Aotearoa

Well, I'm back home in New Zealand. Did you know the Maori word for New Zealand is Aotearoa? It means land of the long white cloud. New Zealand always has these big beautiful clouds over it because of the ocean winds, its ethreal.
Goodness, its so good to be home. The wonderful fresh air, all of the plants and shrubbery, the rolling green hills and of course the ocean. oh the ocean. how it brings peace to my soul.
I just love kiwi culture. I love that is centered around people, and a cup of hot tea. As soon as I landed I had friends ringing who wanted to pop by. How I have missed people popping by....its so un-american. I don't have to pencil everyone in three weeks in advance. They want to see me, now, and I'm so cool with that.
We drove down to Hamilton where laura {awesome sister} goes to university, to help her get ready for a ball tonight. After she left mum and I sat in the living room of her house, while her flat mates just wanted to get to know me better....over a cup of tea ofcourse. They wanted us to stay for dinner, and stay the night too if needed. So awesome. I secretly love that the women and girls here aren't covered in makeup. I love that they wear jeans and sweaters to family functions. Everyone is so authentic, real and down to earth. its so refreshing. sigh.
how my heart longs to be back. I went house hunting with my best friend and her hubby yesterday, and I am so incredibly excited for them. I can't wait for it to be our turn - someday!!
I was thinking today about how I could describe New Zealand and its people, to non-kiwis. I really can't think of the words. But its magical. I remember after our wedding, all of our foreign guests just raved about their time, and how hospitable everyone was. I didn't have a single person not say to me that they wanted to live here one day. It does that too you...gets into your blood.
I feel like I can be ME here....unabashed, mess and all. I love that I could have a messy house, and have people over....does anyone else get a little bit sick of keeping up the image of perfection in America (and elsewhere?!). I do. I feel like I have to be martha stewart sometimes...with nice clothes, a manicured front lawn, and the latest STUFF. Don't forget the HUGE diamond you have to have on your left hand. Can't live without that.
I really am not trying to bash the states, I do love it - truly. But there are some things about some of the culture that drives me nuts. And being home makes it all the more blatant.
So I have two wonderful weeks to let my hair down, soak in the love and hospitality and put my makeup bag away. And to enjoy copious cups of tea with people I love and treasure. Who, best of all, make the time for me.
Thank you Lord for this rest, you are so Faithful.