Before I begin, I apologize if there are large spaces between the pictures and writing. Some people seem to have that problem, while others do not. I'm not sure how to solve it, so please do not stop reading when you see a pile of white space. Continue to scroll down for more info.
Where to begin?! There are so many odds and ends to include. I guess I will start by letting you all know that we experienced our first earthquake. While singing to some elderly people in a rest home, we heard a rumbling sound. At first, I attributed it to a large transport truck passing, but when I heard the ceiling creaking and felt the floor shaking, I knew it was an earthquake! Pure panic on my part. Pure calm on my husband's! I'm not a nurse for very good reason. I would have been absolutely no use if we had needed to evacuate the elderly people. The earthquake only lasted for a few seconds, but it was enough to get my kiwi friends laughing at my white face. The quake satisfied my desire to know what one felt like, while thankfully not causing any collateral damage. If you think the scariest part is the actual ground movement, you are wrong. The real terrifying moments come immediately after, as you wait. And wait. And pray and hope it wasn't a prelude to others. We ended our singing with "O God, Our Help in Ages Past" which was quite appropriate. What a wonderful reminder that He is in control and everything is in His hands.
Sam has recently had some exciting work adventures. He traveled by helicopter into the NZ 'mountains' to install a fireplace in an old hikers' shack. He spent a couple of nights there with his work mates. He also worked in one of NZ's most famous homes, Wharekauhau. You know, the one that Bill Gates recently relaxed in. Pretty posh.
Leah is settling in wonderfully. As I write, she is busy baking some chocolate chip cookies, while also letting our butter caramel toffee set. She is such a happy girl, content with little. Her national exams are finished, and we are thankful that God has answered our prayers and provided her with a farming job. This was a real concern for us, as jobs are hard to find right now. Her room is a typical teenage disaster zone. I catch myself sounding exactly like my Mom when she used to reprimand me about my mess: "Hang your wet stuff up!"; "Fold your clothes properly!"
I tried to exercise self-control. For two weeks, I suppressed the thoughts of Christmas lights weaved through our rose bushes and how cozy our cottage would look at night. Not to mention, it is nearing Christmas. I consciously told myself that on Boxing Day, they would be half price- how much smarter it would be to wait! But, a few days ago, I caved. They were 25% off, and I connived myself into thinking that that was almost the same as 50%. I bought 'em and strung 'em. And they are better than I could have imagined. I literally walked outside five times the first night to simply gaze at the cutest little cottage in NZ, sparkling under the starry sky. I wasn't the only one mesmerized. Flashes of light at 10p.m. caused me to peek outside, where I found neighbours taking pictures of our "Secret Garden"!
Two nights ago, we had our school formal dinner for the college classes. I did Leah, her friend Rosa, and her sister Marcella's hair. After a hundred bobby-pins and gallons of hairspray, I was pleasantly surprised at the results. Thankfully, they weren't disappointed after trusting their teacher to do their hair for such a momentous occasion! We enjoyed a night of delicious appetizers and main courses, topped off with the best Pavlova cake I have ever tasted. It's a NZ specialty, and I have yet to master it. The students performed a variety of skits, including a re-enactment of their teachers. It was hilarious watching them try to imitate my accent and teaching enthusiasm. At the end of the night, the students who were leaving Ponatahi gave their good-bye speeches. Another year, another graduation, another time for students to step out into the big wide world of decisions, responsibility, adventure, fear and hope. It always makes me nostalgic, reflective, and shocked that it has already been seven and a half years since I parted with my RCS class of 2003.
Sam and I are still playing softball. This time, I have attached a few pictures from one of my games. I'm happy to say that my pitches have been much more consistent. I think the higher level of intensity in these games keeps me focused. The coaching is fantastic as well. Enjoy the strange faces I found out I pull while pitching. Like I said...focused!
The weather is hot, hot, hot. Our town has a great pool that is open for most of the day and is FREE! It's even equipped with a diving board. I'm sure we will all be frequent visitors during the upcoming summer months.
It's strange seeing pictures posted on Facebook of jackets, toques, snow, Christmas decor, etc. Over here, it doesn't feel like Christmas at all! Except for the tacky fake snowmen in store windows that remind you about the time of year. Although its 27 degrees Celsius plus almost every day, people hang up icicle lights. As I write this, "Let it Snow" is softly playing from our computer. We hope you all have a blessed Christmas together with your family and friends, and as much as I want to deny it for fear of being overly emotional, I think Sam and I will both really miss you all during the Christmas weeks. Possibly even shed some tears :)!
Well, the toffee is set and my self-control tank is quickly depleting again :)! We hope you have enjoyed this update, and we look forward to any comments you add.
With lots of love,
The Kiwi Wannabees, Sam and Cara
.JPG)
