Week 6: Next Steps!
Kia Ora from New Zealand!
We cannot believe it is our last day on Off The GRID! Time has flown by so quickly, but we have learned to appreciate every moment with each other. As four of us reflect, while Artie bounces off the walls, we wanted to share about some things we have come to know about ourselves and some encouragement for the next team!
This week we focused on what our steps after the program could look like. The team really wants to implement what we have learned during these 40 days of discipleship & leadership training and show how we have grown in all areas of our life. For some of us, we will head off to university, start a life of missions in a foreign country, continue to serve in New Zealand, travel the world, and the most exciting one…see where God leads us! (Some of do not know exactly what awaits us).
Making a new friend along the way
A cow telling us to mooove
Hallum (Australia):
Q: Where are you at right now?
A: I’m at a place where I feel that I need to act on the things that God is calling me to do. And continue to be uncomfortable in order to rely on him.
Q: What is the most surprising thing you’ve learned about yourself here?
A: That I need a community of people to share with in order to get the most out of myself and my relationship with God.
Q: What has been your biggest obstacle?
A: Getting to a point where I felt comfortable sharing within the group and opening up emotionally and spiritually.
Q: Advice for the next team!
A: Don’t be afraid of the unknown, whether that be the physical or team aspects of OTG- or in your walk with God.
Hallum teaching on suffering for being a Christian and having our faith tested)
Artie (USA):
Q: Where are you at right now?
A: I am at a place where I have built a solid foundation with my faith. I am ready to go out into the world and build upon that foundation!
Q: What I the most surprising thing you’ve learned about yourself here?
A: That community is extremely important to me, and that the people around me help challenge me in my walk with God.
Q: What has been your biggest obstacle?
A: Preparing myself for the work that needs to be done to transform myself into the man that God wants me to become.
Q: Advice for the next team!
A: Enjoy every moment! (whether it be good or bad), seek a deep relationship with one another, and embrace the NOW!
The boys on a hike
Thirza (Switzerland):
Q: Where are you at right now?
A: I am very motivated to apply the things I’ve learned here back at home. For example, to share with my small group, friends, and family. I am excited to get started!
Q: What I the most surprising thing you’ve learned about yourself here?
A: We did a lot of personal assessments about our personalities and character. They helped put familiar concepts and ideas into words that helped me understand myself better. As well, I was surprised by how the team clicked so well and how the group challenged me along the way.
Q: What has been your biggest obstacle?
A: Myself. I stand in my way sometimes. I limit myself when I know that I have more potential.
Q: Advice for the next team!
A: You will learn a bunch whether you want to or not- there are so many unexpected things! Just get in the ‘wan’ (van) and go along for the ride!
Jumping for joy!
Josh (New Zealand):
Q: Where are you at right now?
A: Excited for what’s to come!
Q: What I the most surprising thing you’ve learned about yourself here?
A: Humility- I learned that I need to humble myself.
Q: What has been your biggest obstacle?
A: Managing time- It was difficult to find the balance between investing in others and investing in personal development.
Q: Advice for the next team!
A: Write everything down! You only get back what you put in, so invest deeply.
Joelle (USA):
Q: Where are you at right now?
A: I have been reflecting a lot. I am trying to hold on to and remember all the little moments and all the massive things that I have learned. How will it all look like when I go back home? Will my friends and family notice a difference in the way that I speak or live?
Q: What I the most surprising thing you’ve learned about yourself here?
A: That I can do hard things! I am so much more capable than I realize, and I need to push my boundaries so that I can experience and help others with my greatest potential.
Q: What has been your biggest obstacle?
A: Getting up those mountains! My team was so supportive along every (literal) step of the way, and we always had a big celebration once we all got to the top. I could not have asked for a better team. They cheered me on from the first tramp to the last.
Q: Advice for the next team!
A: Take lots of appreciation moments! (Thanks, Thirza, for introducing them). Appreciate the little things like washing dishes together to the massive things like summiting a mountain. Every view is special and every conversation with these guys is a blessing.
On top of Mt. Isobel
It has been such a fun journey to grow together as a team, and we cannot wait for what is to come! Thank you to our leaders for supporting us, and our friends and family for praying for us along way. Time to go out and make disciples!
