31.01.13

I have a hilarious family. My brother is great fun. As I was taking photos, he pulled down his pants to moon me. Mum saw and was chasing him down the street, trying to cover his offensive butt cheeks. Dad strode on ahead, trying to ignore all the fuss.

30.01.13

Walks, stunning views, family fun, yummy wine.

29.01.13

I have a great family. We spent 4 hours in the car together on the way to Mangonui in the far North. It was just good fun chillin. Mum held this vase of flowers the whole way which was a bit ridiculous and I had been looking forward to eating one of these fudge chocolates, but alas, when we broke them open and bit into them, they were so disappointing! They tasted like they'd been expired for years. Oh man. Mum and her hiding chocoaltes away until they are forgotten!

28.01.13

I love reading.

Today I experienced a whole lot of it, and even finished a book that I've had for a very long time. It feels like quite an accomplishment as it's a classic, and a great book to have under my belt. "The Beautiful and Damned," by F. Scott Fitzgerald. A masterpiece.

27.01.13

It's been a while since I've been so touched by a message. Carl Lentz did an amazing job of the preaching this morning. I was blown away.

There wasn't any theological revelation, endorsed by the most prestigious seminary school. It was just pure truth, spoken to human beings who needed to hear it.

I needed it most.

I walked out of mainstage kind of like I walked out of that Sufjan Stevens concert years ago. Like my brain needed time to comprehend what had just happened, and until it did, there shouldn't be any unnecessary noise to taint it.

26.01.13

I love it when music is mindblowingly good.

Today there were three acts that really stood out.

In chronological order:

Louie the Zu drips swaggoo. He's amazing. For such a young guy to command such authority over the stage, his lyrics, and the audience was powerful. He did an amazing song with Lydia which was out of this world. It was beyond fantastic.

I enjoyed Lecrae a surprising amount. Not that I didn't like him to begin with, but it's hard to imagine how a rapper can be dynamic enough onstage without a full band. He definitely delivered!He did some awesome dances and bounced around the stage with his sidekick, Cannon. Lucy and I marvelled at his stature and broad shoulders. He did not disappoint.

Tom Lark was always going to be one of my faves. Unfortunately they got stuck with the same timeslot as Switchfoot so there weren't that many people there, but that meant the ones who were, were quality. We danced like loons and sang along. It was great fun.

25.01.13

To say I like things to be done my way is a bit of an understatement. I hate being in situations outside of my control.

Such was the case as we were lined up at the gate, about to enter Parachute 2013. The boys finally had the tents and strict instructions to lay EVERYTHING out so we got enough space for all of us. It was very stressful to rely on them, the two most peaceful guys to fight off encroaching neighbours.

They did a great job, it turned out, and we were very happily and spaciously accommodated. I love it when things work out just how I like them.

24.01.13

This day has been the most earth-shatteringly exhausting days of my life. However, I have completed all of the necessary tasks involved in moving out and cleaning up the Manja house, grocery shopping, packing for Parachute, and all that goes along with it.

The only rest I had was a quick cup of tea at 10pm before bedtime.

But it's all done! Except maybe washing and walking Manja, nut Jesslynn would love to do that right??

21.01.13

Oh man, I am in a fragmented state of relief, shock, excitement, and terror right now, upon receiving a letter of acceptance for the EPIK programme.

I have a job in a school in Daegu, Korea's third largest city. It is an absolute miracle, seeing as a week prior to my documents reaching them, there were only 10 placements left. God had my back this whole time.

If there's anything I've learnt so far, it's that if God tells me He's gonna make something happen, He will. Throughout this process, I've had a gut feeling that I'm meant to be in Korea in February, and that EPIK is the only way to go. It's been very tough to believe it can happen, especially over these past few days.

But He is God and I am not. He alone is faithful. I am so pleased that He is despite my lack of trust at times.

20.01.13

I was having a relaxing afternoon, reading outside when a magical thing happened.

