Surf's Up! or, Crab Attack!

I have been doing a lot of homework lately: writing papers, giving presentations, watching movies and tv (yes, that's homework for me), and reading. I haven't really had a break in a while which is why I was happy to get out this past Saturday and do some surfing! Michael, Jesper and I took an hour-long bus ride to the west coast of NZ. On the way, I decided to take a picture each time we stopped, so here is a collage of our bus ride:

This is Jesper... and this is Michael....





















I started learning to surf in July or August, but I haven't gone for months, so I was a bit rusty. I ended up catching a few nice waves. It was Michael and Jesper's first time surfing, and they really got into it. We may be going again soon...

Here's where we were that day:







I would also like to mention that as I was coming out of the water at the end of our day, I felt a PINCH on my heel. When I looked down, I saw a crab hanging off of my foot--just hanging out. It didn't really hurt, luckily, although his little pincher proved quite strong. I had to yank him off, but I was not injured in any way. I threw the crab back in the water, but I wish I would have kept him for a pet... or dinner...

God, Wind, and Time Travel

Is the title of this entry mysterious enough?

It refers to the fact that 1) I am learning how windy it can get here in Auckland. It's reminding me of back in the day in Chicago... 2) Like you, we also had daylights savings here, except that we turned our clocks one hour back since we are heading into fall. So now I am only 16-19 hours ahead of you (depending on where you are in the States)...

Here is a picture from a French movie called Jules and Jim. I just had to watch it for class recently, and I thought it was quite beautiful...

The picture has no significance to what I am writing about, but people like to see pictures...Plus, I don't think I have the nerve to bring a camera to class and take pictures!

3) God has been doing some amazing things in my life lately!
I have been going to a local church called Elim and I have really enjoyed it. I think it's a great fit for me, and it's only a 20 minute walk. Also, I have been listening to sermons online from Rock Harbor, the church I was attending in CA. That has been great, not only because I really liked Rock Harbor and the teaching there, but I am getting a feeling of how BIG this whole thing called The Church really is. Even though Elim and Rock Harbor are on opposite sides of the globe, the Holy Spirit is moving in both churches and doing really great things in peoples lives. Sometimes the messages I am hearing from both churches really compliment and reinforce each other, and I can't help but think that it wasn't a coincidence, but evidence of a worldwide movement by the Holy Spirit.
Also, I was able to share my beliefs with my flatmate, Michael, recently. We were having a conversation about something else, normal type stuff, but he asked me why I am so moral. So I told him. Lately, I get the feeling he is really confused/fascinated by my lifestyle, and I have had a few opportunities to share quite openly about what I think about God and Jesus and life. It's been challenging because I also feel like I am under a microscope, but overall it has been great to know that I am being used in this way. I am excited to see what happens next!
I'll be sure to let you know!

PS Can you believe I've been here a whole month?!

The Kiwi Way

Want to learn some Kiwi words?

biscuit = cookie (A "chocky bicky" is most likely a chocolate chip cookie.)
CV = resume, as in what you would turn in with a job application
flat = apartment
paper = a course in school, as in "I am taking 4 papers this semester."
napkin = tissue

Did you know that in NZ cars drive on the left side of the road? I am in constant fear of stepping in front of a bus.

Did you know that in NZ their money is in dollars, just like the U.S? That has been an easy transition for me.

Did you know that NZ, like many other countries in the world, gets a lot of American TV, music, movies, and culture imported? I watched American Idol on tv today actually, although I know the episode aired a few weeks ago at home.

Did you know that the big sport in NZ is rugby? It's pretty awesome--I want to try and play some time.

Those are a few of the things I have been learning. The biggest adjustment I think is attending such a large secular school. I have been at a small Christian college for quite a while now, and obviously there are some differences. There is a club on campus dedicated to drinking alcohol. The health center gives free STD testing. The number of int'l students here is greater than all the Biola students put together.
I am really excited about this chance to learn and have new experiences. I am also excited for this challenge to live and share my faith. I am already seeing how I stand out for being a Christian, and that is both a little scary, but also humbling. I take it very seriously.

Well, that's all for now. Keep checking back for more stories and fun stuff!

School is Cool!

I have survived my first week of class...here's how it went:

Monday: I had a film theory class, but I didn't really know the specifics until I showed up for class. The professor told us that we were going to be studying the works of Alfred Hitchcock (yay!) in reference to the philosophical ideas posed by Slavo Zizek. Ok, I had no idea who that was, but everyone else seemed to nod in understanding, so I faked it. Once the lecture started I became very nervous because I really had no idea what the professor was talking about. French Structuralism? Jacque Lacan? Slovenia? Huh? As soon as class was over I went to the library and spent a few hours investigating all of these things. This will probably be my most challenging class. At least I have already seen most of the movies we will be viewing...

Tuesday: No class! Slept in :)

Wednesday: This is a history of cinema class focusing on Silent films. It was a much less intimidating experience. First, the prof is Scottish so it is really beautiful to hear him lecture. Second, he told us he would prefer that we don't buy text, but instead go to the library because he thinks libraries are a great place to learn by exploration--fantastic! I love libraries, and ours here is quite large...

Thursday: The title of this class is New Waves, and it focuses on film revolutions in different cultures across the world. I'm really excited about this class because it will be almost all foreign films, many of which I have not seen. Should be pretty interesting. One of the girls in class is trying to get everyone together to watch the movies for homework as a big group which should be fun.

Friday: Yes, I am taking a class entitled Reality TV. Yes, I have to do a presentation on MTV's The Real World. This one should be pretty lively and entertaining. We are sure to come up with interesting discussions, and viewings. My homework this week is watching Oprah! Quite a difference my flatmates who are learning economic theory and business and engineering.

A few more things about my classes:
They are all in the same building, which is just a five minute walk from my apartment and very close to the library too. Should be good when it starts to get cold!

There are few people who are in more than one class with me, so we all exchanged emails so we can get notes if we need or to set up times to watch our assignments. In particular, there is a Kiwi named Michael, and Chinese girl named Ming, and another girl from California named Star.
Last, I am really excited to be learning about what interests me most! I can see how my Biola film education did a pretty good job at preparing me--I have a good foundation set up...

Thanks for reading! I promise not to bore you with the details of each class next time, and try to stick to highlights!

Fast and Short...

I'm taking a quick break right now from reading--you'll get a full report on my first week of classes later, but for now here's a picture of my neice and nephew. They're super cute!

This is Isaac. He's already a little punkrocker--check out the 'hawk!


This is Graciana. She plays with my old toys and dolls...



This is not my niece or nephew. This is my friend Brynne. She recently took a journey to a magical land called Narnia.



And this is me beginning my own magical journey to New Zealand! And Mike is a big part of that magic by helping me with my bags--thanks, Mimu!


Ok, back to work!