Chaotic family photo
Prayer Requests:
· For our re-entry back home, that we can implement what we have learned here
· Safe travels in the weeks ahead
· For the next OTG team as they prepare for their own journey to NZ in October
Written by Joelle (USA) & Artie (USA) on behalf of the entire Off The GRID Team
Week 5 - OPERATION: Bible, Boulder, Saws!
Kia Ora from New Zealand!
Since this was our last tramp on Off The GRID (don’t worry, we aren’t completely done yet!) we thought we’d share how far the team has come, specifically some of the challenges we have had to face, to encourage future teams.
The week started out a bit rocky with a change of plans due to some road access closures. Originally, we would have been climbing Mount Arthur, but thanks to our experienced leaders we were blessed with yet another beautiful and sunny tramp, this time in the Richmond Ranges. It started out with a little long and a VERY steep climb, but these are the moments when our team learned to partake in Thirza’s ‘appreciation-moments’, prayer breaks to refocus on God and His strength, and a lot of chocolate to encourage each other. That night we shared Rocks Hut with another hiker, who was a very avid reader to say the least (19 books in 27 days!).
The VERY steep climb ended up being worth it!
The next day during our Bible study we began by praying for each other and people back home. Our prayers included that everyone would be able to take what they have learned so far in this leadership development program and establish it in our everyday lives. We talked about the ‘end of the story’, and what it will look like when God’s kingdom has been fully realised here on Earth. A question we asked ourselves was if we are truly excited for Jesus’ return and if we are actually living in that hope.
Bible study at Rocks Hut
Afterward, our team took a day ‘walk’ (if you need hiking boots and are off-track, are you even allowed to call that a walk!?!) up to the ridgeline overlooking the Richmond Ranges. What a view, feeling like we were on top of the world (because we basically were)! Some serious bush bashing brought us to the base of a considerably large boulder (and also brought back memories of some Aussie guy barrelling out of the bush…). Climbing that colossal boulder as a team, we realised how much we can rely on each other (and now we actually were on top of the world!). The trust that has been built (borrowed, not earned ;) over the past five weeks really shows itself in these moments where we can take our teammates’ hands to pull us up the literal and metaphorical boulders that we will face along the way.
Climbing our ‘boulder’… literally!
The barrelling Aussie guy
Slipping and sliding back down to Rocks Hut from the ridgeline, our team faced a new challenge. Chopping firewood! Operating like a well-oiled machine, everyone played a vital role in providing future hikers staying at the hut with dry firewood. The blood and sweat (and some tears) were well worth it since this was one way to show love to our neighbours. Some of us were out felling whole trees (some say as tall as the mountains around us, but those were also the ones who had to carry them back to the hut!), others sawed with all their might (and when that ran out, they instead resorted to the old ‘stomp on it till it breaks’ method), and still more of us were charged with snapping the branches and twigs for kindling (thankfully no eye patches were needed)!
The ‘well-oiled machine’. Chop chop!
The one where we almost fell down the mountain!
As it was our last night out in the New Zealand bush, the team as a whole decided to sleep outside, bravely facing the rain, cold, and the (supposedly) carnivorous snails. Unfortunately, we did not fare well against the elements, and no one had a good night's sleep (whether this was caused by the carnivorous snails or deafening snorers, one could not tell)! But remembering we are incredibly blessed to be in the mountains and able to sleep outside, it was definitely worth it.
The boys in their cold yet natural habitat
The girls in their natural habitat: Gla-gla-glamping
After making it back to the van (in today’s episode of Language Barriers, we would like to recognise that it is ‘V’an not ‘W’an. Tune in next time for Thirza’s interpretation of ‘V’egemite, ‘Wedgie’-mite!) and heading back to base camp (thanks Christy for remembering to pick us up!), some of us took the opportunity to catch up on some of that lost sleep from the night before, whilst caught in a lovely Nelson traffic jam. We appreciated the traditional post-tramp Mexican meal even more than usual knowing that it was our last one (we were starting to realise how the disciples must have felt during the Last Supper…).
