Into the Wild with Friends & Strangers

Hello Everyone!

We've been in the bush and out of contact for the past week and a half, but we are now glad to catch you up on the latest news with TEA-01/2009!

After arriving at the OM Base at the beginning of TEA, we felt like this was home, but soon came the time to step outside the comfort zone and hit the road! We packed all our stuff for the next 9 weeks into only one backpack and a day pack, and the TEA van became our new home and friend. Once in the van, we headed South, to Taupo.

Some of us took the dare to jump from the 47metre high ramp, strapped only to a bungy cord, into a river that lay beneath. Arhhhhhh!... We heard the scream from Naomi, Hanne, Timon, Daniel and Gunnva.

After one night in a camp ground we celebrated Hanne's 19th birthday (our baby of the TEAm). From there we went tramping with George. George taught us and encouraged us to talk to strangers about the Gospel. Our focus for the whole week was 'To share our Testimony'. How great is our God! To see how He works in us, so no one can argue what Jesus has done in our lives.

We had good conversations with people we met along the way and challenged them to think about their own life and why they are here. On the second day of our hike, we took a day walk up to the ski fields. It was raining and very foggy. We saw snow in the distance and ran very excitedly.

"Home Sweet Home" (or at least it felt that way!), was Dennis and Sharon Capell's home. Set on 1300 acres of land along a beautiful river and built by Dennis himself 20yrs ago. Surrounding the house are goats, sheep, deer and a great watch dog named Honey. Oh, and we could never forget the five adorable 5 week old Golden Labrador puppies! It was almost certain there would only remain 4 after we left...

We all enjoyed our time there very much. Four days had passed and we were preparing to leave. Just the thought of leaving had us missing the delicious home cooked meals and sweets, swimming in the river, playing with puppies, hot showers and the peace and quiet. Oh! and not to forget the sandflies, NOT! We still are itching like crazy monkeys even a week later! Everyone was packed and ready for the next tramp, all except Naomi. Mumma Christy stayed back to look after her. Naomi become unwell from what we believe was an allergy and wasn't fit to tramp. So while we were away on our hike Naomi had the 'Big R (Rest)' over her head.

We all grew fond of Dennis and Sharon's open home and open hearts toward us. It was a great time of learning the importance of prayer. We each chose different countries, family and friends to pray for together. And you never know, we might have been praying for you!

Now imagine six :( of us all quite nervous, sitting in our new home (the van), on our way to our first BIG tramping adventure. Norm drove the van in the direction of Nelson Lakes National Park, a park which is famous for it's great walks. Many things went through our heads on the way there. We had thoughts like...can we do it? Three nights and four days in the back country? Heavy D (Daniel) had his first disillusionment when he lifted up his backpack of 21kg! No joke! For this you must give him a hand. He carried his pack 39 kilometers, with over 1000 steep metres of elevation gain, all of which took us 15 hours to cover.

Thanks to the hungry sand flies, we arrived at the first hut quite early, so we had enough time to meet with fellow backpackers, speak with them and make a yummo dinner. The evening ended by candle light together with a group of trampers from Active New Zealand (a guided adventure group) as well as a girl from France, a guy from Canada, and two Kiwis. The big highlight was the following morning. The guy from Canada challenged us with good questions, and a great discussion began. The girl from France listened carefully but was quiet. Then, as we were just about to go, she began to talk. She told us about her life and that she came to New Zealand to think about her life and future. It was a great opportunity to share our faith and our hope in God. I'm sure this talk will remain in her heart. We pray that she will find God's purpose for her life.

The Travers Valley

After this great conversation we grabbed our backpacks (21kg for Heavy D), and headed off on the second day of our hike for a 5 hour walk that took us through a wonderful forest and up a huge mountain. The walk to Mt. Angelus hut began with a river crossing, but soon after we were climbing up the creek which led up the mountain, higher and higher we went and made our way past many big boulders. Now we understand why Norm (our fantastic Leader) had much to warn us about the physical part of TEA. But we are a TEAm and stuck together. After five hours, two cold mountain lakes and the Mt. Angelus hut appeared. The scenery was spectacular! On that evening we had great conversations with people also in the hut. They were from the UK, France, USA, Canada and many from Israel.

1000 metre climb up Cascade Creek

Morning study in Angelus hut

After a people crammed, hot (because someone had to light a fire!) noisy night (Hanne: "I've never snored before!"), some of the TEAm awoke early thirsty for action! So, Norm took them to the very top of Mt Angelus. They enjoyed an endless view of the surrounding mountains. How Great is our God!! But this day wasn't over yet. A fantastic walk along the Robert's Ridge led us all to another hut.

Can you find us?

Quite exhausted yet full with great impression, we arrived at Bushline Hut. Probably the hut with the best view ever :)! A small girl (4 years) and her mother were already there, and a Kiwi couple joined us not long after. Honestly, we were quite happy to jump in bed after a nice hot dinner. The next morning, the LOUDEST alarm ever woke us at 5:30am! Three male Kea's entertained one female Kea, and eleven startled trampers! But it was a good excuse to watch the sunrise.

We made it to the top! Oh yeah! Oh yeah!

The whole trip was challenging, yes it was. But what we received through talking with strangers, tramping, laughter, praying and studying... was all worth the challenge. We thank the Lord for what He did and is doing, and will do!

The whole TEAm back together again!

Sunrise on the beach in Kaikoura

Out on the Kaikoura Peninsula

Thank you for praying for us!

TEA-01/2009