Student Life Event: Rugby

Crusaders vs. Hurricanes

A semester is not complete without experience the true joy of Kiwi culture: rugby. The Canterbury Crusaders had a close game with the Wellington/Taranaki Hurricanes and I'm glad to say that the Crusaders prevailed with a glorious win! We had a bit of tension amongst the community as people cheered on different teams, but in the end the best team won ;) and all was forgiven.
Eric Rooting for the Crusaders
(Below: the Hurricane fans, sadly disappointed that night)

Happy 21st Caleb

Caleb Isabella turned 21 on April 2nd during the homestay. To celebrate we had a meet up at Hagley park and a little game of soccer (Caleb's favorite sport). We can't forget to mention the amazing cake that Allison, our cook, whipped up for it! yummmy. Caleb, we love your energy and enthusiasm for life...thanks for being part of this family at CCSP.

Homestays

After another week with Mic Duncan the students scattered throughout Christchurch to stay with various families for a week. It was CCSP Sopac's first experience with homestays and I am happy to say that it turned out to be a fulfilling and worthwhile time. Some families prepared all sorts of exciting events such as rugby games, kareoke nights, and four wheeling! This week was also a time for the students to have easy access to libraries to work on their Integrated Study Projects and to be more submersed in the kiwi culture. Most would say that they came out of the week with a greater knowledge of the kiwi way of life and a longing to be more part of it. Thanks to all the families who offered their homes and time to make these students feel a part of a kiwi family!

Megan's Birthday

HAPPY 22
We had a wild things themed birthday party with yummy cheesecake made by our lovely cook. Everyone made an animal mask and even balloon animals had an appearance. It was a fun, light hearted birthday to celebrate a very special person in our community. Ryan even did a little reading of "Where the Wild Things Are," sadly, it's not as scary when you are older.

Samoa Debrief

We added a different twist to this Samoan debrief and nixed the "everyone bring something to share" approach. Instead each small group presented awards to people in a different small group. Each award had to represent an experience from Samoa-- it turned out to be quite hilarious and spot on. Then we did a skit of our time in Samoa for Allison, our cook, who could not join us on the trip. I think she found it entertaining and helpful in piecing some of the stories together... There is too much that happens in 3 weeks to sum up in such a short time. Afterwards we did a little huri huri (journaling session) so that people could take some time out and really reflect, on a more personal level, their experience and journey in Samoa. It has been such a busy time since we got back that there really hasn't been the space, so I know for some it was a treasured time to sit with the memories.

God and Nature Pt.1

Steve B.P. from Hope College came down for a week to teach God and Nature Pt. 1 with the students. It was a pretty full on week with lots of challenging questions brought to the table. This week the students where asked to think about where their "stuff" comes from, what it means to be a steward of God's creation, and how to tackle big questions about what comes after our time on earth. It's been an enlightening and life changing week for many-- thanks Steve.

Ryan's 30th Birthday

Happy Birthday Ryan Wheemhoff!! Ryan turned 30 during our stay in Taufua Beach Fales, unfortunately he was too sick to eat the special lobster or the lovely cake. Ryan, being the generous man that he is, shared his cake with everyone at the hotel-- good on ya mate!