I feel so guilty. My blog counter reveals that many of you have visited our kiwi-green blog and been disappointed- maybe even more than once. It bothers me so much, that I have decided to right a short note, as well as bait you with the promise that soon there will be new pictures uploaded.
Until then, here are a few New Zealand tidbits:
Various teachers and students have been sick with the dreaded swine-flue (H1N1)... or "high-nigh" as one elderly man in Ontario called it, when he mistakenly confused the numbers with capital letters. In fact, at one stage, over 30% of our students were missing. Do the math for a school with a total of 70ish students! Those of us spared from this pervasive 'flu' have had to juggle classes and cover extra periods to deal with the lack of healthy teachers, which I am going to use as an excuse for my lack of posts :). Thankfully, most students have fully recovered and are noticeably back into the swing of things!
This week, Sam and I have been invited by three different families from our church for dinner. Talk about a hospitable church! These pleasant evenings consisting of delicious home-cooked meals and fellowship are such a treat- especially since I don't have to think about cooking or kick myself for forgetting to take meat out of our freezer.
One of my college students performed a moving speech at a competition for all the schools in our region. In front of a mainly secular audience, she spoke passionately about persecuted Christians around the world. I don't think there was one eye in the entire audience that wasn't sharply focused on her throughout her entire, eight-minute, memorized speech. I felt like a proud parent. I think she should have won first prize- and that is NOT due to bias. But it doesn't even really matter. It was enough to know that this ignored topic was frankly put in front of so many consciences and hearts.
Sam works with an innovative guy named Koos. He is one of those health nuts who grinds his own grain before making bread. I knew he was truly committed to a naturalistic lifestyle when he passed up one of my mom's famous cookies. Who does that?! On top of his healthy eating habits (which I really do admire), he also has many projects "on the go" or already very much in motion! For instance, he invented a "chicken plucker", which consists of an old washing machine that has rubber-glove fingertips secured along the inside wall. Throw a chicken in, turn to spin, and VOILA- a plucked bird! Then there is his attempt at creating home-made bio-gas. Unfortunately, the 2000 dead chickens in water-tanks beside his home were too potent, so the bio-gas recipe didn't work. They lay patiently waiting, smelling, as he thinks of a way to "water it down". This guy is legend. He's also made his own water ionizer and had his diesel truck running on hydrogen gas. Sam loves working with him and I love hearing the conspiracy theories every night. Koos is inspiring- to the point that Sam was up at 10p.m. last night whipping up some home-made mayonnaise; apparently, store-bought mayo contains "deadly chemicals" (Sam's exact words). Today, on their way home from work, Koos and Sam spotted a flock of turkeys. They stopped in the middle of a windy, dangerous, New Zealand road, and proceeded to run around chasing the fowl. They managed to corner four turkeys, but not before they were scratched viciously. The grand plan is to "beef?" them up and sell them just before Christmas.
We found a Dutch shop in a town approximately 40 minutes away. Last week, I went on a school trip to Wellington with the college students. It was a "Career Day Convention" and students were able to browse through information on universities, poly-tech schools, etc. (As an aside, they give so much free stuff out at those conventions, it's ridiculous! As if my students need twenty different pens, bags and lolly-pops!) On the way home from the class trip, I was able to convince the bus driver to make a quick stop at the Dutch shop, where I proceeded to stock up on dropjes, dropjes and dropjes. It felt like home!
It's getting late. There is lots more to share, but I will wait until next time. Cheerio!
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Sunrise on the Pacific
I was going to write a detailed post about our Saturday journey to the ocean, but it's just too difficult to put into words. Frustrating. I want to, because I worry that I will eventually forget this special memory. But I can't...at least not tonight. Teaching my students how to write creatively has sapped all of my own writing energy :). I'll let the pictures do all the work, and you just exercise your imagination.
Ocean + Stars + Lighthouse + Sunrise + Wind + Waves + Husband = Blessings.
