Dear friends and family,
It has come to my attention that there is a vile website that has attached itself to my blog's address. I apologise to anyone that knows what I am talking about. However, since I cant seem to rid myself of it, I am moving to a different webpage.
I also decided that since I am starting a new chapter in my life, that I should have a new blog celebrating that fact. Sam and I can now be found at samandnickivandyke.blogspot.com.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Merry Christmas...
Sam and I drove up to my parents place for the weekend before Christmas and stayed through till Christmas Day. Christmas is normally not a big thing in my family. We dont always do the gifts, or the tree or the decorations. But it is always a day for family and rest. This year we did it all...
It was so nice to be home...and I even felt like an American college student going home for the holidays. Sam and I arrived after dark, and as we drove near the house, it was fun to see the Christmas lights were up. Dad had spent some time making it look very festive. There was even a decorated Christmas tree with presents under it.
On Saturday we did some wedding planning and Mum and I went to look at Bridal gowns. We went to the Christmas service at Hickman Community Church on Sunday, and it was nice to catch up with a lot of folks there. Beckie came home from New Zealand on Monday, so we spent most of the day in San Fransico after picking her up. On Tuesday, we had a family devotion, opened our gifts, prepared the Christmas meal, and played with our new "toys." Beckie posted some pictures on her blog from the day.
The weekend was full of talking, laughing, game playing, driving, gift giving, singing, planning, napping, cooking, eating, and looking at Christmas lights. It was also a time to reflect on the most important person in our lives...Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He IS the reason for the season, and I think that we so quickly forget it.
Merry Christmas...
It was so nice to be home...and I even felt like an American college student going home for the holidays. Sam and I arrived after dark, and as we drove near the house, it was fun to see the Christmas lights were up. Dad had spent some time making it look very festive. There was even a decorated Christmas tree with presents under it.
On Saturday we did some wedding planning and Mum and I went to look at Bridal gowns. We went to the Christmas service at Hickman Community Church on Sunday, and it was nice to catch up with a lot of folks there. Beckie came home from New Zealand on Monday, so we spent most of the day in San Fransico after picking her up. On Tuesday, we had a family devotion, opened our gifts, prepared the Christmas meal, and played with our new "toys." Beckie posted some pictures on her blog from the day.
The weekend was full of talking, laughing, game playing, driving, gift giving, singing, planning, napping, cooking, eating, and looking at Christmas lights. It was also a time to reflect on the most important person in our lives...Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He IS the reason for the season, and I think that we so quickly forget it.
Merry Christmas...
Saturday, December 15, 2007
One down...Seven to go....
Well it is official. I made it through my first semester in College. On thursday I took my last final and on Friday I finished work. I now have about a months break before the next semester starts.
This year has been quite the challenge. I took 5 classes, which isnt too many, but it took some adjusting for me. I had to learn to juggle homework, ministry, work, and free time. (I never did get the hang of juggling.) But I have learned some valuable lessons, and am really looking forward to my next semester.
The Lord has been so gracious to me during this semster. I have learned the importance of the lessons that you learn outside the classroom, as well as what you learn in the classroom. I learned a lot about myself and how lazy I am, how unmotivated I can be and how selfish I can be. My prayer is that in learning these lessons, I will not forget them next semester.
I have learned to trust the Lord in new ways and in new areas. I have learned to rely on his strength. I have learned to do the best that I could and to accept the outcome of that effort. I have learned to praise Him in the busy times as well as the good times. He truly is my strength and portion, the God of my Salvation.
This year has been quite the challenge. I took 5 classes, which isnt too many, but it took some adjusting for me. I had to learn to juggle homework, ministry, work, and free time. (I never did get the hang of juggling.) But I have learned some valuable lessons, and am really looking forward to my next semester.
The Lord has been so gracious to me during this semster. I have learned the importance of the lessons that you learn outside the classroom, as well as what you learn in the classroom. I learned a lot about myself and how lazy I am, how unmotivated I can be and how selfish I can be. My prayer is that in learning these lessons, I will not forget them next semester.
I have learned to trust the Lord in new ways and in new areas. I have learned to rely on his strength. I have learned to do the best that I could and to accept the outcome of that effort. I have learned to praise Him in the busy times as well as the good times. He truly is my strength and portion, the God of my Salvation.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
It feels like winter...
It is winter...and today actually feels like winter. For the last few weeks it has been getting colder, but in the last two days it started to freeze. Ok, not quite literally, but once you are used to the Californian heat, even a small drop in temperature is like freezing. Last night, it started raining and today there were clouds all over the place. It is sunset, and as I am looking out the window everything looks grey, except for the purple and orange tones from that are eminating from the setting sun.
This has matched my mood for the majority of the day. I have been sick and trying to sleep away a cold for most of the day. I have been feeling very grey, but right now as I am watching the sunset through the window, I can feel my heart also eminating some very beautiful colors. I am sitting on the couch snuggled in my blankets with a box of tissues next to me and a hot bowl of soup on the side table. There is a blazing fire in front of me, and the one who has decided to take care of me is sitting on the floor reading, trying to study. I am afraid, he is probably not having much success, for he has been caring for me, lighting a fire and making sure I have everything I need.
