100

Today is a momentous day in our journey; not only is it Christmas Day and we have made it to the holiday, it is also our 100th day in NZ!  The countdown clock that I started on my cell phone approximately 2 weeks before our departure, has been counting up the days since our arrival, and it's unbelievably at 100 already!

In 100 days we have accomplished so much and it is amazing to think that three months ago we were leaving Omaha with no plan other than to land in New Zealand.  Here we are, working, living, exploring the kiwi culture, and celebrating Christmas.  This is by far, the longest I've been away from home, the longest I've gone without driving (prior to my sixteenth year), and the longest I've gone without seeing some of my closest friends and family members.  It's also the longest stretch of spring and summer weather I've experienced---we're going on a whole year!  I feel like just in the short (or long) amount of time that we've spent here, I've grown in so many ways, most of which were completely unpredicted.  I feel challenged and alive, and am still excited and invigorated by the sense of adventure that surrounds me here in NZ.  I've been so deeply immersed in the working and busy side of things here so far, and am looking forward to embracing the nature and beauty of the south island over my time off of work, soaking up all of the reasons that we came here in the first place, living and relaxing the kiwi way.  It will be well deserved!

Merry kiwi Christmas!!!!