Ocean + Stars + Lighthouse + Sunrise + Wind + Waves + Husband = Blessings.
Gold, Silver, Precious Stones
"If we find ourselves thinking we can do the Lord's work in the world's way, as though worldly weapons were adequate, then we have drastically underestimated the nature of the battle. For the real battle is not in the seen world only, but chiefly in the unseen world. The battle is not "against flesh and blood," Paul says (Ephesians 6:12), and if we try to fight it in the flesh, we will be merely shadowboxing...
We can go so far as to say that if Christians win their battles by worldly methods, then they have really lost. Visible results can be deceptive. In the seen world, we may appear to make a great advance- win professional recognition, attract people to our cause, raise money for our program, distribute tons of literature, win passage of an important bill. But if it was done by humanistic reliance on technical methods, without the leading of the Spirit, then we have accomplished little of value in the unseen world.
The opposite is likewise true: If Christians use the weapons God has ordained- if we lay our talents at His feet, dying to our own pride and ambition, obeying biblical moral principles, empowered by His Spirit, guided by a Christian worldview perspective- then even if by external standards we seem to have lost, we have really won. Outsiders looking on may conclude that we have failed. Even Christian friends and leaders may shake their heads disapprovingly and advise us that we've made a mistake. But if we have genuinely given our lives over to God's purposes and are being led by Him, then we have won a battle in the unseen world.
An old spiritual classic says the Christian life really begins when we understand by hard experience that "apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:5). It's a verse many of us have memorized and can quote at the drop of a hat. But it rarely becomes real in practice until we encounter an overwhelming crisis that pushes us to the end of our own resources. For people with a lot of resources, that may not be until midlife or even later. But at some point, the realization crashes in on us that life is not what we had hoped for, and we ask, Is this all there is? We realize that in a fall world, even the good things cannot fully satisfy our deepest hungers, and everything we have loved and lived for turns to sawdust and slips through our fingers. If we are honest, we have to admit that our personal relationships are often driven by what we want and need from others, not by a genuinely unselfish love for them. Even our efforts at Christian ministry are often motivated more by personal zeal and ambition than by God's Spirit. And the greater our natural zeal, the greater the crisis God has to allow in order to bring us to the end of our rope. Only after dying to everything we have ever lived for do we genuinely come to believe, as a practical reality, that "apart from Me you can do nothing." And only then can God really pour His life and power into our work.
When life ends and we stand at the believers' judgment described in 1 Corinthians 3, some of our most successful and impressive projects may prove to be nothing but wood, hay, and stubble- devoured by the flames. But the activities that were truly led and empowered by God, in obedience to His truth, whether the results were visible or not, will sparkle as gold, silver and precious stones. And God will set them as jewels in our heavenly crown."
Total Truth by Nancy Pearcey
We can go so far as to say that if Christians win their battles by worldly methods, then they have really lost. Visible results can be deceptive. In the seen world, we may appear to make a great advance- win professional recognition, attract people to our cause, raise money for our program, distribute tons of literature, win passage of an important bill. But if it was done by humanistic reliance on technical methods, without the leading of the Spirit, then we have accomplished little of value in the unseen world.
The opposite is likewise true: If Christians use the weapons God has ordained- if we lay our talents at His feet, dying to our own pride and ambition, obeying biblical moral principles, empowered by His Spirit, guided by a Christian worldview perspective- then even if by external standards we seem to have lost, we have really won. Outsiders looking on may conclude that we have failed. Even Christian friends and leaders may shake their heads disapprovingly and advise us that we've made a mistake. But if we have genuinely given our lives over to God's purposes and are being led by Him, then we have won a battle in the unseen world.
