Debrief Week: Meghan's Birthday
Happy Birthday Meghan! No longer a teenager! Meghan was queen for the day. What a lucky day, hot pools, a picnic with yummy thai food...could it get any better??
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Happy Birthday Meghan! No longer a teenager! Meghan was queen for the day. What a lucky day, hot pools, a picnic with yummy thai food...could it get any better??
Debrief Week: Hanmer Springs
As part of our debrief week we made our way to Hanmer Springs to enjoy the fine weather and the relaxing hot pools. During our time there we spent some time reflecting on the semester and what we will take from this time together. The weather was beautiful and a nice hike to a waterfall was a great way to spend our afternoon. We had a couple of dinners out, which everyone enjoyed this nice treat. Some people had an evening picnic, taking advantage of the long lasting sunlight and warmth!
West Coast Trip: Makaroa
Our first stop during West Coast was at Makaroa's Wilderness Lodge about 45 minutes outside of Lake Wanaka on Haast Pass. The views are quite stunning and there are lots of outdoor activities for those who are keen. During our stay there we did a long hike up the rainforest to do our first "plotting" for Forest Ecology. The hike was exciting, with a bit of a climb, and some interesting species of plants were found such as the"lancewood." Andy Wells, professor of Forest Ecology, can definitely climb up those hills as easily as he can name almost any tree in the NZ forest! The students were quite impressed with his abililty to answer almost any question. On our way down from the hike we stopped to look at the "blue pools" which have an uncanny blue hue to their water. It's hard to find water so pure looking.
ISP
Integrated study Projects were finally presented, after much hard work on the students part. Global warming, bio diesel, and new zealand vs. US health care were all brought forth, examined, questioned, and presented in entertaining ways. One of the groups even had each one of us write a letter to our local senators urging them to make other aware of the growing issues concerned with global warming. Thanks guys for putting forth such a great effort, we all appreciated the insights and research that went into these great reports!
Kaleb and Kevin acting out the New Zealand Health System....Kaleb is looking due
Kaleb and Kevin acting out the New Zealand Health System....Kaleb is looking due
Thanksgiving
I can't even believe the amount of food that was available--most of it cooked by students. It was a feast for sure and even some of the Living Springs staff came up to join us. A game of Thanksgiving Jeopardy was played and guess who won??? the KIWIS!! how sad is that? Guess I need to brush up on some of that American History......
Castle Hill
Before we left on our Forest Ecology adventure we had a little stop at Castle Hill for some play in the rocks. Castle hill is known for being one of the best bouldering spots and you start feeling a bit small when you get into this vast maze of boulders. It's quite amazing and there are new places to be found everytime. Afterwards we tried to conquer the cave stream, which didn't quite happen due to the high water levels. Some had fun floating down the roaring river though.
West Coast Trip: Day Off
A couple of fun activities occured on our day off while at Bruce Bay Marae -- Mt. Fox climb and a view of another glacier, Franz Joseph. The Mt. Fox group found themselves practically climbing up roots and vines to get to the top, ending with unfortunate accident of a broken leg. While they were working out their quads others of us went and did a few other activities. We hiked around a lake and found ourselves observing 2 long eels for quite awhile and then made our way to Franz Joseph for another little adventure. The river was a bit high so much river crossings and hopping around on rocks happened in order to get a good view of the glacier-- we even found a nice chunck of ice to conquer. All in all, despite some injuries, everyone had a good day with stories to tell.
West Coast Trip: Fox Glacier
We spent one day of our Forest Ecology class at Fox Glacier learning about the Moraines and forests that have found their place where the glacier used to be. Once again Andy awed us with his mass amounts of knowledge and love for God's creation. Even though the glacier has receded in the past years it still seemed overwhelming as it spanned up the mountain.
Monday, December 18, 2006
West Coast Trip: Bruce Bay Marae
Sleeping Conditions: Bruce Bay Marae
Just thought you might like to enjoy a taste of our close cummunity during our west Coast trip. Future students-- bring ear plugs!! haha..it's a good time.
Just thought you might like to enjoy a taste of our close cummunity during our west Coast trip. Future students-- bring ear plugs!! haha..it's a good time.
Slacklining
I don't know if you ever tried this, but it's pretty fun. Ryan set up his slack line for everyone to try after a good weeks worth of work!
I don't know if you ever tried this, but it's pretty fun. Ryan set up his slack line for everyone to try after a good weeks worth of work!
Environmental Literature
John Dennison for down south came over to teach the students a lot about poetry and how it connects with God's creation. Some of the students cringed at the idea of having to dissect poetry, but in the end all said they found a new appreciation of it-- especially Haikus. During our week of class we had a visit to Quail Island, a little island of Lyttelton Harbour. The island still holds some of the quarentine buildings of old exiled lepers.
Students enjoy a lovely day in Quail Island and experience all the voices of nature while studying Env. Lit.
John Dennison for down south came over to teach the students a lot about poetry and how it connects with God's creation. Some of the students cringed at the idea of having to dissect poetry, but in the end all said they found a new appreciation of it-- especially Haikus. During our week of class we had a visit to Quail Island, a little island of Lyttelton Harbour. The island still holds some of the quarentine buildings of old exiled lepers.