The next morning, we got to video call our teammate who had to leave earlier in the program. We had been hoping for this to be set up, and it was great to be together as the original team once more. Catching up and praying with each other, we promised it wouldn’t be the last time we would all be talking as a team.
The morning continued with our Swiss friend leading the daily Bible study, on the book of Jonah. We discussed how God challenges us in the way He wants to use us, and how it is a privilege to be a part of His plan. Our group also thought about the goodness and mercy of God and how the book of Jonah ties to the New Testament, drawing parallels to Jesus’ parable of the ‘workers in the vineyard’.
Seeing as our team has really grown together and we have learned so much from each member, we challenge the next team (and all future teams) to focus on serving each other. Find ways to encourage and help each of your teammates to face their ‘boulders’. Keep your eyes and hearts fixed on God and support your team in finding new ways to appreciate God’s creation, relation, and salvation.
Prayer Requests:
· With one week to go, we have some teammates down with a heavy cold. Please be praying for a quick recovery so
that they can enjoy the remainder of their OTG journey.
· That our blog posts encourage the next team to make the most of their OTG experience.
· Our upcoming road trip: for safety whilst travelling, a reliable rental ‘w’an, that we use our time well in the next week.
Written by Hallum (AU) & Thirza (CH) on behalf of the entire Off The GRID Team.
Week 4: What Just Bit Me…?
Kia Ora from New Zealand!
The week began with a hive of activity as we made ready our tramping supplies for a departure directly from church. After some deeply nourishing saussies at the church mission BBQ (for those who don’t know: Bunnings snags [for those who don’t know: grilled sausages]), we were ready and raring to go. We ignored the many warnings from our friends at church about the weather we were to expect and remained optimistic about the chilly conditions. We bundled into the car with no seat left to spare and headed toward Nelson Lakes. The polar surroundings were becoming more apparent as we descended deeper into the National Park. Nothing a steep hill climb couldn’t fix. Once the heart rate was up and the stunning vista was sighted (plus a few pieces of chocolate), all thoughts of frost were vanquished.
After arriving at our first destination, it didn’t take long for Joelle to befriend the young family who was also hunkering down with us for the night. More games of Uno were played than dishes were washed for this particular team member (who shall remain anonymous) in the exemplary opinion of this week’s blog writers!
Keeping to tradition (twice now), a few of us slept outside to better appreciate the stars and for the ongoing diplomatic pursuit of improving human-weka relations. Perhaps we are making progress, because this time it wasn’t a weka causing problems, instead we woke up to a kea trying to tear down our tarp.
The next leg of our tramp was a long but valuable one. We partnered up with different teammates and tackled some meaningful questions to find out more about ourselves. We considered questions about what the Kingdom of God is and what it means for us to be heirs to the Kingdom. Not only the privileges we are given in that role, but also the responsibilities we have been charged with. We then talked about it as a group overlooking the aforementioned stunning vista.
A different location for today’s Bible study
After tramping for five hours, a new challenge loomed (and swung) before us. A ~70m swing bridge. Who would dare attempt such a treacherous crossing with no hands to assist them? Many tried (well, all of us), but few succeeded (well, only one of us). One of our leaders, Penny Sue, made the successful crossing, and Hallum was a close second. Safe to say, the bridge was swung.
As we approached our final hut for this tramp we were faced with a decision. Would we brave the frigid waters of Lake Rotoiti? Two daring lads took up the mantle. Our minds were preoccupied on the march to the jetty by the inevitable loss of body heat. This concern was quickly disregarded. We got ourselves ready to plunge in the lake, and as we were sitting, Hallum dipped his toes in after specifically being advised not to touch the water before jumping in (so the temperature didn’t put him off). The countdown began. 3… 2… WHAT JUST BIT ME??? A head torch shines its light into the darkness below and, there, looking up at us, were three sets of beady eyes. At this point, we recalled seeing a sign alluding to the monsters that lurk beneath the reeds. At first, we assumed Norm was playing a prank, but he was just as surprised to learn that an eel had just enjoyed some fine Australian toe. Fortunately, no damage was done, but it took a lot of convincing to get Hallum into the water after that! 10/10 for encouragement by Josh, Norm, and Ricky.
