I am back. I am alive. I am tired.

The last few weeks have been crazy. I arrived back in Auckland two days ago and still feel as though I'm stuck in a whirlwind of changing locations every day and wearing dirty clothes. I think Jan and Chris are probably happy the dirty clothes thing is not true.

My week in Rarotonga was beautiful. A bit hot and sticky for this Minnesota girl, but the water was unbelievably clear and the people welcomed us so graciously. We spent the week learning how to make headdresses and plates out of plants, dying sarongs, hiking across the island in the pouring rain, eating octopus and other interesting food items, getting tan on the beach, snorkeling in the coral reefs, planting taro, eating more tropical fruits than I've had in my entire life combined, listening to lectures about the Cook Islands, and getting to know the other members of the Auckland study abroad group.

Whew. It was busy, but it was the perfect change from the heaps of schoolwork I had been doing before the break. While I do not thoroughly enjoy being sweaty from just breathing, it was a wonderful opportunity to experience a new culture.

The road trip to the South Island of New Zealand followed right on the heels of Rarotonga. We flew in from the Cook Islands at 8pm on April 15th and out of Auckland to Christchurch at 6:30am on the 16th. Let's just say it was a night full of packing, laundry, rushed emails and little sleep.

The South Island experience was radically different from Rarotonga. I traveled around with two of my friends instead of in a group of 36 and the temperatures were about half that in the Cook Islands. It was nice to be back in Christchurch and strange to imagine how different my study abroad experience would have been if I had stayed there. We stopped to buy groceries at the grocery store near our old apartments and walking through the aisles we had cruised a few months earlier as students was a bit weird.

Our road trip took us first to see Mt. Cook. Well, technically we only saw Mt. Cook for about 20 minutes due to low cloud cover, but it was an awesome area. The mountains loom on all sides over a flat valley where the road winds its way towards Mt. Cook. After a rather chilly night tenting in my sleeping bag that is not meant for winter, I (along with Kristen and Stephen, of course) hiked around Mt. Cook and saw the glaciers there. The highlight came when the clouds parted for a brief moment and we got to see Mt. Cook. It towered over the skyline and was definitely worth the wait.

The next stop on our trip was Queenstown. The drive there was unbelievable. New Zealand continues to surprise me with the natural beauty that can be seen in every drive and vista. Rolling hills with mountains in the distant made the car ride to the adventure capital of New Zealand a pleasant experience. I loved Queenstown from the beginning. It is nestled right next to the Remarkables mountain range. Their peaks greet you every time you head outside. In Queenstown, I embarked on bit of an extreme sport rage and went bungee jumping off a platform 440 ft from the ground and skydived from 15,000 ft. Overall a successful trip. Both were awesome, but I was surprised to find I like bungee jumping more. I'm working on convincing Mom to go when they come, but I may be fighting a losing battle.

We spent the next few days after Queenstown tramping the Routeburn track. It's one of New Zealand's "Great Walks" and consists of a 32 km track passing from Mt. Aspiring National Park into Fjordland National Park. I hadn't hiked much before coming to New Zealand, but I have found it to be an awesome activity. While at times I found my hiking pack a bit heavy, the scenery more than justified the effort. I loved meeting the international range of people on the track and huts where we stayed. Certain lessons were learned for the future: bring a cup (it's helpful for drinking tea - water bottles are not effective), try to find alternatives to PB&J (I currently can't really look at peanut butter. Bleh.), and mint Tim Tams are the ultimate post-hike treat. Num.

Milford Sound was the next stop on our journey and while it rained the whole cruise, I found the fjord stunning. Around 1500 waterfalls appear when it pours there and while there were not quite that many when we were there, the sight was still impressive. We even spied a few seals and dolphins!

We continued up the West Coast to the Fox and Franz Joseph glaciers. Unique in their close position to the sea, the glaciers are relatively easy to access. On Easter, we went on a half-day hike on the Fox glacier. I had seen glaciers from afar in Alaska last summer, but their vastness can't be understood until you actually hike on one. Easter was a bit difficult. I felt rather homesick for the traditional Easter experiences of church, Easter egg and envelope hunts, cheesy potatoes, and crazy family gatherings. I was able to Skype the family for a little bit, which was wonderful and difficult at the same time. I cannot wait to be back for all of the family things in a few months - I miss everyone!

A car ride through Arthur's Pass back to Christchurch wrapped up our journey. By the time we made it back, I was thoroughly smelly, wearing very dirty clothing, and ready to return to Auckland for a shower, real meal, and comfortable bed. We did spend an interesting 12 hours in the Christchurch airport waiting for our flight back at the ungodly hour of 5:40am. If anyone is wondering, the Antarctic Center next to the airport boasts live penguins, Hagglund rides, and fun exhibits. A few hours can be spent there...

I am now back. It has been a little difficult getting back into the routine of school, but it's getting better. Facing all of the work to be done in the next few weeks was a bit daunting at first, but when I consider that I only have 5 full weeks left, it seems so short. I can hardly believe it. The Lucht family arrives in 58 days! I am incredibly excited to show them the country I've been living in and have them meet Jan and Chris. It'll be a party.