Students enjoy a lovely day in Quail Island and experience all the voices of nature while studying Env. Lit.
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Spa Night!
To liven up ISP week and help the students relax during their students Jane and I (steph) planned a "natural" spa night. We had avocado face masks, almond honey exfoliants, coffee scrubs, just to name a few.
Spring Break!!
Students have arrived from their various places of travel during mid term break. Some went all the way to Sydney to hug koalas and see the Blue Mountains, while others traveled New Zealand with the help of campervans. We heard stories of white water rafting, bungie jumping, strange encounters with weird people, and enjoyment of nature. I do not know if we all came back relaxed and geared up to go, but we all came back with some great memories and stories to share. We all really appreciated Jerad's poetic recap of his skydiving experience-- thanks for that!
Students have arrived from their various places of travel during mid term break. Some went all the way to Sydney to hug koalas and see the Blue Mountains, while others traveled New Zealand with the help of campervans. We heard stories of white water rafting, bungie jumping, strange encounters with weird people, and enjoyment of nature. I do not know if we all came back relaxed and geared up to go, but we all came back with some great memories and stories to share. We all really appreciated Jerad's poetic recap of his skydiving experience-- thanks for that!
Sunday, November 12, 2006
David Wilcox Concert
At the end of our first week of God and Nature David gave us a lovely concert. It was a memorable experience and we thoroughly enjoyed having his family here. Thanks for making this week extra special!
At the end of our first week of God and Nature David gave us a lovely concert. It was a memorable experience and we thoroughly enjoyed having his family here. Thanks for making this week extra special!
Halloween and Sustainable Community Development
During our second week of SCD with Mic Duncan we threw a giant Halloween bash, not really understanding why this hasn't caught on in New Zealand. I think we made some of the Kiwi's, including Jane and Mic, a little uncomfortable-- but that's what Mic has been teaching us to do ;), right? Haha, good times had by all. Mic shared much of his story about time spent in the slums of Manilla and students spoke of how this class has altered their view on the world and injustice. Mic never ceases to bring people smiles, even with the hard stuff, as he speaks with such joy and passion.
Mic getting a glimpse at an interesting American Halloween
During our second week of SCD with Mic Duncan we threw a giant Halloween bash, not really understanding why this hasn't caught on in New Zealand. I think we made some of the Kiwi's, including Jane and Mic, a little uncomfortable-- but that's what Mic has been teaching us to do ;), right? Haha, good times had by all. Mic shared much of his story about time spent in the slums of Manilla and students spoke of how this class has altered their view on the world and injustice. Mic never ceases to bring people smiles, even with the hard stuff, as he speaks with such joy and passion.
Mic getting a glimpse at an interesting American Halloween
God and Nature
This course was split up into two weeks. The first week Jeff Schloss from Westmont came accompanied with musician, David Wilcox, for some alternative learning. It was an exciting first week where students learned about an array of topics from chinese medicine to eros/venus. Each class David Wilcox would chime in with songs that he felt expressed what Jeff Schloss was teaching about-- it was a successful and innovative way of learning to say the least. Our class came to an end with a wonderful concert from David Wilcox and some good time of reflection. The second week had a more philosophical approach with our new professor, Brett Stephenson. We all enjoyed and were challenged by the questions that looked into our own way of living.
Students plant a tree as part of their participation in God and Nature Part 1
This course was split up into two weeks. The first week Jeff Schloss from Westmont came accompanied with musician, David Wilcox, for some alternative learning. It was an exciting first week where students learned about an array of topics from chinese medicine to eros/venus. Each class David Wilcox would chime in with songs that he felt expressed what Jeff Schloss was teaching about-- it was a successful and innovative way of learning to say the least. Our class came to an end with a wonderful concert from David Wilcox and some good time of reflection. The second week had a more philosophical approach with our new professor, Brett Stephenson. We all enjoyed and were challenged by the questions that looked into our own way of living.
Students plant a tree as part of their participation in God and Nature Part 1
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Safua Culture Day
During our stay at Safua we had a day dedicated to learning about Fa'a Samoa (the Samoan Way). The students learned about the UMU (a feast prepared on Sunday) and how to prepare it, how to make a Tapa, weave a basket, and other various nuggets of Samoan Culture. Chris, one of the owners of Safua, shared with us his journey in experiencing the tattoo process along with his appreciation and love for the Samoan culture. We all had a chance to take our try at opening a coconute, making coconut cream, shaving a tarro root, or carving the inside of the coconut. I stand amazed at how the culture continues to be a visible and real part of their way of life today. I think we all wish that we could climb a coconut tree and chop down a coconut to drink when thirsty or weave a basket in 5 minutes to hold all your groceries!
Lindsey is busy shaving a tarro-- nice job!
