12th Week In New Zealand

I am now enjoyng the vibrant city of Auckland, NZ. But, I will talk more about in the upcoming Week 13 post.

As for the past week, things have been hectic and draining, both physically and spiritually. But, there was still a number We spent a large portion of the week helping get the M/V Pacific Hope ready for tours in Auckland as well as training to prepare us for life on the ship.

However, all the business didn't mean that I could not explore more of Tauranga. Due to the ship's location in Tarunga "The Strand" was within very easy walking distance. So for the first time since I started my DTS I've been able to truly explore city as well as take part of some it's gastronomic offerings.

One of the highlights of my week was to join the guys on my team in an afternoon out. After getting deciding on a movie, we grabbed some Turkish then went back to enjoy the movies. That was a great and memorible day!

We sailed for Auckland on Saturday, arriving on Sunday Morning. The journey was at night so, I thankfully get to sleep during the 12 hours of travel. I severely underestimate my reaction to the sea on a boat without stableizers. However, I eventually got my act together and got to enjoy some amazing views of the approach to Auckland.

9th Week In New Zealand

The biggest development of this past week is that the first $2000NZD of my Outreach fees have been paid off thanks to a generous family member. Also, I have put the last $2000NZD on my credit card, but, I have not fully worked out how to pay it off yet. However, a fellow student came up to me mid-week and long story short gave me $200USD toward my fees. Such a blessing!

God is so good, He has brought me a long way in trusting Him for provision in this season. Just 2 months before coming here, I really had no idea where any of the needed finances were going to coming from but, thankfully my uncertainty and lack of faith did NOT stop God!

In other developments, I finally got myself an All Blacks styled polo. As I am not too much into sports, the coloring and the words, "New Zealand" were enough for me. Just my luck too, the shirt was on clearance.

I have not been able to truly experience the culinary side of Tauraung yet. This is mainly due to me trying to save money and that the Base is a good ways from town.

However, thanks to a friend here at base, I was able to get a ride into town to see the Tauranga Jazz Fesrival. Now having been to New Orleans more times than I can count, it was not exactly the Jazz that I'm used to, actually a lot of it was not "Jazz."  But, I am a lover of almost any type of music so, I appreciated the talent of those performing.

I am not sure what adventures await in this upcoming week. But, I am learning how to enjoy the present and this might be the best decision I can make at the moment!

Second Week in NZ

God has been moving greatly in the lives of us all here at YWAM Tauranga. Things have been really busy this last week with our "Ministry Placements" starting. Today, I could not make it to church due to "Weekend Warriors," where students are rotated (5 at a time) to stay back on Saturdays or Sundays to keep the base running.

Due to a lack of drivers, I did not get to go to Mongolian BBQ yesterday. However, I did go to McDonald's... this is about the 6th country I have done so in. I got a Strawberry Kiwi Fanta Frostee, a New Zealand specialty! :)

Will try to make plans with some fellow students to go to "The Strand" (the main shopping/dining area in downtown Tauranga) this week. Taurunga is such a beautiful city and I will explore it at every chance that I am given!