http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2418768&l=81bf2&id=4901062
i just uploaded these. they were taken last night while i was walking on the beach after work. tough life, i know, but someone has to do it, right!
it is wednesday here and this will be my third full day teaching. i am teaching 2 classes right now - a world and US history (i teach this class twice a day though) and within a week or so i will be picking up one more class - it will be a geography class. so far everything has been going really smoothly. i am really enjoying it. work is starting to pick up with my student teaching seminar at UGA too. I sometimes have trouble reminding myself that i still have work from the athens campus to do - i cant get stuck in the auckland bubble for too long.
this weekend, if the weather permits, i will be kayaking or canoeing out to an island across the water from my house. you can see it in the pictures. people paddle out, then climb to the top, eat their dinner/lunch and then do it all in reverse. i am excited. this should be really good (and some good pictures should come out of it too!).
the Bulldogs play there first game this weekend and i expect you all to be cheering them on in my honor and in my place. this is the first game i will be missing in 4 years!!!! that seems very odd. in a way, i am thankful i am this far away while missing the game; if i were any closer i would be very frustrated at the lack of espn... no worries though.
sorry my posts tend to turn into novels...i just get excited. i feel like i am sitting talking to you all and that makes me happy. it makes the world feel a little smaller and a little closer together.
all my love to you all : )
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Sunday, August 24, 2008
PICTURES
check out the link if you want to see some of my adventures from Rotorua : )
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2418016&l=ba9c5&id=4901062
love you guys
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2418016&l=ba9c5&id=4901062
love you guys
adventures in wonderland...wnd of week 1
Hello!!
Hope you are all doing really well. It is Sunday night here – the night before I teach for the very FIRST time – YIKES…
So, what am I doing…writing the blog. Good times, right? Don’t worry mom, my work is already done. Well. Let’s catch up. First, I have been here for a solid week; that seems crazy. 1 down and 11 to go, eh?
I think one of the last times I wrote I promised to tell you about stuff. I forgot some of it (I’m writing from home…no internet…so this is from memory). OH – pictures. I will try to load some here; if not go to facebook and see them there. I will upload them asap. If you don’t have facebook, talk to my mom – she’ll show the pics to you!
First, I have become friends with one of the other teachers at school. His name is Justin McCormack and he and his family have become saving graces here in Maratei (aka: home). Justin and his wife, Julie, plus 2 small boys (Caelen, 2 – who thinks we are boyfriend and girlfriend - and Collin, 10 months - the butterball who looks like he could play linebacker tomorrow) live about a 5 minute walk from my house. One night Christine (my host) had to work late and Justin offered to give me a ride home. His wife invited me to stay for dinner. It was probably the first time that I felt like I was home and a part of a family since I had come to town. The house was full (and messy in the best sort of way), Julie cooked a fabulous dinner of pumpkin soup and veggies, Julie’s dad was in town and he was making jokes about everyone and everything. It was wonderful. Then they dropped the bomb on me…they have internet! Even better…skype – what I am desperately lacking at my house. They offered to let me use skype whenever I wanted. I went over to their house Saturday morning and used skype for the first time since I arrived and was able to talk mom and dad and the Athens gang! It was the most wonderful thing in the whole world. Really it was. I think I would have gladly cut off my right arm to talk to you guys even for that short amount of time. Justin and Julie then offered me keys to their house and the password to their computer and said that I was welcome to come over any time I wanted. What a blessing to be able to do that. Praise God for Justin and Julie – they are amazing. It just makes the world seem smaller to know that I can talk to my parents and friends semi-in-person all the way over here.
Other fun facts…I start teaching tomorrow. Brown vs. Board in US History and Nazi Germany in my world history class. Soon I will also be picking up a social science class too.
I went on a field trip to Rotorua. I hope you looked it up – it is a really fun city. It was a great chance to get to know some of the students and the teachers. I loved it : ) We drove forever in the most beautiful country in the whole world. We stopped in Matamata – and that is the most normal of the town names we ran into. But guess what was in Matamata…HOBBITTOWN!!! I didn’t get to take the tour (maybe later) but I did get to take a picture with Golim (“precious…”) and Hobbittown. Oh and Flat Stanley’s – you made the pics too. After some (hot)tea and breakfast we were out of Matamata and on our way.
