|
Worldwide Trips
> Volunteer Journal > New Zealand trip - Christy's Journal
New Zealand trip - Christy's Journal
Christy Fellner - Thrivent Builds Worldwide Coordinator, Americus, GA
Monday, Nov. 3
 |
| Auckland, New Zealand |
 |
| Our team at dinner |
Kia Ora- Welcome in Maori- so Kia Ora to our NZ journal
Wow, who knew a 13 hour plane ride would take 3 days….we had to cross the international date line, so even though we left on Nov 1st we did not arrive into Auckland, New Zealand until almost 5am on Nov.3rd. A little tired and groggy, we met up with our host and were taken on a scenic tour of Auckland.
We learned a few interesting facts along the way such as:
- The symbols of the NZ flag are the union jacket, recognizing that they used to be part of Britain and the 4 stars are the southern cross in the sky.
- Auckland is one of the largest cities in the world (spread wise) but not population wise
- Auckland has 48 volcanoes
- The city parks in Auckland house sheep like US city parks house ducks- so cute!
- Mount Eden or as the native Maori call it Mungawhau (pronounced Mung-ga-fow) is really the site of 3 different volcanoes that came up at different times.
We also saw some amazing sites, such as the Tasman Sea and enjoyed a lovely dinner out before heading back to the hotel to get some much needed sleep.
Tuesday, Nov. 4
 |
| Christy tries Marmite for the first….and last time! |
 |
1st day at the worksite |
 |
| Brad, Frances, Krystal, Kirk- raising the first wall |
Today was to be our first day at the worksite. To ensure I was ready for a full day of work in the Kiwi sun, I decided I better have a piece of toast with some Marmite (a New Zealand favorite) for breakfast! If you can’t tell by my facial expression how delicious this stuff is, let me explain better what it tastes like. It has a gummy consistency that tastes like salty anchovies. Hmmmmm….maybe I will stick with jam!
After all of us brave folks had tried the marmite, we headed to the worksite. When we arrived all we saw was a cement slab and some wood. But as the day progressed the wood turned to walls- it was amazing how fast it all came together!
On day one at the worksite we also had the pleasure of meeting the partner family. Frances, the mom and her 2 oldest children Drew and Krystal worked alongside us all day. Frances had a great sense of humor and Krystal was a sweetheart. Drew seemed a little disappointed that none of us Americans were rappers, but still he warmed up to us quite quickly.
In addition we had a great time meeting, working and laughing with Mike the construction supervisor, his two sons, Johoita and Terrin, as well as Richard a volunteer. Frances’ father, before he passed away, had worked for a construction company so we also had fun working with 2 volunteers, Paul and Reg, who came to assist with the build from the company her father had worked for. I would have to say that while seeing the walls go up so quickly was amazing, my favorite part of the day really was all the laughter on the site.
Wednesday, Nov. 5
 |
| Day 2 and the walls are already up! |
 |
| Brad and Lynne setting the pipes |
Although today was a bit rainy, we still accomplished a lot. We finished the walls, got some piping in the ground and of course joked around a lot more! The morning devotion was given by Sith, and he read the giving tree. It was a powerful story representing unconditional love and generosity. The reading brought a tear to my eye as I realized although we all came from different backgrounds, we came to New Zealand for the same purpose- to make a difference in the life of another family. So, “as we therefore have opportunity, let us do good unto all men.” Galatians 6:10.
Thursday, Nov. 6
 |
| Shannon preps the window frames |
 |
| Paul, Sith and Brad start putting up the trusses |
This morning the sun was shining and a beautiful rainbow graced the sky. It was the perfect way to start day number 3 at the worksite. The outside walls went up quickly and we began prepping the roof for the trusses. Everyone seemed to be finding their niche and it was amazing to see everything going up so quickly all around.
Frances said she was so impressed by how fast her home was coming together, but also by how it seemed that the Americans never ran out of things to talk about! I think that was her nice way of saying we never shut up! ha ha! But really, there never was a dull moment on the site between getting to know one another, sharing stories and laughing. The days just seem to zip by!
The lunches on site were always quite nice too. Many of the local churches organized to bring us sandwiches and sweets every day. Those of us that thought we would lose weight on this trip were learning quickly that the food portions were more than enough to keep our pants fitting snugly!