I noticed a tiny flutter of orange out of the corner of my eye and watched as a Monarch Butterfly swooped gracefully in the air around my legs and glided off to perch on a leaf across the garden.

It was the most vibrant colour I've seen on a butterfly of its kind, and a beautiful omen of hope if ever I saw one.

I can't believe something so graceful only has three days to make the most of its own freedom and beauty before it becomes part of the earth forever.

In other news, I received a very exciting text about being in a Tom Lark music video. I can't even pretend I was cool about it. An urgent feeling rushed over me and I had to go and tell everyone who was still at church. Unfortunately, I couldn't go, but having the option is almost just as boastworthy.

19.01.13

I went to a gig tonight. The first in a long time. It was glorious.

There were so many people I knew an awkward amount. Too little to be sure that they'd recognize me and remember my name, and too much to ignore them without being rude.

I went for the ignoring route though.

Ahhh, I'm not so good with certain human encounters like that. One day I'll grow out of it maybe.

The music was lovely, and hearing Farah Loux mixed right and excited about their music was so much fun.

18.01.13

Oh boy today was a great day. Lucy and I picked up some chickens from Thames for her mum. We met up with Bryan in the township and ate in a very disgusting food court.

He managed to convince us to go to his uncle's mansion, where we hung out, took pictures, and dreamed of living in such luxury. When we became quite concerned about the chickens we decided to leave and head back home.

After a lovely dip in the pool I got home and Amy shared some very exciting news with me.

It was so much fun to have that particular conversation. It's been a while. What a happy conversation to have too!

16.01.13

My family is the best in the world.

I don't know how dinner tonight was so much fun. We just make each other laugh with almost every sentence. Dan has his funny gags, Dad makes dry jokes, Mum says silly things, and I soak it all in.

I am truly blessed. I will miss them a lot this year.

15.01.13

I hung out with Yvonne tonight. It was a lot of fun to just chill in her room, sharing files and taking silly photos.

I love when you can just do nothing much together and you come away feel like it was a bonding experience.

Perhaps it was our shared taste in engagement rings that made me feel that. We did some research. Just to be prepared.

14.01.13

I love it when Amy and I are thinking the same thing at the same time. It was meant to be our big camping adventure today, but the weather was looking pretty tragic.

As I was getting ready to meet her, I was glancing outside and thinking that it might be quite miserable to set up a tent in the drizzle. 

When she arrived, one of the first things she said was, "Do you think the weather is too gross to go? Maybe we should just stay here?"

And I was so happy!

Sometimes we don't say stuff like that and change plans because we think the other person wants to do it. I'm so glad it didn't happen this time though.

13.01.13

Today was a remarkable day, but most of all for Eleanor, who decided to hand her life over to God tonight.

She will never forget this day as the moment it all clicked. It made sense that life isn't meant to be lived in a purposeless pursuit of pleasure, but for God, who is the author and creator of all things. That's where true fulfillment lies.

I am so excited that this is where her journey begins. True life starts now!

I got to be a part of the celebration as she and Lucy came to visit after church. Over tea we talked about our lives and after a divinely inspired suggestion from Lucy, we prayed for each other.

I know I needed it so badly, and it was so profound to sit in the presence of God with two special people, and talk to him together.

12.01.13

Lance and Saskia got married today. It's a crazy concept, that humans are called to selflessly devote themselves to another human for their whole lives. It's quite scary actually!

The whole thing was super hot (heat) and super charming. She looked beautiful, and he looked very dapper. His face was struggling to keep composed as she walked towards him.

I think weddings are so special because two people have chosen to be vulnerable towards each other in front of a whole crowd of people.

11.01.13

Tonight was sleepover night, and goodness me Amy and I became 14 year old girls again. We were up until very late giggling about boys. I am slightly ashamed, but also very amused.

It was a whole lot of fun though, and totally worth the lack of sleep!

