The Kid In Me...

Ok. Kids are so much fun. I knew living with my niece and nephew would be great, but seriously, this is fun! I chuckle to myself daily as I witness their goofy antics and funny phrases. Here's a list of some of my favorite observations...

-I get a "Hey, Auntie Erin!" every time I leave my "studio" in the basement and come up the stairs...whether it's the first thing in the morning or the 10th time I make the climb for the day...always a wave and a greeting, without fail.
-Kids' treasures are unbeatable. Just yesterday my head was adorned with these purple wildflowers picked while playing hide-and-seek. I also awoke to a slithery black, yellow, and red snake sitting outside my door this morning! Don't worry, he was two-dimensional and harmless, but cute as a button considering he was the crafty creation of my 5-year-old nephew.
-Kids can use "just because" to explain just about anything. Tonight for example, they found it considerably more fun to pour their strawberry yogurt smoothies onto spoons and slurp it up like medicine rather than to drink it from the bottle. Did it result in a large amount of the pink sticky liquid dribbled on the table? Of course! But it also resulted in several laughs, and heck, it was probably good for their hand-eye coordination! There are certainly times of exasperation as their moments of "just because" generally produce more work and cleanup for Mommy, but who doesn't wish they themselves could be carefree and silly like that on a regular basis?
-I've come to appreciate movies for adults. Don't get me wrong, kid movies are fantastic (I've recently become a fan of Nim's Island and Imagine That), but there are definitely those that have no plots and, let's face it, no actors with any real ability to act. Does cause one to be thankful for a movie with a little depth.
-Since we're on the topic of media, let's transition into books. Children's books are incredible! And it's a good thing because you often find yourself reading the same ones for several consecutive nights. I don't know what it is that causes them to pick the same George and Martha book for the 10th time in a row, but it makes for a great opportunity to practice accents. Haven't mastered the kiwi accent yet, but I'm working on it.
-Listening to kids play together is often hysterical. The things their little brains come up with is so creative. It always begins with "And pretend that..." to be followed up with "and then you say..." both phrases being repeated about 50 times in the course of a 10-minute play session.
-Last, but certainly not least, I've learned that conversation (at the dinner table or otherwise) is primarily focused on bodily functions and noises...always involving lots of giggling. And when passing gas has been labeled as a "fierce weapon," it makes it all the funnier!

The job search still continues...I had an interview today that went well, but it just doesn't feel like the right fit. It's a lengthy commute - the job really isn't what I'm looking for and, because of that, I'm not the employee the physician is looking for. It wouldn't be fair to him to pursue this when the job would just be a stepping stone for me. Prayers continue! I'm still trying to think outside the box with writing and baking, while at the same time finding something to pay the bills...............

Time Traveling

I've now been back in the States for two and a half weeks, but let me go back in time to just after my last post. The last week of my trip is way too important to skip over. There are several people that helped make that time incredible, starting with the Wilkinsons. I met Jane and Digby and their family on the 4-day Abel Tasman hike I did in January. If you think spending four days with someone will give you an opportunity to get to know them, try four days in nature hiking and living in tents! They live on the North Island, so when I made the trip up there I knew I wanted to see them if I could. After a long day of traveling, walking into a warm home to a welcoming greeting and hug was more than I could have asked for. In addition to a great meal, I also received great conversation, encouragement, and of course a hot shower and a bed. I would have loved to have spent more time here, but unfortunately time didn't allow for that. I headed out the next morning to check out three cool volcanic mountains, Mt. Ruapehu, Mt. Ngauruhoe, and Mt. Tongariro. As I drove to National Park (yes, that's the name of the town near the base...how original!), I was struck by their beauty - much different than the mountains on the South Island. Clouds hung on their peaks as I drove up to them. I still can't correctly pronounce them, but enjoyed spending the day hiking in and around them, fully expecting Frodo or Sam to jump out from behind a tree. I then spent the evening with a close friends of the Wilkinsons, staying with this family at their "bach" (holiday home) on Lake Taupo. I was so grateful to have a safe place to rest my head again this night. They were a lovely family. They invited me out on the lake with them, giving me an opportunity to see the lake from a perspective I wouldn't have otherwise been able to see.

The next day I spent in the lakeside town of Taupo. Somehow I found myself on a 14 km (8 mile) hike in the middle of the afternoon which pretty much wiped me out for the day. Sleeping that night in my car didn't prove to be very difficult since I was so pooped! (I can only safely type this now, as my dad has seen me in person, verifying that I lived to tell about the experience and I promise it's not as sketch as it sounds...Dad, just so we're clear, I spent a total of three nights in my car, hitchhiked once and picked up a hitchhiker once...BUT know that I will not do this in the US...and please don't kill me...it would be a shame to make it all the way around the world only to lose one's life upon returning home :).

