Last day in Auckland

My last day of Auckland was Sunday so I started the day by going to Auckland Baptist Tabernacle. It was a nice service. They had 2 services going on at the same time, one for internationals and one for people who understand english easily. There were quite a variety of ethnicity which was cool to see.

Then a british friend (Aaron) that I met at the hostel and I went for a walk up to Mount Eden in Auckland. I guess Auckland has about 40 something dormant volcanos and this was one of them. It wasn't very high but the view was incredible.

Here is one of the views of the top of Mount Eden. It was so green and the sky was super clear so it was the perfect day for it.

Here's another view. This is looking toward Sky Tower in the CBD. That was the area I mostly walked around while in Auckland.

Another view and the classic "proof I was there shot".

When we walked back we went a random way and came across this duck pond. It was really pretty with the fountains. We also went by some soccer fields where people were playing soccer and rugby.

Once we got back we got some stuff at the local grocery store and Aaron made me and his roommate so yummy chili followed by tea and biscuits (cookies). I finished off the night with a movie in one of the lounges with a Aaron (British) and German girl and a Finland guy. Quite a multinational night.

Auckland day 3

Here's the front of the hostel I'm staying at. It's nice and quaint. The window on the right looks into the lounge which is where I spent most of day 2 in Auckland. It was down pouring most of the day and even though Emily (hostel roommate) and I made it out and about for a little while it was lovely to just sit with a great book and hot tea and relax for the rest of the day. But today the weather was looking more promising so I decided to explore Auckland a little more on my own.

I woke up pretty early today and had some great quite time with God this morning. I began doing a study on 1 John chapter 1. Even though it was only over the first 4 verses, it reminded me how big God is and how all things were made by Him. I love starting my day reading the Bible and praying. It gives me chance to give God my schedule and let Him lead the day.

First stop was at a coffee shop for a Flat White (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flat_white) and time to look at my map from a book Gabe gave me when we saw each other. It had a walking tour of Auckland so I modified it a bit and headed out.

Ok these two buildings crack me up. The top is an Asian grocery store that looks nothing like the picture on the side of the building. I do love how they use chalkboards to write the specials, a lot of grocery stores do that. The second is also funny. I'm sure Kiwis walk by and shake their heads at the stereotypical sheep, llamas and scenic landscape.

I then went to the Auckland Art Gallery. It was pretty cool. I love art galleries, especially when I go by myself. I totally lose track of time because I get absorbed in the art. I like to examine the painting to get a feel for how the artist made the art. I was also able to stop in some other smaller galleries nearby, which were cool.

Next was Albert Park. It had a variety of plants and statues. It's located by the University so I saw lots of people walking in the park and sitting on benches eating their lunch.

The center of the park had a beautiful fountain. Here is a lady sitting and feeding the birds, straight Mary Poppins style.

The park had these ENORMOUS trees. They reminded me of the trees in the Rainforest at the Henry Doorly Zoo. The branches were as thick as most tree trunks.

Then off to the Harbor. It was really nice to go by the water. It was the first time I really felt like I was in another country. With the city and all the shops, it kind of feels like I'm just on vacation (or holiday as the Kiwis say) in the states.

These clouds were amazing. The sky looked so big and then with the water it was just glorious. God is so stinking creative. I love when I get to stop and appreciate his creativity. I was so thankful that He stalled the rain while I was out by the Harbor.

My lunch at the Harbor. It consisted of water, peanut butter and bread. I know you're jealous ;)

But this was the view that I had while eating my lunch. I could see the massive rain cloud coming in and really far in the distance you could see it raining. It rained a little today on the way back to the hostel but thanks to my sweet rain jacket (thank you Nick for helping me get it) and my water proof computer bag that I used as a purse it was no big deal. I also got an umbrella yesterday at the NZ Mission store for $3 NZD.

By the time I got to this hill I walk up to get to Queens street, the skies were clear and I took this picture of the CBD, Central Business District with the Harbor off in the distance.

All in all it was a wonderful day.

Praise and Prayer Request

- Continued prayer for new roommates at my hostel since the two I had left today

- Prayer that I make great friends at Bible School

- Prayer that I would be able to have good internet to connect with people back home at Bible School

Auckland day 1

When I got to my hostel another girl is in my room and she is from North Carolina. Her name is Emily and we decided to take on Auckland together. We went to the grocery store, window shopping on Queens Street and then ended the night at a comedy club, apparently the only one in New Zealand.

When we got back from Queens Street I had a wonderful surprise waiting at my hostel for me; Gabe and Evan from CCC! Gabe's been in NZ for school for a while and Evan was here visiting him. They joined us for the comedy club and Evan basically got heckled the entire time. The comic below heckled us the most but was pretty funny so we didn't get too offended :)

Here's a fun story. Emily and I went to a vintage store on Queens Street and I found a Husker sweatshirt! The guy who owns the store is originally from Texas and most of the shirts were from the states.

I made it!

yes this is me looking super awesome after 28 hours of traveling. I had a long layover in LAX, but I found a spot in a food court area with wifi and an outlet, so I was good.

Flying from LA to NZ felt like forever. I tried to watch a few movies but always fell asleep after the first 10 mins. The biggest complaint that I have is my shoulder kills from carrying my duffel bag around. Other than that (which really isn't bad once I took some advil) everything went super smooth. I know SO many people were praying for me and it kind of overwhelmed me at times. It means the world to me that we were all joining in prayer for my safety and that things would work out. I always get nervous about my luggage getting to my destination when I travel so when I saw my bag, I almost started jumping up and down. (I didn't because of the whole exhausted from traveling thing). Jesus gets all the credit for getting me here because I'm clueless when it comes to traveling.

It's chilly here (it's their winter) but it's nice and sunny and I'm looking forward to exploring Auckland the next couple days. School starts on Monday so that's when I head to the campus in Cambridge. New Zealand accents are amazing. I could just sit and listen to them all day... but then I would look like creeper so I probably won't.

here's some reference for where I am and where I'll be.

let the adventure begin.....