Nau mai hoki mai (welcome)

I have now been back in Kaikōura for about 12 days. I think it’s finally sinking in that I am here. That I’m committing to this place and those who call it home for the foreseeable future (a year? two?). I honestly have no idea how this is going to work out, but I trust that it will. It’s exciting and scary!

I’ve been in this position of returning to Kaikōura to work for the Creation Care Study Program before. The welcome I’ve received each time brings my heart warmth. Which is good because winter is hanging on here and this Texan is cold… All jokes aside, I so appreciate the love I’ve received from my co-workers/friends, new friends, and the creatures I missed.

On Sunday afternoon (of last week), I did the Kaikōura peninsula walkway on my own. I’ve heard it called the best half day walk in NZ and I would agree! You get these amazing 360° views of the green rolling hills of the peninsula, mountains, and of course the vast blue ocean. Oh, and the cows grazing in the paddocks! How could I forget?

What a gorgeous place! I met up with Courtnay, my boss/friend, towards the end of the walk. We watched two paikia (humpback whales) work their way around the peninsula. Wow! I wish I could share that magical experience with everyone!

The other days of last week were pretty quiet. I spent time getting settled into my room and rhythms of work/life admin/rest. My main accomplishment was getting a local NZ phone set up for me to use while I’m here. My motto that “everything takes longer than you think it will” remains true even in NZ. 😉

This week I will tackle applying for the religious worker visa, so I appreciate the prayers/best of luck you can send me. I also want to begin some projects around the house – from garden tool organization to kitchen systems brainstorming. I will post another update on life here by the end of this week!