Beginning

It’s been two weeks since my last post! A lot has happened, but I haven’t taken many pictures. Please excuse the random selection I’ve included. Ok, let’s start with what went on last week.

It was chocka (full) of projects in preparation for the arrival of the students. In the midst of cleaning, rearranging the downstair space, getting organized, and cleaning out the garage, I drove up to Blenheim. I needed to get some bulk items for CCSP – pantry items and things like shampoo and laundry detergent. I also had to get some med tests done for my visa application. Early that next day, Courtnay and I drove to Christchurch to pick up the new students! Thankfully they all arrived safely with their luggage.

They have been here ten days now, which blows my mind! It’s crazy how quickly a group can become comfortable with each other. There is still a lot to learn about each other of course, but so far everyone seems to feel safe and supported. My bedroom is downstairs with the group, while the other staff members and professors are upstairs. I feel a bit like the mom of the downstairs. That’s fine with me, though I do have to go hide on my days off. 😉

The rest of last week and this week was orientation. It entails quite a variety of activities – from academic orientation to field trips to community nights. The field trips we took were to the peninsula walk, a track (trail) in the nearby by Puhi valley, and to the Resource Recovery Center (recycling center, op shop, and dump). The students also had their Te Reo Maori class. I was their TA and am incredibly proud of them. They really dove into studying the native language and culture!

Today I spent a potion of the afternoon on the beach in South Bay as I watched a nearby Pohowera (Banded Dotterel) nest. This weekend “The Hop” is happening in Kaikoura. It’s a classic car show that brings people from all over NZ to Kaikoura and the beach where these locally endangered birds are nesting. That’s why I was there with the students, and several local conservationists to keep an eye on the birds. We struck up conversations with people about these vulnerable birds to bring awareness and try to minimize disruptions to nests.

Now that the semester has begun, I feel even more confirmation that I am where I am meant to be for this season. I dreamed of returning to this specific place and program for a couple of years now and here I am! There are times when I’m tired and could use a good rest day – even then I feel happy. I still miss my family, friends, and places across the ocean. And I am incredibly blessed to be here now.