Wintery July

I can't think of a better way to spend a weekend than with my husband exploring a new part of New Zealand. We were totally lucky enough to get to spend some time away in Napier a few weeks ago- cafes for reading, an awesome new bach with double showers and an outdoor bath tub!, the coolest restaurant I think I've ever been to set on a winery, a trip to the national aquarium, and a Sunday morning bike ride :)

The entire time we were at the Old Church Restaurant, I kept thinking, "I have to get some good pictures for my Mom, she would love this place." Driving away I heard myself say, "Justin it's just so amazing," "Justin It's beautiful." ... and that's when it hit me ... I am my mother's daughter through and through. We didn't get amazing photos- but check out the website for some great shots http://www.theoldchurch.co.nz/.

Back in Wellington we are buying a new heater to take the chill off the July morning air. That's right America ... it's cold here! We just had our most un-eventful 4th of July ever. Sad. But we did have 2 weekend days in a row of absolutely blue skies - I'll take it. Besides the weather, I've been reading lots of exciting books lately (check out Malcolm Gladwell if you've never read him), and we've both been working away. Getting really really excited for my sis & to meet Mr. Blake Brossia soon. Hoping for a July full of baby news, wedding pictures (so excited for you Kendra & Mo) & no winter blues. Love & miss everyone!

Our Postmodern Reality

My Educational Leadership class at Victoria University. Semester one is over now- 2 A's for my first grad semester!

One of the last classes I took at Otterbein for my undergrad degree was called "Inventing the self and the future in a postmodern society." To be honest, I don't remember why I chose it. I didn't really know what postmodern meant when I stepped into the classroom. One of our assignments was to read Thomas Friedman's book "The World is Flat."

So now my 1st semester of grad school is pretty much done! One exam left on research methods. Awesome semester but I kinda wish I had more hw - you don't have to tell me I'm weird. So to celebrate the semester my classmates and I are going to dinner this Saturday. Check out the guest list and where we're all from:
Shuyen (we call her Sue) ... Malaysia
Lacey & Justin ... America
Mohamed ... Maldives
Maria ... Honduras
Aishath ... Taiwan
Loreto & Julio ... Chile
Ngoc ... Vietnam

Wow. So Thomas Friedman wasn't lying. Besides the book that we read in that class at Otterbein, I remember the lecture about postmodernity and choice and the effect of having so many choices. I had never thought about our experience of going to the grocery store in Ohio and having to chose from 3248230938239 different kinds of shampoo or cereal. But we do have to make a choice. How do you choose?

The discussion about choice came back to me with some Kiwi friends who are preparing to move to NYC for a year. My friend asked me to tell her about her options for banks and which ones she should check out. Keep in mind she works at one of the 6-10 bank options in NZ. Woah. Well let's see, my Dad opened an account for me when I was a baby and I belong to that bank. And there are probably 10 banks in Northwest Ohio but I have no idea which ones are in NY. So I'll ask my sister, she lives in NY and knows more than me. Lib's response, "I don't know, we chose the one closest to us. Tell them to choose that one."

This is when I realized that postmodernity is having a big effect on me. And as I try to make sense of these experiences and life in Ohio and now NZ, I'm real thankful for that class at Otterbein. I see parts of the postmodern experience of Ohio and of NZ; and they're different. So that term "postmodern" that I didn't know in 2003 is one I'm learning a lot about in 2010. And I'm trying to see reality, not just my reality.

Somehow, I'd say my parents + Eastwood schools + Otterbein College have prepared me well to experience this postmodern world so far; but I want to know how to do this for others and how to improve it. What do you think? Do you think your education prepared you for what professionals in America have deemed as 21 century skills?:
Core subjects & 21st century themes; English, world languages, arts, math, science, global awareness, economic literacy, health literacy, etc
Learning & Innovation Skills; creativity, critical thinking, communication etc
Information, Media & Technology Skills; media literacy, etc
Life and Career Skills: flexibility, initiative, accountability

Helping to prepare the next generation so they can make good choices in a postmodern world is making me realize learning isn't over; it's just begun. So even though each choice I'm confronted with I see the American in me who chooses convenience, I'm learning to step back and think about a bigger reality who doesn't always choose convenience. How do I choose wisely? NZ does that to you.

