Adventures WorldRace SethBarnes Sponsorship Giving

| by archiveworldraceblogs

 On Sunday after church our contact Kevin took us around for a tour of Auckland. We went to a place called Mt. Eden where we met a fascinating man. His name is Amato Akarana, the chief of the largest Maori tribe in New Zealand. We were immediately drawn to him because of his bright tribal robes and his full facial tattoos. The tattoos are called a Moko and they are ancient Maori markings that were given to Amato 10 years ago when he became the chief.   
 

We observed as Chief Amato and Kevin exchanged a “Hongi” which is a traditional Maori greeting of pressing noses together and each person shares the breath of life from the other. This Hongi gives respect to those who have passed on by the sharing of the breath of life. Kevin noted that the first Hongi occurred in Genesis 2:7 when “the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.”
 
 
 Chief Amato was so open to speak to us about his desires to promote and protect his people for generations to come. He was also gracious to us by allowing us to take many pictures and ask questions. He was very interested in our World Race plans and ended our time by wishing us God’s blessings to go before us, beside us, and behind us as we journey around the world. Meeting this man was a sweet experience.  Thanks to our contact Kevin for making the introduction and having the kind of heart for the Maori people that could make a connection.

 
                                          
 
Meet the team of women I will travel and live with for the next 11 months.  Starting on the left and working your way around the chief–Bek, me (holding the talking stick!), Lyndsie, Ellen, Caitlin, and Sarah.  These women will be my immediate World Race family.  We are living in close community and sharing everything.  It’s crazy, but they are amazing!! 
 
Blessings to each of you on your journey!