We stopped again at this small mountain – no clue the name. But it’s home to the luge! We took a gondola up to the top of the mnt and from there you hopped on a skateboard type thing with handle bars and brakes. You sit down and then head down the mountain on the paved track. It was a lot of fun. I think the kids liked that I tried it – it was a little scary; you get going really fast on the track!
The next day we headed out to the main street in Rotorua. The kids had to do some street interviews with real tourists (although some interviewed me…haha) and the teachers and I went out for breakfast. This is one of the best breakfasts I had ever had!!!! Stuffed French toast with fresh fruit! I took pics with it : ) Later we toured some of the natural sites in Rotorua. It is home to Mt. Terawera – a volcano that exploded in the late 19th century. The explosion partially buried a town (that we toured) and destroyed the “Pink and White Terraces” that were made from the geothermal heat around the area. It was supposed to be one of the natural wonders of the world. Also saw the Green and Blue Lakes and some other good stuff.
One of my favorite parts of the trip was when we went to a Maori (native people to NZ) tribal/village reenactment. It was AWESOME. It starts by the coach busses picking a Chief. The chief has to represent the bus (aka: war canoe) to the Maori warriors who come out. The warriors did their intimidating dance/challenge thing and then invited us into their village. We got to see what a typical Maori village would look like and what the people would be doing. It reminded me of the Jamestown and Civil War reenactments. After that they fed us a traditional meal called a Hangi (or feast). It is cooked underground and seems like the underground version of a low country boil. YUM!!!! Best food I’ve had since I’ve been here.
The last day we visited the Agrodome and saw a sheep show. This was too funny! I was volunteered by my kids to get on stage and milk a cow! They loved it. Then they sheared a sheep and all the other farmy stuff you do.
It was a great trip and a good way to start my adventures here. I really had a good time. Today I went to downtown Auckland for the first time. Went to the outside markets – got some good stuff and found lots of goodies for you all (get excited!). I cooked dinner for the first time tonight (and Christine is still alive, so that’s a good sign). The Olympics are over tonight – bummer.
I think that’s about it from here. This is my first week teaching – this could be interesting…. I am excited and a little nervous, but I know it will be good. I love you all and miss you all. Grace and Peace : )
Hope you are all doing really well. It is Sunday night here – the night before I teach for the very FIRST time – YIKES…
So, what am I doing…writing the blog. Good times, right? Don’t worry mom, my work is already done. Well. Let’s catch up. First, I have been here for a solid week; that seems crazy. 1 down and 11 to go, eh?
I think one of the last times I wrote I promised to tell you about stuff. I forgot some of it (I’m writing from home…no internet…so this is from memory). OH – pictures. I will try to load some here; if not go to facebook and see them there. I will upload them asap. If you don’t have facebook, talk to my mom – she’ll show the pics to you!
First, I have become friends with one of the other teachers at school. His name is Justin McCormack and he and his family have become saving graces here in Maratei (aka: home). Justin and his wife, Julie, plus 2 small boys (Caelen, 2 – who thinks we are boyfriend and girlfriend - and Collin, 10 months - the butterball who looks like he could play linebacker tomorrow) live about a 5 minute walk from my house. One night Christine (my host) had to work late and Justin offered to give me a ride home. His wife invited me to stay for dinner. It was probably the first time that I felt like I was home and a part of a family since I had come to town. The house was full (and messy in the best sort of way), Julie cooked a fabulous dinner of pumpkin soup and veggies, Julie’s dad was in town and he was making jokes about everyone and everything. It was wonderful. Then they dropped the bomb on me…they have internet! Even better…skype – what I am desperately lacking at my house. They offered to let me use skype whenever I wanted. I went over to their house Saturday morning and used skype for the first time since I arrived and was able to talk mom and dad and the Athens gang! It was the most wonderful thing in the whole world. Really it was. I think I would have gladly cut off my right arm to talk to you guys even for that short amount of time. Justin and Julie then offered me keys to their house and the password to their computer and said that I was welcome to come over any time I wanted. What a blessing to be able to do that. Praise God for Justin and Julie – they are amazing. It just makes the world seem smaller to know that I can talk to my parents and friends semi-in-person all the way over here.
