Kiwis, kayaks and Christ TEA-02/2009

TEA-02/2009

Thank you once again for all your comments and prayers.

We're all having a great time, growing in our relationships with God through our daily devotions and teaching. We've also had a great week with each other with lots of laughs, deep discussions and prayer (chocolate and ice cream too.)

We started the week off at the Woodwards' farm which stunned us by God's beauty. Philip Woodward gave us a tour of the caves where we were amazed at the star-like glowworms. Us girls were glad to be ignorant of the water rats and eels until once we'd made it through! That night, while the girls were tucked away in their tents, the boys had a mission im-possum-ible of their own. The girls heard a few gun shots and the next morning came to realise that the forest was short of 11 and a half possum's!

Us, suited and booted for the cave tour

We headed to Lake Waikaremoana the next day for our kayaking adventure and were rather excited to see that we were staying in cabins for the night. In the morning we got the kayaks and George paired us up... "Oh brother" (to quote Brittney) Kati and Sarah were zig-zagging all over the place! This decision had to be reconsidered... Kati + Sarah + kayak = not gonna happen! Day two of kayaking was stunning, not just because the pairs were reshuffled but because God's presence was there. The sun was beaming and we stopped in the middle of the lake in complete silence to reflect on God's beauty. The lake was like glass and the atmosphere was indescribable.

"We don't like kayaking today!"

Ruth and George setting an example

Brittney deep in thought...

We started to share our testimonies around the camp fire. The work God has done in each of our lives is amazing and we're excited about being on this adventure together and seeing what God will continue to do in us.

Lecker schmecker (German for very yummy)

We spent a couple of nights on another farm - The Wichers' where we had the opportunity to run a kids programme. After church, we sang a few songs with them and Tyler got the opportunity to share his testimony with them. We took the kids to the beach in attempt to swim with a dolphin; Moko, but only Tyler got to touch him and the rest of us got a photograph of it's fin! Jordan played a bit of soccer/football with them, Ally made princess sandcastles with the girls and Ruth got burned... again!

Jordan and Rakai

Hanging around in the sea waiting for Moko...

The following day we stayed in a holiday park in Napier and the sight of a giant jumping pillow unleashed the inner child within us, including George.

It was great to meet TEA 01 yesterday as we've been praying for them for the past few weeks. We continue to head south and ask for you to pray for us as we strive to make God famous.

With love from TEA 02...

Jordan - "It's not a beanie, it's a touque"

Ruth - "I need crisps and bug spray"

Ally - "I'm off chocolate (I'll start tomorrow)"

Brittney - "That's so neat, I wanna picture"

Sarah - "That's brilliant!"

Kati - "I need toilet"

Tyler - "I'll take a coffee"

George - "Where's Tyler...? When Tyler's here, we're all here"

Everyone (but Tyler) - "I can't believe I'm wearing crocs!"

Beautiful picture :)