New Zealand International friends, 2009

  I celebrated my seventh month in New Zealand last August 20, so I look back at my favorite moments since arriving at Hamilton on the 20th of January. 2009 is such an eventful year for me, and because I got to be part of all the action, I think it is a good time to be an international student at Waikato this year.

I remember my NZAID scholar friends, who helped me feel so welcome and at home here at Waikato. I remember my mates in Orchard Park, international students and locals alike, and how we bonded through sports, food festivals, and parties. We eventually became good pals.

I remember my first friends Berthina Auguste-Walter from Saint Lucia (the Caribbean), Chandan Boodhoo from Mauritius, Kerren Vali from Papua New Guinea, and my Timor Leste flatmates Kika, Ani, and Tina. We had good times, and we still do, whenever we get the chance to get together and catch up.

I remember my neighbors and Ultimate-disc buddies Thomas Debacker, Truels Dentler, and Philippe Thuaud. They brightened up my day each time we let discs fly in the Uni field (or on any patch of green!), and they are great companions to any grand food buffet. I miss Thomas (who went back to France to run marathons and teach Ultimate to willing French disciples) and Truels (who went back to Germany to take salsa dancefloors by storm). I am glad Philippe is still here to keep me company, and to bring me delicious Melting Moment cookies from Grey St. Kitchen every now and then. Merci beaucoup, Cheri.

My current flatmates Kaya Boonputh (Thailand), Shoko Kita (Japan), and Amrita Maan (India/Auckland) are wonderful flatmates, and never fail to keep our flat a lively place to be in. My favorite people next-door-- Amar Durakovic (Croatia), Johanna Berheide (Germany), and Carolyn Thomson (Tauranga)-- are fantastic people...I can rely on them whenever I need to get that quick cinema fix (Chartwell movie night, neighbors!)

I suppose the best moments about NZ-Hamilton-Waikato events are with the people we meet. These people make our stay in the University worthwhile. I thank God for them everyday. (Amen!)