Other fun facts…I start teaching tomorrow. Brown vs. Board in US History and Nazi Germany in my world history class. Soon I will also be picking up a social science class too.
I went on a field trip to Rotorua. I hope you looked it up – it is a really fun city. It was a great chance to get to know some of the students and the teachers. I loved it : ) We drove forever in the most beautiful country in the whole world. We stopped in Matamata – and that is the most normal of the town names we ran into. But guess what was in Matamata…HOBBITTOWN!!! I didn’t get to take the tour (maybe later) but I did get to take a picture with Golim (“precious…”) and Hobbittown. Oh and Flat Stanley’s – you made the pics too. After some (hot)tea and breakfast we were out of Matamata and on our way.
We stopped again at this small mountain – no clue the name. But it’s home to the luge! We took a gondola up to the top of the mnt and from there you hopped on a skateboard type thing with handle bars and brakes. You sit down and then head down the mountain on the paved track. It was a lot of fun. I think the kids liked that I tried it – it was a little scary; you get going really fast on the track!
The next day we headed out to the main street in Rotorua. The kids had to do some street interviews with real tourists (although some interviewed me…haha) and the teachers and I went out for breakfast. This is one of the best breakfasts I had ever had!!!! Stuffed French toast with fresh fruit! I took pics with it : ) Later we toured some of the natural sites in Rotorua. It is home to Mt. Terawera – a volcano that exploded in the late 19th century. The explosion partially buried a town (that we toured) and destroyed the “Pink and White Terraces” that were made from the geothermal heat around the area. It was supposed to be one of the natural wonders of the world. Also saw the Green and Blue Lakes and some other good stuff.
One of my favorite parts of the trip was when we went to a Maori (native people to NZ) tribal/village reenactment. It was AWESOME. It starts by the coach busses picking a Chief. The chief has to represent the bus (aka: war canoe) to the Maori warriors who come out. The warriors did their intimidating dance/challenge thing and then invited us into their village. We got to see what a typical Maori village would look like and what the people would be doing. It reminded me of the Jamestown and Civil War reenactments. After that they fed us a traditional meal called a Hangi (or feast). It is cooked underground and seems like the underground version of a low country boil. YUM!!!! Best food I’ve had since I’ve been here.
The last day we visited the Agrodome and saw a sheep show. This was too funny! I was volunteered by my kids to get on stage and milk a cow! They loved it. Then they sheared a sheep and all the other farmy stuff you do.
It was a great trip and a good way to start my adventures here. I really had a good time. Today I went to downtown Auckland for the first time. Went to the outside markets – got some good stuff and found lots of goodies for you all (get excited!). I cooked dinner for the first time tonight (and Christine is still alive, so that’s a good sign). The Olympics are over tonight – bummer.
I think that’s about it from here. This is my first week teaching – this could be interesting…. I am excited and a little nervous, but I know it will be good. I love you all and miss you all. Grace and Peace : )
Thursday, August 21, 2008
hostel takover
well...maybe not that exciting. botany downs secondary college (my school) has taken some of its seniors on a trip to rotorua. thats where im at right now. i have 8 min and 28sec of bought internet time left...so this may be quick.
today i have seen a geizer, viewed master carvers at work, im about to eat a hangi (trafitionally cooked maori feast, baked underground by the geothermal heat), tomorrow i ZORB! get ready. this is goign to be good.
although it is rather cold here i am doing fine. slept through the night again, so maybe that will continue to be the trend! i bought a good jacket at the local outdoors store before i left and that has been the best purchase ever. i am feeling good - frustrated that i dont have the internet at my fingertips. i am thinking abotu asking Christine if i can pay for her to get internet access at her house for 3 the time i am here. it seems reasonable to me - just include it in my rent...
anyway - this trip has been lovely and i cant wait for tomorrow. what fun!
hopefully i will be able to write more soon.
love you all : )
today i have seen a geizer, viewed master carvers at work, im about to eat a hangi (trafitionally cooked maori feast, baked underground by the geothermal heat), tomorrow i ZORB! get ready. this is goign to be good.
