I've always believed the air smells more fresh in New Zealand than any other place I've visited.  I recently read Station Life in New Zealand, by Lady Barker, who lived in New Zealand for three years in the mid-1800s.  Her comments on NZ weather are still remarkably accurate and beautifully rendered.

"We have a good deal of disagreeable weather, and a small proportion of bad weather, but in no other part of the world, I believe, does Nature so thoroughly understand how to make a fine day as in New Zealand." --as written in her letter to family in England, February 1867

Our recent week-long family holiday (vacation) began with a three+ hour drive to Northland.  The car discussion centred on whether or not a such a trip is actually a biblical concept and pursuit.  Every Christian should wrestle with this question.

We were blessed to receive true Christian hospitality and have free accommodation for the week.  We spent a few nights at Emmanuel outside of Waipu.  The cottage was built on farmland for the sole purpose of being a blessing to Christians in need of a holiday.  The accommodation is free, but the owners will accept a maximum donation of $10 per night.  The location is close to a long stretch of coastline with many beaches, caves, and other places to explore.  Hospitality is fresh on our minds since the ladies at GNBC are currently studying biblical hospitality.  Our family truly sensed the biblical “love for the stranger” displayed by our host and hostess at this accommodation.  The remainder of the week we hung out at the home of friends just outside Whangarei.  We attended their mid-week service at Calvary Baptist Church, where we no longer feel like visitors due to much fellowship over the years.   

Sometimes the camera was forgotten when we went out for an adventure.  Sometimes the camera was lost in the van…under wetsuits and towels, dog equipment, games, you-name-it paraphernalia for a family vacation.  The photos we did manage to get show at least a decent glimpse of God’s beautiful handiwork and our enjoyment of it.  Next time we’ll try to get a few whole family photos…looks like we only snapped the kids this time!