An old spiritual classic says the Christian life really begins when we understand by hard experience that "apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:5). It's a verse many of us have memorized and can quote at the drop of a hat. But it rarely becomes real in practice until we encounter an overwhelming crisis that pushes us to the end of our own resources. For people with a lot of resources, that may not be until midlife or even later. But at some point, the realization crashes in on us that life is not what we had hoped for, and we ask, Is this all there is? We realize that in a fall world, even the good things cannot fully satisfy our deepest hungers, and everything we have loved and lived for turns to sawdust and slips through our fingers. If we are honest, we have to admit that our personal relationships are often driven by what we want and need from others, not by a genuinely unselfish love for them. Even our efforts at Christian ministry are often motivated more by personal zeal and ambition than by God's Spirit. And the greater our natural zeal, the greater the crisis God has to allow in order to bring us to the end of our rope. Only after dying to everything we have ever lived for do we genuinely come to believe, as a practical reality, that "apart from Me you can do nothing." And only then can God really pour His life and power into our work.
When life ends and we stand at the believers' judgment described in 1 Corinthians 3, some of our most successful and impressive projects may prove to be nothing but wood, hay, and stubble- devoured by the flames. But the activities that were truly led and empowered by God, in obedience to His truth, whether the results were visible or not, will sparkle as gold, silver and precious stones. And God will set them as jewels in our heavenly crown."
Total Truth by Nancy Pearcey
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Just a Quickie...
OK, I am a pathetic blogger. It doesn't reflect my love for you all back home...honest. I just happen to find a million other things to do, and it seems like such a big deal to sit down and publish something on the world wide web! But I know some of you would love an update- Aunt Jen? :)
In short, here are a few details about the last two weeks in Kiwiland.
Sam has continued to injury his body and he is becoming more and more creative with how he does it. First it was a rugby injury... no big deal. Just a pulled muscle in his shoulder, I told him. Well, after a trip to the hospital at two in the morning, we found out he tore ligaments in his ac joint, apparently where your collarbone connects to your shoulder. Whatever. His sleeping wife didn't have much sympathy for him, partly due to the fact that she was so comfortable in dreamland, partly because she warned him about the danger of this rugby, and, she must admit, also due to her cold Procee genes :). My lack of feeling and tears for his pain reminded me of my dear Mom telling my brother David that he would get over his sore leg. "Walk it off," she chirped at him, rather annoyed by his whining. When he kept persisting that it hurt, she finally caved and said she would bring him to the hospital. "You will pay for gas if there is nothing wrong!" she had to add as she hopped into the old red Safari van. Turned out, poor Dave did have a broken leg. Ask Rosanna- my cousin who is also part Procee. When it comes to injuries, our first responses are rather abrupt and insensitive. "You'll get over it!"
My mom is actually a very loving person...seriously :). She is always there when I need her, and I couldn't love her more. You would realize this based on how often I am talking with her on Skype! When it comes to stuff that really matters, she has the softest heart and hurts for others. She might look tough on the outside, but to use an old cliche, her bark is bigger than her bite! But, like her, I just don't have a lot of patience for whining, and my husband was definitely pulling that card out :)! "My arm hurts, can you make me some more tea?" I'm sure the guys at work heard about how harsh his wife of only two years is!
Yes, that's right...TWO YEARS! We celebrated our anniversary! Hard to believe that time has gone by so quickly. It really does feel like we just got married a few days ago, while at the same time feeling that we have been married forever! We are so thankful for God's ABUNDANT blessings in our lives together.
Anyway, back to the injuries of Sam. When he came home a few days later with a white bandage wrapped around his hand, I thought, Oh boy...here we go again! He took one look at me and said, "Seriously, Cara, this time it really really hurt!" Well, to make a long story short, something to do with a fireplace was dropped on his hand and cut it quite deep. The doctor told him he is a lucky guy because it just missed a major artery. He will soon have a jagged battle-scar on his right hand - internal and external stitches, folks! He got a bit more sympathy from me this time...I even wrapped his hand in a plastic bag so that he could have a shower! Sweet eh? :)
So besides the fact that I feel like a registered nurse, not too much else has happened. I have enjoyed my two weeks off of school...well that is a bit of a lie. I tried to enjoy them, but I found that I just kept thinking about what schoolwork I could be doing. I think its better if we actually GO AWAY, so that I am dragged from my idol. I did enjoy making meals for people, baking and being a domestic wife. I also loved meeting with friends from church and seeing a bit more of the quaint towns in our area.
