Week 2
Spicy But Filling
Why this title you ask? This week we have faced some spicy challenges physically and spiritually and yet overcoming these has been fulfilling.
As we began the week with high hopes for our next tramping trip, the weather was bad and made it dangerous for us to proceed and so we needed to change our plans. This was disappointing for all of us as we were really ready for this trip, we had our bags already packed, our boots on, our hair done and full tummies. So, in the disappointment we had to trust God that his plans were better… and they were! And as a bonus that evening, Hilde made her favourite Dutch meal. Hutspot. It was a good meal in preparation for our next trip.
Going to sleep that night with uncertainty regarding the weather, we weren’t sure what to expect. But when we woke early in the morning, with the van ready to drop us off for our next outdoor adventure, God showed his goodness to us through clear skies and sunshine.
With a renewed energy and expectation, we began our hike with a lot of climbing. For some of us this part was very spicy, our bodies were tired, and we were fighting against our own minds. This meant as a team we had to rely on each other, and we saw that we couldn’t do it alone. Sum put it perfectly when she used the hiking sticks as an image of God. She said that the sticks were like God in that she could lean on her sticks for each step, and they would make the challenge easier. This shows that we can lean on God in every situation. Although it was challenging, together we made it to the hut with a beautiful view and we were fulfilled. Together all the girls decided to sleep outside under the stars and to enjoy the view. We also got the chance to see the sun rising over the landscape and sea. Again, a testament to Gods goodness and we were thankful for the new day.
Before we started the next section of our hike, we continued our Bible study. The further we get into the study, the deeper the questions become and the more personal we need to become with each other and God. For a lot of girls, we had the courage to open our hearts and feelings to the group, which has had a big impact on our trust and connection to each other. This is peer to peer discipleship at a very deep level.
When we were at our last hut, the food that we made was too spicy for most of us. This was yet another learning experience for us all as we learnt that as a team we are not as tolerable to spice as we thought we were. After cooling down, together we read the next chapter of a book that we have been reading throughout the week. We focussed on the idea that we all have questions for God at some point, and we may or may not receive an answer.
Hilde: this was a big challenge for me personally as I try to listen to God, and I still don’t have the answers for the big questions that I have for Him. Maybe because I don’t have patience, or I speak too much and don’t listen enough. But I hope that I can learn here with OTG, how to listen more and speak less while being able to see his answers in the small things. In real life we are always very busy with everything, we have a lot of distractions, and everything comes fast. So, I am learning here to really take time for myself and wait for Gods timing.
I challenge you, what is your biggest question for God and what is your response to not receiving an answer?
Our third and last day of the hike, we were ready for the downhill. Norm challenged us girls to finish the hike by 3pm. It was 10:40 when we left the hut, and the sign said it would take us 5 ½ hours to finish. This meant we needed to complete it in 4 hours and 20mins. Some of us were apprehensive and weren’t sure that we were capable to do it. This is what the world wants you to see and think. The world normalises some things, but we shouldn’t have to listen. For example, our friends and family might say we can’t do something or shouldn’t do it, but when we listen to God, and when he asks us to do something, we should be obedient and trust him for the strength and courage to do it! And guess what…as a team we all did it, we all finished it by 3pm! With teamwork, and belief in ourselves we didn’t conform to the world’s timing, knowing we didn’t have to listen. We can all do so much more than we think!
At the end of the week, we were asked what was something that stood out the most for us. For some of us it was seeing God’s creation, finishing our hike by 3pm, reaching our goals, and learning more about ourselves and each other.
Katie: Something I have been challenged and reminded on this week was how I live my life in response to Jesus’ sacrifice for me. He came not only to cover my sins but to break the curse and nature of sin so that we may have relationship with God through Him. I was challenged to look at my own life and reflect on whether I truly lived life in appreciation and gratitude for the sacrifice Jesus made for me. In life it can be easy to know that Jesus died for you, but how does my life reflect that truth? So, I challenge you as readers to reflect on your life and evaluate how are you living your life in response to Jesus’ death for you? Are you living for Christ and not yourself?
Prayer Points:
For spiritual protection for the group and leaders as we begin to form deep connections with each other and for fortitude as we continue as a team
For the weather as we continue our next outdoor adventure
For the people that we meet and that we would have wisdom and grace as we connect with them.
For reaching our goals and focusing on developing new normals in our lives
For answers to our questions and patience to do so!
Hilde: “Lieve familie, vrienden, collegas en beste lezers. Wat gaaf om Julie reacties op de bolg te lezen elke week. Ik geniet van elk moment hier met de dames en de leiders. Jullie brieven helpen mij elke keer weer als ik even jullie mis. Blijf schrijven en bidden voor mij. En ik zie en spreek jullie over een paar weekjes. Dikke kus en knuffel uit NZ.”
Dear family, friends, colleagues and hello readers. What great to read your reactions on the blog each week. I enjoy every moment with the ladies and the leaders. Your leaders have helped me every time when I miss you. Keep on writing and praying for me and I will see you in about a couple of weeks. Big kisses and hugs from NZ.
Katie: “Kia Ora family, friends and readers from sunny Nelson. Thank you all for your prayers of support and encouragement for me and the team over the last two weeks. I have had such an amazing time already and have seen God’s goodness in so many ways. You will be pleased to know that I have been kept updated regarding the rugby world cup results…Go the AB’s. Praying for you all at home and with your busy lives. You are in my thoughts. Love to you all.”
Thank you all for your comments, they really encourage us as a team each week when we read these. So, keep on praying and writing, we really appreciate it.
Written by Katie (New Zealand) & Hilde (Netherlands) on behalf of the entire OTG Team