The scene of the crime, the morning after the ‘eel incident’
One other highlight of this tramp was when Artie made a friend who is affectionately known to the group as “Craig the Photographer”. They connected on their love of photography and Craig shared his tricks of the trade to help Artie with photographing the Milky Way that night. Thank you, Craig, and bravo to you two for staying out in the cold for so long to capture those insanely good photos!
Artie impresses us with his newly refined photography skills
Apparently it was a bit cold overnight. Some surprisingly frozen tights
The week was far from over! As soon as we got back to Basecamp we were packing to head off to Golden Bay. And we had a few stops along the way…
There is a lot to say about our first full day at Golden Bay. We crawled through caves and dodged some waves. We saw a seal or two, plus a few, and one of them had a chew on Artie’s shoe! The seals really feel like a big deal especially hot on the heels of our experience with eels stealing a meal. They were swimming and playing around with full rule, which was cool, but a couple of them fancied showing off for the cameras beside the rock pool. We all stood around watching them effortlessly jump and dive over and around each other and were enamored by yet another part of God’s Creation (sorry but we abandoned the rhyming on that last one).
Sunrise at Golden Bay
A seal pup showing off to the camera
Missing our teammate that had to leave the programme early
We were given some time during our busy week to consider all the conversations we’ve been having and the Bible study we’ve been doing. Digging deeper into the Great Commission and to boldly share the Good News through intentionally building relationships and discipleship. As Christians, it is encouraging to know that God has a plan in motion to reach the world with the hope of Christ. We want to be intentional about reaching out to those God puts in our path – praying for eyes to see the opportunities we are given. As we wrap up another week of study, the impactful truth of the Lord’s great gift of salvation creates hearts of gratitude.
Abel Tasman memorial (first team to successfully form a human pyramid at this location)
We had an early start on Sunday at the before service prayer meeting at Hope Community Church. It was our last Sunday at this church while on Off The GRID. We have really enjoyed the people we have met, the messages we have heard, and the morning tea after the service!
Prayer Requests:
· Boldness in sharing the Gospel with the unreached, be it next door or wherever God leads the team after Off The GRID.
· That we as a team make the most of our last two weeks on Off The GRID, and apply the leadership training we have been
learning about
· As we think about getting back to our lives back home.
Written by Josh (New Zealand) & Hallum (Australia) on behalf of the entire Off The GRID Team
Week 3: Conquering the High Sea(l)
Kia Ora from New Zealand!
Monday of the third week we set out to conquer the high seas of Abel Tasman National Park. We are very grateful that God has blessed us so far with the perfect weather for our tramps on land and this past week on the water. Paddling in our Kayaks we got Jesus on board to calm the waves which worked in our favour and pushed us to our destination, which was a great help!
In our time at Anchorage Bay, we talked about the kings in the Old Testament in our studies and how God provides for his people. From the bay we started out to Cleopatras Pool where some of us dove into the freezing waters (around 8 C), relying on the insulation of life vests to keep us warm afterwards. Back at the beach, we all gathered around in the sun and one of our leaders shared a very inspiring testimony with us.
One of the highlights from this week has been the walk down Anchorage Bay to some small caves which were only accessible during low tide. The clear night sky was just overshadowed by the awe-inspiring glow worms which lived in those caves and by the amazing moonrise shining its light onto the glistening granules of sand on our way back. (When we almost got caught in the high tide!)
“ooh, far out, that’s cold.”, “feeling vibrant, energetic, electrified!”, “was it worth it?” “Oh, yes!”
Paddling back, we stopped at Adele Island and said hello to some adorable seals that were basking in the sun on this cold day. Some of them even swam up to our boats and made a playful appearance on the self-made radio show of Artie and Hallum. (Artie and Hallum even shared some songs with their audience) From there it didn’t take long to get back to base camp and grilling some laugh-inducing, New Zealand styled burgers (we feared we would never hear the end of the story of the two brothers…).
“Lovely.”
