A Rich Tapestry of Life

People, places, experiences are who we are and what we were designed for. No man is an island. We were born for connection, for community, for belonging. How rich and wonderful are those people, places and experiences when they involve getting to know another’s background, culture and ways of doing things. So often humanity is fearful of the unknown. A different culture, a different belief, a different way of doing things. 

Over the past five days, we have had the privilege of hosting friends from Auckland. Dual reasons for their visit. One to surprise one of their sons who is currently attending the Wellington School of Dance, for his birthday. The second, to experience the Greytown Mid-winter Christmas Festival on its last night for 2026. 

However, while these were the reasons for the journey, another reason presented itself as a wonderfully unexpected bonus, of taking time to breathe, to reset, to commune with friends, refreshing the lenses as it were. A reprieve from a very busy household of parents and young adults living together in a compact, but efficient space. 

We met as students and then leaders in New Zealand School of Faith. Attending the bi-annual intensives meant my staying with these welcoming friends. Their young adults giving up their beds for visitors from around the country, who now became Aunty’s and Uncles to the children. For this family of South African origins, the mother of Indian culture, this has been the most colourful and precious friendship. Over the years, they have opened their home, their culture and their hearts to me, and all my family, and now friends. 

Due to their son starting his tertiary education in Wellington, it has brought them down our way more often and we have been able to reciprocate hosting them in our home. Each time as members of the family come to stay, the house is full and bustling, the laughter instant, the deep listening and sharing always special. However, the irresistible fragrances coming from the kitchen and later the dining table, when a beautiful Indian meal is prepared for us, is the beautiful, unexpected bonus of a cross cultural friendship.

This trip brought with it some very special and unexpected delights. Firstly, my friend brought her friend, whom I had met at their home and at an intensive. A woman who I felt instant connection with, and who I admire as being an overcomer, on an amazing journey of being the phoenix that rises from the ashes. Warm hearted, twinkling, laughing eyes and sparkle that is infectious. Between the two of them, their generosity and thankfulness for the visit has been heartwarming, almost overwhelming. 

On Monday we were invited to visit a dear friend, who had her bestie staying from Wanaka whom she had wanted her close friends to meet. She arranged for us to gather over a coffee and meet each other. She was only too happy for my visiting friends to come along too. Wow this gathering was full of unexpected connections, heartwarming love and acceptance, prayer and prophetic releases for previously unknown, now connected friends. There was healing and expectation for other healing. We all knew something incredibly special had taken place.

As I reflect on this very special time with our Indian friends here, that incredible gathering on Monday morning, I am also reminded of another monthly gathering which is such a treasure also, our monthly book club. Women who have all come through connection, chanced meetings or newly arrived in the neighbourhood. All from different backgrounds, of varying ages, we thoroughly enjoy each other’s company. It is an absolute delight not only to discuss the book we have read, I love those conversations, but the sheer pleasure of connecting each month with a group of very special women. 

Getting to know people from different walks of life, different cultures, different backgrounds and experiences is a blessing. A true treasure of what it means to be human. How precious it is to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes as we encounter their stories, understanding their struggles and successes. To encourage and love and bless each other, by being present, being interested and by taking time to get to know one another. It is truly a rich tapestry of life.