although it is rather cold here i am doing fine. slept through the night again, so maybe that will continue to be the trend! i bought a good jacket at the local outdoors store before i left and that has been the best purchase ever. i am feeling good - frustrated that i dont have the internet at my fingertips. i am thinking abotu asking Christine if i can pay for her to get internet access at her house for 3 the time i am here. it seems reasonable to me - just include it in my rent...
anyway - this trip has been lovely and i cant wait for tomorrow. what fun!
hopefully i will be able to write more soon.
love you all : )
Monday, August 18, 2008
teasers
okay - so i dont have a whole lot of time to blog right now, but i wanted to write to remind myself of things to tell you all about when i do have time to blog for real. so consider this the movie trailer version of the next blog.
1. teary eyed first day
2. sleeping!!!!
3. the McCormick family
4. Rotorua
5. fire!!!! : )
6. teaching stuff.
thats about all for now.
im goign on a school field trip from wed-fri to Rotorua. it sounds a bit like Yellowstone to me. if you have time, google it. i will post some pics and maybe a movie of my time there. it should be a great way to round out week one!
things to pray for:
- sleep!!! i slept for the first time (through the night) last night, but jetlag is still a killer.
- COMMUNITY. i need some. i also need a hug and those seem to be hard to come by around here. the british stiff upperlip i suppose.
- travel buddies. i need some willing suspects...i mean friends to take me places like skiing, etc. but i have to find those ppl first.
- the internet situation is rough too. that was how i was planning on doing church here, so the lack of net is bumming out those plans. pray that this will fix itself.
GOD IS GOOD EVEN OVER HERE. He is still faithful and still providing everything i need here. He is truly faithful.
Love you all!
1. teary eyed first day
2. sleeping!!!!
3. the McCormick family
4. Rotorua
5. fire!!!! : )
6. teaching stuff.
thats about all for now.
im goign on a school field trip from wed-fri to Rotorua. it sounds a bit like Yellowstone to me. if you have time, google it. i will post some pics and maybe a movie of my time there. it should be a great way to round out week one!
things to pray for:
- sleep!!! i slept for the first time (through the night) last night, but jetlag is still a killer.
- COMMUNITY. i need some. i also need a hug and those seem to be hard to come by around here. the british stiff upperlip i suppose.
- travel buddies. i need some willing suspects...i mean friends to take me places like skiing, etc. but i have to find those ppl first.
- the internet situation is rough too. that was how i was planning on doing church here, so the lack of net is bumming out those plans. pray that this will fix itself.
GOD IS GOOD EVEN OVER HERE. He is still faithful and still providing everything i need here. He is truly faithful.
Love you all!
Sunday, August 17, 2008
First Few Days
Right now it is 6:22am local Auckland time (I think that makes it 2:30pm in the states). I have slept all my body will let me, so I am writing. No internet access in the house, so this will probably be posted on Monday or so…
Well, Im here! The first day (which was actually about 3 days long) went really well. Our plane landed about 15 minutes early giving all of us time to get through customs and other such lines really quickly. Everyone I spoke to was extremely nice – which means they either are really nice or I must have looked a little nervous and scared. I am beginning to learn that both are true.
I saw Christine right off. She was standing with a sign that had my name on It (she spelled my name like most people pronounce it the first few times – “Cushion”). It made me feel strangely at home. We exchanged a quick hello hug and made our way out of the airport.
We left the airport (and entered some very chilly weather) and then hopped in her car to head home. Driving on the left hand side of the road is not scary at all (don’t worry; I’m not driving at all!) This place is truly beautiful. As we drove home the scenery was out of control. The greenest greens you could ever imagine. I have already had my first sheep sightings and crossings. For those who don’t know, there are more sheep than people in NZ.
We arrived at Christine’s house after about a 30 minute drive. Her house is right on the beach, although it is not like our beaches at home. Small sand area, lots of trees along the coast, etc. There are lots of windows here; good for natural lighting, just beautiful. We can even see downtown Auckland from her porch. I will try and get some pictures together soon. I am living in the basement of the apt. My only complaint is that it is quite cold; I slept in sweats all night. The latest and greatest discovery – my adapter plug actually works!!!!!!!!!! I actually cried when that happened. Even though I don’t have internet, my laptop feels like a bit of home, especially since I have some music on it. It just feels like I am somewhat connected to the outside world. The next mission is to find a place to Skype call from. There are some cafes within walking distance that I will be trying soon.
