Haka On A Waka!
Hi everyone - we will tell you about this past week on OTG, that included two birthdays in it (which never happened before on a team!)
Three days of kayaking! Monday we had perfect weather and calm seas all day, perfect to enjoy Abel Tasman National Park from another point of view than last week. We almost had 90 degrees throughout the whole trip (It’s not about the weather, it’s about the kayak technique). The beaches were stunning and the ‘mad mile’ wasn’t mad at all; unlike the Weka (I think a non-Christian bird), stealing a zip-lock back with muesli bars in it. Fortunately David and Noah were fast enough and took it back. We went as well for a swim in Anchorage Bay and saw the full moon rise at Te Pukatea Bay, where it was bright enough to walk on the beach without a head torch.
Tuesday was the busiest day yet! Started by carrying cases for strangers instead of going kayaking straight away and making the most of the high tide. However, we still got to Cleopatra’s Pool and then went down a natural water slide which was a very cool experience (cool in two different ways, cold and fun). The Maori group we helped with carrying invited us to learn some traditional stick fighting, which was an amazing experience, but it did not stop there. They were so welcoming and kind and asked us if we could sing songs, eat dinner together and learn more about each others lives and cultures.
Wednesday started with a beautiful sunrise from a lookout, leading headline of the blog, Haka on Waka! We were invited by the Maori group to take a ride on a traditional Waka (racing canoe) and we were taught a Haka that they use when they were arriving on a beach. We were taught how to greet them with a hongi before singing songs with them once again. After that we were leaving for Marahau and once again passing by Adele Island to see plenty of cute seals on the rocks.
During the past week we finished up on the Old Testament, seeing the promises and covenants God gave and made to the people of the time and how they lead into the New Testament that we started this week. We see how it all works together and how it points to Christ and the promises that God has given us through Him and how they impact our lives as well as how we think about and interact with others. This week has been prayer focused, challenging us to pray not for ourselves and not for having comfortability in life at all, and more for others and for God to challenge us all. Five of our team had the opportunity to speak at a local church on Sunday, which was a great opportunity to share about why we are on Off The Grid and what God is doing in our lives.
Prayer Requests:
Pray that we continue to grow as a team and challenge each other, sharpening each and building one another to grow as leaders and in our purpose and life for Christ.
Going back to hiking this week coming, that there would be no knee pain and blisters anymore.
To reflect on the first half of OTG, digging deeper and start to think about how we will go back into normal life.
Personal Note: David
Hoi zäme! Schono komisch garnüt vo eu allne z ghöre (das heisst ich vermiss eu :) - bitte kommentiered flissig (Jael wie goots dir?) - kommentär läse isch für üs es chlises highlight womer eimal pro wuche hendl! Papi: Chasch echt fürs Pfingswuchenend de Bus organisiere zum direkt zügle wenni heichum? das wär brilliant! Mir hend e echt gueti ziit do und lerned extrem vill us de bible und über üs selber! Danke für alli eure Gebet und bis bald! David
Personal Note David (Translation)
Hello all! It’s a lil bit strange to hear nothing from you (that means I miss you all :) - please comment on the blog (Jael how are you?) - to read the comments is a small weekly highlight we have! Daddy: May you organise the moving van for the weekend I come back? Would be great! We have a really really good time here and learn a lot from the Bible and about ourselves! Thanks for all your prayers and see you soon! David
Personal Note: Noah
Hi everyone, hope you’re all well! Having a great time here with the team and enjoyed birthday kayaking. Thanks for all your comments and prayer. Praying for you all and can’t wait to see you all soon! Noah.
Written by David (Switzerland) & Noah (England) on behalf of the entire OTG Team