Sun And Clouds In The Alpine!
Hey hey! Aussie and American girls here!
Monday morning, day one of the week we left before sunrise to drive to our third tramp! The route was unknown until we got to the trail head and saw where the weather was at, and thank you to God for how wonderful it was! Once decided on our route we began our first alpine hike, where we hiked the first day to our hut we’d stay in for both days. The view was absolutely stunning as we’d be swallowed by clouds moving past the windows, only to reveal the most beautiful mountain views we got to wake up to and… The next day we summited our first peak of this tramp, forgetting that above tree line means …sunburn for those without sunscreen.
During this time we had the opportunity to learn so much abut ourselves; things we already knew and many things that we were shocked to not have realised (with an ‘s’) or realized (with a ‘z’ - for the Americans of the audience) before! The last day we packed up and headed for the next two summits. By this point we’re all very used to tramping, so used to it that many of us forgot about sunscreen (again) and looked the same colour as the tomatoes for dinner by evening. We enjoyed deep and willing conversations though tall grass, climbing up rocks (using our hands AND our feet), summiting mountains and finally through the beautiful shade of the forest trees. We arrived back at Basecamp to dinner, prepared by our dearest Christy, steaming hot for us to enjoy as we had a night of laughter and sharing of all that we’d learned over the last three days. Our brains and bodies were tired, but those days spent together made it all worth it.
The days following the tramp back at Basecamp were still days of “burning mental calories” (as Norm tells us) through the time we were spending thinking and processing all that we’d talked about and learned. This thinking time took some of us on solo walks and others on creative sprees while we each navigated our way through the wonderful things the Lord’s been teaching us. It all culminated on Saturday when we spent some intentional time bringing all of our thoughts together to share with one another through the days to come; reflecting on thoughts of who God’s made us to be, loving each other and ourselves for our individuality and how we want to use this to serve and love those around us. We spent our last Sunday at church which was bittersweet, but enjoyed some fellowship with the Hope Church community over cookies, coffees and hot chocolate. This week was a pivotal time of learning for the entire team, but we’re excited to apply all the knowledge we’ve gained to finish strong as we approach these last 12 days!
Prayer Requests:
For physical and mental strength to finish together well and make the most of our last tramp!
Clarity and wisdom towards how we apply all we’ve learned here to the decisions we each have to make after OTG.
That we’d stay safe and make the most of our remaining time on OTG!
Personal Note: Bella - Hi again to everyone at home! Thank you so so so much for all your prayers and comments! :) These last few weeks have truly been incredible having seen the way God’s continually working in my heart in such small yet impactful ways. I’m so excited to come home soon and share all I’ve learnt with you all, and low-key soon! (In less than 2 weeks!) I love and miss you all so much, but am still excited for what these last few weeks will bring. Love, Bells <3
Personal Note: Brooke - Hi everyone! Life here is flying by. Lots of type 2 fun (which means I’m in my sweet spot). Give Fletchy a big hug from me and tell him I’ll see him so soon!
Written by Bella (Australia) & Brooke (USA) on behalf of the entire OTG Team