Arriving in Auckland is a 'dream come true' for
me as I have a friend, Fiona Miles (nee McConnell), who emigrated to NZ with
Nick and their 3 children over 20yrs ago.
I grew up with Fiona in Twickenham - our mothers had been childhood
friends. Fiona and I became very close
friends when at Youth Fellowship (YF) in St Stephen's church back in 1973 and
in 1978 we travelled together around America and Canada for a year with
rucksacks and guitars. My great longing
has always been to come with Ken and see the Miles' in New Zealand so walking
through the arrivals gate at the airport and being met by Fiona and Nick was so
exciting, quite emotional and, 'the dream come true'!!
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| No one around, so selfie required! |
This week has gone by so quickly - walks and
picnics on beautiful beaches, trips to the city by ferry - exploring Auckland
and most importantly, non-stop talking and catching up!!!
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| Auckland Harbour |
On Thursday Ken and I hired a car for a long
weekend to take us to Katikati where we have been staying with Jo King's
parents, Terry and Doreen - so lovely to see them again and be welcomed into
their lovely home on the edge of the Bay of Plenty. We visited McLaren Falls, somewhere near
Tauranga, and then walked around Mount Maunganui ending the afternoon with the
best fish and chips!!
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| McLaren Falls |
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| Anastasia Doreen and Marj |
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| Terry and Ken |
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| We went on a long walk around Mount Maunganui |
Today we head off across to the West coast to
Raglan to stay with Vicky Stuart-Jones and family (another friend from my YF
days) and more catching up!!
Our adventures continue with returning to Auckland
(lots more talking still to do!!) and then on Tuesday we fly to Christchurch,
collect a campervan and head off to explore the South Island.
Whilst travelling, Asha, the students and Ekta
Vihar are always in our thoughts and prayers - and so when we heard that St
Mary's and St. Peter's school in Teddington (where I used to teach) was having
a special 'literacy curriculum focused week' we told them about the total lack
of books in Ekta Vihar and the desire
Asha have to provide bookcases full of books in all their slums, for all ages
and interests, to enable the children and students to borrow and enjoy stories
and find out about the world.
St Mary's and St Peters (SMSP) immediately sent
out a request to parents suggesting the children might like to bring a book to
school that they would like to donate to Asha. At the end of the week, my son
Simon, went and collected the books. He estimates there are 1,000!!! How
amazing, and generous!! Thank you SMSP!
We are now thinking of ways we can get the books
shipped/brought to Delhi - anyone thinking of coming with room in their case, please
let me know!! Or, perhaps you have another idea? We are thinking and making enquiries but
perhaps you can help. It would be amazing to get all the books there. There is no hurry as we won't be back in Delhi
until July (for a week) and then September for longer.
Now it's time to pack our bags and head off to
Raglan. Vicky and Shaun's dog will be
waiting for his walk along the beach which we hope to join him for!
Best wishes to you all.
Heather and Ken xx
Ps. The bidding for the 'headless kangaroo
photo' is reaching the millions - still time for an offer!!
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