H-Town and seeing the sites...

Got back last night from a seriously good two days away with some students from around Auckland down in Hamilton. Don Carson was speaking at a conference down there - covering Nehemiah in six sessions over two days. It didn't feel nearly as epic as I thought it might. We took four cars, one of which made it to Hamilton and back with no clutch - incredible amounts of prayer happening at every red light. We had fun at the gardens and over frozen cokes. We met new people. God provided opportunites which resulted in the only other guy in our motel coming to hear one of Don's talks that evening. In fact it was an absolutely brilliant time, not only of teaching but of time with students having conversations about central things that matter and hearing them excited about God and his Word. Incredible stuff that impacted us all. Amazing journey home where folk were sharing what they will be looking to apply. What a great bunch of folks and what a hope for the future of the church.

I then had a lovely time back in Auckland with the Lane family - MBCers visiting from Edinburgh. They came along to church, a bit depleted due to Easter Camp, but great to share in the reality of the resurrection together. We had some lunch together and then went up the Skytower in the centre of Auckland - this is literally the first proper siteseeing I've done and it was well worth it! Frightening to see just how many volcanoes we are living on in Auckland! There's going to be a new one in the next 50 years somewhere as well - how exciting! Also frightening to see just how far up it is. Hannah braved standing on the glass floor!
It was really good to spend time with people who understood me without having to repeat myself and could catch me up in person on Edinburgh/MBC developments. I wondered if it would make me feel a bit homesick but I have to say that I think it has been a really helpful confirmation of Auckland being where God has placed me right now. I was excited to show them it, to share with them some of what is going on in the unis and to involve them in life here.

So Auckland is where I am at the moment. Somewhere in here...I have been reminded this weekend though, home is yet to come and it is going to be good!