My heart is overflowing with thankfulness. I have felt miserable all day; grey like the sky outside till I realized just how much I was loved. Then the color shone through; and though I am still sick, I feel glorious like the setting sun. The Lord truly does take care of those who love him, and He has provided for me one who still loves me even though he has seen me at my low. I was reminded of how God loves us when we are at our low; so low we even hated Him. Yet He cared for us, drawing us to Him and saving us from that which was killing us - our sin.
Thank you, Sam, for brightening my spirits when they were feeling so low...and for caring for me. I love you very much. ♥
This has matched my mood for the majority of the day. I have been sick and trying to sleep away a cold for most of the day. I have been feeling very grey, but right now as I am watching the sunset through the window, I can feel my heart also eminating some very beautiful colors. I am sitting on the couch snuggled in my blankets with a box of tissues next to me and a hot bowl of soup on the side table. There is a blazing fire in front of me, and the one who has decided to take care of me is sitting on the floor reading, trying to study. I am afraid, he is probably not having much success, for he has been caring for me, lighting a fire and making sure I have everything I need.
My heart is overflowing with thankfulness. I have felt miserable all day; grey like the sky outside till I realized just how much I was loved. Then the color shone through; and though I am still sick, I feel glorious like the setting sun. The Lord truly does take care of those who love him, and He has provided for me one who still loves me even though he has seen me at my low. I was reminded of how God loves us when we are at our low; so low we even hated Him. Yet He cared for us, drawing us to Him and saving us from that which was killing us - our sin.
Thank you, Sam, for brightening my spirits when they were feeling so low...and for caring for me. I love you very much. ♥
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Im Engaged....
You heard me right...
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On thanksgiving morning, at the top of a mountain overlooking LA, Sam knelt down and asked me to marry him. He had it all very elaborately planned and I had no idea.
Three weeks ago, he had travelled to see my parents and to ask for my Dad's permission to marry me. Sam told me he was spending the afternoon and evening with his sister, Cassia, and they would be watching movies and hanging out, which they did...in the car.
In the morning of November 22nd, we went for our hike. I didn’t realize that Lukas and Cassia, Sam's siblings, and Beckie and Reu, were already hiking the trail...only about 20 minutes ahead of us. They had all had excuses why they couldn’t do the hike with us. But I didn’t mind...I was thankful just to be with Sam. It was so quiet and peaceful on the trail. We made it to the top of the trail, after a few stops for me to catch my breath, and I looked out over the San Fernando Valley. It was glorious...the sun was shining, but there was a fog bank that covered half the valley and was slowly dissipating. Sam said it wasn’t enough...If we climb this last steep part, we can see a whole lot more of the valley. So we did....and I might say it was a very steep climb, but well worth it for the view. So we were standing at the edge looking out at the view and catching our breath and little did I know that Lukas was only about four feet below us, hidden in a bush.
Now that I had caught my breath, Sam started moving off to the right, so I followed him. As I turned, I saw that behind me was a mound, and a heart of roses. I looked back at Sam, and he had dropped to one knee. I think if I was an emotional person, I would have cried...but as it was I was just speechless. Sam caught me totally by surprise. For the very first time, he said he loved me, and then asked me to marry him. Of course I said yes! As I looked around, music started playing, I saw Lukas popped up out of some bushes and start snapping pictures, and then I learned what I thought was the full extent of his plan. Reuben and Beckie were there (I thought they were at my Aunts 45 minutes away) and so was Cassia, who I thought was on her way to Sacramento. They took a few more pictures and left us up there for a while.
We started down the mountain…and as we got back on the trail, we came across a red and a white rose, lying on the path together. I picked it up, and there was a note attached that read, I love you because.... All the way down the trail back to the car, we picked up 100 red and white roses each with a different reason Sam loved me. Sam’s sister, Julia, and her husband, Ben, had hiked up the trail behind us, laying down the roses as they went. So there was quite the welcoming committee that met us at the bottom of the trail. And there was one last surprise. My parents were waiting at the bottom. It was so special to be able to have our two families there to celebrate with us. And celebrate we did, with some of Jules homemade cinnamon rolls and apple cider.
It was the perfect way to spend Thanksgiving Day. I already had much to be thankful for…but now even more. The Lord has been so good to me and sometimes I still wonder how it is that a wonderful guy like Sam could love me. But isn’t that the way of our God, to bless us by giving to us that which we don’t deserve. I look forward to showing Sam how much I love him, and to being able to display God’s character and love through this new stage of our relationship in order to bring Him glory.
Click here to see an album of the pictures.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Thanksgiving...
Thanksgiving Day...
