Our Last South Island Adventures!

Hello everyone!

Sorry it has been such a long time since we let you know how we are doing, but we have been out in the bush and so very busy the last few weeks. Sooo... this is what we have been up too.

We were back at the Salt's backpackers (Eden's Edge, Wed July 8th) and three of the team found the prospect of jumping out of a plane a sensible idea. Audra, Bea and Phil screamed to their heart's content, while hurling through the air at 200 kmh. We need not say, smiles were beaming for the rest of the day.

Friday started with us going to Nelson with our surveys about honesty and character, many conversations took place, and some of us found ourselves talking deeply about our faith, and what God means to us. We headed back to Riwaka satisfied, with some of us (i.e Audra) smelling more like coffee than ever before!

We were able to help out at Chris and Liz's around their lovely pool, before challenging our bodies at the indoor climbing centre. Many of us finally conquered the goals set before and above us! After exhausting our bodies, it was time to challenge our minds in a stimulating and tough team exercise that went on until late.



While at the Truth Finders church in Motueka, Audra and Nathan set their fears aside and shared something from their hearts that were truly encouraging and touching to all who were listening. Amazing Job!


It was time for Sara to set her fears aside also, and to jump out of plane. She was beaming for the rest of the day.


After a good needed rest in the sunshine we had the pleasure of having an extensive crepes dinner, prepared by our resident Swiss. With huge bellies we waddled to the wharf in the dark. Having had many scares and photos of head-torch art, we slept peacefully ready for our last tramp....


After a good night sleep, we got ready to leave Chris and Liz’s backpackers. They waved us good bye and it was all a bit emotional, but we didn’t know what was waiting for us. We left for our last tramp through the Richmond Forest Park, leading us through amazing scenery including some of the places Lord of the Rings was filmed. We spent a night in Rocks Hut which turned out to be Norm’s last officially allowed night in a hut as his pass expired that exact day. Good job to the guys, they carried tarps and sleeping mats so they could sleep outside and give up some space for the girls to enjoy the tiny Captains Hut, a small 6 bed hut, where we stayed the next day. After our last porridge breakfast, which Norm took great care of not burning, we walked along the greenest river we have ever seen. As we walked fast enough to be ready for a refreshing bath we jumped into the cold waters of the Emerald Pool. It was quite amusing for those watching… our screams (due to the cold water) reminded the spectators of scene from the sinking of the Titanic.

A few minutes later, we were surprised to reach the Capell’s place, as we were still out in the bush. We were welcomed by Honey, Dennis and Sharon’s yellow Labrador and the yelling of many baby goats. We knew we were going to stay in an unusual place cut out of “civilisation”, but we felt so blessed being allowed to stay there. The house built by Dennis and Sharon was amazing and we quickly got to like the simplicity of their lifestyle – saving hot water and solar produced electricity. Without distractions we had plenty of time to enjoy the beauty of the surroundings, to relax and study and certainly to have great talks.


You haven’t yet heard about Sharon’s cooking and baking skills!!! You would know then that in order to stay in shape exercise is truly recommended. The guys went into the woods to cut timber with chainsaws and axes, but the girls decided they prefer cuddling up in the sofas and watch Jane Austin’s Sense and Sensibility amongst others… Yes, indeed!



On a bright night under a starry sky we had a huge bonfire to burn all the small branches we collected around the house grabbing the opportunity to grill sausages on sticks and chocolate bananas. Norm and Honey the dog enjoyed taking a few of us every morning out possum hunting and reduced the total number of 90 millions possums by three.

Since the boys left a dead rat on the girls' doorstep, the girls retaliated with several courses of action : the alarm clock at 3 in the morning was an absolute success. However, the stones and plank of wood under the matresses and the cow dung next to each bed remained unoticed by the boys. Do not ask how!...

Our service on Sunday morning was quite special, as we joined the Capell’s and Amy and Susie’s family for their weekly meeting at the Capell’s. Dennis encouraged everyone by reminding us to be patient and wait for God’s answers in times of trouble. And Sharon had a wise word in saying that we were called to give every moment of our days to the Lord and let Him work through them and not to worry too much about the future.

Before we left, Sharon spoiled us with another magnificent meal and lovely desert. From there we continued our journey back to the North Island, through Picton, and then our ferry ride on calm seas and sunny weather. We stopped off at Gravity Canyon where Karo, Bea, Audra and Phil gained a certificate of "Masters of Velocity" after going on an 80m swing through a canyon. In Napier we enjoyed spending a day there with taking a tour to look at the famous Art Deco stuff and playing mini-golf.

Everyone practicing the "Haka" pose...

Thank you for praying for us during our journey.

Please pray for:

- That we remain focused during the time we have left here, and do not turn our eyes towards home before its time.

- Travel safety and for everyone to stay healthy.

- That we continue to work as a team and support, encourage, and stay unified with each other during our remaining time here.

- That we stay open to meeting new people in our last week, and that we have ears to hear what God wants to teach us each day.

Thank you & we'll post our last entry soon!

TEA-03/2009 (Sara, Audra, Nathan, Thomas, Karo, Bea, Phil)