Saying goodbye is hard to do, leaving what has become the known just as hard. The people we have met this month in New Zealand have been more amazing then we could of imagined. Gisborne is now a home away from home…..how sweet is that? You have blessed us beyond measures.
Let me try to portray those who have been such an intricate part of month 1 for Team Ginosko at the YMCA:
Lee Gibson: Our amazing hostess with the mostest. CEO of the YMCA we worked at. A mom to the max, never batting an eye to serve us, good conversation, belly deep laughs, and so much more. A house on the beach, a dog named Herbie, a woman with a plan who bikes to work everyday. Great dinners, neverending peanut butter and bread, and endless cups of tea. So hard to say goodbye to her but that means motivation to return oneday. 
Sandy Gibson: Lee’s husband, a man with fascinating stories and trivia. Sweet demeanor, huge smile, likes toast with honey, a beach bum at heart persuing a new career.
Alexia: Beautiful tall Maori, met us at the bus stop and showed us Gisborne. Proud of her culture, willing to go out of her way to make sure we are comfortable, planned activities for us, and provided good laughs. Mother of Shaq; the tall athletic guy I had to guard during a basketball scrimmage, and Haven, a spunky seven year old. Wife to the really cool Robbie, who is a good at most sports and also went out of his way for us. This family is beautiful, giving, and making a change for the youth in Gisborne.
Matt Smith: A true English bloke who would chat you up in a pub even if you were a stranger. Moved to Gisborne with the woman he fell in love with, working to make a difference with the kids, kite surfer, 
kayaker, all around athlete. Willing to remember I drink long black coffee (black americano) and to invite our team to dinner twice. All around amazing mate who we will miss SOOOO Much!
Karena: Pretty much good at everything (soccer, rugby, Haka, singing, guitar, etc. etc.), headed to the Winter Olympics opening show to dance.
Tyson: A 22 year old kid, willing to do all the activities with the kids, never complaining, huge heart, infectious laugh, a guy headed toward great things.
Matt (the other Matt): Said he loved when we walked into a room because we had a light aournd us. Awesome leader to the children, great netball player, fun laugh, big smile, heart to serve and aid people in need.
Kimi: Crazy, zany lady who has good control of the wild kids. Fun to joke with, willing to be the boss, beautiful spirit.
Kelly: Bubbly blond with dreams to see the world, no set plans, living life day by day, laidback, and willing to share her carrots with me. A very lovely spirit.
Christina: Christian Maori who has worked with YWAM in the past with her husband. A woman who 
exudes grace and kindness, helped us obey customs at the Maori funeral, and gave us a Maori blessing of farewell. Beautiful eyes and calming smile.
To the whole YMCA staff for making us feel welcome, giving us a van to drive, keeping us entertained, allowing us to help with the children, playing netball with us, throwing a sweet going away party, loving us, treating us like family, and just being better then anything we could of ever asked for.
Driving on the left side of the road; roundabouts in place of stop signs/lights; walking barefoot everywhere including stores; saying things like ‘heaps,’ ‘rubbish,’ ‘sweet as,’ ‘mean,’ ‘mates,’ etc; two flush buttons on the toilet (one for #1 one for #2); colorful beaches, mountains, etc.; Equippers Church; golden kiwi’s; first sunrise in the world; Maori culture; and no poisonous spiders.
