A thousand apologies for the long delay in updating our blog. (And this time we can't blame it on lack of reliable electricity in the jungle, either.) So much has happened over the past 2 months that we don't know where to begin. So, we'll let the pictures do the talking. Additional photos/information can also be found on our facebook pages as well. God has blessed us richly. Our pre-arranged furnished rental house is working out well, we've just extended our initial contract for 3+ more months. Thomas is really enjoying his job (it gets him out in the field at least twice a week.) Carrie's efforts in relief work in some pretty tough situations have rewarded her with a biology/integrated science (et. al) position at a rural high school about 45 minutes from Taupo--to start in February 2009. In the meantime she's working part-time at the bike shop where we purchased some mtn bikes and hoping to get involved with some Dept. of Conservation volunteer work as well. Our travels have been crippled a bit by a "lemon" of an auction car (it broke down almost immediately after driving it off the lot), but we're hoping to do some traveling around the South Island during our Christmas holiday.
For those of you requesting our postal address, it is:
Carrie VZ & Thomas Brand
PO BOX 1121
Taupo 3351
NEW ZEALAND
We could probably ramble on forever, but we know it's a busy season right now, so we'll let the pictures do the talking. Additional photos/information can also be found on our facebook pages as well. Merry Christmas everyone!
Departure from Chicago. We definitely noticed a difference packing for a 4-season country instead of the tropics! The winter gear was too heavy for the 50 lb bag limit, so we wore 2 pairs of jeans, several sweatshirts, jackets, etc. on the planes from Chicago to Auckland.
"Picture perfect" view of the national park nearest Auckland. The fauna is actually quite tropical in this forest--a bit reminiscent of Pohnpei.
A view of Mt. Ruapehu (Mt. Doom from Lord of the Rings) from the botanical garden about a km from our house.
October is a splendid time to move to Taupo; spring flowers are at their finest!
The Lions' Walk (5 km along Lake Taupo) which we got to know extremely well since our car broke down the 3rd day after purchasing it from an auction!
Hiking up Mount Tauhara (7 minute drive from our house; 15+ minute bike-ride)
It's not uncommon to cross farmers' fields on hikes in New Zealand. However, it's wise to check out what kind of animals are penned in before you hope the fence! 
Craters of the Moon (geological hot spot near Taupo) and great mountain biking trails.
More Craters of the Moon
Another geological hot spot (near Turangi)
Day Trip to The Piha Beach
This is our VW buggy. Looks cute but runs horribly--and it's all electronic stuff we couldn't catch before the auction. To get the spedometer to work you have to disconnect the anti-lock brakes. To get the car to start you have to disconnect the airbags. The immobilizer won't let you start the car some days, thinking the key isn't programmed to it! Once we pay off the car payments we're hoping to trade in for a Subaru...
Our Rental House from the front. Eventually, we hope to have some deck furniture. (No the satellite TV is not hooked up!) :)
Our living room was big enough to host a church small group (of 15 people) for a Christmas party. It's nice to have a house big enough to have friends over again! :)
An indoor kitchen with running water, working fridge, stove, and microwave! Yay!
Our Bedroom (we're getting really good at creating cardboard nightstands!)
Hiking Pueora National Forest after a job interview at Marotiri Primary School--a glimpse back to Lil' House on the Prairie. 4 teachers, 80 students in grades 0-8; surrounded by sheep, cows, and rolling hills. I can literally here sheep baaing while students work on their spelling tests!
Celebrating Guy Faust Day (he's a guy who planned to blow up the British Parliament building in protest); turns out the British killed him but now celebrate his explosive attempt with fireworks days in October.
31st Birthday Dessert Overlooking Lake Taupo
Hiking in Tongariro National Park(near Tongariro Area School where Carrie did quite a bit of relief work in November)
Whakapapa Ski Resort at Mt. Ruapehu. Rumor has it that they have enough snow to open during the Christmas summer holiday!
Stopping for a rest over Aratiatia Falls.
Exploring the area by mountain bike. (Huka Falls trail.)
Another weekend, another bike trip.. err ummm... hike. We gave up halfway and hiked the rest. (When you have to carry your bike up more than one set of stairs it should not be classified as a bike trail! :)
