Thursday, February 21, 2008

down under!

L.A. traffic (thanks again Sam and Anj), three flights, two long layovers (Fiji and Auckland), and 24+ hours later--New Zealand is a breath of fresh air. We're here in Christchurch!

Departure did get emotional; we spent a few months preparing for what was just a pencil and paper plan until we actually lifted off from LAX on Tuesday night, so the weight of leaving finally pulled on us. We also shared some laughs as we pondered the question, "Now what?" It's true that with this trip come our own expectations for experience, so there's this sense that we immediately needed to accomplish something. Maybe the point, though, is that "now" is "what"--each moment is a gift from God. This is what we want to be doing. This is where we want to be. :)

Christchurch is our base for one more night. We're being hosted by the MacRae family at their warm and welcoming home, and they've been wonderful. Besides taking care of us, they take care of many a goat, and the two of us have been recruited to pitch in and help shear all 30-some of them tomorrow (Saturday) morning! Stay tuned, huh?

So far NZ has charmed us from the start (with a welcome at the airport of free tea and coffee). Tomorrow afternoon we hit the road--the left side of the road--to see the rest of the country.

13 comments:

Katester said...

Yay! I'm the first internet nerd to comment!! I am giddy with excitement to what adventures are in store for you two. And I can't believe it starts with goat shearing. To your amazing race . . . without all the cameras and competition drama. :) xo Katie

mal.i.oucious said...

I love that they gave you free coffee and tea. So perfect. Say "box-a-birds mate" to gregg for me. Its so weird that you are gone already! miss you. M

Anonymous said...

Holy Crap! What are you guys doing?? I thought this was an email to tell me you're pregnant...well, good luck, have a screaming blast! I look forward to getting updates!!
Paul

Anonymous said...

Awesome, you guys. Thanks for including me in your adventure.

Anonymous said...

Sorry, that anonymous was me.
Dottie

Anonymous said...

how fun, you and the sheep. say hi to Greg for me. Is that the town's name, Christchurch? emily

Jamie and James said...

Christchurch looks beautiful! Enjoy your adventures... and along the way if you come up with a good method to beat jet lag let us know!

jessica maneewan tou said...

aww. take off must have been tough! coupled with mounting air pressure! glad you blogged with a picture to boot! free coffee and tea..what? no napkins to dry your tears? hehe. thinking of you constantly as you embark on an amazing journey which ultimately, God determines the what and you act His now..missing you both. ^-^

Amy said...

Wow! What an amazing journey you two have in store. I imagined you doing nothing less! Thank you so much for including me on your trip (even if it is virtually!). I look forward to the updates! Love, Amy

Anonymous said...

In my book, nothing says adventure like goat-shearing. Happy trails!

Augustus Rex said...

We won't be impressed until you knit a sweater from the wool you sheared! Had a great time with you guys up to the airport. It's true what you say, "everything is a gift from God." Everything. All we have to do is recieve it willingly and in love. God's peace be with you. - S.A.M.

Anonymous said...

Awesome!! So glad you guys made it and are enjoying your adventures already:) You are that much closer to seeing us- Yipee!!
Love, Hill

Unknown said...

I love this adventure that you two are on!!! The garden looks beautiful! And the sheep...baaaaaa!