roses, chocolate and dates

Sorry I haven't written in so long, it's been busy here.
My time here is almost over! We only have one week left until graduation. I can't believe that it has gone so fast. We just got here yesterday. I can actually remember the very first day I was here. I sat beside Garrett in the van when they picked me up and we didn't say a word to each other except 'Hi' when I got in. hahha Funny story to tell now but completely different cause everyone can't stop talking!

It has been an incredible experience and I will be sad to say goodbye but seriously I am glad that I did it cause I just have that many more friends and new things to know. I got to hang out with Kiwi's which is a fun thing in itself and I am going to travel all around both islands, so it's pretty awesome.

Last night, the boys did something very special for us. They had invited us earlier this week to attend a surprise afternoon outside and then a formal dinner here at the crossing. So at 2.40pm, we met them outside and two of them drove us to somewhere we didn't know where. We pull up to a normal house and when we get in the drive way, there standing are 3 horses. Yes, we did get to ride them! It was really fun. We took turns, riding, leading and whatnot. It was so fun cause we had talked about it a long time ago how that would be so fun. Good guys, they actually listen!

So they drive us home, and we have an hour to get ready before dinner. Of course, it's a mad house in the room of 5 girls, but Patti helped with with our hair and dresses. I borrowed a dress from a girl in town [and yes, for all of you who actually know me, I'm not a fan of the dress thing, but it was a formal occasion so i had to and no i did not die..]. We all got ready and the boys came upstairs to the room to pick us up. We only have 4 boys at the crossing but there was a friend from the city in, just in time for the fun. We each had a date and Aaron was mine. What gentlemen, they complimented us, gave us each a yellow rose, took our arms and opened doors, taking us downstairs. They open the doors to a lovely table set for 5, fire lit in the background and music playing softly. Seriously, we got so spoiled. They pulled our chairs out and called us by our last names [Miss Hofs]. They of course, were all in black suit pants, white collared shirts, with bow ties and ties, hair all done and shaved faces...well most of them anyway. They introduced themselves, and then started the evening. They brought us the salad, very tasty, and poured us water, and wine[haha. bible school..it was grape juice.]We ate, they served, they took our plates, brought us the main meal. Cordon Bleu on pasta with green beans on the side. very Yummy!! Then they brought is dessert later on. Peeled pears, cooked a bit, in a syrupy sauce, and tea, it was incredible!
During this some time, Paul came out and chatted for a bit and then he explained that the guys had got together and wrote a little something about each of us. They were just complimenting us and sharing their appreciation for us. It was really really cute and very thoughtful, and funny too. Then after dinner, they took us by the arms again, and we all took pictures with our dates and then a couple of group pictures. Fun times. Then we escorted us back to our room, where we were to get ready for the next part of the evening, of course again, a surprise. We were to get into something comfy and we had a bit of time for them to prepare. At 7.45pm, we headed downstairs where the next part was awaiting us. They open the door for us to find chocolate and carmel fondue!!! With all fruits..cookies..muffins..and popcorn, cause they know us so well! Hah It was so fun. We sat around, ate and drank, talked and laughed, took more pictures. They were such gentlemen the whole night, never leaving their roles as waiters or dates. It was fun. I'm not usually into that scene but tonight was good, very good. After all that, they cleaned up and didn't let us touch a dish. Good for them, eh? Good guys we have here, and it's going to be hard to leave them.
Now for what I know most of you want to see, pictures.


This is Tiffany and I

moi, if you don't recognize me.. ;)



Me and my date, Aaron.

The whole group, and one other guy, a friend from the city, to make the number even!