Hard Knocks

You know sometimes life hits you really hard.... What do you do then? FIND WAYS TO LAUGH!!! I have just learned so much about laughing these past couple days.... Mainly from my mentors. You just have to laugh because if you can't then life will get you down more and more. In the crazy times, you know it will all turn out. Summer is coming to an end at home and I'm a little bummed I missed the mud volleyball tournament, driving and listening to country music but that's alright, among other things like missing 6 weddings this summer, it's alright. I think it was like the baby boom except the wedding boom this summer. Why is everyone getting married? Never mind don't answer that I think I know why. Thinking about the future and what it holds, it excites me for the adventure I'm on. Traveling reminds me of a quote I once read: "Your life may be the only bible some people read" Crazy ay? When I go on missions trips or even down to the butcher, I go with the presence of God to share it with the people that don't know him. It's just the way I live this lifestyle is the way I show God, in everything I do. It's amazing what God brings out in you in everyday life. Every situation is a learning opportunity. It's kinda like when you ask him for lets say patience, he gives you opportunities to be patience instead of the actual thing. I guess growing up I always learned better by doing rather than having it explained. More hands on. "Allow what's done to preach new insight to your life, hindsight is perfect vision, the past is easiest to see, clear a path, stand aside, we're carrying the torch now, there's no stopping us." this is from a song by August Burns Red. If you like Christian Screamo then this is the band for you, I think I've been around snowboarders to much (they are amazing!!!). These lyrics say it all, We have the torch now there is no stopping us because we need to accept what has been done in our lives in order to move on and preach what we have just learned. Bringing God the glory everyday, when I get done doing something I want to be able to sign my name to it and say this is for you God.

So in the past week I have developed more of the kiwi humor and a pretty sweet thing that also happened is that I can understand people from the north island better!!!! I'm stoked!!! See people from the north island talk lower, faster, quieter, quicker, did I mention faster! Usually I will stand there for 5 minutes trying to figure out what the person said 10 minutes ago. They think it's funny especially when they ask questions and I answer with not the right answer. I have it now though!!! I know pretty lame to be excited about but if you ever come to NZ you will understand! 

The speakers we had 2 weeks ago gave us a song in the Maori language. That language fascinates me! We all learned it. It's a song for our base and getting to our roots and knowing where we come from. The history of our base. We also in the real world need to know our family history. I never realized it before but your nationalities are the nations you represent. So here in Aotearoa (NZ) I am representing 8 nations. That means with 60 people here there are tons of nations represented. Amazing!  

I have really gotten into the rugby with being here. It is so much easier to understand than american football! They do the Haka at the start of every game, a haka is a dance that the Maori people do for the purpose of a challenge. It's powerful and intimidating to the opponent. youtube it has a video of it. 

As for now it has been an amazing weekend full of rest and catching up with God. I hope everyone is doing well with summer coming to an end and with school starting soon. The Snowboarders leave September 11th. Then the Backpackers staff start to arrive, with the school starting in October. It will be good to see old friends who are returning to be staff. As for now, Good night everyone!