Well hello there! The days have flown by since my last posting. I'm not sure if it's the work schedule or the regular hikes through the hills, but time here has certainly taken an agressive pace.
It seems like it was just earlier today when we were getting the stuff out of our bags but now, as I write even, we are all working on cleaning and packing our bags once more.
We have accomplished a load of work in our short time here at Highfield Farm. We have repaired all majorly damaged fenceposts and prepared the rest of the fencing for new wiring. We've dug trenches, stapled fences, weeded more than any human should ever weed in a lifetime, picked berries, peaches, apples, grapes and more, and even herded cattle. Sheila (proper spelling this time) said that we have done a solid job and is pleased with the work. She has been patient and kind with each and every one of us, and I'm sure that we've all learned a lot from her. From the kitchen to the cow pies, she taught us how to get done what needed to be done.
Tonight is our last night here. The day was spent with a morning of work, followed by a trip to a swimming hole for a peaceful picnic lunch. The day was concluded with a campfire, where we roasted kebabs (sp?), marshmallows, and dampers. Sheila even made us hot cocoa. It was a perfect ending to an awesome experience here on Highfield Farm. Tomorrow morning, before the sun rises, we will be departing for the next chapter of this adventure and leaving the Farm. We will quickly be ushered into the next phase of our trip, but I am sure that we will one day look back and remember the times we've shared here.
Now, getting on with it! I've promised you all back home several things. The first would be Shout Outs, which will be shortly following. The second was pictures, which I will also attach to this email. I would love to put captions under the pictures and tag your loved ones in them, but in all honesty, I haven't the slightest idea as to where these pictures will show up on the blog once I've attached them. So, I hope you enjoy the Shout Outs, and hopefully you will be able to pick out your kid/friend/etc. from the random assortment of pictures (some will be from Fiji, others from here in New Zealand).
SHOUT OUTS
I'm doing the Naranjo Boogalooo.
Emily
I'm really enjoying working on the Highfield Farm. Haven't showered in a week but… long hur don't cur.
Hannah
I love… us.
David
Kelsey is having fun on the farm!
Kelsey
I'm loving life on the farm, killer I represented team tollbrick 2 well, Bec I got to ride in a mini on the other side of the road. Jealous? Fam I miss you all especially Nemo. Love,
Christine
Being here begs the question, where is Old Zealand? Mom, zoom in on Google maps, if you look close you can see me. Go Celtics! Jo – love you. Squeeze Gabe for me.
Cliff
Happy Birthday Mom! I miss your hugs and face! -"'smoko'- knock off time, seats of lights!?" It's great to be back here in New Zealand and have VegieMite at my fingertips : ) <3
Karen
Happy Birthday Dad! Mom, I hope you're doing well and keeping my furry friends busy! Cooper and Emma, I miss both of you lots! Hayley. have fun in Ireland I hope it's all Irelandy and stuff! Love and miss you all! Go BLAZERS!
Gordon
Hey Mom and Pop. How's spring training? How are the twins looking. Say hi to Eve, Ingrid, Lucy, and Lizard. Love,
Willem
Mom, Dad, Anja, Tucker, Stella, and maybe Coon. I miss you all, but I'm sure you're doing fine. Dad maybe you got your tattoos? I'm thinking of Anja and Grace on the wwoof farm, it's sweet. Cheers,
Dylan
I'm loving every day travelling and send well wishes to the people back home. Happy Birthday Hannah! Thanks mom for the package. And to my 5 sistas –> I ought to see the man Mulcahey.
Lucy
Auckland City Hospital was nice, although the service was a bit lax… The menu does offer a decent variety. My surgery went off without a hitch on the bright side the knee is still stiff.
Kareem
Hey family! I hope all is well and you're able to keep pops from finding new ways to hurt himself. Say hello to bizzy and maggs for me. I sent a bunch of people postcards from Fiji, so hopefully you get them soon! love,
Ryan
Post Script – The above Shout Outs were read from chicken scratch off of a piece of paper and translated to the best of my ability. Hopefully I didn't botch too much of it.
I would also like you all to know that the pictures featured on this blog post are largely in part of Christine, who has helped me along this dastardly adventure of transferring pictures. It's after midnight now, and we are waking up in 4 hours, so thank you Christine!
Many thanks for reading, and well wishes to all of you.
Ryan Gasdia
