New Zealand felt like home right from the start. That may be because I have strong roots here or be because everyone was so welcoming and friendly but I have come to love this country so far from my own. I learned so much from this country that I couldn’t have learned anywhere else. I learned how hard it is to be with the same 12 people everyday, and while things get hectic at times I wouldn’t trade these 12 people for the world. I also came to understand how much I appreciate my family, boyfriend and best friend because they are the reason that I am here. While it is hard to be away from the people that I love I am realizing how important it is to stay present and be completely focused on what is happening at the moment. Goodbye New Zealand and I’m welcoming the new adventures to come.
– Hannah
From milking cows, to hiking, to pruning trees, to mountaineering, to cave diving, to learning Maori, to surfing and everything in between– I have gained SO many memories and so much knowledge in just a mere month. Our New Zealand experience has taught me so much about the importance of embracing every single slice of the present moment that life hands to me. It has taught me to approach every task mindfully and to appreciate it for what it is, how I can most successfully complete it, and what I can gain from it. I am going to miss this beautiful country’s green rolling hills, its deep blue ocean, kind and generous people, delicious hot chocolate and utter beauty but I am excited to bring everything I have learned from it with me to our next adventure in Fiji!
-Lina
Although my love affair with New Zealand was short lived, I can easily say that the last month was the best of my life. From waking up early and doing farm chores with my domestic crew to being apart of the cruise crew that hiked around a lake in National Park to having impromptu singing sessions in front of the library in Raglan, this past month in New Zealand has been amazing. I have learned so much about how to appreciate where I am in the moment and enjoying every opportunity that I’ve I’ve been given. I will desperately miss the people that I have met here and everything that this beautiful country has taught me but I know that I will forever carry them and New Zealand in my heart. Thank you for everything New Zealand.
-Bridget (P.S. Mom and Dad– I’m Happy 🙂 )
It has been truly a surreal month here in New Zealand. We’ve experienced everything from climbing snow-topped mountains to surfing the pristine coastline of Raglan. Living with this group has taught me so much about myself and how to really interact well with others. We’ve all been tested physically, mentally, and culturally through experiences I didn’t imagine I’d be faced with. Although we all fell in love with New Zealand, I and the rest of the group are ready for our next chapter in Fiji!
-Bryan
New Zealand has been an awesome experience. The farm taught us about sustainable living. BMAC taught us how to work as a group while doing crazy outdoor activities. Raglan taught us more about the Maori culture and our spirituality. From milking cows to mountaineering to haka dance classes and everything else we have done. Ive learned a lot about myself and the culture while traveling the beautiful scenic New Zealand. -David
A final Kia Ora from New Zealand, as our first chapter has officially come to an end. It feels that our time here has passed by slowly and quickly. Time is different, though, when you’re spending it surfing, mountaineering, rock climbing, milking cows, cooking, haka dancing in a marae, learning about sustainability, adventuring, and everything in between. An overwhelming feeling of gratitude comes over me as I fondly think back on my time in Aotearoa. I have seen waterfalls, rolling green hills, and ocean views that have taken my breath away. The people that I’ve met along the way have shared with me their wisdom, unbelievable kindness, Kiwi slang terms, and so much more. It has been an incredible, challenging, and rewarding month. Although it is a sad farewell, I am so excited to continue our adventure and begin our next chapter in Nadi, Fiji!
-Claudia
My time in New Zealand has taught me many things. I have many new insights on the food industry, dealing with waste, communal living, and relationships. This past month has also solidified many things that I am passionate about and the direction in which I want to take my life. Through all of the ups and downs, I’m glad I’ve been able to be apart of this program and can’t wait to experience the rest of the trip.
-Will
I finally made it to New Zealand. The dream of getting to explore and adventure around all the various cities has finally been fulfilled, yet I still want to see so much more. This past month has been full of some of the most amazing activities I have ever experienced. I want to give you guys a heads up, “Kia Ora” is actually pronounced “Key-oar-uh”, learn something new everyday, huh? But in all seriousness, I have gained such a vast amount of knowledge this month. I can now say with confidence that I know about sustainable living, farming, and some information about the Maori culture. The entire journey has been great, but staying in Raglan has been the overall high of my trip. Even though surfing was a complete disaster resulting in many hits to the head, I really enjoyed all of the shopping, beach time, and bonding with my group and the community around me. By the time the end of the week of Raglan was coming to a close, people were greeting us on the streets, and we became known as the “backpackers”. Overall, this month has been incredibly amazing. I am so sorry we haven’t been posting on the blog, but I assure you it is only because we are having the BEST time and have been too busy to stop for more than a few seconds! Now, off to Nadi, Fiji!!!!
-Jen (I love you Mom, Dad, Syd, and Shelby!)
I couldn’t ask for a better beginning, Traveling the world is something I have always dreamed of, and I have started my journey into the world on my own with an amazing group, leaders, and strong self intention. The world is truly such a beautiful and incredible place, and New Zealand has been awesome. I have learned many things about the planet, myself, and what I want to give the world. Ive gotten my hair salty and picked up surfing, gotten my hands dirty while on the farm, and taken deep breaths of the clean New Zealand air. Ive skiied the mountains in the National Park area, and learned a new language. I am happy. I feel alive. I hope this amazing vibe continues.
Kia Ora
-Tiff
The Moari people call New Zealand Aotearoa, land of the long white clouds, and it really is. Creamy, long, puffy clouds hang over all of this country as if we have been traveling through a majestic painting. Everything I have seen here has been even more spectacular than my last sight. But our time here hasn’t only exposed our eyes to physical sights but has allowed us to see into the world and ourselves as we have never done before. We have been forever changed from our time in this country. Even though we are leaving the land of the long white clouds, the memories we have made will last our lifetimes.
-Olivia
Margo’s is on the way!