This weekend we headed down to another YWAM base in MataMata( about 4 hours south of Oakridge). Our whole staff went for a YWAM NZ gathering. A wonderful gathering of staff from all the five bases in New Zealand. Somehow in all the planning on travel arrangements it worked out that our little family got our own car for the trip! Woohoo family time! It was so amazing to drive through the beautiful country side, listen to good music, with the company of my love and my little man chatting in the back seat.
We got to the base and had a great time meeting people from all different bases. I loved getting to hear about all the things that YWAM is doing in New Zealand. It was great to feel some new life and fresh warmth. We really connected with some cool people.
After the conference we went into the town of Mata Mata. An adorable place that is known for the Hobbiton film set in the Lord Of The Rings movies. We had fun and I was a total tourist. Here is a lovely and lengthy group of pictures of our fabulous time!
This is Janet. She and her husband Stuart hosted Rich back when he was hitchhiking New Zealand after his DTS. They are incredible people.
Waiting for lunch...
My boys in the old swimming pool building.
The gathering. Listening to John Dawson speak.
The Mata Mata YWAM base
Firth Tower- it is old and awesome- wikipedia it!
Benjamin LOVES to go on his daddy's shoulders
I mean seriously LOVES it!!!!
So this is at the Hobbiton booking center... since it costs like 80 bucks to go to the actual tour I settled for this awesome shot and dream of the real doorways :)
My boy is just so cute!
Happy little hobbits
At a park...
Crazy boys
Yup, I am a tourist... ha!
cool tree!
Rich has special shock wave powers with lattes...
Driving on the right side of the car and the left side of the road... such a champ!
New Zealand countryside!
Rolling hills
Sleeping cutie pie
Auckland drive through...
So glad to be back at Oakridge... time to rest up for my first Mother's Day!!