The American Tradition of taking a holiday and eating so much food that you fall asleep and gain 5 pounds in one meal. It is a time to celebrate with family and friends, and a time to remember all the blessing you have been shown. It is a time to remember the history of this country and to celebrate the harvest. It is a time to give thanks....
This year we have much to give thanks for. The Lord has blessed my family so much in this last year. Dad graduated from the seminary and is now pastoring an amazing little church. I was accepted at the Master's College and I have almost finished my first semester there. Beckie has been accepted at the College also, and will (Lord willing) start in January. Then there are the little blessings...things like, the family I am living with, the boyfriend that I love so very much, the ministry that I have with the highschoolers of Grace Church, and the friends that make life enjoyable.
Tonight, I joined Sam and his siblings in their annual Pie-making. 7 of us started making the pies...and the four of us women finished them. We made 18 pies in all with fillings like, pumpkin, apple, blueberry, cherry, blackberry and boysenberry. Sam and I left about 11:30pm with the pies all made, but still needing to be cooked. Poor Julia (Sam's sister) stayed up till 3:30am cooking the rest of them. It was so much fun to spend this time with the VanDykes and to see them laughing with each other. And oh yes, there was a lot of laughter.
Tomorrow, Sam and I will be spending the day with my family. We will first be going for a hike, to build up an appetite, and then we will be going down to my Aunts house where I have no doubt that there will be more food than any of us can eat. And of course lots of pie. Mum and Dad, Beckie and Reu are also going to be there. They drove down this morning, and I got to see them for a little bit before they headed on to Aunty Kates. I am so excited to be able to spend some time with them and for them to spend time with Sam. It is going to be a great day.
The American Tradition of taking a holiday and eating so much food that you fall asleep and gain 5 pounds in one meal. It is a time to celebrate with family and friends, and a time to remember all the blessing you have been shown. It is a time to remember the history of this country and to celebrate the harvest. It is a time to give thanks....
This year we have much to give thanks for. The Lord has blessed my family so much in this last year. Dad graduated from the seminary and is now pastoring an amazing little church. I was accepted at the Master's College and I have almost finished my first semester there. Beckie has been accepted at the College also, and will (Lord willing) start in January. Then there are the little blessings...things like, the family I am living with, the boyfriend that I love so very much, the ministry that I have with the highschoolers of Grace Church, and the friends that make life enjoyable.
Tonight, I joined Sam and his siblings in their annual Pie-making. 7 of us started making the pies...and the four of us women finished them. We made 18 pies in all with fillings like, pumpkin, apple, blueberry, cherry, blackberry and boysenberry. Sam and I left about 11:30pm with the pies all made, but still needing to be cooked. Poor Julia (Sam's sister) stayed up till 3:30am cooking the rest of them. It was so much fun to spend this time with the VanDykes and to see them laughing with each other. And oh yes, there was a lot of laughter.
Tomorrow, Sam and I will be spending the day with my family. We will first be going for a hike, to build up an appetite, and then we will be going down to my Aunts house where I have no doubt that there will be more food than any of us can eat. And of course lots of pie. Mum and Dad, Beckie and Reu are also going to be there. They drove down this morning, and I got to see them for a little bit before they headed on to Aunty Kates. I am so excited to be able to spend some time with them and for them to spend time with Sam. It is going to be a great day.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Time Flies...
It had been my intention (and a good one too) to keep updating this since I got back. However, I was unprepared for the barage of work that would be laid on me, and just how much time it would consume. But like otherthings in my life, I am unwilling to let this set back discourage me. So here is a brief update of my life...
I am two thirds done with my first semester in college. On Friday, I had my last mid-term exam to hand in. So I am feeling unrestrained at this moment. However it is only 5 weeks till finals week. So I must not let this feeling of unrestraint blind me to the work that is coming up very fast.
The Lord has taught me so much through this first semester. I have been reminded over and over again just how little I actually know and I have learned to trust Him to work out the little details. I am learning to lean on Him as my strength and portion because otherwise I think I would go mad. I have made some very special friends here who are such an encouragement to me both with the school load and with my walk with God.
I am still involved with the Highschool ministry at my church and I love serving in this ministry. We had quite a number of freshman join our biblestudy this semester and, as a biblestudy, we have all bonded really well. For those of you who are wondering, Sam and I are still dating. It is coming up 5 months since we started dating and things are going well. Sam is a blessing from God, and I love that we are able to serve together in the Highschool ministry.
In the U.S., we are just starting the holiday season. Thanksgiving is a week from Thursday and then Christmas is just around the corner. This is a time when life just gets crazy. We have dinners and parties and events to go to for every group and ministry that we are involved with not to mention all the family fun. But it is such a fun time and well worth the craziness of it all.
Tomorrow night, our Biblestudy is going to kick of this holiday season with our Thanksgiving dinner. It is just a pot-luck style meal, but it is great fun.
