Starting in December I did YMCA volunteer work. It was fabulous and fun. I got to work with such great people and the kids were amazing. We did things like going to the movies, swimming, and beach days. I've officially gone to the beach more in the last 3 months, than I have in my whole entire life. The one thing I found, was that kids cry a lot more than you'd think, and mostly it's for attention. I had a girl who would cry anywhere from 6 to 10 times a day. Everyday. Anyways, my time at the New Plymouth Y was great and I would love to do it again.
The photos below are some I took on the train ride in Waitara (why-tra). This was a very cool day!
As I've told you before, I think, New Zealand has 13 school years. Last year I was in year 11. This year I'm in year 13. No I did not get my math wrong, for the first time in my life, I skipped a grade! Technically, I am a year 12, but I've been but up in all year 13 classes, and do the year 13 stuff.
School has been easy and fun (except for Chemistry). I am currently taking English, Statistics, Biology, Chemistry, and History (along with a free period).
I've found this year to be better, because along with the more challenging classes, I have also made some more friends.
Last week on Wednesday, I went on a year 13 leadership and team building activity day. It was at a place called Vertical Horizons, which is a high ropes course area. We got to do a lot of fun activities, although it was quite hot and we got a bit irritated at the end. Our day consisted of a swamp man challenge, where we had to work together and get a carrot from the opposing island. That was messy and we didn't work well together. on Flying Kiwi, we had to pull each other up by a rope, and we "flew" in the air.
Later we had to make a raft and float our patient across the lake to the jetty, that was difficult and we spent 3 long hours in the sun. After we went for a mud run and had a blast, although I sunk becasue of my shortness.
The day, overall, was fun and I slept well that night.
On the 8th of Decmeber, our family friends, Jim and Melissa, got married. it was on a beautiful day and we had a great time. It was at a little historic cottage and the day was amazing.
Also at school we've been having school sports days. Which are the school tabloid sports. It's so much fun, and we all have "house colors" that we dress for. The activities give us points and we try to win the tabloids overall. I'll post some pictures soon!
