Kia Ora

Today was Thursday and we spent the day trekking the Torolesse Mountains. It was a perfect Spring day. Hott but not overbearing and the cool breeze from the ice capped mountains was breathtaking. Our Earth Care school is growing closer everyday. We are small with 6 girls and 2 Kiwi guys and Rob and Jenny are our Leaders and their kids Johanna, Jonothan and Susanna hang around often. Then there is the one Canadian staff Laura, who is great and climbed a mountain in one hour today at the Torolesse...crazy!

We have fun!

Yesterday we had a traditional Maori welcoming. Kia Ora means hello and bless you in Maori. It is custom to Hongi during the ceremony. A Hongi is a forhead and nose touch as a way of greeting each other.

The lambs are all out in the fields with their mom's and dad's and they certainly are abundant here!

Psalm 104~ God's creation radiates

I am Here

I arrived safe and sound to Oxford, New Zealand. I was greeted with a warm welcome at the airport by me Leader Rob and 2 of his little girls and our staff Laura and and immediately felt at home. Looking out to our backyard the foothills of the Southern Alps begin to climb up and it is truly beautiful. The 'Southerly' came in today, a storm from Antarctica and makes it very cold here. Although the trees are bright with spring blooms and the daffodils are cheerful in the ground. It is very spring weather here.

We attended the local Baptist church this morning and then went into town for a hot chocolate. There is a sense of peace amongst the staff and students and I am even more confident that this is where God's compass has directed me!

I am thinking of you all as I sit by the wood stove in our living room and feeling very blessed to be here.