Goodbyes back in Auckland

Back in Auckland Mum and John met us for dinner at North Park Bistro in the Wynyard Quarter and the food was delicious. I had the meatballs, which were still juicy and pink on the inside and Will had the gigantic burger! After a few selfies it was time for us to say an emotional fairwell. 

This trip has been the best journey I've ever taken and I'm so glad I got to share it all with such special people. I still can't quite believe Mum made it on to the plane let alone all the other crazy stuff she's done whilst here! We've had some unforgettable experiences and amazing memories were made and I'm so grateful for both Mum and John for making it this far and for helping us to have such an enjoyable time - once in a lifetime I think!

Camino

Our leaving drinks were so much more emotional than I had expected. Will and I had both been excited about the prospect of a new adventure and although we knew we’d miss everyone we were mostly happy and looking forward. So many people turned up though and we got lots of lovely cards and presents!

Starting the celebration at 3pm meant guests could turn up when they wanted and go when they needed to and that we could mingle and chat to everyone in detail at least once… It also meant that a large amount of alcohol was consumed and with only a cheeky McDonalds to help line our stomachs the consequences, shall we say, were a little hazardous!! I won't mentioned any names *coughs* (Will)... 

Thanks so much to everyone that came, you made it very special! I found these photos on my phone the next morning…

Squeeze!

Charlotte and Rupi

Oskar, Dave and Will

Having to stand on tiptoe...

Lovelies from school:)

Jo and Matt

Grrrr!

Not sure why our eyes are all lit up but love it anyway!

You guys are the best!!

So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, goodbye!

The end of the summer term at school is always a bit of a rush, with many last minute jobs crammed in. I had decided early on in the academic year that I would do an exhibition with my art clubs but as the weeks crept closer to the end I realised how much I had left to do… The results, I have to say, were pretty good! Although the whirlwind of activity was contained well within half an hour, there was a good turn out and many positive comments.

I was surprised when the children from all years loaded me up with cards at the leavers’ assembly on the second to last day. The words were touching...

(and some rather odd. I'm nearly 100% sure this should say 'reading'...)

My first mission for when I get to New Zealand - 

find a Kiwi bird!

I particularly enjoyed the card which spelt out my name using the words 

'Lovely, Understanding, Caring and Young' - maybe these should make an appearance on my CV too?!

The flowers and Clinique gifts were very unexpected but beautiful and very much appreciated! 

I can't believe how quickly the year has gone. In the same week I had to say goodbye to the people I volunteered with and the families I read with at Doorstep Library. It was great to meet such lovely, like-minded people and know that we had made a difference, however small. I came away after exchanging books (and some hugs too) with some cards and a new Doorstep bookmark (which of course I'm currently using). Working with such different families has been an enriching experience and I would definitely recommend it to others. Thank you Doorstep!