Thrivent Builds Team Whangarei New Zealand Blog #4

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We thought we would give you a better idea of how we are spending our time off. One of our favorite things to do is tour the beautiful Whangarei sites. Hiking and shopping are the popular free time activities. Some are disappointed that many of the shops close by 5. The star gazing is incredible. Many of the constellations, such as the Southern Cross, can’t be seen in the northern hemisphere.

Several of us have had the opportunity to spend some ‘one-on-one’ time with the locals. Their hospitality is second to none. They have taken us on several tours and treated us with their local cuisine. A few examples are sandwiches with interesting toppings and delicious ice cream .

We have been making great strides in helping Steve build his house. We are happy to report that we are ahead of schedule. Stay tuned for more details!!!

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Comments

[Joy Sams]

Great job!
I am so proud of you guys on the great progress you have made - way to go!! I just had to comment - Debi lovely cartwheel - that looks perfect. All of those years in gymnastics paid off! Enjoy the rest of your time there - safe travels back to the US when the time comes.

[Maia Van Groll]

brrrr
Hello all! Great to hear you are ahead of schedule!! hope you are enjoying yourselves and the weather there... back here in Wisconsin it just keeps on getting colder. It is not much above 30 degrees this morning. Happy Weekend :)

[Carole Surman]

Beautiful scenery
Since it's a gloomy, rainy day here today (Oct. 24), it's nice to see all the sunshine in your pictures! I'm also impressed with all of Debi Brace's many talents...wielding a hammer to cartwheels! Great to hear things are going so well with the build! Continue the great work. Keep the good news and great pics coming!

[Bethany & Tami]

Beth the Builder..can she fix it..yes she can!
Hi Beth...looks like you are all doing a great job. We miss you and can't wait to catch up when you get back. Oh..you're not missing much with the weather :) Take care and God Bless you..Tami. Hi Beth! Looks beautiful there. I'm jealous. It's supposed to snow here on Sunday, so soak in all that sunshine while you are there. Hope you are having a great time. Do your best while building. Don't break a nail, your fingernail, that is............=) Take care and travel safely. Bethany

[Pat and Greg V. Z.]

WOW I'm impressed!!
Roger and Beth, That home is really going up fast! (Beth are you going to give Bob Knuppel a challenge at woodworking when you get home? And Roger, are you pounding nails on that frame or are you just resting in the shade? Just kidding!! We are really soooo proud of both of you.) Take lots of pictures. We promise that we wouldn't get bored looking at ALL of them.. This blog site is just great. Take care. Lots of Love, Pat and Greg

[Elizabeth Pim]

Hi Dave
The scenery is simply spectacular!!! I love looking at all of the pictures. I wish I could be there to do some star gazing with you. It sounds fantastic.

[Katie & Cole]

To our daddy Kris
Hi daddy! We miss you and we love you. Are there donkeys on the mountain?

[Frank and Bev Acton]

Happy Birthday Becky
We are loving the messages and pictures! You guys are doing a great job and we are enjoying following your progress. Hope you have a fun birthday and have a safe trip home. Grandma and Grandpa

[Brad and Laurie Acton]

Happy Birthday Becky
Its great to follow your trip and view the pictures, although Becky, dad says your way to close to the cliff. We wanted to tell you we love you and wish you a very happy birthday. Mom and Dad

[Nathan and Benjamin Pim]

Hi Dave from the kids
We would like to know where the insulation on the house is. Will there be electricity in the house? How about indoor plumbing? Why is the house built off of the ground? Benjamin would like a computer password when you get home. Keep up the good work! :-)

[Terri Gafford]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BECKY!
Hey Becky -- Have a very happy birthday today in your "down-under" state! Your team members will probably razz you all day long, but enjoy it! Back on the jobsite, you're doing amazing things and being wonderful ambassadors! Would love to see the Southern Cross -- any chance you photographers can capture on the blog? All my best!

[Alison Jones]

Great work, team!
Thanks so much for updating the blog. It is so fun to see your photos and to hear how the trip is going so far. Looks like you are making great progress on the house! Keep up the good work and enjoy your time in NZ. Take care and stay safe. PS - Happy birthday, Becky! We miss you bunches. :)

[Natalie Acton]

Becky's Birthday
Happy Birthday Becky! it is officially your birthday here today.. but i know it was yesterday there for you... sooo happy birthday again! hahah.. love you!

[Alice Arenson]

What a beautiful place!
Hey Paul - It was so good to hear from you the other day! I find it amazing that the connection was so clear - since you are so far away! I want you to know it snowed yesterday... so keep on enjoying the NZ weather.... because you are coming back to winter! LOL! I'd love to be there working along side of you helping out the family - it's great to hear you are ahead of schedule!! and enjoying the free time activities! Just so you know I'm keeping the "Hockey Lodge gang" and some of the Eagle Street group informed of your activities! They especially liked the "he's not allowed to wear shorts comment!" We all can't wait to see you and hear stories and see more photos! Enjoy the rest of your time! Take Care! Alice

[Naomi]

Paul Loken - Happy Early Birthday
As most people are getting ready for Halloween Paul Loken is getting ready for another birthday. May it be the BEST surrounded by wonderfilled people and wonderful land. Happy Birthday Bro

[Mom]

Happy Birthdat
It is good to see your progress. I imagine you are done building now and enjoying the beautiful country. I do hope you have a very happy birthday over there. Love, Mom