I should have spent the next day working out my sore muscles, but I chose to spend a great deal of it inside watching football. I was in Rotorua, the SUPERBOWL was on, and MY team was playing! I wasn't going to miss this. The day proved to be really sad and really great all at the same time. The game itself was quite sad, but the venue was good, and the company was even better. I met a several Americans at the Irish pub, and I found it funny how much I enjoyed hearing other people who spoke like me. I guess it had just been so long. I also met someone who was spending two weeks biking around the North Island. Our conversation began with music (as most great ones do!) and continued into wonderful spiritual talk. We basically spent the rest of the day sharing ideas and challenges, as well as encouraging one another. We parted knowing the Lord had His hand in the day and were thankful for the inspiration.

The next day brought travels to Auckland - my final destination before boarding a plane home! This fact alone had me greatly anticipating my arrival, but so did the fact that I would be staying with friends of my cousins in the Philippines!! Grant and Kim have 6 children, one biological, two from Russia, and triplets from the orphanage my cousins, Paul and Marlys, run in Cebu. When Marlys knew I would be staying with them, she told me I would be greatly blessed. I had no idea how right she would be. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know each of the children as well as Grant and Kim. It was exciting for me to see adoption on this end. I was honored to be a part of their lives for 3 days. Not only did they share with me their adoption stories, and include me in precious family time, they also took me on a day tour around Auckland, showing me all the great spots the beautiful coastal city has to offer. Each of them touched my heart in a dear way and sent me off with prayers and hugs and smiles and words of affirmation as I drew the 5-month journey to a close.

Needless to say, I am eternally grateful for the kindness showed me by people that hardly know me. It impacted the end of my trip in a way that made me feel very cared for and also was a reminder that the trip was really being planned by Someone much greater than me. After checking in my luggage and saying thankful prayer after thankful prayer that it wasn't overweight, I settled into my window seat on a plane home. I noticed the same feelings of excitement and eagerness that greeted me as I boarded a plane leaving the States. It was a welcome feeling, proving that the trip had been all it was intended to be, and I was ready to go home. After three lengthy flights (the last one with Paula Dean...unfortunately, she was in first class...I was, well, a great ways further back in the plane), I landed in a snowy Atlanta. Quickly realizing how lucky I was to actually BE in Atlanta as all flights after me were canceled from the snowstorm, I raced to the exit hoping my luggage would be there but really wanting to see my family! I was greeted by a smiling brother and brother-in-law, the two brave souls who ventured out onto the dangerous roads. I quickly broke into tears as the joy of seeing family after 5 months away hit me. We made it safely home and after my niece and nephew tackled me, I spent the next few days smiling and soaking up everyone's presence. It's good to be home. (Next blog I'll jump forward to current time...:)

"I'm Comin' Home...

To the place where I belong"

I've had that song stuck in my head for the past few days.  Just writing quickly as I'm in the airport in Auckland!  In just a bit I get on a plane headed for the US.  I'm so excited that my fingers are shaking.

The past few days have been absolutely incredible.  I am in disbelief at how God has provided such amazing people to bless the ending of this trip.  I will blog more when I have time to process and type.  I just couldn't have had a more perfect ending.

Thanks for journeying with me.  It's not over yet.... :)  More to come if you're interested...

The Beginning of the End...

I write to you from the waters between the North and South Islands of NZ. No, I'm not simultaneously typing and swimming. I am on the Interislander Ferry, watching the green rolling hilly islands slowly pass by.  To be honest, the day started off a bit sad. Saying goodbye to the McCormacks - Michael, Karen, Holly (13) and Theo (13) - wasn't easy. I have so enjoyed my time with them. My last week on the SI was spent well. Holly and I ventured out to the World Buskers Festival held annually in Christchurch. We saw one man get out of a straight-jacket in about two minutes, another lady sing and dance with a few men from the crowd (no doubt embarrassing their children!) bringing on more than a few laughs, and to top it all off, we saw a man juggle bowling pins on a tight rope...on a unicycle!!! The next day the whole family went on a day trip to one of their favorite exploring spots, taking a dip in the swimming hole and laying in the lovely sun. Theo also introduced me to the Lord of teh Rings movies this week. My very first viewing...fitting for my time in New Zealand as lots of it was filmed here! Ah, and how could I forget the outing to Willowbank Reserve.  We meandered through countless sections of wildlife, feeding and petting as we went. Among my favorites were hand feeding the wallabys, the ostrich (he was crazy!), horses, pigs, sheep, and lammas. We saw several birds, including the native (and very funny) kiwi bird - a rarity to spot since they don't come out in light, as well as dancing lemurs, chattering monkeys, and very hungry deer. To end the week, KAren cooked tow of my favorite dinners - a chorizo/twice-baked potato/egg combo, and baked chicken with roasted veggies - including pumpkin and kumara with a basil vinaigrette sauce. Yum! I baked cookies (balled biscuits here) for the family one last time, then said my goodbyes this morning as the kids went off to school. A lovely family and a blessing to me in my stay on the South Island.

