I love it, I love it, I love it!

I am here! After a traveling for way too long I am here in NEW ZEALAND!! The 13 hour plane ride was okay, it went faster than I expected. I was sitting by two men who were going on their honeymoon, Edward and Mel. We became buds. They were so sweet, so at least I had good company. Because the flight was sold out we couldn't choose were we sat, so I didn't get to sit by Candace. I am staying with a couple, Averil and Stewart who are delightful. They have been so good to me. Averil is the teacher that I will be working with at the school as well.This is Candace and I after making it through customs with our newly stamped passports.


Driving on the wrong side of the car and the road is scaring the hell out of me. Every turn we make I feel like we are going to die. I even look the wrong way when I cross the street. Please pray that I don't die walking across the street!

Today (Monday) we went to a local elementary school for a Maori welcoming ceremony. We stood at the gates and a Maori woman sings or calls for the visitors (us) to come. We had a Maori woman with us who sang back in response and we went into the assembly hall. The chief Maori then talked (in Maori) welcoming us. Our speaker, (men have to speak for the women in traditional Maori ceremonies) Richard, introduced us to the children. They sang us a welcome song and we had to respond with a song. We ended up singing the Star Spangled Banner (I may mention that I do not sing... well). Then we did the traditional Hongi where you touch noses with the Maori chief, principal and many students. This meant that we were now a part of them and no longer visitors. Then we went in for morning tea (which we have everyday, afternoon tea equates to dinner). The students then sang for us and did the haka. It was so fun to watch, they did an amazing job. They have an extracurricular group that does the singing and the haka.

-I have a video but I can't make it work. So check back later for this video.

Many of the students don't wear shoes to school, no one really minds. They also have to wear these adorable sun hats anytime they go outside. They sun is really strong in NZ, I guess there is a whole in the ozone layer right above it (that is what I have been told) so they have to be really careful in the sun. I loved the schools, they seem to have a great atmosphere. So far I love it! Oh and did I mention that it is warm here!