The following day we got to spend some more time in the outdoors with some of our leaders. We were informed that this “walk” would require no hiking boots, which was indeed not the case if you asked some of our teammates. In sandals and running shoes we stumbled up and down the hills on the coast of Cable Bay. The view was incredibly breathtaking, and so was the hike! Keeping in mind that “this moment will never happen again” we decided it was definitely worth it to defeat that hill-shaped lion.
In the spirit of serving each other, we proceeded this week to help tend to the surrounding garden at base camp. Fighting against weeds and gorse (a spikey plant that does in fact not make good hedges) our team faced off against the invasive nature of New Zealand to help foster the growth of the native plants.
Finishing the week, we spent some time reading into unreached and least-reached countries in the world and each of us spent the day preparing one country to pray for. Laying out a world map, everyone got to their knees and we laid our hands on these countries to pray for each one. The day was a valuable reminder of God’s work in countries outside our range of awareness.
This evening, Josh’s Uncle & Aunt joined us for dinner at Basecamp. His Uncle is also on the OMNZ Board. It was a fun evening sharing all that God has been doing the first half of the program and hearing a bit of their story too.
Dinner with Josh’s Aunt & Uncle
Closing this week, we want to share some insight onto how each member’s journey has gone as we are now halfway through the program:
“My time here has been so unique and I faced experiences that I may rarely face again. I have learned that conquering fears is worth it.” – Joelle (Jolelle)
“I’ve been having good conversations, seen Gods creation and stayed relatively healthy (he’s fine now), with a generous helping of self-reflecting.” – Josh (Kelpie)
“Living life outside “the bubble” is much more challenging, yet so rewarding when experienced with others just like the people around me now on Off The Grid.” – Hallum (Harry Horsefeathers)
“Es isch grossartig zum meh über Gott, d Bible und mich zlerne, au wenns hüüfig echt usefordernd chan sii.” – Thirza
“It is great to learn more about God, the Bible and myself, even though it can be really challenging.” – Thirza (big dawg)
“These first three weeks have been part of an amazing spiritual and physical journey filled with lovely sounds, unique smells and picturesque views. I cannot wait to see what God has in store for me as I progress in my faith and form new friendships.“ – Artie (lil dawg)
Liebi Lüüt dihei ide Schwiiz, freu mi, dass ihr immerno flissig de Blog lesed und eusi Abentüür mitverfolged! Mir gnüssed jede Sunnestrahl da, bsunders bim Gedanke dra, dass ihr grad Summer hend. Ich bin mega dankbar, dass ich derf da sii und en neue Winkel vo Gottes Schöpfig entdecke, au wenns überraschend chalt isch. Ich hoffe, eu gahts allne guet (grüess gönd use an Finn, mini Chliigruppe, d Celine, d Tabea, s Gebättsteam, d Rabea und Jana, und alli andere wo no mitlesed und natürli mini Familie J und dir Fränzii en ganz en schöne Geburtstag nöchscht wuche, ich hoff du findsch en moment zum fiire) Danke eu für eui Gebätt! Lg Thirza
Dear Friends and Family in Switzerland, I am happy that you guys are still following our adventures! We enjoy every sunbeam here in New Zealand, especially knowing that summer is coming at home. I am so grateful that I am able to be here and get to see a new corner of Gods creation, even though it’s surprisingly cold down here. I hope you are all doing well (greetings to Finn, my small group, Celine, Tabea, my prayer group, Rabea and Jana, and everyone else that reads the blog and of course my family J and I wish Fränzii a happy birthday next week, hoping you find some time to spare for celebrating) Thank you for your prayers! - Thirza
Prayer Requests:
· Full next week (we’ve got two tramps ahead)
· Unreached Countries that face many difficulties and persecution (specifically in our minds: Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Jordan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti)
· For the people that we met along the road and will meet in the next week (that we can share our faith authentically and have good conversations)
· That we are blessed with a second half of the program that is as awesome and impactful as the amazing, spectacular, awe-inspiring, blessing of a first half program of Off The GRID
· Our teammate that got home earlier than the rest of us, that she can find peace and guidance from God
Written by Thirza (CH) and Artie (USA) on behalf of the entire Off The GRID Team.