During our stay at Safua we had a day dedicated to learning about Fa'a Samoa (the Samoan Way). The students learned about the UMU (a feast prepared on Sunday) and how to prepare it, how to make a Tapa, weave a basket, and other various nuggets of Samoan Culture. Chris, one of the owners of Safua, shared with us his journey in experiencing the tattoo process along with his appreciation and love for the Samoan culture. We all had a chance to take our try at opening a coconute, making coconut cream, shaving a tarro root, or carving the inside of the coconut. I stand amazed at how the culture continues to be a visible and real part of their way of life today. I think we all wish that we could climb a coconut tree and chop down a coconut to drink when thirsty or weave a basket in 5 minutes to hold all your groceries!
Lindsey is busy shaving a tarro-- nice job!
Faga Homestay
Part of our Sustainable Community Development course is to partake in a homestay in one of the Savaiin villages in Samoa. CCSP has been revisiting this village for the past couple of years and has been surprised each time by their hospitality. Faga village (pronounced: FANGA) holds the location of the one of the most beautiful beaches on Savaii, and the students can now call it their home with a family waiting to accomodate them! We celebrated another student's birthday, Ryan Newton, with a mini fia fia (dance party), cake, and a beautiful dance done by one of the local girls of the village. On the last night of our stay we participated in a village wide Fia Fia where we presented our own humble songs and were blown away by Samoan dance and songs. Students danced with the old and young and presented their own dances taught to them by new family members. The local high school boys and girls shared with us a few pacific island dances they performed in a previous competition-- it was a special treat that has made this fia fia one of the best yet. All in all, the time spent in Faga was challenging and memorable-- we thank the people for opening up their homes and hearts to us time and time again.
Some of the local girls perform a Tahitian dance for us at the Fia Fia-- beautiful!
Part of our Sustainable Community Development course is to partake in a homestay in one of the Savaiin villages in Samoa. CCSP has been revisiting this village for the past couple of years and has been surprised each time by their hospitality. Faga village (pronounced: FANGA) holds the location of the one of the most beautiful beaches on Savaii, and the students can now call it their home with a family waiting to accomodate them! We celebrated another student's birthday, Ryan Newton, with a mini fia fia (dance party), cake, and a beautiful dance done by one of the local girls of the village. On the last night of our stay we participated in a village wide Fia Fia where we presented our own humble songs and were blown away by Samoan dance and songs. Students danced with the old and young and presented their own dances taught to them by new family members. The local high school boys and girls shared with us a few pacific island dances they performed in a previous competition-- it was a special treat that has made this fia fia one of the best yet. All in all, the time spent in Faga was challenging and memorable-- we thank the people for opening up their homes and hearts to us time and time again.
Some of the local girls perform a Tahitian dance for us at the Fia Fia-- beautiful!
SAFUA HOTEL TOURS
During out stay at Safua Hotel on the big island of Savaii, we enjoyed ecological tours with the local geologist, Warren. Everyday was a new adventure, whether be walking on lava fields, seeing flying foxes, or swimming in enchanted waterfall pools. Warren always has something informative to say about seemingly mysterious landmarks throughout the island. Samoa's beauty seems to never end as we moved from one spot to the next-- pristine beaches and thick green forests abound!
SAMOA
Pololo Deep
Our first couple of days in Samoa were spent in the city of Apia, capital of Samoa. During out short time there we got the opportunity to hear from Cherelle, daughter of Safua Hotel's owner, about some of the current environmental issues Samoa struggles with today. Afterwards the students had their first test of snorkel gear at Pololo Deep Marine reserve-- only a few leaky masks were uncovered.
Marae Stay and Kaleb's Birthday
During our orientation we spent a couple of days at a beautiful Marae in the Port Hills. It was a relaxing couple of days filled with Moari culture, frisbee games, slacklining, and pirate parties. Happy Birthday Kaleb-- big 20!
During our orientation we spent a couple of days at a beautiful Marae in the Port Hills. It was a relaxing couple of days filled with Moari culture, frisbee games, slacklining, and pirate parties. Happy Birthday Kaleb-- big 20!
STREAM ECOLOGY
The students accomplished their first week of class! It was an excting week with professor Kristel Van Houte- Howes, looking at fresh water streams and seeing microinvertebrates through a microscope. We assessed various streams including our own stream here at Living Springs and some further out into the mountains near Craigeburn. There were cold times and there were sunny warm times, but each day was a new experience. Each stream had new and exciting specimens to show us. Thanks Kristel for showing us some of your work and sharing the importance of keeping fresh water streams healthy and sustainable!
Friday, October 20, 2006
ORIENTATION!!
All 19 of our wonderful new students arrived, after much anticipation. We spent most of our orientation week familiarizing ourselves with Living Springs-- our new home for the next 4 months, and getting to know one another. However, we did get to enjoy a roudy and exciting Kiwi game of Rugby-- Canterbury vs. OOOOTTTAAAGGGGO! Otago has the best cheer, but our team (Canterbury) won! The students also spent sometime getting to know our closest city, Christchurch, and did a bit of reflecting on the differences and similarites between New Zealand and the US. All in all, it's been a busy and satisfying first week together and we look forward to the new adventures that God leads us into!
pictures: 1- Tyler and Meghan getting ready for the Rugby game.
2-- the students getting a lesson from director Chris Elisara on how to play the game.