Christine and I spent the morning running around. We went to the grocery store, to Botany Downs (the school I will be teaching at) to get internet access to email mom and dad, to her brother’s house, to the school rugby and soccer games, and then back home. We were going to see the school play but decided we were both too tired to manage to stay awake.
The school is so nice. It was built fairly recently so everything has that “new smell”. I found out that the community system that the school is based around is pronounced “fawn-new”. Apparently around here –wh sounds make the F noise. Good to know. Met some of the students. They all seem very nice and all love their school. The Whanau program builds in school pride and a sense of belonging to the kids. Neat to see.
I am still not unpacked. I spent most of the day yesterday trying hard to stay awake, no unpacking. I did realize though that I brought no gloves, scarf, of toboggan. These appear to be necessities I will soon be getting.
That’s all for now from this side of the globe. I am doing well. Three months seems like a long time but I know it will fly by. I miss you all and love you more than you know. Send hugs my prayers my way. Talk to you soon : )
Well, Im here! The first day (which was actually about 3 days long) went really well. Our plane landed about 15 minutes early giving all of us time to get through customs and other such lines really quickly. Everyone I spoke to was extremely nice – which means they either are really nice or I must have looked a little nervous and scared. I am beginning to learn that both are true.
I saw Christine right off. She was standing with a sign that had my name on It (she spelled my name like most people pronounce it the first few times – “Cushion”). It made me feel strangely at home. We exchanged a quick hello hug and made our way out of the airport.
We left the airport (and entered some very chilly weather) and then hopped in her car to head home. Driving on the left hand side of the road is not scary at all (don’t worry; I’m not driving at all!) This place is truly beautiful. As we drove home the scenery was out of control. The greenest greens you could ever imagine. I have already had my first sheep sightings and crossings. For those who don’t know, there are more sheep than people in NZ.
We arrived at Christine’s house after about a 30 minute drive. Her house is right on the beach, although it is not like our beaches at home. Small sand area, lots of trees along the coast, etc. There are lots of windows here; good for natural lighting, just beautiful. We can even see downtown Auckland from her porch. I will try and get some pictures together soon. I am living in the basement of the apt. My only complaint is that it is quite cold; I slept in sweats all night. The latest and greatest discovery – my adapter plug actually works!!!!!!!!!! I actually cried when that happened. Even though I don’t have internet, my laptop feels like a bit of home, especially since I have some music on it. It just feels like I am somewhat connected to the outside world. The next mission is to find a place to Skype call from. There are some cafes within walking distance that I will be trying soon.
Christine and I spent the morning running around. We went to the grocery store, to Botany Downs (the school I will be teaching at) to get internet access to email mom and dad, to her brother’s house, to the school rugby and soccer games, and then back home. We were going to see the school play but decided we were both too tired to manage to stay awake.
The school is so nice. It was built fairly recently so everything has that “new smell”. I found out that the community system that the school is based around is pronounced “fawn-new”. Apparently around here –wh sounds make the F noise. Good to know. Met some of the students. They all seem very nice and all love their school. The Whanau program builds in school pride and a sense of belonging to the kids. Neat to see.
I am still not unpacked. I spent most of the day yesterday trying hard to stay awake, no unpacking. I did realize though that I brought no gloves, scarf, of toboggan. These appear to be necessities I will soon be getting.
That’s all for now from this side of the globe. I am doing well. Three months seems like a long time but I know it will fly by. I miss you all and love you more than you know. Send hugs my prayers my way. Talk to you soon : )
Friday, August 15, 2008
the kiwi has landed
i have arrived!
not too much time to write here andnow,but i will again soon. probably monday before i get a chance to sit and write.
love you and miss you all with all my heart.
- cat : )
not too much time to write here andnow,but i will again soon. probably monday before i get a chance to sit and write.
love you and miss you all with all my heart.
