Wonderful Home Aotearoa

Last night I slept from 7pm to 2.30pm today in my own bed. I knew I was tired but I didn't realise that tired. Dave came and picked Bron and I from the airport yesterday morn. at 10am (a very rude awakening to 8deg after 30deg.) and we went straight to my parents place for a scrummy lunch, where a couple of other friends welcomed us there too. As usual sleep evades us on long flights but that didn't matter because we were on home stretch. The morning of leaving HOLF was very relaxed as I sat in their garden where trees and brightly coloured flowers surrounded me, as I wrote up my journal. Even though it looked ever so idealic from my side, the trucks and buses were constant barrage of noise and belching smoke behind the separated rows of trees and fence. I was able to see the beautiful tiled roof of HOLF and fascinated with its dainty and ornate finishing touches to it. I soaked in every image and feeling of my last day there and thanked God for his wonderful goodness.

This was a trip I had to make, to finally have something tangible I could see , feel and grasp. As I reflect on this whole trip God has woven a wonderful tapestry of the people in my life, the joys, laughter, tears, the pain and struggles but most of all knowing that God is the ultimate designer with a purpose and the exciting thing is that its not finished yet.

Our last full day, the 4 of us went to Lama Island which is a 40min. boat trip to the outer islands where there is no road access. As we pulled into the island we could see it was lined with fishing sam pans and rows of open air seafood restaurants. What a big decision deciding which one to go into. They were all so inviting. We eventually spotted one where there was a spare table in the corner overlooking the water and fishing boats. Of course being the last day of my trip, I had finally got my appetite back and I was looking forward to a big feast. I wasn't disappointed as we munched into scallops with ginger and shallots, crunchy prawns topped with crispy delectables , huge plate of stirfried veges, fish done in soft batter and a bowl of clams which had been briefly coal fired topped with a scrummy sauce. I didn't want to stop eating, it was so yummy. After some time of lots of enjoyment noises we went for a walk round the island - good w/c path until we got to a steep area and we turned back. That was a great day to finish the trip off for me, as it was very traditional chinese to me.

I would like to thank everyone so much for their prayers, love and support and making this trip possible for me. You have been very much part of this journey and God has woven you into this.

Lots of love & blessings xxxx