Awhile back...

So I haven't had the chance to really write on a computer so I'm playing catch up.

February 13, 2010

In the book that I got from Lauren it says; "I remember experiencing my first fog with you...our adventure to Duluth..But it never stopped us from geting there...I actually found it beautiful." Under that I wrote about how going to Duluth with Lauren was amazing. Yes. I know. I'm talking about Duluth and I'm in New Zealand! So what, who cares? Anyways...it was so fun to see Lauren experience Duluth for the first time. I knew how much she loved Portland and it was a tiny taste of Minnesota's very own Portland, Oregon. Thinking about this trip was a good reminder to think about my loved ones back home and all the fun times we share.

Today was the longest day of my life. We got to Auckland at 5:25am this morning and were going till about 10:30pm. I was lucky that I could sleep as much as I did on the plane though. When I finally realized I was in New Zealand I was overcome with excitment.

When we got to the airport we were greeted by the AustraLearn gang. We were told to call home so I did. Then I called my mom's cell. Then I called my Dad's cell. THEN i called my Dad's work phone. Ron picks up. Gary is on the line. "Okay, well can you just let him know that his daughter made it to New Zealand safely?" So, I can't get a hold of my parents and I only know a few numbers by heart. I wanted to talk to someone from back home...I mean for me this whole thing has kind of been a big deal. So, I call Andrew. It was nice to hear someone's voice that was familiar to me. I didn't have a whole lot of time to chat, but it was good. In fact, here, I don't have hardly any time to talk which is why I got skype. Hopefully that will be helpful. It's free AND I can see people's faces :)

I had a moment tonight just visiting with some other AustraLearn students when I missed home. I hope that doesn't happen so often that i don't experience what I should. This is a growing opportunity and I know I will have obstacles to overcome like your note says below.

Things may be har to get through...obstacles may appear. But keep your head up. Strive for the best.

ps I love you

February 14th, 2010

Happy Valentines Day! Heading to Rotorua. Had breakfast at the hostel. I'm listening to Josh Groban and thinking about family and friends.

"Where has that old friend gone, lost in a February song, tell him it won't be long before he opens his eyes. Where is that simple day before colors broke in two shades, how did I ever fit into this life. I never want to let you down. Forgive me if I slip away. All that I've known is lost and found. I promise you I will come back to you one day."

February 15, 2010

Today was our "Day of Adventure." I went luging and on a giant swing. I LOVE swings and this swing was like the biggest one in the world. It was totally awesome! The only downfall was the rain. It poured there for awhile. "It was just an awful day...it was raining in Madrid and my shoes got drenched and....this one time when I was in Hawaii it rained...yeah it wasn't fun." (I hope a few of you get that ;) ahem...Andrew.

Mallory and I went for a jog later. It was nice to be able to be active. We explored downtown some more. Mallory, Connor, and I were trying to figure out nicknames for each other. I, of course, am Princess :) I'm tired and want to go to bed though. I feel like I am doing good with listenting to my body though. I don't give in and stay up if i really need the rest. Tomorrow is our community day. We'regoing to a primary school. It should be cool to see since we have been so lucky to hang out and have fun these past few days. It should be an eye opener since the kids come from a lower class. I hope that what we do tomorrow puts a smile on their faces. I have no doubt it will be a great experience.