Orewa Beach

Saturday our group took a trip up to Orewa Beach. All 16 girls piled into three big cars and vans, and we headed out bright and early. We were worried that the weather wouldn't be just what we wanted, but it was beautiful! The sun was out, the sand was white, and the water was refreshing (not too cold either!). We spent the day playing in the water, boogie boarding, body surfing, taking a nice walk down the beach, eating lunch, relaxing, getting in mud fights, getting everyone into one huge pyramid, and of course documenting it all with too many pictures. Excited and ready for the beach!

All 16 of us

Our attempt at a pyramid

...we have too much fun together

Some of our mud fight

Brother Jacobs and his wife, Linda, gave me, Jess, Heidi, and Anna a ride home because they live really close to us (we're kind of far from where everyone else lives). It was fun to chat and get to know the two of them better. This is their third study abroad to NZ. I am so glad Bro. Jacobs is our director. He is wonderful, and I feel so safe and worry-free knowing he is here to help us with anything. He's even reimbursing everyone for any travel they may do on the bus or train- he wants us to get out and explore new things on our own around Auckland without having to worry about cost. When we were driving home, we passed a sign for fresh strawberry ice cream (it's berry season here). Bro. Jacobs quickly pulled over the car and asked if we'd be offended if he stopped to get his wife some ice cream, to which she replied, "You mean on top of the two ice creams we shared at the beach?!" He went to go get some and came back with a few bowls for all of us to try. So sweet! It was the perfect ending to a great day in the sun and sand.