I am two thirds done with my first semester in college. On Friday, I had my last mid-term exam to hand in. So I am feeling unrestrained at this moment. However it is only 5 weeks till finals week. So I must not let this feeling of unrestraint blind me to the work that is coming up very fast.
The Lord has taught me so much through this first semester. I have been reminded over and over again just how little I actually know and I have learned to trust Him to work out the little details. I am learning to lean on Him as my strength and portion because otherwise I think I would go mad. I have made some very special friends here who are such an encouragement to me both with the school load and with my walk with God.
I am still involved with the Highschool ministry at my church and I love serving in this ministry. We had quite a number of freshman join our biblestudy this semester and, as a biblestudy, we have all bonded really well. For those of you who are wondering, Sam and I are still dating. It is coming up 5 months since we started dating and things are going well. Sam is a blessing from God, and I love that we are able to serve together in the Highschool ministry.
In the U.S., we are just starting the holiday season. Thanksgiving is a week from Thursday and then Christmas is just around the corner. This is a time when life just gets crazy. We have dinners and parties and events to go to for every group and ministry that we are involved with not to mention all the family fun. But it is such a fun time and well worth the craziness of it all.
Tomorrow night, our Biblestudy is going to kick of this holiday season with our Thanksgiving dinner. It is just a pot-luck style meal, but it is great fun.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Update...
It has been a month since I got back from NZ and last posted on this blog. But what a month it has been. I have decided to keep updating this blog for those of you who are praying for me as I start College. However, it probably wont be a daily updating - maybe more like once a week.
I have started my orientation week at the Master's College. It is lovingly referred to as WOW week, or Week Of Welcome. So far I am loving it. I am meeting new people all the time, and making some good friends. But I am exhausted. They are keeping us busy with sessions and activities.
I am posting a couple of pictures below of my WOW group. These are the people that I am doing most of my activities with. Then there is also the International Group that I have done a number of things with. I will update this a little more when I get a chance. If you would like to see a little of what we have been doing, click here.
Left to Right: Laura, Nicki, Jason, Bri, Salome, and Peter...
Clockwise from Top: Wills, Peter, Jason, Nicki, Bri, and Laura
I have started my orientation week at the Master's College. It is lovingly referred to as WOW week, or Week Of Welcome. So far I am loving it. I am meeting new people all the time, and making some good friends. But I am exhausted. They are keeping us busy with sessions and activities.
I am posting a couple of pictures below of my WOW group. These are the people that I am doing most of my activities with. Then there is also the International Group that I have done a number of things with. I will update this a little more when I get a chance. If you would like to see a little of what we have been doing, click here.
Left to Right: Laura, Nicki, Jason, Bri, Salome, and Peter...
Clockwise from Top: Wills, Peter, Jason, Nicki, Bri, and LauraFriday, July 20, 2007
On American soil...
I made it back to America without to many problems. I had spent the day in Auckland with my Aunt and Uncle doing some last minute shopping and packing. I filled one whole suitcase with food and goodies to bring home to my family. I got to the airport around 6pm for my flight that was to leave at 9:45pm. When I checked my bags in, I was well over the weight limit. The limit is 23 pounds and they wont allow your bags on the plane if they are over 32 pounds. Well, at least one of my bags was over 32 pounds and the other one was really close. My Uncle told me that knowing my bags were going to be really heavy, I should pick a young guy at the counter and flirt with him and hope he is lenient. It was a young guy at the counter who checked me in, but I didn't have to flirt with him. He just put them through and told me that he hoped his supervisor didn't catch him. I was very grateful, thanked him, and prayed he didn't get in trouble for helping me out.
Our flight was delayed for over an hour while they tried to fix a door that wouldn't shut properly. While it was a nuisance to be delayed, I was very thankful that they fixed the door. We seemed to make up the lost time as we landed about 20 minutes late. As we landed the flight crew told us that if we hurried, we could get to Customs before another plane load of people that had arrived late. I am glad they told us, because as I got to the customs line, there were about 15 people in front of me. Only a minute later, I looked behind me and the line behind me had about 50 or more people. Those poor people would have waited for an hour or so.
Half an hour later, I had breezed through customs and was very relieved to make it out of the airport. Sam came and picked me up. We took the scenic route home and I loved seeing the beach and familiar places again. More than that, I loved having the time to catch up with Sam. After I got home and dropped of my bags, I went to a Bridal shower for Julia Van Dyke. Julia is Sam's sister and is getting married next weekend. I arrived pretty late, and made a grand entrance. But the best part was getting to see many of my friends and celebrating with Julia her upcoming marriage.
Today, I took things really quiet. I slept late, and then had a nap in the afternoon. I was trying to set my internal clock back to American time and get some much needed rest.
The airplane I flew back on
Our flight was delayed for over an hour while they tried to fix a door that wouldn't shut properly. While it was a nuisance to be delayed, I was very thankful that they fixed the door. We seemed to make up the lost time as we landed about 20 minutes late. As we landed the flight crew told us that if we hurried, we could get to Customs before another plane load of people that had arrived late. I am glad they told us, because as I got to the customs line, there were about 15 people in front of me. Only a minute later, I looked behind me and the line behind me had about 50 or more people. Those poor people would have waited for an hour or so.
