The Land of Aroha!

Today was the first day of school in kiwi land! I already love it although today was an easy day. We have school from 8 to 3:30 everyday with a 45 minute lunch break. School is held in a church house about 25 minutes  away. Today was the fun easy day at school it was basically an introduction to NZ schools and the culture! It is interesting how important music is here becuase that is the first thing they taught is a song in Maori. We learned welcome songs, the national anthem and even a dance! We then got to taste test a bunch of food, some was better then others. The schools here have a lot of differences and although they speak English, they are constantly throwing in Maori words so we have to learn the common words and sayings and use them when we teach! Our teacher, whom is Maori, even had to stop herself a couple times and tell us what she said because she wasn't used to having to do that. For example, in the schools they often say give yourself a clap, or a hand, but they say paka paka! So that should be interesting, Im beginning to learn how to read it as well so we learned the vowels and the sounds different letters make, one thing i love is that you pronounce each letter, so if an a and e are together, you say them both instead of blend them together which is lovely! Anyway after school we went on an adventure and met some NZ boys and they taught us how to play rugby!! It was funny, we asked whats fun to do and the first thing they asked is if we drink! ha then they found out we were mormon and laughed and i quote, "you are those!The church must be true!" Well anyway it was a funny experience and a great day. I'm very hot and the kids are peeking in, they must want to play!