Week 3
Stormy Sea(son) And Glowing Memories
At the start of our third week, we had no time to lose. We left Basecamp early in the morning and headed to the Abel Tasman National Park for our three days kayaking trip. Because of the weather forecast for the afternoon, our goal was to reach the campsite before heavy winds came up. Unfortunately, already in the morning, we had a quiet strong head wind and the conditions were rough. For some of us this was really challenging, especially for those, who haven’t been kayaking before. We had to learn that sometimes even when you’re good prepared there’s no guarantee, that you may face difficulties. In these seasons it’s good to know that there’s a God, who is with us in the storms of our life. He is our hope and strength and helps us getting through, so that we can come back stronger than before.
And also as a team we experienced what it’s like to take care of each other, in cheering each other up, slowing down to wait for one another and having someone else in your boat you can rely on.
As we reached our campsite, we were pretty exhausted but at the same time proud of what we had accomplished on that day. In the evening we enjoyed a beautiful walk in the moonlight on the beach to find glow worms in a cave. For all of us it was astonishing to see God’s creativity in small things.
Tired but satisfied with all that we experienced on that day, we fell asleep in our cosy tents.
The next two days of our kayaking trip were less challenging for us, because the wind conditions were better and the sea was calm. We had the chance to explore the nature around us with all its living creatures and the beautiful landscapes, which showed us again the glory of God.
One thing we focused on during our trip, was how we can connect to people we don’t know and share our faith with them. We talked about what was holding us back from doing it in our everyday life in the past and learnt that God washes away these insecurities, so that we can share the good news to others.
Meeting new people isn’t that difficult when you’re on a campsite, so some of us already had the chance to have conversations with the other travellers and ask them about their beliefs.
What the kayaking trip taught us in general is that there are seasons in life which are easy and some which are hard. But it’s always worth it to keep on going and trust God that he is the Lord of the situation.
In which season of life are you right now? Do you believe that God is your protector and provider in this time?
The next few days we spent at basecamp continuing with our Bible study and leadership training.
We had time to remember what has happened the last three weeks, because guess what… We’re already halfway through!!!
To reflect about that we had a beautiful walk on the beach. It’s amazing what God has already done in our hearts and how much we’ve grown together as a group of sisters. But even though three weeks did already pass, the glass is still half full. And so, we also talked about how we want to spend our time intentionally in the weeks we have left and enjoy every little moment that’s coming.
Another theme that accompanied us through this week was who God is for us. In the Bible we can read about the numerous facets of God towards his people. The same God is still working today and we can experience His presence on every day of our life. Through Jesus we can have a relationship with this immeasurable God. There are not enough names to describe Him.
Prayer Points:
That we can experience God’s presence more and more and grow closer to him
That the things we’re learning can shape us and help us in our everyday life
For a strong sisterhood and deep conversations with each other and the people around us
For protection and strength during our upcoming tramp (it’s getting cold up there…)
That we can enjoy the second half of OTG and can make the best out of every moment
Sophia: “Hallo Zusammen,
Ab heute werden bei euch die Tage noch kürzer und dunkler..:// Brrrr
Ich bin froh auf der sonnigen Seite der Erde zu sein und genieße meinen verlängerten Sommer mit den Leuten hier. Es gibt so viel schönes zu entdecken und kennenzulernen, sei es die Natur oder das Essen J.
Und auch mit den Sandflies bin ich schon in Kontakt gekommen, die sind wirklich lästig, also seid froh, dass ihr bei euch jetzt keine Mücken mehr habt.
Ich bin super dankbar für die Zeit, die ich bisher hatte und eure Unterstützung im Gebet & freue mich auf die kommenden Wochen.
Seid alle lieb gegrüßt und genießt eure Kürbissuppen.
Eure Sophia”
Hello everyone,
Since today the days back home are getting shorter and darker… Brrr.
I am happy to be on the sunny side of the earth and enjoy my extended summer here with all the people. There is so much to discover and get to know, whether it’s the nature or the food. And also, already got in contact with the sandflies, they are really annoying here, so be glad that all the gnats are now gone in Germany.
I am very thankful for the time I already had here and for all your prayers for me. I am really looking forward to the upcoming weeks. Best wishes and enjoy your pumpkin soups.
Yours Sophia
Jaelle: “Hallo zäme, liebi Fründe und Familie! Ig gniesse d Zit hie z Neuseeland u mega. Mir hei scho so viu dörfe erläbe und ig fröie mi, uf aues wo no chunnt. Mir dörfe jede Tag e chli me vo Gottes wunderbarer Schöpfig entdecke und ihn meh und meh lehre kenne. Danke viu mau für au öii Gebät und öies a mi Dänke. Sit gsägnet und bis gli!”
Hello together dear friends and family! I really enjoy my time here in New Zealand. We’ve already experienced so much and I’m looking forward to everything that’s still ahead of us. Every day we can discover more of Gods wonderful creation and we get to know him more and more. Thank you so much for all your prayers and for thinking of me. Be blessed and see you soon!
Thank you very much for all your prayers and your comments on the last blog. We appreciate your support and looking forward to read more from you.
Written by Sophia (Germany) & Jaelle (Switzerland) on behalf of the entire OTG Team