Half an hour later, I had breezed through customs and was very relieved to make it out of the airport. Sam came and picked me up. We took the scenic route home and I loved seeing the beach and familiar places again. More than that, I loved having the time to catch up with Sam. After I got home and dropped of my bags, I went to a Bridal shower for Julia Van Dyke. Julia is Sam's sister and is getting married next weekend. I arrived pretty late, and made a grand entrance. But the best part was getting to see many of my friends and celebrating with Julia her upcoming marriage.
Today, I took things really quiet. I slept late, and then had a nap in the afternoon. I was trying to set my internal clock back to American time and get some much needed rest.
The airplane I flew back on
My Suitcase full of Food
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
More People...
Below are some pictures of some of the people I have caught up with over the last couple days.
On Monday night, the Bisleys, Bensons, Leysers, Campbells, Andrea and Kirsty popped over to say goodbye. On Tuesday night I caught up with a number of Aunts, Uncles and Cousins from Mum's side of the family. On Wednesday I caught up with Nana, and Dad's side of the family.
Andrea and I
Rowan and Wendy
Aunty Ali
Emily, Anna, and I (cousins)
Matt (cousin)
Anna and Matt
Nana and Peter
Nana's New House
The Leysers and I
Kirsty Morton and I
Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins
The Bisleys and I
The Bensons and I
Me and Amos
On Monday night, the Bisleys, Bensons, Leysers, Campbells, Andrea and Kirsty popped over to say goodbye. On Tuesday night I caught up with a number of Aunts, Uncles and Cousins from Mum's side of the family. On Wednesday I caught up with Nana, and Dad's side of the family.
Andrea and I
Rowan and Wendy
Aunty Ali
Emily, Anna, and I (cousins)
Matt (cousin)
Anna and Matt
Nana and Peter
Nana's New House
The Leysers and I
Kirsty Morton and I
Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins
The Bisleys and I
The Bensons and I
Me and AmosComing Home...
The last two days I have been in Christchurch. I have spent most of that time visiting with extended family. Tomorrow I leave Christchurch at 5:40am and fly to Auckland. I will spend the day in Auckland before flying out to LA at 9:40pm.
I will post again once I get to Auckland, as I am using someone elses computer. I cant wait to get home and look forward to seeing everyone again.
I will post again once I get to Auckland, as I am using someone elses computer. I cant wait to get home and look forward to seeing everyone again.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Packing Pallets...
Today, I packed the pallets. Myra and Annah Bisley helped me and we got the last of the boxes taped. The Lord was gracious to keep the rain at bay for a few hours while we packed. There was quite a bit of shuffling the boxes to fit them all on three pallets. But in the end we did it! When we got them packed, I ran around them with the shrink wrap. The moving truck showed up around 1:30pm and we loaded all our belongings on the truck. It was kinda sad to see it all go, but now I can relax. It is all finished.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
5 days and counting...
Only 5 days to go! You know its bad when you start counting.
This past weekend has been all about finishing things. I had boxes to finish filling and sealing. I had people to finish catching up with. I had items to finish collecting from people. I had shipping details to finalize. It has been busy. I even squeezed in a doctors appointment to get a TB test done. I still have to go back on Monday for them to read the test, and make the prognosis that I have never had it or been exposed to it. This was part of my requirements for coming to school in America.
Which reminds me that I got my Visa! It was delivered with my passport on Friday morning. I will be allowed back into America...Hallelujah! This has been a huge weight lifted off my shoulders.
Tomorrow will be a big day. I have to have my shipping package ready for pick up by lunch time. So it will be all hands on deck at the Bisleys. Then I have to have all my belongings packed and ready to go as I am going to be flying down to Christchurch on Tuesday morning for the duration of my stay in NZ.
This past weekend has been all about finishing things. I had boxes to finish filling and sealing. I had people to finish catching up with. I had items to finish collecting from people. I had shipping details to finalize. It has been busy. I even squeezed in a doctors appointment to get a TB test done. I still have to go back on Monday for them to read the test, and make the prognosis that I have never had it or been exposed to it. This was part of my requirements for coming to school in America.
Which reminds me that I got my Visa! It was delivered with my passport on Friday morning. I will be allowed back into America...Hallelujah! This has been a huge weight lifted off my shoulders.
Tomorrow will be a big day. I have to have my shipping package ready for pick up by lunch time. So it will be all hands on deck at the Bisleys. Then I have to have all my belongings packed and ready to go as I am going to be flying down to Christchurch on Tuesday morning for the duration of my stay in NZ.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
On the road... again...
