Fiji. It's funny what perspective does.....there was a time in our marriage when him being gone for any longer than just a weekend seemed like a long time. Now, if he's gone for less than 2 weeks, it's nothing! :-)

The interns have been serving incredibly this weekend at a community outreach called "Party in the Park" which was held this afternoon. It is what it is - a party in the park - that is put on by a local church and also by a local Christian non-profit organization that works with underpriviledged children and provides housing for those whose parents aren't able to raise them. It was pretty low-key in terms of proclaiming the Gospel, basically just a practical way for the local church to get out and serve the community. The interns were on-site available to pray for anyone with any needs, and also just to "prayer walk" around the park. They also served like crazy helping to set everything up, and also tearing everything down tonight. They'll enjoy their much-deserved day off tomorrow!

This event was held in a park on literally the worst street in the roughest neighborhood in Tauranga. Nothing like New York City, but definitely pretty rough in comparison with other neighborhoods around here. It was the first time since we moved here that I really saw that part of the city. I was definitley out of my comfort zone, but it was really good for me to see this part of our city, not just mid-to-upper class suburbia. It helped me to get a broader picture and fuller understanding of the city we live in; to get a small, short glimpse into what life might be like for some people on the other side of town; to hopefully be reminded again of the Father's heart for the poor; and to now have faces in my mind for the people that we are laboring in prayer for when we're in the prayer room each morning.

So, with Aaron gone this week, I'm teaching on Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday night, but not my usual Friday night. So that means that I've got only a couple more days to put some notes together. Yikes! I think I better get to work. (Or maybe get some sleep......one of the two!)

Taylor's Latest Accomplishment

Okay, so every parent gets to brag on their kids just a bit.

When we were in the States, one of my friends told me about this DVD - Leap Frog's "Letter Factory". We bought it on her recommendation, and it has quickly become Taylor's favorite. (And since it's so educational, mom doesn't mind her watching a dvd quite as much....) After a couple weeks of watching it, Taylor has very quickly started learning her letters - and the sounds they make. I've also started working with her (almost) daily using her Fridge Phonics. I'll ask her if she can find a certain letter, and often she picks the right one....many times also telling me the sound it makes. In fact, she knows 16 of her letters so far. Wahoo! She's such a clever little cookie....

A well overdue post

Well, after falling off the blogging bandwagon this week, I think it's about time to get with it again. Every now and then I hit these blogging slumps....

We had a great week off. It was kinda strange having another break after just having 3 weeks away in the States, but it was still fun....no complaints here! :-) We started up again back into the routine yesterday, and it was really great to be back in the prayer room.

This week we were also able to welcome Dalton and Anna back into town. Dalton and Anna did the last internship, and were married in Scotland last month! It's so, so awesome to have them back with us....they are a great gift to us personally, as well as to this community and to this city/nation.

Next week, we also get to welcome back another couple from our first internship, who also got married last month. Jess and Jordan are headed back here on Wednesday, and we're excited to see them, too! We feel so strengthened with the return of both these couples; they both carry such a heart for the Lord and for the raising up of the house of prayer here. The Lord is definitely continuing to gather comrades around us.

Finally, the last pice of news for the night is that on Sunday, Aaron heads off to Fiji to teach at the IES school that Josh and Misty are leading. It's going to be weird not having him around. This is the first time since we've come to NZ that he's gone away for more than a night. I always miss him when he goes, but I learned long ago that it's important to make those time when he goes away a positive experience rather than a negative one that I dread every time. So now, I almost look forward to being able to do some things that I don't always get to do, like cook all the meals for dinner that he doesn't like (but I love!), having the freedom to come and go as I like without having to think about if he needs the car, and so on and so forth. And now that little Taylor is definitely old enough to understand that Daddy isn't around, hopefully I'll be able to come up with some fun things to do with her so that she, too, can learn that Daddy going away isn't always all bad.

And with that, I think I'm ready to call it a night. Prayer room tomorrow morning.....no staying up late for me tonight! :-)

Play Center

Taylor had a blast this morning at play center! It was great to see Kylie and Isabel again, especially after not seeing them for about 6 weeks. Taylor thought that was great fun! She also enjoyed playing with all the toys - both inside and outside.

Taylor's not too sure if she wants to join in the mess......


She's decided to add the water, and let Kylie do all the messy mixing!


Counting with Mom


Enjoying a little something to eat - playing so hard sure works up a good appetite!


The play center is really a great concept. It's mostly government-funded and provides an environment for parents to play with and teach their kids, as well as learn more about parenting and how to provide a opportunities at home for learning and stimulation. I'm not yet sure if this is something we'll sign up for to do every week, but I'm thinking it might be really good for Taylor. Since, by nature, she tends to be a bit more shy in new situations and hesitant to jump into new things (hmmm....wonder where she gets that from?!), I think this would be a good place for her to have the opportunity to get more confident in a setting with lots of kids and various new activities, ultimately preparing her for pre-school and/or school....all this with mom still nearby and able to still play an active role in her growth and development. Sounds like a pretty good thing to me! Thanks, Isabel, for inviting us to come along today - it sure was lots of fun.

South Pacific Geography

In response to the comment about the location of Vanuatu, here is a good map of the south pacific.

There you go, "PW"! :-)

Break

Today marked the start of the mid-internship week break. It feels kinda funny to be on break again, after just having 3 weeks away in the States.....but the nice thing about this break is that since I'm not really feeling behind on things, I'm not playing the "catch-up game" on life this week. That means that I get to do some of the things that I enjoy doing, but rarely have time for - like sitting and watching the baseball playoffs today during Taylor's nap, doing some scrapbooking this evening, and hopefully also spending some good time on the keyboard. I also took some time this afternoon to hang some pictures on the wall....I figured it's about time, seeing as how we've been living here almost 3 months now! :-)

Tomorrow morning, Taylor and I are going with Isabel and Kylie to a play center. I've never been before, but I'm told that it's kinda like a pre-school, except the parents stay and play with their children, instead of dropping them off. Kylie has been sick since we've been back, so Taylor hasn't yet been able to see her....she's excited to be able to play with her friend tomorrow!

