Wednesday, August 1, 2018

The Journey Home and Beyond

Our kiwisforthesummer2018 Iwi
 Kia Ora.  Having been immersed in Kiwi and Maori culture for the past five weeks will now make the journey back to American culture another adventure.  Our students will take with them lasting memories of the challenges and opportunities of what not only New Zealand faces, but what the rest of the world faces as well. Preserving biological diversity, conserving resources, and maintaining a balance between natural and human built environments are key to a sustainable future.  And, it will take all of us with our diverse backgrounds to come together in many different ways to help make lasting change for a bright future.

Dear students, we hope that what you have experienced with us in New Zealand will help shape the decisions you make for our future in exciting and positive ways.  We thank you for giving of yourselves openly with your hearts and minds so that our time together could be such a special learning opportunity for us all.  We have really enjoyed being with all of you, touring the wop-wops, and sharing a daily cuppa. Sweet As!


From the land of the long white cloud, safe and happy travels!  See you in the land of the flowers (La Florida).  
With a Hongi and hug to each of you, Mark, Meryl, Jámm, and Tupelo

They are on their way

Saying goodby to a Lincoln Uni friend outside of the Annex where everyone was housed for the summer.
kiwisforthesummer2018 with the Gatorwaka
At the airport before going through security
Slight snafu with first flight from Christchurch to Auckland being cancelled, but we had a very sweet Air New Zealand booking agent help Dr. Hostetler set things right, and had a yummy last tea time at the airport.  Have reports that our students arrived safely in Auckland and are on their way back to the States.  A few are staying on in NZ to do a bit more exploring and one is off to Australia!

We miss you all already and wish you safe travels home. m&m