Caving Adventure

Well, I am in the middle of two weeks of school holidays and I must admit that I am making the most of them:) This past Friday I went on a caving expedition. It was extreme to say the least. I went with my friend Geoff, his friend Ian, and Alaxander (the young chap in the photo) We had quiet an experience as you can probably tell from the photo. We went into the cave around 9:50am and we didn't get out until after 5pm, it was quite a day. I have never been caving this way before. First we had to climb down about 10 meters into the cave. Once we were in we went through a series of very difficult spaces, climbes, army crawls, a couple waterfalls. We made it to our destination, a 12 meter waterfall! It was so amazing! I'll post more pics when I get them. Anyway, all this to say. Caving is intense and I really enjoy it! Even if I come out covered in mud..haha.

This photo was at the end of our adventure just before we climbed up that wall I'm leaning on to get out of the cave...I think you can tell we were all exhausted:)

Tongariro Crossing

The adventure seeker in me just couldn't resist the opportunity to see some of New Zealand's most breath-taking views along the Tongariro Crossing. This trek is in the Tongariro National Reserve and it is quite an experience. The trek itself is about 7-8 hours and there are many side treks you can take along the way. We were supposed to do the entire trek in a day and it would have been just fine had we not climbed Mt. Ngauruhoe..or Mt. Doom(from the Lord of the Rings). However, one of our leaders thought we would/should have no trouble climbing this mountain (see photo above) and get off the trek in time. However, it did not turn out that way and thus begins the adventure...

We started out on a beautiful, crisp Monday morning. It was absolutely great. We were bundled up and ready to go. In the above picture you can even see Mt. Eggmont ever so faintly in the background. It was really the perfect weather for our hike and we all knew it. We got off to a good start.

A couple hours into the trip we were at the base of Mt. Ngauruhoe. One of our leaders had climbed this mountain many times (though a number of years ago) and really wanted us to climb it as well. In all honesty, I should have said,"no." I knew we had a long way to go and I knew he was being a bit optimistic with his time estimation for the mountain, that being 1-2 hrs, but I didn't have the heart to say no and disappoint him. So we did it. It was the hardest thing I think I've ever done. We climbed 600 metres (free climb) up the summit of this Mountain and then had to practically ski down on rock, with no skis or snow.


I conquered the mountain and made it back down alive and to be honest, I am quite proud of myself. But by this point we were only 1/3 of the way through the crossing! We had a long way to go to finish and before dark. We knew that we needed at least one person to make it out on time so that the bus company would not send the rescue out to find us. We sent Matthew on ahead, he did just that, he got out and went to town to get the car to come back and get the rest of us. At this point I was still optimistic about getting off the trek on Monday night. I went on ahead with Louise and we kept a steady pace to the hut where we were to wait for for Peter, Allen , and Sasha.

The sunset Monday night before Loise and I reached the hut.

We arrived at the hut just after dark, we made the decision that it was not going to be safe to continue 2.5 more hours in the dark, through the bush. So we talked with the park ranger and got permission to stay the night at the hut without a problem.
Peter, Allen and Sasha agreed that we should not continue and we were able to get a hold of Matthew via weak cell phone coverage and let him know the situation and so he could let our friends and family, who were now expecting us home, that we were ok, but coming home the next day.

Tuesday morning we woke up and got an early start to get off the Crossing, however, because I really didn't sleep and Mt. Doom had killed my already twisted right knee, and "sleeping" in unmovable positions after a 12 hour hike...my muscles were shot! I felt like the tin man! In fact my right knee was so bad that about 40 minutes into day 2, I could hardly walk! It was by God's strength that I made it out. I am very thankful for for Peter's quiet strength and encouragement that helped me continue and for Louise helping me to laugh at the beginning of the day to get me going. I'm also thankful that Allen let me use his trekking pole (looks like a ski pole) to finish up the hike. I guess the most frustrating thing about this for me was I am not used to going as slow as I had to on Tuesday. Had I not twisted my knee, I would have been fine but I guess I needed to be humbled, and the knee is what did it. I think that is what made this trip so difficult for me.