It is also nice to be back in contact with everyone at home. Being away from reliable internet for 3 weeks was frustrating, but it made me appreciate how lucky I am to be in constant contact with those I love. Yay for Facebook, email, and Skype!

I believe this is the longest post I have ever written. Good for you if you make it through!

Hello Sun, Sand, and Beaches.

I am done with the first half of the semester! Yesterday was my last day of class and today finds me packing for Rarotonga and writing an essay for my mythology class. I finished it. Whew, if anyone desires to read about the inversion of Heracles' arete in Euripides' play, just let me know. I conveniently have an essay about that.

This week went rather quickly. It was nice to have a week without tests and assignments due. I did try to do all of my homework for break and while that didn't make for an easy week, it was well worth it. I now have two and a half weeks of freedom. Rarotonga this week and the South Island the week and a half after. It is going to be awesome.

I watched the first Lord of the Rings last night with some friends and it was strange to realize I am in the country. It is beautiful in the movie and I'm hoping even better in person.

More about Rarotonga. It is part of the Cook Islands and across the International Date Line from New Zealand meaning it is 22 hours behind. I've heard it's sunny and warm basically year round and the beaches are beautiful. We'll be snorkeling, tramping across the island, outrigger paddling, making our own sarongs, and just having a wonderful time. Hopefully getting a tan.

This is a very random post - I am getting picked up in ten minutes! I won't be on for a week, but hopefully I will post again before leaving for the South Island. If not, I will be back in two in a half weeks. I hope to be a little tanner and full of awesome stories, pictures, and experiences!

Trust.

Being here as taught me a lot about myself. It has shown me that I am able to be independent in ways I never have been before. It has helped me to appreciate the wonderfully supportive group of friends and family who care about me. It has challenged my constant desire to be in control.

New Zealand has made me think.

More importantly for me this week, New Zealand is making me learn how to trust.

I like to control the areas of my life. I enjoy knowing exactly what is required of me, when it will be required, and what I need to do to succeed.

Life doesn't work out like that sometimes. Sometimes no matter how much I try to be joyful or excited, I find myself missing home. No matter how many times I thank God that I am blessed with such a wonderful homestay situation and group of new friends, I end up wishing for the family and friends I have known for years.

I have been dealing with that this week. I have had many unique and funny experiences including trying out the Mexican restaurant here in Auckland - not real Mexican, taking the ferry to Waiheke Island and spending the day on the beach & wine tasting at vineyards, and making it through a challenging school week.

At the same time, my mind seems to be at home. I wish I could get a hug from a few people and then I think I'd be set again for a few months. I know that study abroad is meant to be challenging and stretching, but I always seem to forget that those things come with hurt alongside the growth.

God is good and He is teaching me about trust. When I have felt those "down" moments in the last week or been frustrated with long-distance relationships, He is constantly reminding me of His goodness and desire for me to be here for the next three months. He has a plan. He is in control.

I simply have to trust.

I wish it were simple.

At the moment, I know these things: God is shaping me. While my heart wants to be here and at home, God has a plan better than any I can imagine.

It all comes down to trust.

The Best of February and March

I was asked by some folks not on Facebook to share some of my photos here. These are some of my favorites from February and March!

A baby fern by Te Anga
Beach at Pauanui
Ready to Surf
Side street off of Queens St. in Auckland
Hagley Park in Christchurch
Top of Mt. Eden in Auckland.

At Takapuna Beach in Auckland.

The skyline of Auckland.

A crack in the road in the area where we were shoveling liquefaction.

A view from the train going to Kaikoura!
A sheep in Springfield

Blown About.

As we approach the end of March, I feel incredibly blessed to have had the month I did. My experiences have been varied and sometimes difficult, but they have been mine.

This past weekend I traipsed down to Tongariro National Park to attempt the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. It is known as the best day-hike in New Zealand. Sadly enough, the weather did not cooperate and 60+ kph winds and low visibility due to rain prevented us from attempting the eight hour hike. Nevertheless, we decided to attempt a shorter and easier hike to the Tuma lakes at the base of one of the mountains.

The scenery was beautiful. The volcano featured in Lord of the Rings as Mt. Doom is situated in Tongariro and the area surrounding is filled with volcanic rock, vibrant moss, and swaying grasses. Due to the low cloud cover, Mt. Doom remained unseen during our stay, but I hope to get back and see it sometime. While we thought it would be relatively straightforward, the Tuma lakes hike turned into a rather funny adventure. As we tramped the first few hours of it and finally arrived at the first lake to eat lunch, it had been drizzling intermittently throughout the morning. Just as we were preparing for the steepest and most exposed section of the hike, gusts of intense wind and pouring rain swirled around the ridge. In the way of normal college students, we decided we could handle it and began the trek up the intense incline to the Upper Lake. I have never felt such strong winds or experienced horizontal rain. In a few short minutes, we were drenched completely through. As it made no sense to give up when our clothes, packs, and boots were already drenched, we battled up the ridge and finally made it to the summit overlooking the Upper Lake. To be honest, I didn't stay up there long. We quickly began our retreat and scurried down as quickly as we could.

