Forever young

We can’t stay on this road forever, eventually it will come to an end; but if it doesn’t end we must be on the road of eternity, which in the end, we are all traveling anyways. So no matter where your road is taking you I hope we will cross again. Maybe meet at an intersection for some tea and toast. Regardless the time has come, and another fork lies in the path. If forks didn’t exist the road we travel on will be one in the same, but then again, if forks didn’t exist eating spaghetti would be such a hardship.

I'm back in Auckland, the city where I first landed in. I traveled both islands, doing various activities along the way. Staying with my family was one of the greatest times I had. Many relaxing days, filled with much family time and intimacy. They were once only thought of as family over seas. As our lives only intersected one time in America, the thought of actually visiting felt surreal. Entering their humble aboad I felt instant connections, each family member holds a special place in my heart. In saying this, leaving the small town of Mosgiel, a town lying just outside of dunedin, was the hardest place to leave. I think it's because I know that the next time I see them it could possible be another eight years, hoping thats not the case, goodbyes can easily be filled with sarcasim, inside jokes, and prolonged departure. Sure, its not goodbye but more so see ya later, yet the chances of seeing you soon is quite possible slim. And when facing that reality, knowing the next time Ill see my cousins they will be grown, I couldn't help but stroll away one final time as tears ran down my cheek.

Now I'm with my family in Auckland, a different family from the one in mosgeil, but family nontheless. You see this family I came across because I met their son in the hostel. And that is what stands out to me in my travels, out of the thousands of travelers that take the trek across New Zealand, I random met a family that opened their house to me for an extended period of time. I have to assume this is pretty rare. I love how it was so divine, because if I never went to the hostel, or if Cody never got in his arguement at home, if his work was on another street, or if the prices at the other hostel were cheaper. all small factors that would of lead me in a different direction and Cody and I would of never met, but because all these things played out the way they did, I sit here writing this blog on a couch having a cup of tea before going to the movies with mom.

The other day we played rugby at the local park. All the neighborhood kids came out to play. I got to talking with a maori kid who was about 4 ft tall. short black hair. and a very outgoing personalitiy "hey you're from America?"  yes I am I said. " you like it?" very much so I responded. "do you watch Icarly?" "
ummmm not really, caught a couple episodes.  do you?'
"nope not that much"

Growing up football was a big part of the childhood. always getting games together at parks, fields, in the middle of the street, and side lots. And to enter into someone else's world half way around the earth and see them doing the same thing was very heartwarming. It was like I was reliving my childhood but with rugby instead of football. As if I was back home with d-but, anthony, kory, dan jeremy, and peter playing some football at Audubon park. carefree and with no worries. 

This week has been great and the family here loves rugby. I've been digesting it like a feast served 24/7. The way SportsCenter plays constantly late into the night, rugby runs like that here. But it is a great sport to play. Maybe I'll bring a ball back and we will get some games going at a park, and the memories once made as children will only be layered with same stories just as a young adult. For I will age, but my spirit will never grow old. I'm forever young.