Friday, Nov. 7
 |
| Mary Sweeping |
 |
| Bill, setting nails as if he were at a shooting range |
Today we truly experienced the New Zealand sun. I thought I was careful, but by the end of the day I had sun burned the tops of my hands…not really a farmer tan, but definitely an odd contrast to my white arms. Oh, well- it was worth it! With the sun out we really managed to get a lot done! The trusses were set in place, the walls were finished and we began setting up the scaffolding around the entire house. In addition we unloaded a million, or so it felt, roof shingles and raised our Thrivent Builds banner as a flag above the house we were so proud of!
In the evening we enjoyed a nice dinner out downtown and did a moonlit walk along the beach before closing the evening with a sweet ice cream treat. What a perfect way to end another amazing day!
Saturday, Nov. 8
 |
| Our team proud of our work |
 |
| Tasman Sea |
Today was a half day on the worksite so that we would have time to drive out to Piha and experience the amazing beauty of the Tasman Sea. Even though we only worked a half day, we accomplished a lot and also had the chance to really learn about the Maori culture from Frances. She explained that the tattoos many Maoris traditionally had on their faces were allowed only if the chief said it was ok, but now days many Maoris get tattoos all over their bodies as it is in fashion. The different tattoos tell different family stories and the different symbols represent different beliefs. My personal favorite was the Koru, a simple spiral design that meant new beginnings and growth.
After ½ a day of work we headed to Piha. The beach and rock formations were incredible. The Tasman Sea too was gorgeous and called a few of us to jump in, but after a few moments in the cold we were quick to get out and simply enjoy its glory from the shoreline.
In the evening, a few of us went out for a drink and some dancing at a pub called the Cock and Bull. Quite a fun little place!
Sunday, Nov. 9
 |
| Traditional Maori carvings |
 |
| Walking on glass 200+ meters up in the sky tower |
Today was spent exploring Auckland and learning more about New Zealand. We began the day at a museum where we enjoyed a traditional Maori show and an abundance of traditional artwork. The carvings have always been a Tapu occupation carried out by men. Women were not allowed to be present and the waste chips were carefully burnt to ensure that they were not contaminated by the cooking fires. The tradition of removing shoes before entering a home was a symbol of respect for the home and its anscestors, many of whom were imortalized in the wall carvings.
Next we visited the aquarium. It was full of interesting animals and amazing stories of adventurers. In the evening we headed to the sky tower to enjoy an amazing view and dinner. We were over 200 meters up and could see all of Auckland. Walking around on the glass panels made me think that walking on the roof we were building was not as scary as it had seemed earlier in the day!
All in all, another wonderful day!
Monday, Nov. 10
 |
| Rachael and Lynne caulk and paint the boards around the house |
 |
| Learning the Haka (traditional Maori dance as they prepare for war) Mike, Drew, Johnny, and Jaime |
 |
| Everyone who has helped build at the worksite, the TBW team, the partner family, Paul, Mike, Johoita, Terrin, and Richard. |
Monday of week 2 and we are all feeling the aches a little, but still moved by the mission and desire to do as much as we can in the short time we have left to build. In the morning the devotion centered on why we would build overseas rather than just send money, the answer read came from an affiliate in Europe:
Volunteers represent the heart and soul of Habitat. Volunteers are CHRIST'S LOVE IN ACTION. It would be easier for everybody to just sent money for materials and labor and for Habitat to have its own construction workers build houses for the families living in miserable conditions or subcontract companies to do that. But what difference would be between Habitat and a construction company? I would say none, Habitat would just be a no-interest, no-profit building company. Habitat for Humanity is about humanity, about love, about helping each other in time of need, about restoring the dignity to the poor families, the dignity they lost just because they live in poverty housing conditions. And they cannot get it back just by giving them a house at a no-profit, no-interest cost. They will get it back if they see that other people care about their condition, that others want to help them just because it is right to help your neighbor in need without asking for nothing in return and with unconditional love. And you, the volunteers, are the one doing this, not the construction workers or a building company. If the poor families see that there is somebody there in the world or in their community willing to help them escape poverty housing, they will understand that they are not alone, that God is helping them through the hearts and sweat of the volunteers. Volunteers are the helping hand the families living in poverty housing conditions are looking for. You are the one that teach both the families and the community what Christ's love is and you show everybody how easy is to help your neighbor in need. Volunteers are giving something to families and receive much more in return. The gratitude, the smile on children's faces, the tears in the families' eyes are things that are priceless. People are transformed, lives change, the whole world becomes a better place for everybody.
It is true, the small difference we make in one families life is truly impacting the world and making it better. I can’t imagine a better way to have spent the last week. I truly feel inspired working and laughing with all these amazing people!
