today marks my first full week here. wow weird! it feels like I've been here longer because my family is just amazing and the school is wonderful and my teacher is just great so I just feel like I've known them all much longer than a week. but at the same time I can't believe a week is gone, only 11 left and I don't want to leave.

i just got back from a staff trivia night at the school. i love how all of the staff is so close and support one another so much. as Sharleen said tonight, its the little things that they do at this school that make such a huge difference, and you can tell that everyone truly cares about one another. 

its getting chilly (very chilly) here, actually two nights ago it was 1 degree. but its beautiful and so pleasant when we are out in the sunshine. last night we went to watch an Australian rugby league game. tonight PJ filled me in that rugby and rugby league are two different things, so that will be important to remember. we went with william (another teacher from school) and some of his friends to the "club" which is similar to a country club in most ways except the tennis, golf and swimming. but they had a cool lounge and restaurant and sports bar, which is where we hung out for the night. it was fun, my fist night out with people my own age and i had a great time, we were all exhausted though and very ready for bed.

fun/awesome fact. the constellations that are visible in New Zealand are different! how great. and how weird not seeing the dippers when you look up into the sky? but the stars are beautiful here. they are SO so bright i'm looking forward to being away this weekend and really getting a chance to take them in to their full extent.

don't have much to say besides i am feeling so lucky for this amazing opportunity. i know i am going to learn so much while i'm here. looking forward to traveling and a little adventure this weekend. wish me luck in staying warm!! hope all is well at home. cheers!