"What Great Adventure Ever Plays Out Just the Way You've Planned It"

Hey Ya'll!

This is a pretty special blog post for me to write.  Six months ago I started this incredible unexpected  journey to New Zealand.  It still feels so surreal that I have been living in New Zealand for that long; I cannot quite believe it!  Today I wanted to take the time to share how this whole amazing adventure unfolded, what I have done and what I cannot wait to do. As well as share some of my favourite photographs so far :)

It all started back when I first found out my friends parents were going to New Zealand for three months to fill the pulpit at a church. When I heard the news, me being me, I jokingly asked, "can I go too?" That simple joking question has changed my life. I was told it couldn't hurt to ask and soon began the process of inquiring if it was even possible for me to accompany them. When all was said and done and I found out I was able to go I was thrilled! The kids in my life were not so thrilled, but I think they kinda came around to me being gone for a three month adventure.  I never even imagined I would get to travel to New Zealand and explore it for three days let alone three months! It was always one of those countries that would be really great to see, but probably not feasible for the foreseeable future.  So I was incredibly excited to have the opportunity to go. God's timing is perfect :) And so began the process of preparing for a grand adventure: there was thrift shopping to do, gadgets to buy, mapping out of places to see in NZ, and spending heaps of time with people before I left.

 

The journey was long, but after a full 24 hours of travel I stepped foot on NZ ground and took in the warm morning summer sun.  Once I was able to feel human again I could not wait to get out and see this beautiful country. I started out in Hastings exploring the local areas, and being able to borrow a bike really helped me see even more of Hawke's Bay.  During this time I began shoring up what exactly I was going to see and when. I was able to go to Christchurch, Queenstown, Kaikura, Milford Sounds, Wellington, and many other little stops along the way.  I loved every bit of the adventure. As time passed in those initial three months, God was opening my eyes to staying a bit longer. So I began contemplating extending my stay something completely against my Type A planner personality.  In the end I  took a giant leap of faith, I  cancelled my airline tickets home, and providentially started my job the very day I was supposed to leave to go back to the States.

I know for my loved ones back home there was some sadness about me staying since that was most definitely not part of the (my) plan. While making the decision to stay was not an easy one to make, I have not for one second I regretted staying. I will admit to moments of sadness and homesickness. Due in part to feeling like I left so many loose ends back home: like not packing up my things for the upcoming move (thanks Mom and Dad for doing that :)), to not feeling like I had a proper goodbye.  Since I was only supposed to be gone for three months the goodbyes where a more like a  "hey have fun! We will see you soon three months, it will fly by!" So when a family emergency brought me home, I made sure to say my goodbyes to everyone because I knew it would be a long time before I would see them again.  And this time I had to make the hugs and cuddles last so they had to be plentiful, long and sweet.

During my time here so far I have been blessed to see more of New Zealand than some Kiwi's see in there lifetime here.  I have soaked in the summer sun, swam in the Pacific Ocean, been in awe of the majestic mountains, enjoyed views from scenic peaks, drank NZ wine, put a few K's on my converse, felt the warm sun on a beautiful autumn day, gotten lost in the blue waters of rivers, walked where Stryder walked, and been surprised by how nature blossoms even in the dead of winter.  I have been stretched, I have stood on my own two feet, I have stood firm in my beliefs and convictions,  I have adopted some Kiwi speak, ate amazing food, and made some really great friends.

Now begins the second part of the journey here. It begins with me having a car, opening up so many places for me to explore. And yes I am planning my adventures. The first one is learning to drive a manual :) Really though I am enjoying this unexpected journey to this country.  Words cannot describe how grateful I am to be here.  God knew that I needed this journey.  I needed to get out and stand on my faith, to trust in Him, to worry less, to slow down, to stand firm, and to love people more. I don't know how long I will be here, I am hoping for longer.  But while I would love that I want to go where God is going to take me.

There is so much more to see of this beautiful country. It is a grand adventure here on the other side of the world and I would not have it any other way.  #NotAllWhoWanderAreLost #LiveWholeHearted