10.01.13

Today was hot like no other day so far. The air was so thick you could feel it all around you, and everything was sticky.

Last Summer was definitely not like this, but I am certainly not complaining! I even appreciate the instant scorching sensation from touching the steering wheel in my car.

This afternoon I had to go to church to help Links and Sam out with a few things, and it was a very strange feeling. It was not entirely pleasant. I sat at my old desk waiting for them to get out of a meeting and thought about how it's not my desk anymore. I got quite sad actually.

The sadness mingled with nostalgia weighed heavy like the stifling heat.

It's weird how emotions can take physical form.

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How did I forget to write about the most amazing natural phenomenon of my life!?

Tonight after jamming, Amy, Von, Michael and myself went for a swim in the dark at Browns Bay beach. As Michael dove under I noticed his hands glowing in the water. There was the most incredible phosphoresence I have ever seen.

As soon as we moved in the water, our limbs would send a few sparks of pale blue light into the water. The faster we paddled, the deeper and brighter the colour became and we could make our hands disappear into a glow like neon.

It was indescribable.

09.01.13

This evening I went to a potluck dinner at Michelle's house. It was really great to hang out with a group of girls I don't normally. They are beautiful ladies, and so easy to laugh with.

Plus they're all pretty domesticated so we had a whole lot of delicious food, including whipped jelly!

It was so light and fluffy. When you had it in your mouth you could hear all the little bubbles popping. We even had to turn down the music so everyone could hear it properly.

08.01.13

Busan is full.

This whole Korea thing is requiring a whole lot more faith than I'm used to having.

I think there might be a bit of necessary obedience involved too.

Aigoo.

07.01.13

Oh. My. Word.

Lindsay and I went on this MEGA walk today.

It was a lovely time, going down to Browns Bay and then back again.

Just before the hill, I saw a wee pathway so I suggested we take a slight detour and see where it led to.

Well... another pathway and more than a few stairs later, we came out quite far from home. We weren't sure how far until the corners turned into more corners and the road sign we were looking for seemed miles in the distance.

It was a lovely time though. Poor Manja slept the rest of the afternoon.

06.01.13

It was great to sit next to Nina at Windsor this morning. It's nice to think that a small gesture and a bit of conversation could really make someone's day.

Even if she did think I was someone else the whole time. Being mistaken for Annie HJ isn't such a bad thing at all.

05.01.13

Lucy Collins is a ray of sunshine. This evening as she plonked down in an armchair; apologizing profusely for this, that, and the other, and described her tales of woe getting back to Auckland with an empty radiator and a burglar alarm that would not stop, Lindsay and I looked on with awe and bemusement.

In other news, the pond is fixed! Dad came over and saved the day! Good thing too, because there was a moldy sparrow floating on the top and the fish weren't even visible through the algae which had built up! It's such a relief to hear the constant trickle of the fountain.

04.01.13

This morning I got up, made my coffee and started a new book, The Hobbit.

The sun was warm and it was a very peaceful way to start the day.

Holidays are just the best thing.

03.01.13

Today was the sad day I had to leave Matapouri. One last thing before we left though... the Headland Track. It's a lovely walk over the ridges and cliffs, looking out to the vast ocean and back on the township. There are even patches through the bush!

Even though the weather was getting miserable, it was still really great.

02.01.13

Paul Collins is a great man who just does not stop going! Us girls walked around to Pebbly Bay and he took the kayak all the way around the point to meet us there. It was a bit of a nail biter as he navigated the huge rocks and swells on the way in. Some boys never grow out of their daredeviling.

I had a bit of a paddle in the safer waters around the rocks and saw through the crystal water to the bottom. It was truly beautiful.

01.01.13

This morning we got up at a reasonable time and took breakfast to the beach. We sat under a tree and ate homemade nutella on bread, and drank coffee from a flask.

It was great fun, and the vast ocean made an amazing backdrop with it's beautiful blue/green hue.