In the evening, again I was moved to tears as we enjoyed a wonderful dinner hosted by a local church and a game of touch rugby. It is amazing how quickly people you didn’t know can become friends and touch your heart in such a meaningful way!
Tuesday, Nov. 11
 |
| Mary and Kirk- the team leaders |
 |
| Johoita measuring for the bath tub |
Today was another fun filled day of building. With the major projects done, we as a team are learning to focus on the little things that still need to get done. “Mother Theresa once said, ‘we cannot do great things on this earth. We can only do little things with great love.’ Sometimes our grandiose plans to do great things at some later time interfere with our chances to do little things right now. A friend of mine once told me, ‘I want my life to be about service, but I can’t do anything yet. Someday, when I am really successful, I’ll do lots of things for others.’ Meanwhile, there are hungry people in the street, elderly people who could use some company…neighbors whose homes need painting…and thousands of other little things that need to be done. Mother Theresa was right. We can’t change the world, but to make a difference we don’t need to. All we really have to do is focus on those little acts of kindness, things we can do right now.” (Carlson, Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff, 1997). Today, we really experienced this, as many of us wanted to see huge progress again, but had to be content with finishing the minute details.
Wednesday, Nov. 12
 |
| Lynne and Mary installing the insulation |
 |
| Brad draining the drainage ditch |
Many of us helped the professional staff that was on site today roofing, installing electricity and/or plumbing. It was fun to see the pros in action and we learned a lot too. We also had the joy of celebrating Sith’s 31st birthday before heading to stay with different host families for the next few nights.
Thursday, Nov. 13
 |
| Christy learning to run the excavator |
 |
| Sith saws off all the door frame wedges |
After a wonderful evening with our host families, good food, nice chats, and some exploring, we were back at the worksite hanging doors and digging more trenches. Even on day 11 our humor has not subsided, we are just as jovial and fun loving as ever on the worksite!
Friday, Nov. 13
 |
| Janet stapling up the plastic in the garage |
 |
| Sith, Shannon and Richard saying goodbyes |
 |
| The partner family we worked with: Frances, Waiwere, Johnny, Paige and Drew |
Our last day at the worksite. Oh, it is bitter sweet. Our bodies ache, but our hearts long to do more. We have had such an amazing time building with Frances and her family as well as with other local volunteers and staff. True friendships have developed and it will be hard to say goodbye. As we all gathered together one last time for a farewell dinner, the only thing that kept me from crying was the Kiwi humor- a mix of sarcasm and wit- a perfect fit with our team!
Mary also presented some “awards” for each of us in a final devotion.
- Rachael- the commitment to excellence award- she takes pride in a job well done
- Shannon- Most dramatic growth award- as the youngest member of the team she did a great job working with older members of the team and we all were impressed by her willingness to learn and develop new skills
- Sith- A friend to everyone award- A guy you would love to have as a neighbor- can crack a joke and tackle any project
- Lynne- The continuous improvement award- She will roll up her sleeves and try anything and in the process asks some great questions- always coming up with ways to more efficiently tackle a job
- Kirk- the 3 V award- visionary, versatile, volunteer!
- Christy- The upbeat and positive award- approaches every task with contagious enthusiasm and a smile
- Bill- Helping hand award- Always willing to help where needed and offer a hand to those less experienced
- Brad- The high energy award- Can we bottle this energy- He expresses his energy in a positive and productive manner and makes good things happen
- Janet- Taking a risk award- Willing to travel half way around the world with a bunch of strangers to make a difference in another family’s life.
- Mike- the patient leader award- he provided guidance and direction and was an excellent role model.
What an amazing group of people to have had the opportunity to work with!
Saturday, Nov. 13
 |
| Sheep at the Agrodome in Roturua |
 |
| Sith and Brad learn to do the Haka at a cultural night in Roturua |
 |
| Heading out to Milford Sound on the South Island |
 |
| Kirk, Janet, Sith and Shannon get ready to luge down the mountain. |
Our last days together as a team we went to Roturua and enjoyed all the cultural sites and learned more about the Maori culture- some of the braver team members even got up on stage and learned how to milk a cow, sheer a sheep or do the Haka. We also enjoyed a luge trip down the mountain and some amazing food! It was a great end to a fabulous trip!
After Roturua, a few of us continued on to the south Island to experience all the wonders that it had to offer before having to say goodbye to this amazing country.
|
|