Last week I went on a fun road trip to Queenstown - a town nestled on the edge of Lake Wakatipu in the middle of a stunnign mountain range. ON the way to QT I went for a day hike in Wanaka which rewarded me with some great views and a cool breeze at the top. I also stopped in Arrowtown for a walk through teh old Chinese Miner's village. After turning in my completely free rental car (gas...er...petrol included!...yay for free relocation websites!) to Queenstown, I sat on the dock and gazed at the ridgeline of the Remarkables, browsed through the shops, rode the Gondola waaay up high and took a couple rides down the Luge (one of three in the world!), then enjoyed a gelato cone by the water. Of course, I moseyed through the Botanic Gardens and once again fell in love with the roses. Watched the sunset from here, then also returned in the morning so I could see the sun start peaking over the mountains before catching my bus back to Christchurch.

I feel like I have exhausted the South Island to my pleasing. I am ready to see what the North Island has to offer - volcanic mountains, for one. Once arriving on dry land again, I'll embark on a 4 day road trip weaving my way up to Auckland and most importantly to a plane that will be taking me home! It's the beginning of the end, and I welcome it with open arms and a brain chocked full of incredible memories.

Crackers and Wine

My mom once described this trip as a cracker. Sound strange? Let me explain: say life is like a wine-tasting, each new wine is a new chapter in life. What happens between the different kinds of wine? You need a cracker, a piece of bread, something in which to clear the slate - not erasing past wines, just making room for the next flavor. This trip, it is that cracker cleansing my palate in between wines, in between chapters. This trip was a chance to create distance between my life and me, and in that distance somewhere discover the things that were taking precedence in my life and the things that actually need to be taking precedence. It has been a struggle to pinpoint exactly why I felt a need to go on this trip. I had the perfect set-up: a good job, great friends, a lovely house - all in a city with so much to offer. I was tasting a great wine. But something was changing, something needed to change. And before I could realize how or why it would happen (I may never realize the why...), I needed a cracker. If there had been no cracker, no cleansing of my palate, no stepping away and creating distance, would I appreciate the new wine as much? Would its properties, its unique characteristics of vintage, color, and flavor, be lost on me?

I am leaning towards 'no' in answer to the first question, 'yes' for the second. It is the only way I can make sense of this 5-month hiatus. Yeah, it's the trip of a lifetime. Sure, it made sense to do before I was "settled" (whatever that means). Yup, it's pure and simple fun. But that's not enough for me; there's more to it. I believe it also had a purpose to bring me to a point where I was ready to see the next chapter, or at least see the first few words. (And thank goodness it's usually only a few words or sometimes a few letters...if God showed us whole paragraphs or chapters at a time I think we'd often revolt or want to call it quits - at least I know I would!) I don't think I was at a point in life where I was expecting more - of myself, of my circumstances. Things were good, why change? I was OK with the way things were, and noticing that in and of itself was enough reason to eat a cracker. Eventually the wine becomes tasteless or runs out. You'll have to move on, try a new one. But isn't it better to make the change whilst you still have a good taste in your mouth? Isn't it better to take the next step with the confidence of a good ending to the last chapter?

In eleven days my next chapter begins. In eleven days I will return from this journey, palate cleansed. I don't know much of what it will look like, but a few things have become clear to me. First off, I will be living in a new city...Atlanta, Georgia will be home (and only a shooort drive from the Charlotteans that hold a dear place in my heart). I will finally be in the same city as my sister! That to me equals infinite excitement, not just because of her, but her whole family. Life just seems to have deeper meaning with my niece and nephew around. There is only so much an auntie can do from a distance...but put her in the same city as the little munchkins and opportunities abound! Secondly, I will pursue baking. As a side job? As a small business? Not sure exactly, but excited about the options. Thirdly, I will be looking for a job...but this is a bit unclear. A job doing what, exactly? Oh to know what this looks like! Nursing? Something else? I find myself struggling to think outside the box and yet be logical and go with what is known. Prayers are most welcome.

