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| Wellywood!!!! |
Finally, I am here in Wellington. The bridging cultures
program is over and now all that awaits is international student orientation at
Massey. I find it interesting that upon arrival in NZ I was not as impacted by
culture shock about the NZ culture as much as I was about the culture and party
scene I witnessed in the people from Globalinks crew. Every night as the sun goes down the alcohol always flows in massive amounts. One moment people will
be sober and the next piss drunk having their fun booty dancing, barfing and beer
pong. It’s an interesting thing to be 21 and able to drink but still willingly
refuse. It is sad that to be in on anything, alcohol must be present. I
knew this was coming, but it’s different actually witnessing it.
But, being in Wellington now,
everything seems like its getting real. The closer I get to the start of
school, now only two blocks away from campus, brings on all sorts of feelings
of nervousness and excitement. But the anxiety I have about a new and foreign
school system still weighs heavy in my mind. I know I am going to enjoy it, but
I cannot help think of all the things that could go wrong. But it’s better to
try and fail then not to try at all. I frequently think of what my Dad always
says, “All you can do is the best you can do”. But still, prayer would be
greatly appreciated.
New
Zealand, so far, has been incredible. From caving at Waitomo, rafting at
Kaituna, chilling at a Polynesian Spa, to visiting with old friends (Van
Heldens), New Zealand has given me nothing to complain about what-so-ever.
Still, I am struck with a sense that New Zealand is not complete without the
rest of my family. Back in 2006, my family lived in Nelson, NZ. It was there
where I had the best experiences of my life. So even though New Zealand is
absolutely stunning, I miss my family. Being in New Zealand again reminds me of
my family. However, God is faithful and loving. He has placed several people in
my life here in NZ that have been encouraging and caring. Lucian, of course,
has been a superstar of a friend and the Van Helden family has provided us with
a home away from home. They have given us a place to relax and decompress. God
is good. Even though NZ is a very developed country and similar to the USA, it
has its major social, cultural and environmental differences. The way people
dress and speak is familiar to me and similar to the US but the way they behave
is totally foreign. I can’t quite explain it, it’s almost like you have to be
here to understand.
As
for my accommodation, it’s about as cookie cutter manufactured as you can get.
I only have the absolute necessities, a bed, desk and clothes rack. I do not
even have a dresser. I have to pay for my own Internet and electricity. Heating
is not even available. So needless to say it’s crazy and cold. Yet, all is
well.
Please
pray for my next couple weeks as I try to transition into school at Massey.
Pray that I gain confidence in where I am at. I also ask for prayer that I get
along well with my roommates who I have not met yet. I pray that we would be
committed to living out a responsible and enjoyable living experience.
Until
next time, this is the Robserver out on the field, doing work baby!!!!!
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| Lucian, The Van Helden's and the Photo Bomber |
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| Around the bay of Wellington |
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| Lucian descending the cave. |
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| Me too.. |
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| The view from my room! |
