Poatina celebrates its 16th birthday!
On the 4th of February 16 years ago, the first people arrived in the village to begin a huge journey. Developing the village from a handful of people, to a wonderful place that has impacted thousands.
This morning in our worship service, we celebrated with a carrot cake and had loads of fun reflecting on the past. We heard stories like: a runaway emu and caring for the baby ones in a laundry, and about the way people get in and help when there is a need. Stories of the joy people felt when first arriving and the way people cared for them. Of the 100′s of young people who have been here and the life changing impact this place has had on them. So many great stories!
(the photo here is of a resident who had their birthday today, so we celebrated two birthdays!)
One young lady the other day called us, she lived here many years ago, said:
“Poatina gave me all the skills I needed to get a job and get going in life, it had a huge impact on my life, I wish I knew it at the time – (I was so young and in a lot of need), but now as I look back, I know without Poatina I would not be where I am now.”
We also enjoyed reflecting on what God has ready for us in the next 16 years and beyond!. In our service today we drew on pieces of card about the things we were grateful about Poatina.
Here is a short video clip of some art done during the service, and a reflection from one of the oldest members of the community, who was here when the first few people arrived 16 years ago. She could think of no better place to be to enjoy the next stage of her life.
(Stay tuned as…we will be celebrating more officially, – our 16th birthday, during our Open Day in July)