Anyway despite the difficult circumstances, I had many highlights along the way...
First, actually reaching the top of Mt. Ngauruhoe


Second, getting to know my dear friend Louise even better.


Third, seeing the beautiful Emerald Lakes surrounded by clouds/mist.


Fourth, the generosity we experienced from a family staying at the hut, who had extra hot food for us on Monday night.

and Fifth, God watching over us in every circumstance through the entire trip. I learnt that you don't really know how strong you are and what your body is capable of doing until it is pushed to the max and truly in need of God's physical strength to keep going.

I have many more stories and pictures from this trip that wont fit here, so if you want to see or hear more about it, then just drop me an e-mail or comment and I will send on more details. Trust me, these photos don't do justice to the beauty of of God's creation that we saw, it was absolutely Magnificent.

me, book, cell free

Tonight I skipped netball. I have not had a night in weeks that I spent any time home really. I have been on the go every minute...or so it seems. Obviously, by my own choice because I Could say, "no" sometimes, but I'm not very good at that. Anyway, I stayed home and made dinner and enjoyed doing it. I took my time cooking, being particular, not rushed. Then I sat down and ate slowly. I was not in a hurry to do anything or be anywhere. This was relaxing and refreshing. After a bit I did leave to go read in my spot at Starbucks down in Mission Bay. However, I did not bring my phone. It was me, my book, and cell free. It was such a relief not to have it with me for just a bit. No coffee tonight though, just juice...I didn't want to keep my mind going and going all night:)

When I came home..there was a message: "Hi Sara, would you bring two pieces of KFC chicken and a soft drink, I'll pay you later." I had no idea who sent it and the first thought that went through my head was,
"Where in the world was I supposed to be tonight?" For the life of me I couldn't think of any place and I didn't recognize the number. Then my flatmate said that it was her. Well, sorry she didn't get her KFC but at least I hadn't forgotten where I was meant to be. Today was a strange day after the craziness of yesterday, but I needed a night like tonight. I know the Lord has me in the shelter of His wings.

Grace

Tonight, I need grace. It was one of those days today where nothing seemed to go right. I was up early and had myself together and ready and out the door in plenty of time, but after that, it all went down hill. Last night, I was relishing in the fact that God allowed me to spend time with some dear friends and tonight, I'm claiming grace because I let some other dear friends down. The "have-it-all-together" girl did not have it all together tonight. As hard as I tried to be responsible, it backfired. I feel awful for letting my friends down, but I know that they will understand that sometimes life just doesn't fall into place how it should.

Last year at the end of the year, I had a sort of melt down moment where I just couldn't take it anymore...well this year, it happened at the end of the first term! Today after school I was a basket case. I had had enough of the nonsense and stupid behavior of some of my students. They had pushed me over the edge. I did not break down in class, but as soon as the kids were out and I was in my office, God and I had some choice words. Again, bringing me to the need for grace. I was so angry! I don't get really angry that often, but I was livid. I pray that if anyone asks me to do something I should do, I never say, 'no' and do the opposite just to spite him. I know God is teaching me about loving difficult people and I know that for God to love us seems incomprehensible. I do love many of my students, even some of the cheeky and naughty ones. However, I have a hard time loving defiant students who do everything in their power to make teaching that class impossible.

I am being incredibly honest in this post because I think you need to know that as much as I enjoy living life to the fullest in NZ and being where God has lead me to be, life is not always easy. I stand, sit, run, and cry, begging for God's grace to cover me.

Though my day was difficult, it did end well. I spent the evening with the Bowlin and Dunn families. Rebecca Bowlin just had a baby and I was finally able to go spend a little time with them. As I sat on the couch reading, "Brown Bear, Brown Bear" to two precious little girls and holding a six day old precious child in my arms. I was blessed. I felt like God looked down on me and knew I needed joy, so He showered it down abundantly. I am so thankful for His grace.

My day is now coming to a close and I just finished running down by the water to clear my mind before facing tomorrow. I pray that His love overflows out of me and that He takes the frustration away.

