Matai

Very soon after meeting Eki, I saw the tattoo peeping out of his sleeve with the word Matautia. Of course all I was concerned about was that this wasn't some girls name that he has foolishly branded himself with before meeting me. I was relieved to learn that this was his Matai name. Eki is an Ali'i, a chief level that is regarded high enough that if ever at a family meeting, others would speak and state their case, and Eki as the Ali'i would be asked to make final decisions. That was all that I understood at the time, and that was enough for me.

Last night Eki was asked twice what his Matai name was. Both times when he told, the men inquiring had the same reaction. Almost visible jaw dropage. This was one of the first times that the subject came up here in New Zealand outside of family events. The reaction was staggering. After we left our function we talked for a while about the Matai, the implications and our combined lack of knowledge.

Previously we have had a bit of the stance that our gospel culture comes first and doesn't leave much room for anything else. However, after last night, seeing the immediate respect and even being told "I view you in a different light now", we got thinking.... If this is something that these men understand, and Eki as a worthy priesthood holder can use it for the good..... Right away, I joked that maybe more people will come to events that Eki invites them too. Although I was joking, what if it is true?

My parents and Eki's parents were always VERY active in Church AND community. I guess last night we realized that we aren't kids anymore (a realization we had AFTER shaking our booty's on the dance floor like 16 year olds). Eki's dad wasn't around to be an even higher Matai than Eki last night. Eki was IT. Maybe it is time to fully understand what that means and the possible good that Eki and I can do because of it..

So today while we go to visit family in the south, we have an agenda, more information on the Matai.....

ANTM

When I lived in Tucson before moving to New Zealand, I lied in my brothers guest house. Every Wednesday night His wife and I would meet in the living room of their home to watch America's Next Top Model. On this very special day of the week, we would plan what dinner we would be eating that night, waiting until her 4 rug rats went to bed. Usually it was a quick trip to Carls Jr. Nothing like eating a 3000 calorie meal while watching 100 lbs models fight it out.

The rest of the week was pretty hectic, but ANTM grew to be "our thing". We would laugh at the cat fights, judge the pictures and bet very early on who would make it til the end. I still occasionally watch ANTM, but Crystal isn't here and it isn't as fun. I miss her.

Every season on the show once the girls get down to 5 or 6 they travel to a fashion capitol of the world to finish the remaining shows. This season, they came to New Zealand!

Last Wednesday night, I watched on TV, the girls land in the airport I have seen to so many times. They drove on the motor way and showed Mangere Bridge where my in-laws live. Then they showed the Auckland skyline, the exact same view Eki and I see every day of our lives. The girls had a challenge right away, but when they were done and taken to their home I was SHOCKED to realize that they were driving them north of Auckland into North Shore where I live! They took the same exit that Eki and I take to go to the beach 10 minutes away from us. Then they pulled up to the tallest building in Takapuna, Where Eki and I had our first date and where we go often for a night time stroll past the shops. In the morning the girls woke up and looked out over MY OCEAN. They Squealed over how beautiful it was, and "not being able to believe that they were here" and "who knew that a place in the world even looked like this". The whole time the camera was showing My Home.

And in normal Darci fashion.... I bawled...

I miss my sister. I miss my family. I miss the States. BUT! I am so lucky to live here! My sister-in-law Crystal hasn't had a chance to come here. Yet, something about the TV show that her and I watched together, showing her my home made it feel like she was here.... I guess just that now she has a visual of where I walk, where I swim. It was strangely overwhelming to me. I felt grateful and laughed at the coincidence.

So thank you ANTM you were once again a highlight in my week!