So, this new chapter, this new wine. It's yet to have a name. I've yet to recognize and grasp all it's qualities. But I'm ready for it nonetheless. I'm eager to know it, to embrace it with the sweet aroma of the last one still going strong.

Eleven days and counting...

Short For A Change (The Post, Not Me...I'm Always Short)

It's Saturday afternoon. A gloomy, cold, rainy day, in stark contrast from yesterday's hot sunny display. I have just returned from a brisk walk to the library, attempted to chop some wood - that was comical, and am (quite willingly!) resigned to spending the night with my nose in a book in the company of Belize and Yoda, my furry friends. I'm hoping that tomorrow's weather cooperates with my desire to head to the Botanic Gardens.

In other news...I have an official date for my return home: February 12th (which is also, I was pleased to find out, when the Olympics begin). A mere four weeks from yesterday!! I have no doubt it will fly by, but I am also quite eager to squeeze the snot out of my family and friends. I am loving every minute of this journey, but I have sensed an increasing desire to head home and start the "next chapter" of my life. More on that next chapter soon...

As The Smoke Clears...

The other day I was riding the city bus, listening to my ipod, as usual. It was a sunny warm day; I was in a rather introspective mood. I scanned to Needtobreathe's music and clicked shuffle. One of my all-time favorite songs came on, "Through Smoke." I mentioned this song in my very first blog post, including the particular lyric lines that were significant to me. As I sat on the bus that day, soaking in the city, observing the other occupants around me, hearing those lyrics streaming in my ears, I realized something: the smoke had cleared. The thought hit me like a ton of bricks and tears burned my eyes. I bit my lip and smiled. There have been numerous times on this trip where I thought if it ended tomorrow it would be worth it and I would be content - I've seen and experienced so many things. But not until this day did I realize that my questions - questions that weren't even clear to me - were being answered. I no longer feel like I am searching through smoke.

Now that's not to say I've got my life all figured out...the opposite, if anything! And as some questions find answers, other questions arise. But I've figured a few things out. I've learned that, for me, life is taken day by day. Something that was easy yesterday might be hard today. Something that makes sense today might not tomorrow...and that's ok. With each new day comes new opportunities to make yourself a better person. I can be comfortable with who I am, but I don't ever want to be satisfied with who I am. Kendall Payne says in one of her songs, "I'm not afraid to be me...Every battle leads to another war/ Every day I'm reminded of what I'm fighting for/It's never easy and it's never the same/But it's worth all I've got and so I'll give it again." What I've also realized is that to be able to give it all you've got, you have to be getting nurtured. That can take many different forms, and will probably take several to be successful. For me, Scripture needs to be a vital part of every day. Not just reading, but memorizing (which I tell myself I'm not good at because of my horrible short-term memory), burning it in my heart. In this process I've discovered verses in my memory bank from when I was 10. I was surprised to find I could still quote every line (encouragement for all Sunday school teachers and parents...those verses you help kids memorize...they STICK!), so quickly dusted them off and put them to good use again.  Another important thing for me is journaling. I've always done this off and on, feeling guilty when I don't do it, as if the journal would be hurt or something - does anyone else have this phenomenon? I would just get too busy to sit and write, letting the thoughts collect and jam up inside creating as my friend lovingly calls it: analysis paralysis. Well, although it's slightly less personal (I don't think the journal will mind), I've started typing out thoughts each night - much quicker and so useful! Third self-nurturing thing for me is reading. It's one of the first things to go when I get busy, but I so enjoy it. In the grand scheme, these things don't take much time out of my day, but they make a huge difference! They keep my brain from freezing or becoming stagnant. And somehow they help make a connection between my brain and my heart, something that doesn't always come easy for me.

I had the opportunity to be nurtured in a big way this past week - 4 straight days of backpacking on the Abel Tasman Coastal Track. I joined forces with 10 other people, 2 families and Mike - a guy who loves the AT so much he wrote a book on it (www.abeltasmanbook.com)! We set out with our tents, food, sleeping bags, and sleep mats, ready to conquer the sand, the bush, and the water. It was a beautiful walk, much different to the Milford Track with is snowcapped mountains. The AT is speckled with magnificent golden beaches and clear blue/green water. It really felt like we were tramping through a tropical island. I concluded that the sound of rhythmic waves softly crashing on the shore is the perfect sound to drift off to sleep to. It was fun to get to know those in our group, conversing and laughing together, pushing each other on when we were tired. Hours of sunlight and 32 miles later, we finished the track all together. Now for a few days of resting up...