Week 2: Uncharted Territory
Kia Ora from New Zealand!
It started out as a rainy week in Sunny Nelson, so the team packed up and headed off on a tramp! Due to bad weather, we had to readjust the schedule and had the opportunity to hike a trail that no other Off the Grid team has ever seen. We started off in a wooded forest, wove in and out of the jungle, found ourselves on the beach, and then scaled the side of a mountain. The last day of the tramp was 25 kilometers! The Abel Tasman coastal track might as well be the 8th Wonder of the World. We were all in good spirits because of the beautiful views and great team comradery.
Picture this. The sun sets on a long day’s walk. A creeping sense of satisfaction begins to rise as the night descends. Yet, something is missing. A clatter of various culinary accoutrements make their voices known as they assemble with an assortment of nutritious ingredients. They join in what is to be the greatest ensemble since the beginning of time.
Presented before us, a grey vessel contains a steaming feast. Our eyes linger over the anticipated delight to come. The first mouthful ignites an inferno of sensation. Tantalising herbal notes dance on our tastebuds. The cheesy sauce envelopes us like a warm embrace. The tender capsicum evokes the feeling of a conversation with an old friend. Pure comfort and familiarity sing out in a chorus. The final mouthful leaves us satiated. Reclining as the motif resonates in our souls. Good grub.
An artistic rendering of the orzo “sink pasta”
The last night in the hut we were able to experience what we call “sink pasta.” There might have been an incident where a couple people were straining pasta and a good third of the pasta fell down the sink. We were so hungry and tired from the hike that we were able to save it (re-boiled for safety) and it ended up being one of the most delicious meals that we have ever experienced.
This week we focused on how to love one another the way that we would most appreciate to receive love. This is a major component of Christian leadership in everyday life. It would not be odd to see a piece of chocolate on your pillow at night, find a note of encouragement among your belongings, or have a few people fighting over who gets to wash your dirty dish. It has been such a fun week serving each other and seeing everyone’s reactions to their treats. It has helped us get to know the team better and seek out opportunities to truly care for one another.
Crossing the estuary at the right time to only get our ankles wet
A team-building exercise on the beach - we barely made it across the treacherous terrain but had several laughs along the way
Tramp finish
In our Bible study, the topic of sacrifice was one that stuck with us. We had many discussions around the significance of animal sacrifices in the Old Testament and the foreshadowing of Jesus’ death in the New Testament. Our realisation is that the Old Testament sacrifices were many and temporary, while Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice is singular and permanent! This is intense discipleship training that reveals truths in God’s Word.
An early sunrise right around the corner from Basecamp
The team that woke up early to see the sunrise right around the corner from Basecamp (Joelle was wisely catching some extra sleep)
We were told many times by the leaders that it was rare to have the Abel Tasman coastal trail to ourselves (well, basically- we said hi to a couple other hikers along the way). The team appreciated the beauty and quiet of the trail, and it was a blessing to be able to experience it together. Consider the territory now charted by OTG NZ!
It has been difficult adjusting to losing a teammate, but we are happy to welcome Ricky (a familiar face to the Off the Grid program) as he joins the leadership team for the next four weeks.
Prayer requests:
-Please continue to pray for peace for our teammate that left us last week
-Continued unity as a team
-Strength and encouragement as we continue our adventures tramping!
Written by Josh (New Zealand) and Joelle (USA) on behalf of the entire Off The GRID Team.
Week 1: Getting to Know the Wekas!
Kia Ora from New Zealand!
After some thirty-hour flights (or a half hour drive for one of us!) everyone has arrived safely at Basecamp, and we finally got to meet our teammates! Even though there were a few language barriers, like wondering if Austrian squirrels lived in tents and getting confused over a rolling noodle (rolling pins for all you English speaking folks!), we are all ‘getting along like a house on fire’ (for now at least…)!
Starting Off the GRID NZ with a good night sleep, we woke up for orientation day where we all learned how to correctly pack a backpack, and how to keep our hiking snacks as close as possible! Finally, we were ready to take on the New Zealand mountains over the next three days! Our first tramp took us to Kahurangi National Park where Joelle realised that she cannot trust the stability of New Zealand ground (apparently it was a bit deceiving for some!). We spent the night in a cosy hut with a great view of the mountains, and some of us decided to sleep outside under the crystal-clear Milky Way.
