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