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 : )