Answers for you!!
So…we are here at our ministry location….
We are in Waikanae New Zealand! El Rancho camp to be exact! It is the land of the Maori people! It is on the west coast of the north island. We will be working with children between the ages of 10-12 and leading them this week, it is almost like a vacation bible school. I am so excited I have always wanted to be a camp leader and now I get the opportunity! We will be working the camp for a week and then the next 2 weeks we will be helping with a conference called “New Wine”, it is a conference that about 800 to 1000 people come to, and it is a renewal conference.
When we first arrived we had a traditional welcoming by the Maori people, welcoming us as guest to their land. It was the most amazing welcoming I have ever experienced. When we arrived we had to line up men in front women behind them. They do this so the men are the first to walk into the room to protect the women in case there is danger inside of the room. We walk in not speaking and greet the elders, when you greet them you “hogi” which is leaning in and rubbing noses. They then proceeded to speak in their language and greet us and welcome us. After the service we joined them in a meal, which was amazing food!
Everything about New Zealand is amazing! The people could not be more welcoming, the other leaders especially have welcomed us to their Camp with open arms. I am really anxious and excited to be working with these people and worshiping with them. I have found my other brothers and sisters in Christ half way around the world!