But most of all, I loved curling up beside our new wood burning fireplace. Yes, that is right- a REAL fireplace. Maybe not that much of a novelty for you, but I am in love! It's so romantic and cozy and I could dazidly (that's not a word, but you get the idea) stare at the flames all night. Sam installed it with the help of some friends. It's helped us enjoy the New Zealand winter, which is actually rather cold. Before it was installed, Sam and I hibernated in our bedroom, trying to save money on electricity. So the fire is real treat.
I am back into the regular rhythm of things now though...teaching and loving it. We are starting our Shakespeare units for any of you interested!
Oh, I just remembered something else I must share with you all. I hate ants. I know that we are supposed to admire their hard work ethic, but seriously, I can do that when I am outside and happen to see them in the garden. I have a difficult time appreciating their noble work when they are scurrying about in my house. And I am talking thousands. Disgusting. Horrifying. Trails of them going up my wall. Little scouts on my freshly cleaned, white duvet cover. It's a New Zealand thing, I think. We tried so many different poisons, vinegar, pepper, etc... seemed to only attract more. Last night I went bizzerk and spray-raided them all. I didn't care that the house stunk like poison- I wanted them gone. And die they did. My floor looked like black speckled hardwood. I haven't seen as many today, but I am not going to get excited. Apparently they come in spurts, but I would rather they didn't.
Currently I am reading Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper. I thoroughly recommend it to you all. Very profound. Very convicting. I love honest authors. Which is why I'll also never forget the book Blue Like Jazz. The thing I love about Piper's book is that it is so open and human, while at the same time not becoming narcissistic. He doesn't shy from the truth of Scripture, and when you mix that with real Christian experiences it certainly becomes an inspiring and thought-provoking read. I'll add one more to the list- my dear Uncle Richard gave me a book before I left for New Zealand and commented that everyone needs to read it. I am going to second and third that. Its called Total Truth by Nancy Pearcey, and its a book that brilliantly uncovers false philosophies in the past and present, and then holds up the Christian worldview and Bible beside them. It becomes so obvious that God is real and has everything in control- why do we ever doubt?! For anyone struggling with postmodern relativism and questioning whether there are real answers...please read Pearcey's book.
Anyway, this rant should do it for all you blog-starved followers :)
I'm gonna read and enjoy our fire. Probably seems ridiculous to those of you melting in the Ontario humidity! Till next time...
In short, here are a few details about the last two weeks in Kiwiland.
Sam has continued to injury his body and he is becoming more and more creative with how he does it. First it was a rugby injury... no big deal. Just a pulled muscle in his shoulder, I told him. Well, after a trip to the hospital at two in the morning, we found out he tore ligaments in his ac joint, apparently where your collarbone connects to your shoulder. Whatever. His sleeping wife didn't have much sympathy for him, partly due to the fact that she was so comfortable in dreamland, partly because she warned him about the danger of this rugby, and, she must admit, also due to her cold Procee genes :). My lack of feeling and tears for his pain reminded me of my dear Mom telling my brother David that he would get over his sore leg. "Walk it off," she chirped at him, rather annoyed by his whining. When he kept persisting that it hurt, she finally caved and said she would bring him to the hospital. "You will pay for gas if there is nothing wrong!" she had to add as she hopped into the old red Safari van. Turned out, poor Dave did have a broken leg. Ask Rosanna- my cousin who is also part Procee. When it comes to injuries, our first responses are rather abrupt and insensitive. "You'll get over it!"
