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.