Kiwi in-culturation... by David (aka Sad Dad)

As I write this, Justine is on route between London and Vancouver, having spent a few hours in transit with her big sister, Celeste. Celeste got back yesterday from a week-long Soul Survivor festival (camp-out) so both were exhausted, spending most of their short time together in hysterics. Good medicine for both... as was their brief visit to the Buchanan family (Celeste's second home).
What a joy to hear both their voices.

For her last 'team dinner' on the base, Justine was introduced to the rich culture of her future New Zealand home. Pakeha is the name for non-Maori locals, white New Zealanders.
The room was full of them, teaching Justine how to count in Maori; introducing her to local slang, the Maori Stick Game (ti rakau) and indigenous inventions such as the car aerial (or coat hanga). We had great fun with quizzes, games topped off with group prayer for her coming travels and studies.






Her cultural send-off was a great experience, with the folk going to a lot of trouble. She felt very loved.
Several months ago we dressed up as Maoris, never imagining in our wildest dreams that our daughter would actually end up there! (see pic below)
Also, Josh and Renee Moose, two of our team who are on furlough in the States, Skyped us during the evening to say goodbye to Justine. A neat surprise!












NEWS FLASH... Thank you for your prayers! After a successful interview 6am yesterday (the morning of departure!), we were notified today that she has been accepted by Bethlehem Tertiary Institute in Tauranga to do her BA in Teaching. We were able to call her with the great news and celebrate.
She'll be spending the first week as a counsellor at Anvil Island (a Christian camp) then two weeks with good friends (the Chus and Anthonys) while tying up loose ends. Then, once again, immigrating to a new country.