My mom is actually a very loving person...seriously :). She is always there when I need her, and I couldn't love her more. You would realize this based on how often I am talking with her on Skype! When it comes to stuff that really matters, she has the softest heart and hurts for others. She might look tough on the outside, but to use an old cliche, her bark is bigger than her bite! But, like her, I just don't have a lot of patience for whining, and my husband was definitely pulling that card out :)! "My arm hurts, can you make me some more tea?" I'm sure the guys at work heard about how harsh his wife of only two years is!
Yes, that's right...TWO YEARS! We celebrated our anniversary! Hard to believe that time has gone by so quickly. It really does feel like we just got married a few days ago, while at the same time feeling that we have been married forever! We are so thankful for God's ABUNDANT blessings in our lives together.
Anyway, back to the injuries of Sam. When he came home a few days later with a white bandage wrapped around his hand, I thought, Oh boy...here we go again! He took one look at me and said, "Seriously, Cara, this time it really really hurt!" Well, to make a long story short, something to do with a fireplace was dropped on his hand and cut it quite deep. The doctor told him he is a lucky guy because it just missed a major artery. He will soon have a jagged battle-scar on his right hand - internal and external stitches, folks! He got a bit more sympathy from me this time...I even wrapped his hand in a plastic bag so that he could have a shower! Sweet eh? :)
So besides the fact that I feel like a registered nurse, not too much else has happened. I have enjoyed my two weeks off of school...well that is a bit of a lie. I tried to enjoy them, but I found that I just kept thinking about what schoolwork I could be doing. I think its better if we actually GO AWAY, so that I am dragged from my idol. I did enjoy making meals for people, baking and being a domestic wife. I also loved meeting with friends from church and seeing a bit more of the quaint towns in our area.
But most of all, I loved curling up beside our new wood burning fireplace. Yes, that is right- a REAL fireplace. Maybe not that much of a novelty for you, but I am in love! It's so romantic and cozy and I could dazidly (that's not a word, but you get the idea) stare at the flames all night. Sam installed it with the help of some friends. It's helped us enjoy the New Zealand winter, which is actually rather cold. Before it was installed, Sam and I hibernated in our bedroom, trying to save money on electricity. So the fire is real treat.
I am back into the regular rhythm of things now though...teaching and loving it. We are starting our Shakespeare units for any of you interested!
Oh, I just remembered something else I must share with you all. I hate ants. I know that we are supposed to admire their hard work ethic, but seriously, I can do that when I am outside and happen to see them in the garden. I have a difficult time appreciating their noble work when they are scurrying about in my house. And I am talking thousands. Disgusting. Horrifying. Trails of them going up my wall. Little scouts on my freshly cleaned, white duvet cover. It's a New Zealand thing, I think. We tried so many different poisons, vinegar, pepper, etc... seemed to only attract more. Last night I went bizzerk and spray-raided them all. I didn't care that the house stunk like poison- I wanted them gone. And die they did. My floor looked like black speckled hardwood. I haven't seen as many today, but I am not going to get excited. Apparently they come in spurts, but I would rather they didn't.
Currently I am reading Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper. I thoroughly recommend it to you all. Very profound. Very convicting. I love honest authors. Which is why I'll also never forget the book Blue Like Jazz. The thing I love about Piper's book is that it is so open and human, while at the same time not becoming narcissistic. He doesn't shy from the truth of Scripture, and when you mix that with real Christian experiences it certainly becomes an inspiring and thought-provoking read. I'll add one more to the list- my dear Uncle Richard gave me a book before I left for New Zealand and commented that everyone needs to read it. I am going to second and third that. Its called Total Truth by Nancy Pearcey, and its a book that brilliantly uncovers false philosophies in the past and present, and then holds up the Christian worldview and Bible beside them. It becomes so obvious that God is real and has everything in control- why do we ever doubt?! For anyone struggling with postmodern relativism and questioning whether there are real answers...please read Pearcey's book.
Anyway, this rant should do it for all you blog-starved followers :)
I'm gonna read and enjoy our fire. Probably seems ridiculous to those of you melting in the Ontario humidity! Till next time...
