Mission Weekend - Upper Hutt

So twice a year, we have a "Mission Weekend" where we funnily enough do missions for a weekend at a corps. So far this year, we went to Levin and helped out up there in June, and last weekend we did it local and helped out at Upper Hutt.

Here's some photos of our great team...

Clockwise from top left: Lachie planting shrubs; Julie and Tiko gardening at Trentham Primary School; Annette raking; Kev; Lachie chucks up Kayla in the air (much to her delight); Sarah and Hannah.
Clockwise from top left: Me and Christina; Simeon and Tiko; Jennifer, Perry, Suzanne and Emily eating our pizza for lunch.
Clockwise from top left: At our movie night- Tiko, Steve and Stu; Patrick airborne; Rochelle and Doug (aka Tiko); me and Reuben; SuperGarth.
Clockwise from top left: Reuben and Naomi; Kevin eating his fish n chips tea; Emily and Kayla fasten seatbelts in their cardboard car; Kate, Sarah and Hannah in their car; Christina peek a boos; Terry, Zachary, Ethan, Simeon and Louis and their car.
Clockwise from top left: Lachie pre-extreme makeover; during the big shave; Lachie post-extreme makeover; Andrew and Rochelle get made over as well; Ty (aka Stu) and Julie.

Clockwise from top left: Simeon, Christina, Sarah and Reuben decorating their muffins; Kylie and Annette; Kayla feels Lachie's new head.

Clockwise from top left: Kayla and Stu; Tiko; me piggybacking Kayla and Emily; Naomi, Reuben and Cody; Garth and Kevin ready to dish up lunch.

Emily and my hair

So about three days ago, I had my hair coloured and cut again - most people liked it (or at least pretended to) - except for Kayla, who said it was 'funny' - translation: I don't like it. She changed her mind yesterday.

Then last night at our College BBQ, I picked up Emily and sat her on my lap and we were talking about different things. Then she asked me if I was Monique's Nana. (How old do I look!!!??!) I laughed and said, "No, I'm Crinniebabes."

She looked a little puzzled then pulled down my oversized sunglasses to exclaim, much to her delight, "You are!" Lol.

Brief Update

Sorry I haven't written in forever but I've been incredibly busy - prep for Commissioning has now stepped up a notch, plus assignments, sermons and just the normal procrastination .... well the blog has been somewhat waylaid.

Matt was down in Wellington this past weekend, which was awesome. He was down in Tawa with the National Youth Band. I do so much miss my little brother and he has been given strict instructions to visit me more often at my new appointment when I move in the New Year. (and now .... that hasn't been announced yet)

I've had tonnes of other visitors on recent weekends too - Ma, Pa and Popa; Aunty Sue and Uncle Alister; Jane Jane from Timaru ... and Mum and her friend Murrianna are coming down soon for another conference and then Jane and her whanau are looking at coming up in Nov I think.

Anywhos... will post some more photos and write properly shortly. Just not now. Sigh.

Orongomai Marae

So as part of our course, and doing some cultural immersion, all us cadets and whanau packed up and spent last weekend at Orongomai Marae. It was an awesome experience - both the Maori aspect, the learning aspect, and just the 'bonding' that comes about with a huge group living together. The food was spectacular too!

We went Friday afternoon, led by Shelley and Sue as kaikaranga's (doing the 'call' as we headed onto the marae) and then completed the powhiri (welcome) inside. This time I even hongi-ed without whacking foreheads too hard!

I really loved all the art ... I love how they tell stories. I spent a great deal of time looking at the carvings and tokutoku panels ... I have a lot of respect for the artists. It's incredible.

The night was looong (have you ever tried to get adults, tweens and preschoolers to go to sleep in the same room but at different times?) and I was glad I wasn't a parent and could just enjoy it. In saying that the kids were really well behaved and once the lights were out ... well eventually people nodded off.

Except me. I was stuck between two snorers. I won't mention names but I was surprised by one (the lowest and loudest) being a six year old boy!!

Reuben and Naomi.
Tiko by one of the carvings inside.
Perry, Simon and Sue
Me, Naomi, Patrick and Reuben
Kate, Hannah and Christina

Think C

Officially, I am writing my Think C essay, which is due tomorrow. Everyone thinks cos they hear typing, I must be working. Methinks it is scary how easy it is to procrastinate...