by Paige Diller, high school abroad student in New Zealand

Though I never thought I would, especially after the 12 hours flight across the pacific, I have arrived. I was so excited to see the searching faces of my host family waiting for me at the gate. I recognized them immediately and we exchanged hugs and smiles.

During my fly time I met many people. The majority were actually New Zealanders returning home; one man was especially helpful, as he helped me find my way around the LAX airport. I also received much encouragement from my traveling companion, Captain America. The plan is for Capt. America and I to journey together during my New Zealand trip, and document our adventures. (Captain America action figure courtesy of Sean Irwin).

I can’t express my happiness right now. I am having a wonderful time with my family. Within minutes of spending time with my family, we immediately clicked and were immersed in conversation. I can tell already that Catherine, Yuna, and I are going to be very close.

Later we went to the market and picked up all the necessities I was lacking. Yuna and I had a time with the self check out line… I have moved all of my suitcases into my room, and am in the process of unpacking and getting settled. We had a nice lunch together as a family (baked beans on toast; something I had never tired before, but concluded that it was very delicious). I have met all the cats, and even Pee Wee seems to like me, and he’s the shyest of all three. I also must comment on the driving here. Not only do they drive on the left side of the road, and make “left on red” turns, New Zealanders tend to drive very fast on small roads, and brake very fast as well… I enjoyed the ride though 🙂

I’m so very grateful for all my host family has done for me thus far. Oh! I almost forgot to comment on the weather. The weather in incredible. It’s close to 50 or 55 degrees Fahrenheit; it’s sunny and breezy. It feels like the perfect fall weather. And since I’m missing fall this year, I’m glad their winter resembles our Autumn.

I have so much excitement built from just the 15 or so hours I’ve been on the ground. I can’t wait to see what this coming week has in store for me. I start school on Monday. Instead of jumping straight into classes, I will have an International student orientation the first day, and have already been assigned a “buddy” who will hopefully help me out my first few days.

I’d really appreciate your prayers for my energy to be restored to me. I think I’ve been running on 4 hours of sleep the past 24 hours. I’d also like to ask for you to pray for my immediate family, who will definitely need some comfort when they start missing me really bad. I’m so irreplaceable. And don’t worry, I’m not conceited….

In conclusion, I have a wonderful family, beautiful weather, and picked a wonderful country. I can’t wait for tomorrow!