You may not recogonise us

Justin on a work trip ... trying to be Homer Simpson

Our Lost Season Finale costumes ... so sexy and pretty good costumes! If you're not a lostie ... see below to our real characters.

Into the Education world

So because of my curry obsession and because I have never had a more frustrating experience ordering food over the phone, a few weeks ago I found myself sitting in the Indian take-away restaurant waiting for my curry order. And I love that even though I live in a foreign country, I bumped into someone I knew when I happened to sit down next to one of our previous tenants. We had leased a flat to him and his wife who delivered their first baby in the flat! He casually asked me about work & life and I started to tell him about my studies. I started into my excited "this is what I'm studying," "this is how I want to change the world" speal ... and he said, "You should watch this TED talk I just saw. It's this guy Ken Robinson." My heart skipped a beat and I couldn't believe it. Ken Robinson's TED talk was the one I had just watched and then had to go out and get his book the same day and read it right away.

And of course Justin decided to read Ken's book after I talked about it so much. So a few weeks ago he sits down on the bus and starts to talk to one of his regular bus buddies who is a big tough rugby guy and somehow they get onto a conversation about school. People love telling you about their school experiences. Justin tells him about some of what we've been talking about & about Ken's talk and the man says, "Yeah that's awesome, that's what we need."

Every conversation I've been in lately & the books & articles I'm reading spur me onto wanting to be a part of the education world. Now I'm reading a book about education reform in China and the US and every time I pick it up I think, "how did I even get a hold of this book?" And then I remember the path of conversations and classes and experiences which put the book into my world. I am getting more interested in how we train teachers, how we teach creativity, and how we lead someone to have an ah-ha moment for themselves.

I am so grateful to have this time to learn. But my excitement also brings fear: fear that I won't be able to change anything or make it better for others; fear that I don't have enough experience; and fear that I won't have the opportunities to step into the person I want to become. And then I am reminded about the journey I've already been on to get this far, and I'm grateful again. All my hopes, excitement & fears ... bring gratitude.

I miss all of you back in the States very much. But I pray that you are also experiencing your own hopes, fears, and excitment. Much love- Lacey

ps. I think this is well worth a watch! http://www.ted.com/talks/ken_robinson_says_schools_kill_creativity.html

He's in his element!

This month we've been busy with Mosaic, too! Here is Justin giving us a rendition of his awesome poem "The Creature." We've started a new series which we'll both be speaking at, we've found a new venue!, and we've been starting lots of other new ventures involving lamps, soup kitchens, and book clubs!

April is not forgotten!

Good times this month- we tried to get the most out of the amazing fall weather with a quality family road trip :), birthday party, and an engagement party. Time is flying!




Jamie's bday par-tay! Complete with dinosaurs & pb shakes!




Family trips! Loved touring the Taranaki!




And we've got engagement parties! Congrats Ryan & Alana!

Mind, Body & Soul.... in quotes.... for March

Mind:
March is well underway and I'm reading away. My Master's program has begun. I'm getting a lil scared- my first 5000 word essay is due in 1 month and I am set to start writing it this week. Oh man. Loving the program so far & very excited that it feels like the right fit. All last year I was pondering what I'd study; and now it makes sense- funny how that happens.
"To bring the school-as-event mindset to work today is to court certain failure. School isn’t over.School is now. School is blogs and experiments and experiences and the constant failure of shipping and learning." Seth Godin

Body:
Ran in my first triathlon this weekend! It was a team event- so I did the running, my boss did the swimming, and a co-worker did the biking-- heaps of fun! I met my goal of 54 minutes for 10k (or 6.21 miles)[and then I looked over and saw heaps of people who had completed the whole triathlon by themselves- crazy athletes!]. Unfortunately, now I can't get out of bed for a 6am run-- sorry Jam. And this is the problem with accomplishing a goal-- now what is my motivator? Funny how where our goals come from is just as important as what our goals are.
"Achievement-oriented leaders grow so accustomed to successive accomplishments throughout their early years that it takes courage to pursue their intrinsic motivations." Bill George

Soul:
This month is Lent... and so Justin took on the challenge of drinking a Guinness a day... and I gave up alcohol(somebody has to moderate our budget). Two things I've learned from this so far:
1) I drink more alcohol than I realized and
2)I have a very small capacity to focus.
Giving something up is one thing; but taking something away from this experience is a whole other thing. I'm working on creating a piece of art for our Easter Celebration which reflects this time of Lent for me. And it's making me focus. Art can do that.
"If you interact with others, you have the platform to create something new—something
that changes everything. I call that art." Seth Godin

May March bring growth & strength for you in mind, body & soul! -Lacey

Feb 2010= summer shots!

Justin as smegel :)

welli!



looking a lil funny- but 2 hours & 7 minutes later- finishing my 1st half marathon!!!

Italian food is always a good time!

Rockband- I was pretty bad- Lib you would have been proud though.

Shiana & Lace

Manna & Peter

Justin & Aaron- engineer nerds, I mean friends.

Jamie is here!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If only you could see Boof's blue shoes!

Wanting to work.

AJ in her birthday hat! And Justin enjoying the birthday cocktail.

I haven't forgotten! It's Feb 15th and I am blogging again- spectacular. What a full-on weekend we just finished. Well, maybe every weekend just seems that way. We had lots of amazing food with good friends this weekend- man we really do eat well; steak salad with all my favorite veggies, tarts, bread, wine, homemade pasta, pancakes, fruit pizza, & coffee-- delicious (not all in 1 meal, that's disgusting)!

Justin & I had our flat to ourselves this weekend- and I'm loving it. We didn't do dishes until Monday morning. And that was only b/c we were out of cooking utensils and bowls. Okay maybe that is disguisting. But I told Justin this weekend that maybe I do want to have a place for just us. Becasue there is a lot of responsibilty that you take on when you live with other people. It's rude to not do the dishes right away. I can't make noise in the kitchen whenever I want. I can't run the hot water when I want. I have 3 extra schedules to work around. I should do my chores each week b/c other people live here.

And then Justin reminded me that we don't have a lot of responsibility because we live with other people. We only have to make dinner 1-2 nights a week. We don't have to do all the dishes. And we only have 1 chore.

The trade-offs of life.

My boss and his wife came over for dinner this weekend and we really, really enjoyed their company. They have shared their home with more family than lives on my whole country block at home (seriously that's a lot). They still share their home with family. At one time this year their new baby grandson and elderly Mum lived in their home with them. I mean; lived in their home. Liked moved in. And that doesn't count the whole other family who lives upstairs. And I'm sure they don't get to do everything when they want to do it.

I really don't know what the future holds as far as our living situation. But I can tell you this; you don't get whatever you want even when you get whatever you want.

Off to work. Even though I kinda don't want to work today. - Lacey

January Summer Times

I can't honestly say it feels like summertime as I am continually reminded that it's January. And I haven't been to Mr. Freeze, Pee Wee's, a baseball game, or swimming. Weird. But it has been great to experience summer on this side. Saturday night we had a great group of friends sitting with us on our deck for a BBQ... and the feeling of summer started to creep in. I hope it sticks around for another month or two.

I made a promise to myself to blog at least once a month this year. Today is January 31 (in the States, Feb 1 in NZ- hey it counts). Why do so many goals work like this? We set them. We want them. But we never achieve them. So so so frustrating. And especially when we know how rewarding it is to do what we want to do. I have also set a goal to run a half marathon this year- there is one in Welli in 3 weeks. My training is on schedule and I am so encouraged by the discipline and confidence that has insued. This weekend when I was running further than I've ever run before I thought; everyone should set a goal....and achieve it. It inspires me to achieve more and more goals and I think that's how we get somewhere. Hence this post.

I went to breakfast with my friend Jill last Friday. It was one of the most encouraging meals in a long time. Jill is wise and real and so kind. I really appreciate her friendship. (And having a job that lets me spend 2 hours with her on a Friday morning). She tells me what it's like to have 2 kids under the age of 3 and all the life that comes with that. She fills me in on the ups and the downs. And she always listens to those around her. So many great things to take away from a breakfast like that.

So there you have it. My January posting. I hope to get 2 in for February. Hold me to it. Because sometimes we need others with us to pursue a goal. And I really, really like going after goals. Because it's not making a goal or achieving a goal that means the most. It's the fact that we are putting one step in front of the other to do what we're made to do.

I love and miss all of you. - Lace

End of October????

A lil Housingplus staff photo. These are all the people I work with.








We are alive... promise! Blogging has gone to the wayside... life in NZ has busied itself. Every day brings more new experiences, new people, new tasks, and new thoughts. Our jobs continue to be a blessing; even when we leave work feeling worn down and unaccomplished. Our flat is still one big gathering of people which we love; even when our chores never end. And Mosaic continues to stretch us. The last month has tired me a bit- heaps of new friends have been made though and I'm loving getting to know people more. The weather in Welli has never been more moody. The blue skies in the morning mean nothing but "go for a run while you still can." And the rain throughout the night simply means "it's raining again all night."

This weekend we went for a hike (or a tramp as it's called in NZ), hung out with lots of friends, and rested as it was Labour Day weekend here. The holiday did make me think about how much I miss hanging out with family- special days and events tend to do that to you when you're away from family. Good thing we are absolutely blessed to able to fly home for 2.5 weeks for Christmas!!!!! And how amazing that Jamie (my sis in law) is going to come back with us after our trip home for a whole year!!!!! Incrediable.

We are eaglerly awaiting more sunshine, summer, Thanksgiving, Christmas (who knew those all came together), and family!! We are grateful for our Mosaic family, American friends in NZ, and the chance to learn and grow. We are constanly reminded that life moves at it's own pace. We are working hard to set a good balence in our lives of work and rest. And we are discovering what it looks like to live well in a community who "Lives by faith; is known by love, and inpired by hope."

I know I'm due for a trip to America when words such as heaps, reckon, Mum, and a funny sounding garage, tomotoe, and garage seem normal. Who knows normal any more?? We love and miss our friends and family at home! - Justin & Lacey

skiing the south island

Click on this photo for some more :)

South Island Holiday 09

6 month anniversary!

IT'S JULY!!!! One of my favorite months. At least when I get to see the sun- not so much sun here in Welli right now. But Justin & I are enjoying the raininess and grateful for all that life is throwing our way. I'm especially grateful for our weekend away on a homestay of a working farm in the Wairarapa! Justin did a great job planning a relaxing weekend for just the 2 of us. I am amazed by the enjoyment we can get from life when we slow down, spend time with one another, and laugh like were 5 years old again. Justin can definitely make me laugh. He says the funniest things. And although we saw maybe 20 cars the whole weekend- everytime he saw one he seemed to think that everyone was out & about exploring the countryside. So easy to tell he's an introvert sometimes.

So what else is making me feel like there is never enough time?: Book club, Mosaic, our project to understand poverty in Southeast Asia, work, chores, trying to get a running schedule down, Skyping with home, and sitting down to have a coffee. There isn't enough time for all of this-- but that's why there are weekend's away when you do nothing but enjoy each other & what's around you.

I've heard lots of exciting news at home- people are buying new homes!, Rachelle is about to start grad school, Karly is engaged!, Easton is crawling!, Ella is taking charge of her new house, and people are enjoying the summer. My boss shared a quote with Mosaic this month and I'm really enjoying thinking about it... a good one to end with.... "The place where God calls us is the place where our deep gladness meets the world's deep hunger." Frederick Buechner-- Hope you are pursuing where He calls you; and experiencing deep gladness. -- Lacey

headed into winter....rain clouds & ramblings

-Mt Vic in winter- we live just behind this fog cloud- if you look real hard, you might see our place.

Woah it's June 1st! Who isn't excited about moving into another winter!?! I definitely am.... not. But what can you do? I've got myself some new proper NZ winter clothes (merino wool) and I'm bracing myself for the cold, wet months. This time around though I have an idea of what it's like, a much warmer house!!, somebody to cuddle with at night:) , and a warm office to work in during the day! All things that make me happy. I've learned my lesson about hot water bottles, too- if you haven't heard that story- ask me and I'll tell you how I aged myself 40 years last year. Good thing our bodies can reverse the aging process sometimes.

In yet another attempt to catch you all up to our life down under, I'll use my favorite... a bullet list:

-- the Half marathon/ orphanage fundraiser: So the orphanage our friend is helping at has had some major setbacks recently. They were just kicked out of their facility last week, and they will now need a much different solution besides us coming up with 3k to help them pay rent. What does this mean for me? A group of friends and myself have set along a crazy path to understand the issues surrounding orphans and vulnerable children and what can be done to help. Were spending the next 4-5 months to get speakers, watch movies, and gather help & understanding before moving on with a plan of action. I'm pretty excited about this life-changing experience and pretty overwhelmed by the scope. I'm hungry for this challenge though. On another challenging note... I'm planning to still run the race at the end of this month- but probably just a 10k- finding that sometimes things just gotta give a little in life.

--Work It's busy. I just had a hand in planning an "afternoon tea" / mini reception for my boss's daughter's wedding. Learning how to buy cars to lease out- bought 1 pretty much on my own last week! Finding tenants for properties- filled one last week! And trying to do research on "self esteem" for an article my boss wants to write. What exactly would my job title be do you think?

--Visitors & trips! Justin sister, Jamie, and cousin, Brian, bought tickets to come visit next month!!! AWESOMENESS. My friend from Otterbein, Brandt, and his sister, Katie, just bought tickets to come in December- so excited!!! We are so, so looking forward to these visits. We've also firmed up a ski trip to the South Island with our friends here in August, and were trying to find affordable tickets home for Christmas. Not sure how we'll fit this all in and manage to save money... but we're trying. (our flatmates might even come home with us for a mid-west Christmas:)

Justin & I are learning lots, with only the occasional home-sick, worn-down, "I miss my Mom," kinda breakdowns. hehe. Promise that we're enjoying life, even if were being challenged by it. I personally have really appreciated our Mosaic community (with its pitfalls & strong points both) as it pulls me forward in many different ways. I am however feeling the distance and business of life as it's a challenge to connect with friends & family at home. My heart sometimes literally feels torn between 2 lives, and it can be challenging to find myself content. It leaves me in a place of completely dependent prayer. I'm praying for those of you at home, even if I can't talk to you. And I suppose this is never a bad place to be.

So much love- and thankfulness- for those of you reading. - Lacey
(sorry, we don't have any pictures from life recently- but we'll get some soon.)

Long run solutions.

Hey everyone- My friend Susanne came up with a great idea to combine 2 things we think are worth investing in: running and Demelza’s Orphans! How will we do this? Well, we’re both training for a half marathon to take place on Sunday, June 28th in Wellington, and we’re asking all of our friends and family to sponsor our run. All of the proceeds go to the orphanage in Ethiopia where our friend Demelza is helping at right now as they need $3000 to pay rent. Both Susanne and I have a goal of $500 so we could raise a third of this amount in total!

So if you’re looking for a good place to put some of your money- here’s an opportunity. Our friend Demelza is at the orphanage right now and she has reported back nothing but good things about how they are helping kids there. Our Mosaic community has committed to helping them pay this $3000 and were looking into the option of seeing how we can help them for the long run (no pun intended) as well.

If you think you could pledge $20, $50, $100, or any amount- then please click here to visit a website that helps you give online (website to be posted soon! so don't click just yet). Now we don’t just run for fun….. but we run so that these orphans have a place to stay! Thanks everyone for your help!

I eat chicken feet.

It's late Sunday night- and we're headed to bed for another week! Last week wore me out. We were going every night with something on, and at work I've got enough responsibilities now that I never finish my work before it's time to go home- I'm trying to learn how to manage that. I don't like going home when things aren't done. But I don't like not keeping up with my life at home. How do adults do this? And parents??? It's a mystery to me.

I needed a fun weekend though- and fun was had. The highlight was our flatmate AJ's bday partay. (3 months late- but it's never too late). It was themed Black & White (yes every Kiwi party has to have a theme). We even walked to town at midnight to hit up a few hot spots-- just to remind us that we are young:). We lasted till 3am- now that's impressive for us workin folks. Sunday morning we all woke up hungry so I had my first yum-cha experience at a Chinese restaurant. Basically you sit down and they bring you plate after plate of very interesting and yummy Chinese foods. I ate a chicken foot. That statement stands for itself and I can't say anything else except that if we have any visitors come- you have to try it, too.

So yes- thankful for some fun- and here are some pictures which are much more convenient to keep you all updated on our lives. Justin is sleeping now- but I suppose he has legit reasons to be wore out. He did an awesome job speaking at Mosaic tonight, he took a beautiful fall onto his butt yesterday (he has a big mark to prove it)- hahahah- and... I made him hit up the dance floor with me this weekend:) hehe. Love and miss you all!!!!!! - Lace


The "family" minus Boof