We spent our first week in New Zealand in a rural setting where literally every direction we looked was eligible to go on a postcard. The final 2 ½ weeks were working in South Auckland which isn’t as scenic, but the skies are still larger than back home and white clouds pop off the blue in sharp contrast. Also, in our neighborhood, all the gardens are beautiful. Flowers in vibrant colors are standard in most yards. The neighborhood is made up of Maori people (native to New Zealand) and many polynesian cultures from the surrounding islands like Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, New Calendonia, and Vanuato. I love the Samoan people!
I’ve always told people about my job and when I explain it, the description sounds sort of exciting. When I use words like: stock market, options, and Wall Street, people think it’s kind of cool. I always try to tell them that the work we do is behind the scenes. It’s not the glamorous work. But now I have a new take on this statement. Our time in New Zealand has been a mix of amazing scenic surroundings and seemingly insignificant and definitely non-glamorous work.
Our assigned task here in South Auckland is to do “hospitality” at a mission facility that serves as hostel for missionaries and travelers as well as a kids community center. I’ve learned that hospitality not making name tags, serving cake, and coffee. It’s more about making beds, washing linens, emptying trash, and cleaning. If you know me, the former is something I love and the latter is not my favorite. Good thing I am trying to learn something new this year!! It’s been a lesson in humility as we try to figure out our purpose. The ministry we get to offer is to serve the full time missionaries while they are re-freshing their minds and bodies at some conferences. Actually, when I think about our work that way, it is such an honor to serve these folks.
Don’t get me wrong…we were not deprived here. We’ve had perks including free bread, vehicle access, an awesome free local swimming pool with slides, a trampoline, internet access, and meeting some amazing people. We’ve also met some great kids and had some fun with our cleaning duties. I know there is a good lesson behind every task we will be asked to do this year. I just hope I get the point by the end of it. As we have reflected on the month, it was a good process to figure out how to find significant amidst the mundane.
Until next time…..
