An Unexpected Extended Time in Kiwi-land!

Due to Covid-19 chaos around the world, our return home to Colombia has been delayed. Likely till early 2021. It took us some mental and emotional adjustments to having to stay put, but now we look back and see the blessing that it has been to have an extra long break with Angela's family here in New Zealand. Here are some pictures to summarize some of the things we've experienced over the past few months.

Experiencing Kiwi (the endearing term for a New Zealander) culture... picnic lunch after church at the beach:

Our alternative "Zoom" picture, Cedric's depiction of the Mount Bible Chapel's meeting during lockdown:

Over our many neighborhood walks over lockdown we got familiar with a pair of black swans who ended up having 3 cygnets, grateful for a nature walk nearby during our weeks of isolation:

 The first weekend outing after lockdown was lifted was to Angela's hometown of Gisborne to visit her aunt and uncle:

 

 

First stop on our trip to the South Island was the capital city of Wellington where Angela's nephew studies. This is on the steps of the parliament buildings just before our tour inside:

We drove right down to the bottom tip of the South Island. Visiting churches and friends along the way:

In Invercargill we met a number of Colombian immigrants, newly settled in that remote city. Bill has been able to have several Bible studies with them long distance over the months we've been here and it was great to be able to meet them in person and fellowship over God's word:

 

The South Island has spectacular scenery, my photography skills don't do it justice. From mountains to beaches to farmlands, it's all stunning. Here we are at the Moeraki Boulders:

And on the 3 hour ferry ride between the two islands - much of the ride is in the Marlborough Sounds:

On the west coast in the town of Greymouth, we went there on the TransAlpine train departing from the city of Christchurch:

Best friends since high school days... shivering on top of a Christchurch mountainside with Leasa (in July it's winter in the southern hemisphere):

August has included celebrating my dad's birthday with him:

Geocaching with my niece:

Visiting a church and making new friends in the city of Hastings:

Track meets and fun "mud" runs in the rain for Cedric:

And frequent, beautiful reminders of God's love and care: