It has officially been one week since arriving in New Zealand, but it feels like a lifetime. I say this with all the positivity possible, however. We have completed launch, traveled half way across the country by bus, viewed the sprawling green countryside & contrasting snowy peaks, & are finally on the brink of beginning our first ministry. This month my team, along with two others, will be serving at EL RANCHO, a Christian kids camp & retreat center in Waikanae. The quaint city of Waikanae is located on the southwest point of New Zealand’s north island & only a 20minute walk to the beach. The staff at EL RANCHO could not possibly be more generous or wonderful. Immediately upon our arrival, we were greeted with a traditional Maori welcoming ceremony. Maori are the indigenous people of Waikanae. They are people of great hosipitally, respect, & with such rich tradition-all which were evidenced through the sincerity & reverence of the ceremony.
I am so very excited for our ministry this month. we will be working as camp counselors –something I’ve always wanted to do, but never had the chance. Starting tomorrow evening, an upwards of 90 enthusiastic children will flood the campground ready for the best week of their “holiday” & we are ready to give it to them. It is going to be a wonderful opportunity to encourage them, cultivate their faith & simply show them continuous love. One of the best parts is that in addition to our World Race teams, there are an abundance of teenage Kiwi (New Zealanders) counselors. Therefore, we will be partnering & working along side the locals giving us even more opportunities to build relationships & learn about this wonderful culture. We have already been training for 2 days & it has been a blast getting to know them & just goofing off together. I have made some new friends & I can’t wait to show you some pictures.
I am writing this blog now because I do not think I will be accessible till Saturday being as we are to never leave the children & must be with them 24/7. But I wanted to give you a brief update to let you know what I am doing so you can be praying for our team & all the kids we will encounter this week. Many of them are coming from less than ideal home lives or foster situations so this is a wonderful opportunity to show them love-pray that will happen!