Life, Love, and People

Tonight I went to an art exhibition for a dear friend and then out for coffee and long talks. It was good. That seems like such a simple description for time spent investing in relationship, but honestly, it was good. Good for my schedule(spontaneous), good for my heart, and good just to hear others process through life and be whatever encouragement I can be.

Life, Real Life, isn't about going to work everyday. It's not about making phone calls, organizing schedules, it's not about making sure life is "running like a well-oiled machine." Life is about taking one day as it is, a gift from God, and giving it back to Him as an offering of worship through living each moment as it happens. Sometimes life does make sense and sometimes it does go smoothly, but other times we wonder how life could be more confusing or complicated. Our only choice is to live it and accept the grace that gives us the ability enjoy the good days and learn from the confusing and complicated ones.

Mmmm...loving others well and demonstrating the love of Christ, this is what I love. I am a 'relator" meaning that I enjoy knowing people and knowing them well enough to love them well. I had an opportunity to do that tonight and it brings a smile to my heart.

Living each day full of the life and love of Christ in order to grow the Kingdom and bring honor to God, the giver of Life. Now this is a challenge that will take a lifetime:)

Laugh at Life

During the recent camping trip I went on, we forgot a towel to dry our dishes..not a big deal really. We had fun cracking ourselves up as we waved the dishes in the wind to dry them, it's good to laugh at yourself sometimes:)

Today...

I woke up and an insanely early hour because I forgot to change my clock back:)
I showed up at church an hour early and wondered where everybody was..haha
I went to the home above the church and made blueberry muffins for the family that lives upstairs, which they thought was so weird to have for breakfast, but they like my silly American ways:)
I listened to a sermon filled with Scripture that was refreshing for my heart.
I went with my friend Christine to visit her mum and sing for her.
I went to a baby shower to celebrate and lavish a mother/friend expecting her second daughter
I taught Sunday school at Cession for the first time
I went to Starbucks to read, journal, listen and just be.
I met an amazing woman at Starbucks, who with her husband are missionaries with a non-denom. org. focused on Disciipleship!!
I lived today fully for what it was, a gift and opportunity to worship with my life.

Life

In the past weeks...

Easter weekend: Celebrating the death and resurrection of Christ with my church family. Camping, kayaking, snorkeling, and living life to the fullest with my friend Joanne.


School: Choir going pretty good, most of my classes are going well. I'm learning how to just keep going, even when I am frustrated. Next week I have musical auditions all week, I'm praying that they go well.

NZ: I've applied for a new visa to stay in NZ for another year. I am living one day at a time by faith, knowing that God will bring it at exactly the right time. The one I have now expires on the 19th. Much of my prayer life is focused on this right now as you can imagine. I love NZ and I love living here, though I miss my family and friends, I know this is where God wants me to be.

Church: Still at Redoubt North and Cession Community. Recently, I've taken on leading worship at Redoubt North, which has been huge. I knew God was wanting me to refine my guitar skills and use that to worship Him. So, I'm learning. It still makes me nervous to play and sing in front of people, but it's ok. The more I do it, the better it goes. Cession Community just celebrated the baptism of Rebecca Vaughn. Rebecca is part of the cell group I'm a part of and it's been wonderful getting to know her over the past months. I am thrilled that she has made the decision to live her life for Christ.

Discontentment: I am longing to see the Kingdom grow! I am not content right now. Yes, I teach in a difficult place, where my students and co-workers need to know Christ and I do my best to show Him to them. But my heart is longing for discipleship, not just my own growth as a disciple but helping others to know Christ as well. My heart is broken for my generation here, they(we) need Christ. In effort to move in this direction, I've started playing netball with a group of people I know through a friend at school. I pray that the Lord allows Himself to be seen through me as I get to know these people and enjoy learning a new sport.

Well, I think that pretty much sums up life right now.

Netball

Just a quick post this morning:) Last night I played my first intramural game of netball. I was really nervous at first, but I had lots of fun. It's a bit of a challenge to not get the rules confused with basketball. In netball, you can't dribble the ball and you can only pass to certain people depending what position you are playing. Also when defending you have to stay like a meter way from the attack(offense). I'll fill you more on netball once I play more and keep learning:)