- cat : )
Thursday, August 14, 2008
oh airports....
okay - so i hate airports. i really really hate them. they tend to overwhelm me generally. this is an especially stressful trip to the airport as i just left my parents to head off into the great blue yander...there were tears from everyone, yes even Dad. He's a softy at heart : )
the goodbye itself was quick i must say, but that was problably the best it could have been b/c we all would have been blubbering really quickly. they stayed and watched me go through the security check point which was reassuring. i found m way to my terminal without getting lost (believe it! it's true). and so now i am sitting in the concourse waiting for the next 2 and a half hours or so until my plane comes. i think i paid $8 to get online - ive never done that before and think it's rather rude, but i am quickly learning that i am not getting to make up my own rules on this trip.
so here's the run down:
i am in hartsfield jackson airport in Atl.
- my plane leaves Atl at 6:50pm to Los Angelas (Melissa/California - hooray for your hometown). I arrive in LAX at 8:30pm (hahaha - flying for 4 hours and arriving only 2 hours later)
- I wait for 2.5 hours there.
- I leave LAX at 10:30pm and fly straight to Auckland, NZ. When I come in it will be 6:00am on Saturday. Tada! I made it : ) I will be awake for about 36 or so maybe more. pray for strength!
In summary, that means i travel for 24hours and lose a complete day. No Friday for me. That's alright, Friday's usually just get in the way of the weekends ;)
Once I land, my roommate, Christine will meet me. I only have one picture of her, so I hope she has a poster with my name on it and knows where to meet me! This could be fun. Please pray that I will meet Christine without problems.
I am not nervous right now. Just ready to get on the plane. When i first got to the terminal i was terrified. no particular reason. Just unsteady. Since then, and after some prayer, i am feeling much better. This is goign to be the trip of a life time!!!!
Alright, that's about all i have right now. If i think of things before i take off, I will probably write again; i have time to kill!
Leaving on a Jet Plane!
Today I am leaving!!!! I thought this day may not actually come. I have finished packing, repacking, unpacking, checking weight of bags, and packing again. Space bags have become my new favorite obsession : ) You stuff all of your clothes in the bag and then...poof! The vacuum sucks out all of the air in the bag, the bag shrinks, weighs less, and is easier to be packed away. I just hope that the airline inspectors dont want to unpack my space bags; I dont think it will fit again.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
quick thoughts before work
i have 9 days left! yikes. this is becoming real. i dont think it hit me until about 2 days ago that i am really leaving the country for 3 months.
the past few days have been spent hanging out with friends, finishing up work, making packing lists, confirming flights, gathering necessities, etc. i am sure there is much more to do, im just not sure what.
i have also had to clean out my apt and turn it back over to my land lord. a nightmare if i had ever thought of one. if you know the story, you know what im talkign about, if not i can tell you later. it's not pretty. however, i have become very thankful that Jesus is an all sufficient provider of everything. He knows exactly what i need for today. He is able to provide me the stregnth, energy, food, peace, love, encouragement, shelter, etc for today. tomorrow will come and it will have its own worries, but today has been taken care of. there is no need for me to worry. my daily bread has come and it is more than sufficient for my needs. Praise God. this is good news as i have become anxious about leaving and beginning to teach. Praise be to God, my Savior and Father who is able and willing to fight for, feed, and love his children. He is good forevermore.
grace and peace : )
the past few days have been spent hanging out with friends, finishing up work, making packing lists, confirming flights, gathering necessities, etc. i am sure there is much more to do, im just not sure what.
i have also had to clean out my apt and turn it back over to my land lord. a nightmare if i had ever thought of one. if you know the story, you know what im talkign about, if not i can tell you later. it's not pretty. however, i have become very thankful that Jesus is an all sufficient provider of everything. He knows exactly what i need for today. He is able to provide me the stregnth, energy, food, peace, love, encouragement, shelter, etc for today. tomorrow will come and it will have its own worries, but today has been taken care of. there is no need for me to worry. my daily bread has come and it is more than sufficient for my needs. Praise God. this is good news as i have become anxious about leaving and beginning to teach. Praise be to God, my Savior and Father who is able and willing to fight for, feed, and love his children. He is good forevermore.
grace and peace : )
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