On Becoming Gypsies

It's easy once you get over the "I couldn't possibly do that - what about the ...? And the ...?" and just do it.

Last year we spent so much time living out of town while we built a new gymnasium for Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Huiarau in Ruatahuna that it was easy to say "Yes" when we were asked if we'd go to Waitara and build the new Presbyterian Church complex. "Where's Waitara" you ask? And well you might. Head to New Plymouth and turn right before you get there. It's on the beach and river, about 15k North of New Plymouth. Black sand beaches, wild tree strewn driftwood, and plentiful Kahawai.

It's further away from home; 3 1/2 hrs drive; so we'll stay longer, probably two weeks at a time. Last year the family and friends got used to our sporadic contact (or no contact at all) ; and so far it seems no different due to no landline and no Telecom mobile service where we're staying currently. Sadly the score between the Vodafone iPhone and the Telecom HTC is now about 20:5 in the reception around the country stakes.

Hoping that'll all change soon when we move into the house we've rented. I sat outside and made sure I had service before we signed on the dotted line. And imagined myself walking the river embankment down to the sea, evening picnic dinners out there. Somehow it feels like home.