One Week to Bring Them All,
And in New Zealand, Bind Them...
9 years...
For almost a decade I have dreamed of going to New Zealand, and now the dream will be a reality in one week. Nine years to one week... it's almost unbelievable (and yes, I did just rip off one of the great Tolkien's most famous proses of verse with a cheesy twist to make it personal... but I couldn't help it. Tolkien was all about applicability anyway.)!
New Zealand is the first country to greet the day, it's over 8,000 miles away and is a land well renowned for adventure, hospitality and mystery. I have been given the chance to travel to Auckland, New Zealand's largest city (around 1.5 million), located on the country's North Island. From what I have read and heard, it is a vibrant, diverse (largest population of Polynesian people for any city in the world, 7 major cultures represented), and welcoming city. I will be teaching first grade at Hebron Christian College, along with my fellow-traveller and schoolmate, Lyndsey Oldham.
* * *
Going there...
I am beginning to feel how I imagine old Bilbo felt as he set out on his journey with the dwarves-- excited, but nervous and, if I can be completely honest, not sure I am quite cut out to do exactly what I will be doing. Teaching, like robbery, is a daunting enough task here at home--but a world away? And then there's the inherent expectations of adventure and new lands to discover; expectations I can't suppress no matter how I try; expectations that can only come from longing for such an adventure for so long.
But then I catch a glimpse of The Wizard. He doesn't look like much--dressed in drab gray, an old gnarled staff, a great blue brimmed hat. He blends right in. But just a glimpse of his eyes and make no mistake--He's a wizard, alright. And what's more, he knows what he is doing...
* * *
"New Zealand is holding it's breath..."
My Cooperating Teacher (CT) and Kiwi Mum, Mrs. Margaret Sellar sent me this message a couple of days ago:
"Okay Lane. I now know what you look like! New Zealand is holding it's breath. When are you arriving?"
If New Zealand is holding it's breath, then I am hyperventilating :D Though not with anxiety so much anymore as exuberance.
I can't wait for my journey to begin, and knowing that there are people waiting to greet and take me in... There's something magical about that. Something only a Wizard could arrange...
