The months of June and July (brace yourself! ;o):

Semester 1 at university ended (my last exam was on June 17th). I studied hard (you have an extra week to study between the end of lectures and exams- sweet as!) and did well. Whew!

I started presenting at the Stardome Observatory/Planetarium regularly towards the end of June. My first group had 65 people in it! I’ve also had groups ranging from 2 people to 80 people of all sorts- celebrating wedding anniversaries, work groups, and people from all over the world! For the first few weeks I found no joy in it, and was extremely puzzled by this- presenting astronomy seemed like something that would be right up my alley!
Well, then something called a ‘sister’ came to NZ for a couple weeks. Katherine saw one my shows and gave me high praise though I wanted to vomit at how bad I felt I presented. She noticed I was really beating up on myself because I felt I was never reaching my potential. Thus we sat down for a long coffee break afterward and she gave me the most wonderful suggestions, like 1) talk more about the parts of astronomy that I really enjoy (even I know I love learning from teachers who are enthusiastic about their subject), 2) tell the audience right at the beginning where I’m from (since they’ll hear my accent and want to know) and why I’m in NZ (much to do with the stars!) 3) give the presentations in a more conversationalist style rather than using a bubbly-lectury style. Well, one week later, I gave my next presentation implementing these ideas and I had an amazing time (and so did the audience!)!!! I allowed for much more interaction with the audience and it was so fun! Plus I noticed I wasn’t beating up on myself anymore. Another whew! My favourite part is when people ask questions- tangents can be approached creatively and allow to use those bits of knowledge from your brain you thought you forgot about.

During ‘holiday,’ I caught a dreadful cold and was in bed for a week. Thankfully that was my first time being sick in New Zealand and I was supplied the time to Rest. I took a couple trips around the Auckland area (to see some notorious beaches and whatnot) with my friends Byron and Sara (who flew back to their home universities in North America a few weeks ago! :o(

Like I mentioned, my sister arrived July 4th. It was such a blessing to spend time with her again. She sharpens me like no other. I drank from her gift of Wisdom, and was pampered with laughter in her great sense of humour. What did I ever do to deserve such a gift from God? Get this- she had her wedding dress made here in NZ!!!! We found this wonderful lady named Theresa Lim (a top NZ designer) who tailored the dress exactly to Katherine’s taste, and all within two weeks!! One of the most interesting things was watching my sister’s reaction to NZ culture… it’s a lot like mine when I first got here, and since I’ve quite adapted, it’s refreshing to here an all-American perspective. ;o) Nick, Katherine’s fiancé, also made it out here, a week later, and I thoroughly enjoyed his company as well.

A new semester brings a new season. You will probably be quite surprised- I MOVED!! I needed more social interaction. My old flat and flatmates were a blessing in many ways and I know the Lord wanted me there for a time, but now I have moved to a place called The Railway Campus (TRC) which is an old railway station (thus beautiful!) and within 7 minutes walking distance of Uni and downtown Auckland (thus soooooooo convenient!). There are several hundred that live within the Railway Campus and they are mostly second and third year students and above- even some lecturers! Interestingly enuf, a lot of the people are just over from the States for the semester. It’s neat being able to give them advice on road-trips and helping them to know the area and culture. Yay! This is just my cup of tea. I live in a 3-bedroom flat within TRC, and one of my flatmates, Laura is from New Jersey, doing a semester abroad. We both love the same kinds of foods and exercise, so we cook together and such. I’m also building friendships with several other people here. There’s a huge communal cooking/dining area, and a huge lounge for just studying and talking.

My new address is:

Michelle Krok
3/208
The Railway Campus
Private Bag 106601
Downtown Auckland
New Zealand

Phone number:
011-64-9-367-7100 Ext 33208 (I have voicemail, but you have to let it ring a while)

I’m also attending a 'Cellgroup' and evening services at another church called Greenlane Christian Centre (as the Lord leads). I'm still attending morning services, a lifegroup and a dance group at Christian Life Centre Auckland. Spiritually, He has been pressing me to rid myself of fear of man. When my sister came, we had many talks, and with these talks she helped me realize some things about myself that have strengthened my knowledge of my purpose and vigor for life.

So finally, finally, I’m loving the new semester and my new lifestyle and mindset. Having already adjusted to the culture and schooling system, I now feel I can stay on top of things more easily. My classes are amazing!!!! I have two upper division math classes in applied mathematics and analysis (the latter of which I’m taking independent study with two teachers I love), as well as a ‘Critical Thinking’ philosophy class, and a ‘Foundations of Western Political Thought’ politics class which has a lot of philosophy in it! Woohoo! I’m also writing a paper alongside my job at the planetarium which will give me credit to cover a needed lower division astronomy class at UCSC.

I hope you enjoyed your fireworks on 4th or July. I would love an email to hear what you’re up to!

Take care,
Michelle