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Wrap Up of Term Two
I know our blog posts have been few and far between lately. It's the end of term two at Ponatahi Christian School, which means piles of marking and report cards/assessment folders. Its been a fantastic term, and I feel satisfied with how much content we've covered in our English classes. I can't believe that we are already over half-way through the school year! Time is whizzing by! In a few more days, it will be the beginning of another two week school break, during which I plan on preparing for the next school term, attending some professional development courses and maybe squeezing in some time to see a bit more of New Zealand! Hopefully I will have more time to keep you posted :).
Below: Hanging out in the English room during the 24 Hour School Day for World Vision.
Below: Hanging out in the English room during the 24 Hour School Day for World Vision.
Friday, June 25, 2010
What we like about New Zealand...
1. Gorgeous variety of landscapes and places to visit! Breathtaking! (see pictures below)
2. Tangelos- the sweetest, juiciest oranges/tangerines you've ever had!
3. Stop signs are almost non-existent. Since we live in a rural area, roads only have yield signs or roundabouts, and the speed limit on almost every road is 100km/h.
4. Short winter months
5. Some of the finest chocolate in the world
6. No rust on cars (Mechanics freak out if they see the smallest spot of rust on a vehicle, and won't pass a "warrent of fitness test" which allows you to drive your car legally!)
7. Accent is pretty intriguing
8. Openness to visitors and immigrants
9. Slow pace of life- it's quite relaxed. Although it can be frustrating at times, we do see many positive sides to this. We find that we are really enjoying our quiet evenings together. Everything in town closes down around 5p.m. and on weekends the shops are usually shut by lunchtime! People are also less interested in having the "biggest" and "best" homes, furniture, cars, kitchen supplies, clothing, etc. There are many homes which we thought were "outdated", but that is simply because families usually squeeze the last drop out of everything they own. Things tend to be rather expensive when you live on an island, so it would cost too much money to try to keep up with the latest fashion crazes.
10. Turquoise ocean and white sand beach are only 30 minutes away! Great for dates and picnics together.
2. Tangelos- the sweetest, juiciest oranges/tangerines you've ever had!
3. Stop signs are almost non-existent. Since we live in a rural area, roads only have yield signs or roundabouts, and the speed limit on almost every road is 100km/h.
4. Short winter months
5. Some of the finest chocolate in the world
6. No rust on cars (Mechanics freak out if they see the smallest spot of rust on a vehicle, and won't pass a "warrent of fitness test" which allows you to drive your car legally!)
7. Accent is pretty intriguing
8. Openness to visitors and immigrants
9. Slow pace of life- it's quite relaxed. Although it can be frustrating at times, we do see many positive sides to this. We find that we are really enjoying our quiet evenings together. Everything in town closes down around 5p.m. and on weekends the shops are usually shut by lunchtime! People are also less interested in having the "biggest" and "best" homes, furniture, cars, kitchen supplies, clothing, etc. There are many homes which we thought were "outdated", but that is simply because families usually squeeze the last drop out of everything they own. Things tend to be rather expensive when you live on an island, so it would cost too much money to try to keep up with the latest fashion crazes.
10. Turquoise ocean and white sand beach are only 30 minutes away! Great for dates and picnics together.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
For Your Info...
Just an update on what Sam is up to here in New Zealand. When we first arrived, he was hired for a variety of jobs- building a large shed, painting the pastor's house, picking onions (he reeked the house up for a week!), and a few other odd jobs. It kept him busy nearly every day which was a real blessing. However, he was soon offered a job from a man in our church who owns a business called "The Heat Shop". Sam accepted the position and is currently installing fireplaces. This involves different tasks like plumbing, welding, design, installation, etc. He enjoys it a lot and is always grateful for more hands on experiences. Not to mention, he's already dreaming about someday owning a real fireplace which will efficiently heat our water and entire house. We have been so thankful to God for hearing our prayers and providing Sam with constant work ever since we arrived in this new country.
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