Waiora

Kia ora! It's been awhile, I've been keeping busy though really enjoying new zealand, don't like to spend alot of my time by my computer when there's so much to see. Went hiking on mount oxford this weekend was AMAZING! Had an awesome first week learning more about things like worship, intercession, and devotions. Guest speakers for this week are awesome too I'm stoked for backpacker ministry. Also picking up talents like slackline! (thats what they call a tightrope here) and hoping to pick up guitar yet...got another 8 weeks before outreach to practice. Can't wait to try bouldering this weekend...sounds like something I would love to do. Today we went to Waiora Trust (waiora=living water) to get welcomed by some Maori people which was really interesting. First a Maori warrior came out to "check us out" and make sure we were ok. Then we proceeded slowly into the building and were given a hearty welcome, after which we shook noses. Yes, you read right, shook noses. They have this thing called a hongi (spelling?) where you push your forehead and nose together with the maori people as a greeting. Then they served us beverages and dainties, and we attempted to sing a song for them in maori. We also got to walk around their property and see the communal garden and an intense obstacle course.