Week Four
Week Four
Step by Step – Keep Going and Keep Growing!
Our tramp started bright and early on Monday morning, but we were eager and ready to face our next challenge. We climbed a big mountain, in fact, we climbed two big mountains, all in one day. The first peak we summited was Mount Arthur, and even though it was the middle of summer we had the opportunity to build a snowman. Snow wayyyyy! From the top of Mount Arthur, we had a rare view of Mount Taranaki on the North Island. The second peak we summited that day was Gordon’s Pyramid, which had a marvelous view of where we had just been on Mount Arthur. Achieving two summits in one day was a highlight for many of us and a moment of pride that we did it as a team.
This tramp was full of summits and full of deep conversations to get to know each other, and ourselves, better. We even had the chance to impact other trampers along the way with what we were learning, and we later discovered that some of the friends we had made were continuing these conversations with their own friends. It’s amazing to see the affect you can have on people when you’re open and honest with them.
After an encouraging yet exhausting day, we arrived at Salisbury Lodge hut. The following day some of us were still recovering and may have slept in a little too long…Oops!
We decided to stay at this hut for two nights, which meant that we didn’t have to carry our heavy packs on this day’s tramp. But instead of carrying heavy packs, we carried the heavy questions that Norm gave us to help us dive deeper into our beliefs and convictions. On that beautiful day, the forest and open grasslands were filled with our enthusiastic chatter and the question “WHY?”. On the way to our third summit of this tramp, we took some time to gather in a lush grassy patch to complete that day’s Bible study and discuss our role in the Great Commission.
To end the day, Norm had the privilege of cooking us a delicious Cous Cous dinner. Some spices have been included, which were appreciated by some and caused mild discomfort for others (namely one German (starting with S) and the Aussie).
The last day of the tramp had arrived. We started the morning with our traditional muesli breakfast and then went on to do a Bible study about the Fruits of the Spirit. We’ve been learning about how important it is to allow God to change our minds and hearts and display this to others through our fruits.
With blisters taped up, sunburn cream applied, and packs a little bit lighter, we marched off to summit our fourth and final peak. Yes, that’s right all girl’s team, we summited four peaks in three days as a whole team – Yehaaa!
To keep us entertained on our 6 – 9 hour long tramps, Lucas, Lars, and Abby have been comparing their step counts shown on their watches. The usual results are that Lucas has 5000 steps less than Abby and Lars has 5000 more than Abby. This has caused some tension and ‘storming’ between these teammates, but it has also resulted in the learning of a valuable lesson. We shouldn’t compare ourselves to others because even though it may look like a person is reaching their goal faster or even putting in less effort, we will still reach our intended goal as a team. We all have different views and perspectives in life but it’s important to remember to work as a team and support each other to the end.
After the climb up Lodestone Peak, which was an incredible effort for some but a simple walk in the park for others, including some whistling from one of our team members, we made the drive back to Basecamp where Christy welcomed us with a big smile and an even bigger Mexican feast. Our bellies were full, our bodies were strong, and our minds had been well and truly challenged – Best Tramp Ever!
Prayer Requests
Please be praying for:
- Our team to keep growing even closer as a unit and continuing in our support and encouragement of each other
- Strength for the final tramp, that our minds and bodies will be strong
- Sharing the fruits and gifts that we each can display to the world and serve others with
Personal Comments:
Abby: “Hi again my family and friends - I can’t believe it’s been 4 weeks already! Hallum, we all talk about you quite a lot here (so that’s 4 German speakers that can correctly pronounce your name!). And yes, as you read in the blog, I do successfully eat muesli and milk (powdered milk!) with raisins for breakfast on tramps. Thank you for your comments on the blog, I love them all and am so excited to read them each week. Hope you’re all well (Mama & Pep too) and I hope you’ve enjoyed this latest blog. Lots of love!”
Clara: “Servas an mei familie und freind! Knopp vier wochn is her und noch ana 30 stundn Reise bin I endlich in Neuseeland aukema. Es is so unglaublich schee doat – des kennt’s eich ned voastöhn. Jetz homa scho a bissl mehr ois Hoibzeit hinta uns und san boid am End vun da vierten Wochn aukuma. Bis her hob I tolle erfohrungen in da Natur, mitn Team und mitn Herrn mochn derfn. Mehr Infos ehrfoats im nächstn blog und natiali waun I wida im Lande bin. Hihi. I hoff es geht eich guad und hintalossts ma bitsche a boa Kommentare. Daungsche und liebe Grüße! Clara”
EnglishTranslation: “Hey to all my friends and family out there! Almost four weeks ago and after a 30-hour travel, I finally arrived New Zealand. It’s incredibly beautiful here – no kidding! We are halfway through and finishing, as I mentioned before our fourth week. I’ve made amazing experiences in nature, with the team and the Lord. The next blog will show you some more information and for sure when I’m back in Austria. Hihi. I hope y’all doing well and please leave some comments below. Thank you and lovely greetings! Clara”
Please leave a comment/short note for our team!
Written by Clara (Austria) & Abby (Australia) on behalf of the entire OTG Team