On Thursday morning, around 11am, my package from America arrived. It had themissing paperwork that I needed and I was elated. I quickly packed up my things, said goodbye to my Uncle and headed down to the American Embassy. When I found a parking spot, I feed the parking meter so I could be there for an hour, just incase I had to wait to get to the front of the line. However, when I got up to the Embassy, I was the only person there. I handed my paperwork over, and asked when I could expect to get my passport back. They told me that I should have it by Monday at the lastest, but possibly even the next day. I was feeling a little lighthearted, so walked around Auckland city for the hour. It was nice to be out and about, visiting some shops and tourist spots.
After that, I headed out of Auckland. I decided to take a different route home from my drive up, so headed in the direction of Tauranga. When I realised how close I would be to Paeroa, I just had to stop and see if the huge L&P bottle was there. L&P is a soda that is world famous in New Zealand. It all started in Paeroa which is what the "P" stands for. The "L" just stands for lemon.
I came across the Victoria Battery Mine ruins in the Karangahake gorge. I had fun playing in the arches of the battery taking self portraits with my camera, but I wished I had Beckie there to take the pictures. No doubt hers would have turned out much better than the ones I got.
I made it through to Tauranga and Mt Maunganui just as the sun was starting to set. I wished I had stayed to see it set all the way, because the clouds turned a brilliant gold colour then a vivid pink and purple. But I wanted to push through and get to Te Puke before I lost all the light of day. In the last picture of the giant kiwifruit, you can see the last remnants of the colourful sunset.
For most of the day, I had glorious weather for sightseeing and driving. By the time I got to the last set of mountains between Taupo and Hastings, I had started to drizzle, but by then it was dark and I couldn't see anything anyway.
I have to say that I have been surprised with just how small New Zealand is. But there is so much to see. I have only shown snippets of the things that I could get to by car. There are so many other places that you can explore if you get out and walk. But I didnt have the time. However, I thoroughly enjoyed just driving through the countryside and seeing my beloved country where I have so many memories.
My Trip South
Tip Top Corner
Huntly Power Plant
My mode of Transport - A Mazda MPV
L&P Bottle in Paeroa
The river that ran through the Karangahake Gorge
Victoria Battery Mine ruins
A portrait in the ruins
The road to the ruins
Mount Maunganui
Sunset at Mount Maunganui
The giant Kiwifruit near Te Puke Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Waiting...
Today has been a really laid back day. I haven't done anything productive and have just sat around the house all day. That sounds terrible, but I loved every minute of it. It has been nice to just take one day and not have to think about doing anything.
In the last couple days, New Zealand has had some pretty bad weather. There were numerous tornadoes in Taranaki that have left hundreds homeless. The South Island has had a cold snap that has caused black ice so bad that even the police are doing things on foot. And last night we had gale force winds that knocked out power to thousands of homes in and around Auckland and Northland. Thankfully we were not affected by the power outage, but the Prime Minister has issued a state of emergency for Northland which also sustained some severe flooding. All that to say that the weather has been miserable in Auckland today. There have been unending grey clouds and it has been cold.
At lunch time, Uncle John and I went and picked up Aunty Lyn from work and the three of us went and got some lunch at the Hollywood Bakery in Albany. I had to laugh when Uncle John mentioned in passing that for once he finished his food before Aunty Lyn. In Aunty Lyn's words "the Greenings learned to eat fast, or they missed out!" Mum, it is kinda scary how much you and Aunty Lyn are alike at times. Did you know that almost all of your siblings love and are addicted to Sudoku? Scary! As a side note, I think you get to steal another one of Aunty Lyns family boasts. Reuben is now the tallest cousin, taking the title from Aidan who is 6"5.
In the afternoon, I decided to get out of the house for a while, so I went for a drive. Below are just a couple pictures I took along the way. I only have a couple as I couldn't be bothered getting out of my nice warm car or openning the window to take more.
Throughout the day, I have been tracking my package of paperwork from the States. It is quite incredible how many places a package goes before it gets to your house. My package has been to Sylmar, CA, Louisville, KY, Honolulu, HI, and Sydney, Australia. At the moment it is on its way to NZ.
Tomorrow I hope to get the paperwork to the Embassy early so that I can be on my way back to Hastings.
Looking across the harbour at the Auckland City Skyline
Looking out the other side of the harbour at the Harbour Bridge
In the last couple days, New Zealand has had some pretty bad weather. There were numerous tornadoes in Taranaki that have left hundreds homeless. The South Island has had a cold snap that has caused black ice so bad that even the police are doing things on foot. And last night we had gale force winds that knocked out power to thousands of homes in and around Auckland and Northland. Thankfully we were not affected by the power outage, but the Prime Minister has issued a state of emergency for Northland which also sustained some severe flooding. All that to say that the weather has been miserable in Auckland today. There have been unending grey clouds and it has been cold.
