Ruthless To The End!
Kia Ora once more! We finished up this week feeling bittersweet that we are beginning our last week here with OTG!
We started the week with practicing our skill of flexibility and going with the flow as our initial plan of tramping five days were abruptly altered because of the severe weather. Wild winds and pouring rain kept us off the ridges for Monday and Tuesday. Instead, we were treated with a tour of one of the larger caves deep in the belly of Takaka hill. We were especially blessed to be guided through the caves by a man we had met in a hut the week prior! We concluded that - despite the advantageous acoustics of the cave- our singing skills still need tremendous practice. Amazing Grace did not sound so amazing! =)
Wednesday we set off for our last tramp of OTG! The day started slightly discouraging with a rolled ankle not more than a kilometre from the van. Thankfully, we have one determined teammate who was quick to push through. That, and many supporting teammates to keep us from getting too frazzled. Our tramp was long, but we really enjoyed our time chatting and laughing together. We were relieved to make it to the hut just before dinner. Everyone was exhausted, but pleased with how far we’d come after hiking for eight hours. Alas, the recognition of our perseverance was more remarkable than the distance we’d covered.
The second day of our tramp- ruthless incline through the bush, ruthless speargrass cutting our legs, ruthless boulders just itching to roll our ankles, ruthless wind across the ridge, and ruthless rain pelting our faces. We topped the summit with a view that we’d never seen before…
As you can see- we also didn’t see it that Thursday either!
All things considered - most of our team admitted that Thursday was more enjoyable than the day prior. We accomplished something truly difficult. We run high risk, high reward, (the high reward being hot drinks and a warm fire at the hut.) An evening of commotion and interesting people and conversation ensued with a more-than-full hut.
Friday morning we were up early after a raucous night of shenanigans in the hut. First light brought some warming sun and clearer skies. We finally got to enjoy the fruits of our labour with panoramic views of Mt. Angelus and the prominent peaks surrounding the mountain basin and tarn. The team scrambled up and out of Angleus and up onto the ridge, the winds blowing a decent gale at this point. This kept the sky clear for 20 minutes of unreal views of the rocky terrain. “It looks like the Moon. Wow!” Elisabeth commented multiple times. We punch on running frantically from the sinister looking clouds and relentless winds. We flew down the valley utilising our ninja skills crossing the river a never ending amount of times. Skiing down and sometimes falling down rock fields, we push down and down. There, we take refuge in the bush line, assessing the damage and having a quick smoko (break). The wind was blowing the trees around making us thankful to not be getting pummelled on the ridge. Hopping from roots and wading through mud, we finish strong making it back to the van in record time. The teams sadness in the last tramp coming to completion was very real. Back to OTG Basecamp for a no messing about laundry session and dinner for a quick turn around for the next adventure.
Our focus this week was on reflection. We reflect all that we have learned about God, Christ, Holy Spirit, and ourselves in His image. As we settle on what we want to take from this experience, we were encouraged to think about how we wanted our lives to change outside of OTG. We have truly enjoyed this experience, so what parts can we take home with us? How can we be successful as both leaders and learners?
Prayer Requests:
Prayers again for our teammate who had to leave last week.
Prayers for mental strength to continue with full force to the end of OTG.
Prayers and gratitude for our leaders here at OTG, and for all who sacrifice themselves for Christ and His command to spread the Gospel.
Thank you for praying for our team!
Written by Megan (USA) & Thomas (New Zealand) on behalf of the entire OTG Team!