Thursday, May 8, 2008

April 28-May 4


Global God...that was the theme of the 2008 National Youth Camp for the LCNZ! This week we spent all our time in Havelock North at Riverbend Camp with 41 youth and 4 other leaders. It was pretty awesome to see youth from as far south as Dunedin and as far north as Auckland meeting together and making friends together, regardless of age, race, and origin.
The van




The Car

We spent most of the morning in song time and devotions, with small group break out sessions. Tuesday afternoon we had a photo-scavenger hunt in Havelock North, Wednesday afternoon was a service event, and Thursday afternoon was a hike up Te Mata Peak. Between all that we had pool time, archery, and a flying fox for the kids to play on. The nights were filled with large group games, a movie, and a culture night where we learned about other Christians around the world through a video shared by the camp pastor as well as created a painted mural of what it means to be a New Zealander for Ken to take to Indonesia next month! Overall, I think the camp was a great success (although I don't think I want to be in charge again - that was a lot of work, and I am so thankful for Ken who co-lead the actual camp with me!!! Thank you!!)
Ken debriefing after a game
Fun times

As soon as we arrived home on Friday, our friend Aaron was back in Palmy from his month on the South Island. We made pizza and hung out together Friday evening and Saturday got up bright and early to head out to the Coromandel via the Republic of Whangamomona. It was a great trip, although long. We pulled into a spot on the side of the road at about midnight and set up our tents. We woke up with a beautiful sunrise Sunday, but the day ended up being rainy. It was still great to see the Coromandel. We saw where Captain Cook first landed, enjoyed some wine at a shady winery, and ended the day getting to Auckland where we crashed at the Lutheran church. We stayed up pretty late again playing cards and hanging out. Monday morning we grabbed some Dunkin Donouts (yes, Ken and I found out they are in Auckland and vowed to get some when up there) before showing Aaron a few of the "must see" landmarks in Auckland. We dropped him off late in the afternoon (he flew out a day later for the states) and began our 6 hour drive home.

Enjoying some time in the Republic



Pepper loved the trip

Beautiful country
In the Coromandel: Kauri Trees
The beach where Captain Cook first landed
Look at this wineary!! Looks a bit shady, but it was full of character and life inside!
Auckland
The cityscape
Long week, longer weekend, but all of it was such a blast! Thank the Lord for safety in all our travels and for the joyous fellowship times we had. Amen!

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