At lunch time, Uncle John and I went and picked up Aunty Lyn from work and the three of us went and got some lunch at the Hollywood Bakery in Albany. I had to laugh when Uncle John mentioned in passing that for once he finished his food before Aunty Lyn. In Aunty Lyn's words "the Greenings learned to eat fast, or they missed out!" Mum, it is kinda scary how much you and Aunty Lyn are alike at times. Did you know that almost all of your siblings love and are addicted to Sudoku? Scary! As a side note, I think you get to steal another one of Aunty Lyns family boasts. Reuben is now the tallest cousin, taking the title from Aidan who is 6"5.
In the afternoon, I decided to get out of the house for a while, so I went for a drive. Below are just a couple pictures I took along the way. I only have a couple as I couldn't be bothered getting out of my nice warm car or openning the window to take more.
Throughout the day, I have been tracking my package of paperwork from the States. It is quite incredible how many places a package goes before it gets to your house. My package has been to Sylmar, CA, Louisville, KY, Honolulu, HI, and Sydney, Australia. At the moment it is on its way to NZ.
Tomorrow I hope to get the paperwork to the Embassy early so that I can be on my way back to Hastings.
Looking across the harbour at the Auckland City Skyline
Looking out the other side of the harbour at the Harbour BridgeTuesday, July 10, 2007
The Embassy...
When I arrived in Auckland last night, I caught up with my Aunt and Uncle and was very disappointed to hear that my visa paperwork that I had been waiting for still hadn't shown up. I didn't sleep well with the knowledge that I had an interview at 9:30am the next morning and I still didn't have the most important piece of paperwork for that interview. I got up about 6:30am and tried getting hold of someone in the International office at Master's College. I tried a number of times during the next 90 minutes and couldn't reach anyone. I prayed at this point that God would show me what to do next since I couldn't reach anyone else to help me. I also prayed that I would accept the outcome of the morning, even if I had to stay in NZ longer.
I thought to call the embassy to make another appointment, in case I couldn't go through with today's one and knowing how busy they are. I was right. The next available appointment was not till the 16th; three days before I flew out, which was not enough time. I then explained my situation to the guy making the appointment, and he was so friendly and helpful. He told me that not having all the paperwork happens often, and that I should go to the appointment as they would still interview me.
I then called Mum to let her know the situation. I was pretty upset about it all and needed to hear her words of wisdom. She encouraged me to just trust the Lord and let me know that if I couldn't come back till later, then that was ok. God is sovereign and His ways are perfect, especially when they are not our ways. I knew all this already, but I felt better after hearing her say it. She offered to keep trying to contact the school and to find out where my paperwork was.
I raced down to the bus depot and arrived just as my bus was leaving. I had to wait 10 minuted for the next one and finally left the depot at 9am for a half hour bus trip into Downtown Auckland. You might remember that my appointment was at 9:30am, and I still had to get a courier bag from the Post Office that I didn't know the location of.
I am very thankful that I took my Uncles advice to take the bus. As we got out onto the motorway, I noticed the backlog of cars. It would have taken me an hour just to drive into town and then to try and find parking... As it was, the buses have their own lane, kinda like a carpool lane. So we went whizzing by hundreds of cars and the bus stopped right down the street the embassy. As I got closer to the building I noticed that the shop on the corner was a Post Office. So I whipped in there and grabbed a courier bag.
I was 10 minutes late as I rode the elevator up to the Embassy's floor. Between a stressed morning, lack of sleep, crying, and not eating breakfast, I felt rather sick as I walked into the waiting room. Thankfully, there were four people ahead of me, so I had about 50 minutes to relax and recover. When I got to the front window, the lady behind the counter took the paperwork I had and explained that I would still have my interview, but would have to bring back the missing paperwork in order for them to issue the visa. I then waited another hour for my name to be called for my interview.
Praise God for His mercies. My interview was so quick that I didn't even realize that it had just happened. He didn't really ask me any of the questions I had been told they would ask. The guy who interviewed me admitted that he was only new to the job, and didn't really know what to do with my case. He told me to go ask at the first counter what I should do next, then he handed me my passport, but took my incomplete paperwork. I was a little confused as I still didn't realize that I had just had the interview, so went to the other window and explained what had just happened. The guy at the first counter went away and talked to my interviewer. When he came back, he basically said that had been my interview, and when I bring in my paperwork they would issue my visa. Not wanting to beleaguer the point, I accepted at face value that I will be receiving my visa as soon as I hand in the missing paperwork. It was an exhausting morning, so this afternoon I took it easy and even had a nap.
Mum let me know that she had reached the college, and they had found my paperwork, and would be overnighting it to me. So I should have it by tomorrow. I will then be able to drop it at the embassy tomorrow or the next morning and should have my visa in two or so days. I am so grateful for all the prayer that I know went up on my behalf. And I am truly thankful that I know a sovereign God who knows what I need the most. I will not be comfortable till I have my passport and visa in my hand, but I am at peace knowing I can trust Him with my future.
