Wanna Know Wanaka?

Let me first say the life has been way way beyond Amazing lately. So much has happened in these past few days that it is frustrating thinking about trying to put it into words. I have decided that I will break it down in to short outline and a long explanation for those of you who want to read on.

I) Leaving Methven (pictures of Methven and such: http://unt.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2146539&l=73c93&id=23902206)
a. Took a long road trip on my way to Wanaka. Stayed in Oamaru. (pictures http://unt.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2150462&l=6df9e&id=23902206)
b. Saw the Moeraki boulders; they were increadible.
II) Got to Wanaka: It’s the most beautiful place I have ever seen in my life. (pictures: http://unt.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2150715&l=524d9&id=23902206)
a. Got called for an interview at Base Camp Wanaka, a climbing wall
b. Looked for a flat to move into. Through that, talked to a guy living here that use to work at NASA for 3 years. (10 minutes away from my parents home)
c. Got a job as reception at the wall!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
d. Moved into a flat that is freaking Incredible.
e. Now I am living in a complete state of euphoria.

Long Version:

I left Methven on Tuesday and was really excited to start something new. I took a long way around things so that I could see some of NZ on my way down to Wanaka. I stopped in a town called Oamaru, its an old historic coast town, sort of like Galveston but more colonial and more beautiful. They are known for their penguin colonies, and I was able to see a little blue penguin. The weather was a bit crummy on the first day and some of my drive the second day as well, but I still got to see so much beauty.

On the second day I drove down the coast some before going inland and it was the most beautiful day of my life. I saw the Moeraki boulders, they are these huge natural boulders that sorta just grow out of the cliffs, (I didn’t take the guided tour so I don’t know all the scientific facts, but I still appreciated them) Seeing things like that just make me love Gods creativity more and more. It was amazing taking this drive because the more I drove the more beautiful it got. I was absolutely blown away the whole time.

Day one Wanaka:
When I got into Wanaka I was completely overwhelmed by the beauty (this feeling hasn’t stopped since the time I drove in.) I was pretty tired from the long drive so I got to my hostel and laid down. About 10 min. into my nap I got a call from Base Camp (BC) asking me if I could come in for an interview. So I got that set up and of course couldn’t sleep at all after that.

Day 2 Wananka:
I started looking for a flat. The first one I looked at was amazing and it was actually right around the corner from BC. (It was funny because as I drove by BC for the first time I thought wow it would be really cool if I got this job then found a flat in that neighborhood.) I looked at a few other houses, none of them were quite as cool as the first one, but I did talk to a guy that lived in Clear Lake for 3 years through the searching process, it’s a small world. I also had my interview this day and it went really well. They asked me if I could come in a few hours the next day for a trial.

Day 3 Wanaka: big day
I went in for my trial and it went so well. I got along really well with the other 2 receptionist and really enjoyed working there. After about 3 hours I had a debrief with the supervisor and she offered me the job! Apparently there were 2 other people that came in for trails, but she said I had the most enthusiasm and clicked the best. (I think the enthusiasm may come from the fact that I have wanted to work at a wall for over a year now, or maybe because I am just a spaz.) Since I was officially staff now they invited me to the staff night that was going to happen that evening. It was so fun being able to meet everyone and to hang out with people that shared the same passion as me.
Today I decided on the first house and moved in. The house is incredible, it was built by an artist ad is totally eccentric and completely unique. Its hard to explain everything but I have posted pictures so you can take a look. The selling point for me was the fact that there is a mini climbing wall in the stairwell!!!!!!!!! Living overseas is a bit different in the fact that everyone lives wherever there is a room, you don’t come across too many same sex houses. So I am living with two guys and another girl right now. They are all really kind and so helpful and clean! I have been getting along with them so well. An added bonus is the fact that they are pretty stinkin funny, it has been really nice to be able to laugh really hard once in a while.

Days Following:
Everything has been so good I cant get over all the blessing that have been poured out on me. Its crazy to think about it all and how the timing of everything was perfect. I just found out that BC had just changed ownership and had been closed for a transition month. When I had called to ask about jobs they were at the end of the hiring process. And this past Monday was their grand re-opening. So if I would have waited any longer to call or come out here there would have been no positions open. Its also perfect timing because the ski season is ending this weekend so, people are moving and that’s how I got hooked up with such a sweet flat. Who knew that a month in Methven would have set me up in such a sweet way?!
In the past few days I have really enjoyed getting to know my flatmates and co-workers. I truly love this place and will have no problem staying here for a while; I think the problem will come in leaving. Right now I am really looking forward to testing out this church tonight. I seems like it will be a great fit so I am interested to see how it all goes.

I have put the links to all my pictures above. You can get a little glimpse of what life is like for me here. Its had because pictures hardly capture everything, but it can be a starting place for you imagination!

I miss you all and love you. Thank you so much for your prayers, I know they are the reason for all of this!