Sorry I haven’t been taking the time to update this. I’ll give you a quick run down of the last week or so. On campus I did follow up appointments with some students who had recently accepted Christ, which was very encouraging to me. They were both still very interested in growing in their faith and taking it seriously. I also did some sharing with some Student Life guys. We basically went around and took a survey on faith and beliefs with students on campus. It was a very challenging experience for me, but I think I got a lot out of it in terms of boldness in faith.
Last weekend, Jordan, Jono, Jono’s dad, and I went down to Hamilton to watch the Chiefs v. Blues match. The Chiefs won in a pretty exciting game. We had awesome seats! They were between the 22 and the 5 and like 6 rows back. After the match I got to meet Liam Messam and Damian McKenzie. Liam Messam was actually passing out candy because it was the Saturday before Easter. I thought this was super humble because he took the basket off of a stadium worker and did it himself.
Jono, Jordan, and I at the Chiefs match
My rugby team is still undefeated! I’ve played in 2 matches so far. I started one and came off the bench for the other. My 2nd game, the one I started, I think I did really well in. I made a few good runs and tackles and my scrummaging was solid. A part from a forward pass, which all the Kiwis thought was super ironic since I’m American, it was a solid performance. In my 1st game, the only thing I did of note was to charge down a kick.
My name in the match program for my 2nd match.
In a maul in my 2nd match against East Coast Bays.
My first match against Navy
I also went to the top of the Sky Tower, the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere. The view was incredible!
Pics from the Sky Tower
On Easter Monday, we threw a Mexican party at Jordan’s flat. There is a video of our Pinata below.
This week we had a staff outing and we went Frisbee golfing in outfits that someone else on the team bought for us. Timo and I, Jono and Jordan, and the girls were matched up.
L to R: Timo, Me, Jono, Kelsey, Francis (Timo’s wife), Jess, Jordan
This weekend we had a conference at a Christian camp near Hamilton for the Student Life and Athletes in Action students called “Amped”. Over 100 students went on the retreat. We played a lot of fun games, as well as had some challenging talks from staff members. The one on the Holy Spirit was particularly interesting an enlightening to me.
My view during my devotional time at Amped.
A game during guys’ time
Playing touch rugby during free time
Also, I was supposed to be heading back to the US this Wednesday, but I found out I can stay longer, so I’ll be in NZ until the end of May. I won’t be working with AIA any more, but I’ll get to keep reffing and playing rugby and spending time doing some traveling around the country and hanging out with new friends. Very excited!
