Coro, Stevie, Fashion and a Trip Down South

So there's been much going on over here in the past few months. Had a great weekend in the Coromandel with Meg. Mixed weather but much fun and hilarity insued- incidents with a choking seagull, a collapsing bed and hitchhikers being chased by bulls amongst others meant it did feel like a good wee break away. Not the best picture ever below but is pretty much the only one with both of us and a hint of the car that did all the work...

Exciting events the week following included the long-awaited Stevie Wonder concert - what a night! What a voice - sounds even better than the recordings! So well worth the wait.
It was also a privilege to be part of the Rookie Fashion Show on the Friday afternoon - this was a chance for those final year fashion students from AUT who were selected to show off their collections that they've been designing all year. The show was so professional and the girls did so well! A great end to a hardworking year for them - there've been tears ( a lot of tears), trials, triumphs but it all resulted in one fine show!

Last weekend we headed down south for a few days - the main purpose being that we were asked to go and be part of the graduates weekend away that they run in Canterbury. They have quite a developed grads ministry down there and it was great to go down and be part of the group of 30 or so who headed away to beautiful (if a bit colder than Auck) Akaroa, about an hour out of Christchurch. We had some great teaching from Nick in 1Tim, amazing food, good company and a good opportunity to do some working out of faith/work issues. The less said about the AB's victory over the Scots that I got out of bed at 5:20am for the better. Why can we do nothing with the ball?

We took advantage of being on the South Island and spent a bit more time in Christchurch - splendid hospitality shown by the Mackays, the Santichs, the Castle amongst many others and great to be part of campus church for the night.

We also went across to Lincoln for a night, which was truly brilliant. How to describe Lincoln...? It would be difficult for me to picture ministry in a place more far removed from Auckland. It is an agricultural, farming area - beautiful, such sunny weather while we were there. Amazing hospitality shown by the Hodges and Miss Chrin - so good to see her in situ and how settled she is. Quite far from the mean streets of Eastend Glesgae. Good pies in Lincoln. I recommend them!

So, got back on Wednesday - fairly tired but straight into getting things organised for Student Leadership Conference which is happening next week down near Welly. We're roadtripping down on the Sunday - quite a long drive but a fun one. I really am so excited about this conference - there's quite a few going down from Auckland and I think it really could be a significant time for so many of them. Please be praying and I'll update you when we're back!!