Exhaustion. Excitement. We’ve been running, running, running since we got here, but I’m loving every minute of it! We’ve done a quick tour of Auckland, shot some promo material for Lifeway College, (by the way, if you haven’t heard of them {and actually even if you have,} you should definitely check this college out- they’ve worked on Avatar, and Veggie Tales, and lots of other amazing movies and the talent at their campus made my heart race!) and today we were working at Taradale High School in the Hawks Bay area. I think every time we get in the car, at least one someone is settling in for a nap! We’re all so tired! The staff members said today if we got all our assignments turned in they would let us have the key for the internet so- after staring at my computer screen for several hours editing pictures- I finally am online! As an example of how tired I am: I just misspelled “screen” four times.

The other day before we left Lifeway College, some of us got up early and went down to the beach to shoot the sunrise. *Big sigh… It was so beautiful. Sometimes I feel like I can actually breathe in the presence of God, and that was one of those mornings. The air was soft and quiet. Over here all the colors seem like they’re on super-saturated mode, so the green of the grass is a rich, heavy green, and the blue skies are so soaked with color it almost seems like you could taste them. It almost feels like one sense isn’t enough to take it in- you can’t just see the color you have to touch it or taste it. That’s how it felt that morning- very still, but very rich with life. It made me think that I’m so glad that knowing Jesus is a such rich way to experience life- so textured and full! I’m so thankful for the ability to experience color, and the feel fresh morning air on my face, and thankful to be able know His love for me. A love that is so rich and vast in it depths! I hope you experience life in a more textured, rich way today!

~Jasmine

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Crazy quick post! I haven't had internet for the past few days and it's been delightful! I'm running aroung Auckland today with another student doing a scavenger hunt. Fortunately, post a picture was one of the requirements. This is one of One Tree Hill which we visited yesterday. More soon!

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NEW ZEALAND EXPERIENCE: Day 1

Aaah! Here I am embarking on the first day of my New Zealand adventure! It’s 10:26 Los Angeles time, and I’ve already been up for 11 hours. So far, the airport experience has been uneventful, but I still have 13 more hours in LAX, so perhaps that assessment is premature.

I believe the word for the day is going to be “small”. I feel quite tiny right now. The enormous, unbending backpack I’m using contributes to this feeling as it dwarfs my already small shoulders and causes my body to curl forward. The huge, sky-lighted ceiling in this departure terminal also enhances my impression of insignificance, and there’s definitely something about being 30,000 plus feet in the air that makes one feel slightly minute. Looking at all the people around me who are plugged into the world with every imaginable electronic device makes me feel a little tiny and alone. It’s funny how in airports humanity’s “connectedness” looks so disconnected. The couple next to me are totally enthralled- with their phones. They may as well be traveling alone! Everywhere you look, no one is looking at each other. Sometimes I feel like I’m out of the loop of something that every other traveler is in on. What exactly are people talking about so frantically, or sternly, or importantly as they walk through airports? Why the rush to turn on the phone as soon as the pilot gives us the ok? Am I missing something? Hmmm. The man to my right just mentioned 9 million dollars in one breath and “broke” in the next. Yes, I’m eavesdropping. Sometimes I really just want to ask- what are you talking about? Can I get in on the action? There’s so much going on with every individual, and sitting back, watching, and taking in the chaos makes me feel small. It’s nice in a way though. This airport is abuzz with life, and sitting here, feeling small and unobtrusive, I’m taking it all in.