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| Agave americana on Bluff Hill, Napier |
The Agave americana or century plant, as it's called in the USA, isn't native to New Zealand. It was brought here from North America and has 'gone native', if you will. Jean and I haven't gone native in New Zealand, but then the cultural and linguistic shifts required of Americans coming to New Zealand are relatively minor. Moreover, we've not put down deep roots. But Aoteora New Zealand and her people won't be forgotten. Even as we return to our native shores, Kiwi memories will abide. These posts will serve to enliven those memories. And I hope these posts have served and will serve to enliven New Zealand -- at least somewhat -- for web viewers and readers around the world.
Inevitably to see, to really see a place, one must learn stories to frame the seeing. This is no less true of New Zealand than any other place. Stories are captured and shared in histories, biographies, correspondence, fiction, poetry, song, and even abstractly in sport and dance. These posts have more often alluded to New Zealand's stories than related them. Whatever I may have shared is little; whatever more I could have learned is much, a great much. But Aotearoa New Zealand has taken hold and we, Jean and I, are thankful for that, for the people we've met and the places we've seen.
May God grant that New Zealand and her people flourish. May her songs abide and grow in His grace.
Warm regards,
Tim (& Jean)
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