Have you ever had those times in your life when you just want to do something really challenging? Something that will press your buttons in every way, that will make you cry and shout for joy at the same time? Try throwing 34 college aged students into a new home, new school and new country. Start your challenge by shoving them in 3 small vans and all their bags in 3 small trailers to drive through the country in 2 weeks. Make it harder by telling them they have to pack all their stuff for the next 2 weeks in one bag and the rest of the stuff goes in another bag that they can’t get into until the 2 weeks are up.
You can imagine that after 2 weeks of being in the same van with the same people, having forgotten your Sunday clothes or your shampoo in your other bag that you can’t get into, life would be slightly irritating. This is how it was for us the first two weeks after arriving to New Zealand. We were definitely ready to get out of the vans and away from our annoying van mates and our mean old fart of a driver (of course I’m talking about the drivers in general not just you Jakapo J ) It is funny though that as much as we were ready to get away from each other, I frequently hear things like, “I wish our school groups weren't split up, I miss the other half of our group!” or, “oh my gosh I feel like I haven’t seen you in forever!” We now find ourselves making up excuses for the whole group to get together.
These 33 people, plus Mark and his fam, have become my family over the past 2 months. Each of us are different and each of us are so important to making this the optimal experience.
Among all of us there are heaps of experiences, hardships, weaknesses, strengths, humor, talents and not to mention volume. There is always something to laugh about when 2 or more of us are together. I have really been amazed as I watch our group interact with the people here in the community, in the branch, and other strangers we meet as we travel. There is so much kindness and fun lovin’. I have seen our ability to touch lives individually and collectively.
I just wanted to give this shout out to my new family and thank you all for your examples. I have a learned something uniquely wonderful from all of you and feel gratitude for the opportunity to be here with you. Life is good here isn’t it?
Arohanui to you all!
You can imagine that after 2 weeks of being in the same van with the same people, having forgotten your Sunday clothes or your shampoo in your other bag that you can’t get into, life would be slightly irritating. This is how it was for us the first two weeks after arriving to New Zealand. We were definitely ready to get out of the vans and away from our annoying van mates and our mean old fart of a driver (of course I’m talking about the drivers in general not just you Jakapo J ) It is funny though that as much as we were ready to get away from each other, I frequently hear things like, “I wish our school groups weren't split up, I miss the other half of our group!” or, “oh my gosh I feel like I haven’t seen you in forever!” We now find ourselves making up excuses for the whole group to get together.
These 33 people, plus Mark and his fam, have become my family over the past 2 months. Each of us are different and each of us are so important to making this the optimal experience.
Among all of us there are heaps of experiences, hardships, weaknesses, strengths, humor, talents and not to mention volume. There is always something to laugh about when 2 or more of us are together. I have really been amazed as I watch our group interact with the people here in the community, in the branch, and other strangers we meet as we travel. There is so much kindness and fun lovin’. I have seen our ability to touch lives individually and collectively.
I just wanted to give this shout out to my new family and thank you all for your examples. I have a learned something uniquely wonderful from all of you and feel gratitude for the opportunity to be here with you. Life is good here isn’t it?
Arohanui to you all!
2 comments:
Hey, this is Mathias. i really like your latest blog. it really sums it all up!!
Sounds fun. You changed your blog to one of my favorite templates on that site!
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