We started the next day with a nutritious meal of muesli and powdered milk (yum!). Continuing with a study of Genesis and remembering to be grateful for the little things, even though some of them ran away :(. We spent the rest of the day exploring the surrounding nature, where three of us took a deep, freezing dive in a tarn (mountain lake).
Both nights in the hut we had the privilege of meeting and talking to other hikers about their travels, and some took quite the interest in our Bible studies! The following day we began our down climb back to the van. Along the way we had quite an interesting incident with a Weka where one of our leaders did not heed her own warning, to always keep an eye on your belongings! A Weka is a peculiar flightless bird, who apparently did not read the ten commandments, where it is written ‘do not steal’! So, while we were down at a stunning river, a Weka took an interest in one of our leaders’ slippers. Before we knew it, it vanished into the New Zealand bush, slipper in beak! The search began and some of us were quite enthusiastic about returning the slipper (without the Weka) to the leader. So, when a tree started to shake, and leaves begun to rustle, we all grew a bit concerned about what was about to come barrelling out of the bush. Out fell our Aussie friend, Hallum, with an old jandal (flip flop) in his hand (a good substitute for a slipper to be fair), stumbling about his way. We did manage to get the slipper back though!
Overall, we are grateful to God for a safe and sunny tramping trip (there was a lot of tripping going on after all) and we are looking forward to our next adventure!
This moment will never happen again!
Returning to basecamp we were all very tired and glad to be back (and to take a shower!). We wound down after a delicious dinner by sitting outside under the stars, talking with each other, and finding out how great Clara is on the guitar! We have had a quiet last couple days recovering from our tramp, doing laundry, and of course more Bible study.
Thank you for all the continuing prayer and support, we are all having an awesome time with each other. We have included some prayer requests below so you can keep supporting us, it really means a lot that we can be here with Norm and Christy because of you all!
Mini liebe Lüüt us de Schwiiz! Danke tuusig für eui gebätt und dass ihr a eus dänked! Ich freu mich mega, dass mir eusi abentüür mit eu chönd teile! S Team da isch super läss und au wenn es paar luschtigi fehler (das mitem noodle-holz isch mer aso scho chli peinlich…) passiered, chömedmer alli mega guet mitenand us! Eifach echli kultur chönne ustuusche isch grossartig und ich bin mega dankbar, dass ich derf da sii! Ich freu mi, eu I vieredrissg täg wiederzgseh! (hend Geduld mit mir, wenn ich keis wort schwiizerdütsch meh chan…)
Liebi grüess Thirza
“Dear friends in Switzerland! Thanks for your prayers! I am excited to share our adventures with you! Even though a few mistakes happened (I am still embarrassed about the rolling noodle!) the team is great and we are all getting along really well! It is great to share our cultures and I am so thankful to be here. I am looking forward to seeing you again in thirty-four days! (Please bear with me if I cannot speak Swiss German anymore…)” Greetings Thirza
Prayer Requests:
1. Unfortunately, one team member has had to return home due to a family emergency. Please be praying for her and her family at this time for peace, comfort and safety. She was an amazing teammate and is a friend to all of us here. She truly wishes to return to New Zealand and participate on another Off The GRID NZ, which would be an amazing opportunity if that could happen!
2. Our next tramping and kayaking trips!
3. Wisdom & good discussions during our Bible studies
Week One done!!
Written by Hallum (Australia) & Thirza (Switzerland) on behalf of the entire OTG Team
Welcome Off The GRID 03/2023 Team!
Hello Friends,
Please join us in welcoming this new OTG team that began today!
Left Group: clockwise from top
Clara (Austria), Joelle (USA), Thirza (Switzerland)
Right Group: clockwise from top
Hallum (Australia), Artie (USA), Josh (New Zealand)
We appreciate your prayers for the team as they embark on this journey together with the Lord & one another. May these 40 days be for His glory!
God bless,
The Off The GRID Leadership Team