The First Post

The Road goes ever on and on
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
And I must follow, if I can,
Pursuing it with eager feet,
Until it joins some larger way
Where many paths and errands meet.
And whither then? I cannot say.

-The Fellowship of the Ring



I think writing a blog is a lot like getting dressed in the morning. It’s all about presenting ourselves in a genuine, yet positive light. Ironically, we are more concerned with the perceptions of strangers and passers-by than by those closest to us. I’ve never been good at getting dressed, finding far too much comfort in sweatpants and a ponytail. My intention for this blog is to be as genuine as possible and to direct my thoughts and ideas towards the people I love most. I don’t want to try too hard or not hard enough, although I will inevitably fall into one of those categories at times.

That being said, I leave for Kaikoura, New Zealand in one week and three days. I still have much packing to do, although all the major purchases have already been made. My flight leaves from Philly International at 4pm August 23rd and I arrive in New Zealand sometime in the morning of the 25th. While in New Zealand I will be participating in the Creation Care Study program, learning lots of neat stuff about God, nature, and the community (or at least that is what I am told). I will be living in a house with about 25 other students and my professors—we won’t have heat, washing machines, or internet while we are there. Trips into town to visit the internet café are how I plan to keep in touch.

I also have a website where I will post pictures (since I don’t intend on unloading them all on facebook). I apologize ahead of time for not being in more pictures (mom) and for not using the flash when I should (dad).

http://www.flickr.com/photos/allieoberholtzer/