The three hour tramp back to the car was filled with some more lovely scenery, water-logged hiking boots, and bouts of rain.

Overall, the hike was an adventure. It wasn't what I had planned for the weekend, but it was something I would do again. I haven't laughed as hard as I did when the horizontal rain began in a long time.

This past week was one filled with academic preparations. I have a rather busy and intense schedule this week with essays and lab reports due along with a chemistry test. When it's over, we will only have one more week to go before Fall Break (Rarotonga and the South Island here we come!).

As the time passes, I find myself missing simple things at home. I wish I could go to the cabin and sit around the fire with my extended family. I wish I could plop myself at the kitchen table and talk to my parents after dinner. I wish I could laugh about nothing with my boyfriend while we make cookies. I know I will be able to do those things again before I know it, but right now the next three months loom a bit long. I am excited for the many opportunities and experiences that lay ahead of me now, but sometimes I wish I could be home for a night or two. I wouldn't mind.

What a Quick Week.

Every week seems to go by more quickly than the last.

This week was no exception. It has passed in a whirlwind of school, scrumptious New Zealand cuisine, and a trip to the Coromandel Peninsula.

Schoolwork is beginning and, per usual, I am feeling a bit stressed by the looming prospect of grades. It is rather comforting to know that spring break is in three short weeks, yet strange as I only started school two weeks ago. I am not complaining. Wednesday marked the first day I sat down at my desk and did work at home. Good for me, huh? Perhaps that puts the productivity of the previous week and a half in question...

One aspect of New Zealand that I was not expecting and has been wonderful: the food. Everything is very fresh and meals frequently consist of three vegetable sides and a main dish. This week brought an especially wonderful meal and time to connect with more people: a barbeque get-together between the six families hosting the IES students from Christchurch. A table laden in fresh vegetables and salads was coupled with grilled entrees and recently baked desserts. Num. My host mother has graciously agreed to teach me how to cook. I sincerely hope we are successful in our risky endeavor. It will be interesting.

This weekend I, along with my friend Katie, accompanied Jan and Chris (my host parents) to their beach house in Pauanui on the Coromandel Peninsula. Their daughter and her family also went and it was a rowdy, loud, and crazy place during the day. I have never been witness to that much laughter, that many tears, and that loud of noise in such a short space of time. It was fun. Chris gave Katie and me a surfing lesson and we, to our surprise, did relatively well for our first time. I would love to try again some day. The nights were wonderfully peaceful (thanks to the four sleeping children) and filled with fire-cooked pizza, chinese lanterns, and laughter. I am incredibly blessed to be part of this family for the short time I am here.

Today brought some more beach time and the trip home. I am a bit drained and the school week looms ahead, but as I look back over my time here, it has passed so quickly. So too will the schoolwork and difficulties ahead of me this week. I am simply looking forward to the joys, and laughs to come. There will even be some dancing on Wednesday at the Bassnectar concert!

It is Well.

Today finds me almost a week since my last post. While much has happened and I still occasionally get pangs of homesickness, a certain measure of stability has provided me with joy. Last night I experienced my first purely happy moment since being in New Zealand. I was not wishing to be anywhere else. I was not worried about school, earthquakes or relationships. I began to realize how incredibly blessed I am.

My week has been full of wonderful things. I attended a rugby league game (apparently different from what we think of as rugby) and loved being part of the yelling mob of fans. Well, at least when I understood what we were getting upset about. I explored the harbor with a friend and marveled as the personal yachts and sailboats moored there. The demands of school required me to do some homework which was not to be avoided. Alas. I worshiped at church and had meaningful conversations with my host family and my friends. Skype and Facebook continued to allow me to connect with those at home.

I am looking forward to the many adventures to come this week, including a visit to my family's beach house and attempts to teach me how to surf. A barbeque with all the host families and their respective kiddies is being held tomorrow. It is going to be a great week.

The earthquake and subsequent tsunami in Japan have been on my mind and are events of incomprehensible tragedy. So many lives were lost and so many continue to be missing. When I consider the events of Christchurch and my own experiences there, I can only feel lucky and a bit ashamed. The nature of the disaster Japan has undergone is more devastating than anything I can imagine and yet my gut instinct is to say, "Something like that happened to me too. Don't forget about me!" God seems to be using this awful situation as a lesson. He desires to extricate me from my selfishness and remind me of the other people in need. Yes, I was emotionally traumatized by my own experiences, but God's greatest command is to love Him and others. I need to refocus my life away from myself and towards helping those in need. God, my family and my friends have shown me incredible love in the past and continue to support me with it now.

My goal for the week: to live passing on the love I've been blessed with. There are those in more difficult situations than mine.