23.02.14

After church today I went with my girls to the French markets in Parnell. It felt so Auckland! I used to love going there and buying coffee and a treat and browsing through the farmers market.

Having my Big Girls there made it even more special. Some of them had never been before and it felt wonderful to share the delights of French pastries with them.

We sat on the grass and once we got over the fact that Benny Tipene and family were beside us we began our ritual highlight/lowlight/boy crush/girl crush. Except we had the whole year to make up for so it took some time! It was hilarious.

I have missed these girls and I will miss them so much. I can't believe they've finished school now. It's crazy to think that I've been leading a few of them since primary school. I love the to pieces and am so proud of all of them.

Seeing this made my soul happy

I love this girl

22.02.14

Being at a gig tonight just felt right. I had cider in my hand, fairy lights in my eyes, friends by my side, and live music in my ears.

It's one of my ultimate fave combos.

Saying goodbye to Lucy was not very nice at all. We hugged and I cried a little bit after she left. Luckily Amy was there to hug me and it felt so cosy and comforting. She's good at that!

Had afternoon tea with Rose and Elly so I took these Little Birds. It was amazing to catch up with those girls! I love them a lot.

21.02.13

Tonight I stayed at the Collins' place. I love that family so much. Lucy and I made a delicious dinner, went for a swim in the pool, lay on the tiles in the sun, played with Tui, and talked past our bedtimes.

It was so much fun! We giggled a lot before we fell asleep and it felt just like high school. It's great to have a friend like Lucy.

Had a cute tea with Mum out on Greenhithe Point.

20.02.14

Real talk. It feels good to get to know my friends better.

Sometimes I'm too scared to ask the questions that really count in life, but today I'm glad I did.

Genuine conversation, good food, stunning vistas, and going deeper.

That's what made today special.

19.02.14

As I sat in St. Kevin's Arcade on K'rd, social hub of the most eccentric and artsy folk in Auckland, I was overwhelmed by diversity once again.

Previously, in Sydney airport it was much less comfortable, but today I absolutely welcomed it. I gazed about at the weird and wonderful outfits and hairstyles and imagined all the places these people had been.

Creating backstories for strangers is one of my favourite things. I like to take hints from the way they hold themselves, dress, and speak and imagine where in life they are.

I didn't even realize how much I had missed it until this morning in that cafe. In Korea you can look at one person and see some great hair but then two tables down there's another guy with the same haircut. Presentation isn't self-expression in collectivist culture, it's the opposite. Standing out is discouraged. It's better to follow the trend.

It's impossible to dream up crazy stories for people in cafes in Korea so it made it all the more exciting to observe these strange folk with their tie-dyed pants and messy-on-purpose hair.

I had dinner and a lovely walk with Amy and Logan tonight.

Little Bird Unbakery was deeeelish

18.02.14

Tonight I went for my first night swim in a very, very long time.

After lifegroup we donned our togs and headed down to Mairangi Bay for a quick dip. It was surprisingly warm and the waves were pretty thrilling.

They really freak me out, actually. Once I got far enough out I settled down a bit.

Man, I love living close enough to the beach to just go for a night swim here and there. Well, for the next week anyway!

No wonder it was itchy, look at all that junk! Pretty sure a creature jumped out too.

17.02.14

I went to visit Poppa today. It's really heartbreaking to see him like this. Every time I look at him I just want to cry.
He used to look so vibrant and cheeky, but now he just stares into your eyes with this longing to express himself. I'm too emotional for these situations and I end up having to avert my eyes to the TV screen and try steady my voice as I chat about whatever banal show is on.

Even though it's hard, I still feel so lucky to see him again. He started getting really sick a couple of months ago and I wasn't sure if I'd ever have this opportunity. As I sat on his bed this morning holding his hand, I was certainly counting my blessings.

I also went to the Food Truck Garage spontaneously with Lucy and Priscilla

16.02.14

I am freeeeeeee! I have a car and I can drive it anywhere I like! THANKS ISAAC.

It felt amazing to be behind the steering wheel of a manual car which I could point in any direction and tell it to drive.

I can't describe in words how good it was. Seriously.

Naturally, I pointed it toward Amy's house and drove it noisily there (sorry gearbox - shhhhh don't tell Isaac!).

Besides driving, one of my favourite things to do is going to a friends' house and just hanging out. I did that twice today, firstly with Von and then with Amy. I plonked down on their beds and just talked for a while. It was as if no time had passed at all.

Summer.

Mission Bay

Paleo treats with Mika!

Browns Bay

Driving!

15.02.14

We woke up early for the sunrise this morning and it was well worth it. I loved the way it rose over the ocean and besides a solo boat and island there was nothing in between me and it. There were no power lines, apartment buildings, or people.

Just us and the huge expanse of sky as the sun took its rightful place among the clouds.

Sunset wasn't too shabby either.

14.02.14

I went for a run along the beach this morning with Lucy and it made me feel absolutely wonderful!

I kept up the whole way and we just chatted. It made it a million times more fun and motivating.

To be honest I'd been fretting about running with her because she's a regular and I'm no athlete. But it wasn't too bad and I was proud of myself.

At the end we threw off our shoes and stormed into the water for a delicious little dip. I think it was possibly the best way to start a day ever.

After the run it was a wonderful, lazy Summer's day.

13.03.14

Beach time! Ahhh man I've been long anticipating this day as I sat in my freezing cold office in Daegu.

I finally got to feel the hot sand beneath my toes and allow the scent of salty ocean fill my nostrils.

It felt right. This is what I had been missing.

As we chucked a tennis ball around I knew I was home.

12.03.14

It was weird being at church on a weekday. I went into the offices and other than a new desk here and there nothing had really changed. It's strange to think how much of my life I spent in those rooms over the past few years.

