Haka What?

"She'll be right, mate": A kiwi phrase meaning that everything will be okay; also used in the context of meaning that you don't want to put in the effort.

Example:

"I haven't heard from my friend in a while, I wonder if he is OK?" "Ah, she'll be right, mate."
"I'm thinking we might want to put some more gib on the wall there." "Nah, just throw some of that over there and she'll be right, mate."

It's been a busy busy week! My time has mostly been consumed with tearing down an exterior wall to the church building, and rebuilding it with steel. It makes it difficult when the guys you are working with all call their tools different names than they do in the States. The cool thing about working with these guys is that they aren't Christian. These guys are actually Corrections workers tryings to work off some community service hours, meaning that we constantly have the opportunity to share our love of Jesus Christ with them. Since this building project is pretty major, I haven't been able to get off the property this past week, so when I received an invitation to have dinner at someone's house, I definitely didn't want to resist!

I had the privilege of having dinner over at a woman named Esther's house. Esther recently was paralyzed after a surgery that was necessary for her to have in order to survive. Esther is of a Samoan descent, so communication was a little difficult at times, but we talked for hours. She had such an amazing spirit an attitude despite of her condition. A Maori (indigenous New Zealand people) fellow named Steve cooked the dinner, which was fantastic! I was about to die though because there was so much food on my plate. After I finished my food, they brought me fruit. Then, a HUGE bowl of ice cream. After the ice cream, six cookies and a coffee. While I was suffering through eating so much, Steve and the boys performed a Haka for me. It was quite intimidating! Here is a video of what the Maori Haka is:

After the Haka and singing some songs, everybody in the room went around and gave me a speech. Even though it was a little awkward for me, it was an amazing experience. Esther's mother, whom everyone calls Nana doesn't speak English. So, she gave her speech in Samoan, and Esther translated. It's hard to describe accurately, but it was such a surreal experience. They were all so blessed and grateful for my acceptance of their invitation, but it was truly me who was blessed to have been a part of such an incredible night. Leaving, they kissed me goodbye and all asked me (repeatedly) to tell my friend and family about them. I'm not sure why, but I agreed :)

When talking with people back home, one of the things they always ask me is "What are the people like, there?"

Well, since I don't do a good job describing people, I thought I would just show you! These are videos of two islanders that call themselves Laughing Samoans. These guys are hilarious...and I am NOT exaggerating when I tell you that this is exactly how the islanders here act like. You have to be careful to believe what they say sometimes, and definitely have to be careful to not laugh at their accents and sayings  :)

Tea Masala and Samosas

Two of many great discoveries that I have been introduced to while in New Zealand are Samosas and Tea Masala. Both are Indian, which is most of the food that I have had while eating here.

Samosas is a fried pastry with spicy potato, onion, peas, and sometimes lentils. They are wonderful. They especially go well with a great cup of Tea Masala. I'm not sure of everything that is in Tea Masala...but I do know that pepper is added, which  makes it nice and spicy. It may sound strange, but it's wonderful! The pair make an awesome afternoon snack!

New Zealand is a different mission field that I am used to. Yes, I have running water. Yes, everybody here has a car. Yes, I have a heater to run at night (it's wintertime here). No, I don't see a ton of homeless children on the street. There is one similarity between New Zealand and Colombia, and the slums in Kenya, or the ravaged villages in South Sudan, or the dark ministries in Europe: people need Christ.

It's easy to feel burdened for people when you can physically see their need. Here, their need is purely spiritual. They don't need a jacket, or a plate of food. They just need Christ. I'm definitely not saying those things are wrong, because that's where a major part of my vision is in serving Christ.

I'm just saying that it makes it difficult to minister to people because the only thing you have to give them is the one thing that they don't want.

I had the chance to visit a Buddhist temple the other day, the one pictured here, and witnessed men praying to a god that doesn't exist. Looking for help in a void. I know a lot of you are praying for me daily. It's something that I appreciate so much! Can I challenge you to also start praying daily for people's hearts to be opened to the power of Christ here in New Zealand. Also, pray for me as I preach on Sunday morning.

Cheers Mates, and as you leave, enjoy some of New Zealand that I have been able to enjoy!

Happy Queen's Birthday!

It's Monday, June 4. Today is the Queen's birthday. This means that everything has a 10% price increase. I won't be doing much today! Everything is already so expensive on its own. Would you want to pay $30NZD ($23USD) on a 4-pack of batteries?

It's been a crazy week already. I haven't been able to see a whole lot for a couple of reasons. First, I'm 17 hours ahead, which makes for a nice nap at 4:00 in the afternoon, and a rude awakening at 5:00 in the morning. I'm almost over it, though. Second, there has been quite a bit of work to do as well.

One of the most surprising things I have had to face here in New Zealand is the variety of nationalities. There are the British, South Africans, Filipinos, Maori, Chinese, Japanese, Koreans, Cambodians, Vietnamese, Balkaans, Bavarians, Latinos, lots of people from India,  lots of Kiwis (white New Zealanders), lots of Polynesians, and lots of Brazilians. There aren't just a few people roaming around from each of these countries. There are significant populations from these various countries. It's quite a strange but normal occurrence to begin  speaking with someone from China who has a thick New Zealand accent. I know that technically they speak 'English' here, but it is definitely quite a different language.

Example:

"Sure is choc-a-block, ay?" (Something is overflowed/crowded)

"Good on ya, mate" (Greeting)

"I'll shout" (I'll pay)

"Where's the rubbish?" (Where's the trash can)

"I'm keen, yeah" (Sounds good)

"It's really posh" (It's really nice/rich)

"Ah, choice!" (Very good!)

"Cheers" (Thanks/Goodbye)

"Hiding" (Beating)

And that's just some that i've only begun to understand. There are heeps more I'm confused on!

Pakuranga Underground Night Market

Ice Cream was served in pineapples!

Auckland City view from Mt. Eden

Aside from the confusion and busy-ness of these first few days, I've enjoyed my stay on the Island. It's definitely beautiful. I will post a lot more pictures when I am able to get around and see some more things.

Prayer Needs:

I can't put everything on here, but just pray for the people here, that they will experience a brokenness for Christ.

Talk to you again soon!