A Bit of South Pacific History

On May 14, 1606, a Spanish explorer, Pedro Ferdinand de Quiros landed on the island of Vanuatu. Upon his arrival to the island, he held a mass and set off fireworks in celebration of his discovers. Following is his proclamation from that day:

Let the heavens, the earth, the waters with all their creatures, and those present, witness that I, Captain Pedro Ferdinana de Quiros....in the name of Jesus Christ...hoist this emblem of the holy cross on which His person was crucified and whereon He gave His life for the ransom and remedy of all the human race...on this day of Pentecost, 14th May....I take possession of all this part of the south as far as the pole in the name of Jesus...which from now on shall be called the southern land of the Holy Ghost...and this always and forever....and to the end that to all natives, in all the said lands, the holy and sacred evangel may be preached zealously and openly.
(Taken from this website, quote originally taken from "Honoring Australia's Christian Heritage", by Col Stringer)

Talk about a stunning prophetic declaration over this region of the South Pacific! Gotta love that.

Thoughts and Musings

New Zealand gives new definition to the phrase, "Change like the weather." As I type, I am staring through the window at the strange displays of weather. Numerious squalls have blown through today, but the gray clouds have quickly been fading to reveal bright sunny skies, only to be replaced moments later by another squall with copious amounts of wind and rain. It really is odd to see both bright, sunny, blue skies and gray rain clouds within moments of each other.

But enough thoughts on the weather. Taylor is now sleeping, and I have found my favorite haven to which I retreat daily during naptime.....a nice spot in the middle of our large, comfy couch, with my feet proped up on the coffee table. This is one of my favorite times of the day. The house is quiet, and I am left with my own thoughts and musings (and hopefully some of God's, as well)...... most of the time directed toward preparing for my Friday night teaching. Although we have no class this Friday (Thursday marks the beginning of the mid-internship week-long break), I still think I may take this opportunity to dive into some study. I'm really starting to enjoy the study and preparation that goes into teaching. Whereas before it was mostly draining and laborsome, now it is starting to be lifegiving and rewarding. To the point where I look forward to it in my day. Maybe I'm just getting used to exercising that muscle and it doesn't hurt as bad now. Maybe it's because there is grace to encounter God in the midst of this time, and that translates as life to my heart. Maybe it's both. But whatever the reason, I am grateful. So.....enough said. Time to study. And hopefully today, I'll be hearing God's thoughts and musings rather than my own.

Welcome to the world, little Zoe!

I'd like to draw your attention to Randy and Kelsey's blogs. This couple is good friends of ours from Kansas City, and within the last few days have been living out their long-awaited dream of adopting a little girl. They're in Las Vegas as we speak, in the process of picking up their girl, Zoe, from the hospital. My heart is rejoicing for them as they get to see in time and space the goodness and kindness of a God who answers prayer. Hopefully you'll enjoy their story, too.

Back in the Saddle

We certainly have hit the ground running since being back. It has been a full-go week with the internship and the house of prayer, and I've been trying to remember how to get back into the routine of life. I led a devo on Tuesday, (which was great fun), and today, I managed to navagate again the waters of intercession. Though a slow start, the prayer meeting actually turned out pretty good in the end, as we managed to catch a few currents and feel the presence of the Lord with us as we prayed and sang.

The last few days, I've also been working on my teaching for class on Friday night, this week being the "Introduction to the Bridal Paradigm". I'm thinking it will end up being the first of an 8-part series, of which I'm really excited about. For several months now, I've been throwing around some ideas on paper for a series of teachings on the story of God and man(kind). Yesterday, I had this thought to try to combine those ideas with the content that I'm wanting to teach on the bridal paradigm - and it seems to be merging together beautifully. Of course, it always has potential to be a flop when I actually stand up and teach it, but hey - it's a nice feeling to be looking forward to teaching, rather than dreading it! :-)

Home Safe and Sound

My last few days in the States were as wonderful as could be - savoring last moments with friends and family, doing lots of last-minute shopping, and trying to sleep in between it all.

Taylor was incredible on the flights home. She slept for 9-10 hours from L.A. to Auckland (no exaggeration), and I think that I got perhaps the best sleep I have ever gotten on that flight. We're still feeling a bit jet-lagged on this end, but traveling west is much easier than traveling east, so hopefully within a few days we'll be back to normal.

So, after traveling so extinsively the last few weeks, I have made a couple of acute observations on the differences between New Zealand and America, especially when it comes to airports. You know you're in New Zealand when....

.....The flight attendant approaches you immediately when you find your seat on the airplane, asks if you're traveling alone (with a sleeping toddler), helps you get settled, and then brings you a glass of water. Repeat scenario while waiting for luggage, this time by an airport volunteer who helped me get all my bags through customs.....with no tipping expected or required.

.....While sitting in the airport waiting lounge in Auckland, not one person in sight was talking on a cell phone or using a laptop. Yes, in some ways it feels like America 20 years ago.

......Also while sitting in the said airport, there is a group of about 7 guys obviously part of a rubgy team waiting for their flight. They're passing the time by throwing a rugby ball around inside the airport. And no one stops them.

.....Once on the plane, not only was the cockpit door unlocked, but it was left wide open for the duration of the flight. And did I mention that no one is required to go through any sort of security screening? Maybe that has something to do with the fact that the plane only seats maximum of 20 people - and that's a generous count.

I don't think we're in Kansas anymore.....