But it was great to see things going as per usual. Strange props and books were overflowing out of boxes, the boys were typing away at their desks, Lynne was photocopying and caring for people as they walked in, and Debbie was clomping down the hallway as she always did.

We went out for lunch and I chatted about all things church. As much as I loved ministry, and still do, I know that's not where God wants me right now. What a freeing thought! It was still great to talk about it and also my dreams with her. I've missed the way she listens and the way she rants about things.

I almost cried when Suzy Cato smiled at me!!!

11.02.14

One of the things I have missed the most about NZ s going to the Turnbull's place for dinner and movie. They always have great wine and great company.

Tonight it happened again and it was a beautiful thing!

They put so much effort in to cater for my annoying paleoness. They even made mayonnaise for me! Dinner was amazing. Far out these people can cook!

And I loved hanging out with Milla beene. She was exactly the same, just a little taller and speaking in longer sentences. I hope she never loses that special thing that makes her so wonderful. She has this sweetness to her that just makes you want to hug her and kiss her cheeks.

10.02.14

Today I spent a lot of time with my Mum. We went shopping and she spoilt me rotten. She's such a lovely Mum. Not just because of all the clothes I now need to find room for in my suitcase!

I loved walking along, arms linked just like old times. We giggled, dreamed, and talked together all day. I have missed hanging out with her so much. It feels like I'll never get enough of it.

09.02.14

Nothing could have prepared me for how amazing it would feel being back at my home church, singing with my family (both genetic and adopted). Standing with them and belting out choruses felt so right. It was such a pleasure that I burst into tears and could only listen to everyone else.

Later on during the service they were introducing the staff and interns. It was so good to see them all on stage and to celebrate the number of interns who wanted to donate time and energy to work behind the scenes. It made me so proud to have been a part of that and it made me excited about the year to come.

God is at work. He is always doing something, and I know he moved me on for a purpose. It felt so right to be watching them from the congregation as opposed to being onstage. I loved working at church, but I know that's not where I'm meant to be so I am free to clap and laugh and well up with tears of joy.

08.02.14

When you've been away for a year you want people to be excited to see you. Lucy Collins delivered exactly that when I gave her a surprise kiss on the cheek at her birthday party. She was about to attack me for the unexpected assault when she realized it was me. Then the screaming, hugging, and tears began. It was such a moment. Everyone turned to see what was going on.

I felt so loved by her and so happy to be hugging her so tightly.

07.02.14

The day has finally arrived! I'm on my way to beautiful New Zealand and I couldn't be happier (actually, maybe if I didn't have a 17 hour journey ahead of me). Anyway, this morning I woke up bright and early and went for a short run back to my apartment to get my things from the freezer which I had forgotten. It was the perfect way to start my last day in Daegu.

Dani and I made breakfast and chatted for too long. I was a little late for school but I didn't care. It was great to relish in those moments.

When it came to say goodbye to my co-teacher, Rebekah she got very tearful and said some lovely words. We hugged for a long time and then went in for seconds. She was really weeping on my shoulder which made me feel especially loved. It has been a great place to work and she has been a wonderful co-teacher. I don't even dare to hope for such an awesome situation at my new school in Seoul.

06.02.14

Oh boy I had a nightmarish time trying to move all my stuff to Maddy's house. At the last minute I enlisted the help of a lovely couple from church who spent half the night getting lost in Daegu and lifting heavy boxes.

We had to take two loads because I have accumulated a ridiculous amount. The first time we drove around for an hour and a half before we called someone to help us find it. It turns out we had gone up the drive, it was just stupid and ambiguous.

The way home took 12 minutes. Turns out I actually live very close. The next load was made a whole lot easier by that stage, but we were exhausted. As I finished up the cleaning and dragged myself out the door to Dani's house I saw that I'd left my mirror behind. Ohh well. Enjoy it, next NET!

05.02.14

It was my last church-related event tonight in Daegu. We had the women's night which was focused on praying for and saying goodbye to the ones who are leaving. It was really wonderful to sit there in the middle while they prayed for us. Instead of tears and sadness there was so much peace and joy. Doing what God wants is really a blessing.

They all pasted letters in a little book for each of us. I was going to save it and read it on the plane but I couldn't resist opening it on the subway ride home. That's when the tears came through a little bit. I will definitely miss seeing these girls every week. They've invaded my life and taught me so much.

04.02.14

Dani and I made a fort tonight in my empty-ish apartment. We used boxes, cupboards, sheets, and clothing racks to construct it. It was a beautiful thing, really. We lay on mattresses and watched a 90s film while we ate dinner. I made some almond butter and banana ice-cream which went down a treat. It was pretty amazing. Too bad there was only enough for a taste each.

03.02.14

GOD IS SO GOOD!

I just don't even know why I stress about things. In a last ditch effort I decided to try my coordinator again about whether or not I could get my medical before I left and he said yes! He also said I could get to orientation two days later than I was supposed to. All the prayers paid off.

I am so relieved right now. My co-teacher set up an appointment for tomorrow morning during a couple of free periods so I can still have time to pack up my house in the afternoon. It's all working out!

02.02.14

Driving past all the countryside on the way home from church I was struck by the thought that it was the last time I'll ever take that journey. It was a little sad, but not too much.

It's strange how many lasts we have in our lives. Most of them just pass by and we don't even realize it. I'm glad I noticed when I was in the moment on the bus though, because I could appreciate it there and then.

01.02.14

I spent the day lounging around Jess's apartment, watching movies and eating her food. It was lovely.

I really enjoy how good she is at talking. Our conversations are so natural and continuous. She always makes me think deeply about things and from different perspectives. What a great skill for a person to have!

It was one of the best Saturdays I've had in a while.