Woah, the past couple of days have flown way to fast,
drawing my DTS to an end much faster than I ever imagined. Yesterday was
graduation. It so sweet, we got all dressed up, took pictures and had the best
dinner I think I’ve ever had at base (excepting the Ladies’ Night dinner, of
course). We watched a slideshow of pictures that Schnegg put together from
lecture phase, Dan and Beth both gave wonderful speeches/testimonies, Brent,
Matt, Schnegg, and Van did the woman song, and Jannah Squared (Jacob, Jacob, Hannah,
and Hannah) performed a song I wrote on outreach. Then, we were presented our
graduation certificates. And then we had a dance party. Which was fun. Of
course. While everyone was dancing, I went outside to get a breather and look
at the stars for a few minutes. You could say I was rather disappointed when I
got out there, and alas! I could not see the beautiful New Zealand night sky –
the cloud cover was too thick. You can imagine my dismay – one of my last
nights in this beautiful place and I couldn’t even see the glory of it all!
Until I felt s small voice say “Dance with me.” I ignored it. And then again.
“Dance with me.” So I smiled and relented, lifted up my arms and waltzed with
the creator of the heavens. After a couple of minutes, I heard Him again,
saying “Look up my love.” And behold, the clouds were breaking and I could see
the glorious stars! I couldn’t have been more joyful. Then today was nice and
chill. We slept in until 8:00 and had the last base intercession, interceding
for Ne Zealand, and as we sang the national anthem, I cried. So hard. I love
this place so much. The rest of the day was pretty chill as we cleaned and
began to pack after being commissioned. We said bye to Beryl, our DTS director
and spent time together. Then Brent, Jacob, Van, Bek, Schnegg, and I decided to
go next door to Opal Springs to see what time it opened tomorrow so we could
get there early for one last swim in the hot springs. While we were there, I
saw some old tandem bikes for rent - $5 for one hour. I looked at Brent, he
looked at me, and it was decided. The Jacobs rented one as well, and we
victriously rode back to the base, happy out of our minds. People took turns on
the bikes for a little while, then Van paired up with Miranda and I with Brent,
and we took a long ride down a New Zealand rode. I don’t think I’ve ever
laughed so much in my life. Miranda looked so glamourously retro with her ascot
flying in the wind and I kept resisting the urge to break out in choruses from
The Sound of Music. We eventually had to return the bikes, but it is definitely
an experience I will never forget. Then it was honoring night. Our last night
before we all began going our separate ways. Oh man, I wish I could explain all
that happened, but I can’t. we took time to honor and lift up one another
before we leave, and it was beautiful. I spent time out on the tramp with my
boys, watching the sky - then went in to spend some time with my cottage one
girls. I ended up crying with Leishy boo on my bed. I love her so much. I
watched a movie with my girls, and now it’s time for bed and my last night here
in Matamata. Take a deep breath. Whew.
Peace out girl scout.
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