I thought to call the embassy to make another appointment, in case I couldn't go through with today's one and knowing how busy they are. I was right. The next available appointment was not till the 16th; three days before I flew out, which was not enough time. I then explained my situation to the guy making the appointment, and he was so friendly and helpful. He told me that not having all the paperwork happens often, and that I should go to the appointment as they would still interview me.
I then called Mum to let her know the situation. I was pretty upset about it all and needed to hear her words of wisdom. She encouraged me to just trust the Lord and let me know that if I couldn't come back till later, then that was ok. God is sovereign and His ways are perfect, especially when they are not our ways. I knew all this already, but I felt better after hearing her say it. She offered to keep trying to contact the school and to find out where my paperwork was.
I raced down to the bus depot and arrived just as my bus was leaving. I had to wait 10 minuted for the next one and finally left the depot at 9am for a half hour bus trip into Downtown Auckland. You might remember that my appointment was at 9:30am, and I still had to get a courier bag from the Post Office that I didn't know the location of.
I am very thankful that I took my Uncles advice to take the bus. As we got out onto the motorway, I noticed the backlog of cars. It would have taken me an hour just to drive into town and then to try and find parking... As it was, the buses have their own lane, kinda like a carpool lane. So we went whizzing by hundreds of cars and the bus stopped right down the street the embassy. As I got closer to the building I noticed that the shop on the corner was a Post Office. So I whipped in there and grabbed a courier bag.
I was 10 minutes late as I rode the elevator up to the Embassy's floor. Between a stressed morning, lack of sleep, crying, and not eating breakfast, I felt rather sick as I walked into the waiting room. Thankfully, there were four people ahead of me, so I had about 50 minutes to relax and recover. When I got to the front window, the lady behind the counter took the paperwork I had and explained that I would still have my interview, but would have to bring back the missing paperwork in order for them to issue the visa. I then waited another hour for my name to be called for my interview.
Praise God for His mercies. My interview was so quick that I didn't even realize that it had just happened. He didn't really ask me any of the questions I had been told they would ask. The guy who interviewed me admitted that he was only new to the job, and didn't really know what to do with my case. He told me to go ask at the first counter what I should do next, then he handed me my passport, but took my incomplete paperwork. I was a little confused as I still didn't realize that I had just had the interview, so went to the other window and explained what had just happened. The guy at the first counter went away and talked to my interviewer. When he came back, he basically said that had been my interview, and when I bring in my paperwork they would issue my visa. Not wanting to beleaguer the point, I accepted at face value that I will be receiving my visa as soon as I hand in the missing paperwork. It was an exhausting morning, so this afternoon I took it easy and even had a nap.
Mum let me know that she had reached the college, and they had found my paperwork, and would be overnighting it to me. So I should have it by tomorrow. I will then be able to drop it at the embassy tomorrow or the next morning and should have my visa in two or so days. I am so grateful for all the prayer that I know went up on my behalf. And I am truly thankful that I know a sovereign God who knows what I need the most. I will not be comfortable till I have my passport and visa in my hand, but I am at peace knowing I can trust Him with my future.
Monday, July 9, 2007
Roadtrip...
Monday...
Today, I drove up through the middle of the North Island of New Zealand from Hastings to Auckland. It was a gray kind of day with most of the country under clouds from an impending storm. I hit a little bit of drizzle in a few places, but for the most part had a beautiful drive. This is the first time that I have done this drive myself, though I have driven it many times with my family. I was surprised how quickly I would come across landmarks, because as a child I remember it being a long trip. It is a 282 mile trip, which is roughly the same distance as going from LA to Hickman. But it is a far less boring trip than going to Hickman. There is so much to see and do along the way, as you can see from the pictures.
My trip (green route)
The Hawkes Bay Beach
Highway 5
Heading toward Taupo
On the other side of the mountain range
Huka Falls, Taupo
The Rock (continuing family tradition)
Woodcarving in Tokoroa
The Sheep and Dog in Tirau
The Shepherd in Tirau
Sunset over Te Aute College
Te Aute College Chapel at Sunset
The Trailer before I unpacked it
Today, I drove up through the middle of the North Island of New Zealand from Hastings to Auckland. It was a gray kind of day with most of the country under clouds from an impending storm. I hit a little bit of drizzle in a few places, but for the most part had a beautiful drive. This is the first time that I have done this drive myself, though I have driven it many times with my family. I was surprised how quickly I would come across landmarks, because as a child I remember it being a long trip. It is a 282 mile trip, which is roughly the same distance as going from LA to Hickman. But it is a far less boring trip than going to Hickman. There is so much to see and do along the way, as you can see from the pictures.
My trip (green route)
The Hawkes Bay Beach
Highway 5
Heading toward Taupo
On the other side of the mountain range
Huka Falls, Taupo
The Rock (continuing family tradition)
Woodcarving in Tokoroa
The Sheep and Dog in Tirau
The Shepherd in TirauI found these pictures that I hadn't put in my other post. So I am adding them here.
Sunset over Te Aute College
Te Aute College Chapel at Sunset
The Trailer before I unpacked it
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