"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

Bungy at the Kawarau River

Hey Ya'll

Hope everyone had a great weekend! The sun has finally decided to show its face so that was pretty great! It's been pretty dismal here the past week, but this week is off to a great start of warmer weather and sunshine.  I am hoping that keeps up :)

As for today's post I wanted to share pictures from the Kawarau River.  This was on the drive to Cromwell and it's an easy stop off to take in some awesome views.  This is also where the AJ Hackett Bungy jump is.  Sadly I did not bunny jump, but I've decided that I will go back and I will jump.  Since I have at minimum six months left here I think it's doable :)

Anywho as soon as you pull up you see this amazing view of the bridge against the backdrop of the mountains and that is one of the first shots I wanted to capture.  So I may or may not have ventured past a "do not cross this point" sign, but I plea the fifth so you will never know ;) I did get an incredible shot of the sun coming just over the mountain so however I got that shot it was well worth it! The river itself is also something to behold.  I really cannot get enough of the spectacular blue rivers here.  Especially one that you can bunny jump into! Pretty neat!! I spent a bit of time just taking it all in and also did a quick wander through the gift shop, which was wayyyyyyyyyyyy over priced.  So needless to say I didn't get anything. Then it was back on the road to Cromwell :)

The drive to Cromwell is just breathtaking! You get to see the magnificent mountains, wineries and the Kawarau River which weaves its way along side the road.  Yeah I was a big fan of the drive! I'm grateful I did not have to drive and could get lost in the landscape :)

Enjoy the pictures :)

Had to get an out the window shot of the winery

Pretty spectacular views if I do say so.  Next week I will be sharing one of my favourite stops along this river.  So have any of ya'll every bunny jumped?

The Lake Hayes Walk

Hey ya'll

Here is the grand finale to my "walk" :) It was such a scenic trip! Pretty much the whole time I had views of mountains. I should note that what I call mountains are most likely technically hills, but I will carry on calling them mountains :) Anywho I took heaps of pictures it was pretty hard to narrow it down to a few, but I managed. One of my favourite experiences was getting to the top of a hill and seeing the view of the mountains.  Then I looked over and saw the butterfly bush with the mountain in the background.  I thought it would be too good to be true that any butterflies would actually be on it, but lo and behold there were! Needless to say I was pretty pumped and snapped away :) Enjoy!

So this is the view I walked all that way for and it was well worth it! Although naturally once I got there I was only able to get a few shots before the wind picked up.  However, I am very grateful that I was able to get some!! I hope ya'll enjoyed this little excursion!

Queenstown

Hey Ya'll!

Well I finally have the chance to share some more South Island pictures with ya'll! This was from my first visit to Queenstown.  I was able to wander around the town for a few hours, it was pretty spectacular.  I spent a bit of time just taking in the magnificent beauty of Lake Wakatipu. Then I came across the Queenstown Gardens and took a stroll through them :) I really loved that I was just able to take it all in with my camera in hand and let the beauty of Queenstown speak for itself. 

Redwood tree in Queenstown Gardens

All in all I really loved exploring around Queenstown #NotAllWhoWanderAreLost What do ya'll think of Queenstown so far?