When we came in for landing at Auckland, New Zeeland the words in Genesis came to mind: “...fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” The New Zealanders sure grasp this. And I thought that even though everyone does not have a relationship with the Lord, we are created in God’s image, and He gave us the knowledge and know how to rule over nature and subdue it without destroying it. Staring out of the small airplane window I wondered if the Lord is proud of the way the Kiwis subdue this BEAUTIFUL land! So when we had to wait an hour for pest control at International Arrivals to fumigate our tents and hiking boots to prevent us from bringing any unwanted nunu’s to disturb the equilibrium of their ecosystem- RESPECT!
The first week we had a well needed break after a busy six months and the folks that looked after us recharged our batteries in style. Luxury cottages on the bay-church blessing us with copious amounts of food -per excellence- and meat to cure our carnivore South African cravings. Thank you Lord!
We decided to join local Church-Lifeway- the first Sunday and never have I been so warmly welcomed into a church and prayed for! Amazing! They didn’t even know we were coming. O, the pastor beamed, because he had a dream the night before that people and angels where coming-he saw Africa and India, and we just arrived from India. WoW-awesome stuff! Some members took us for coffee afterwards and Steve took me and some of my mates on a drive to some of his favourite spots! I felt like the ‘Californian Man’ especially after India-remember that movie? The guy that came back to life after hundreds of years? I stared open mouth at the beauty –and I am amazed to hear at what great lengths they go to preserve the nature. In the week that followed Steve also brought us crayfish
(biggest I have ever seen), took us out on his boat and borrowed us his car to get around! What hospitality!! Not to single Steve out-great thanks to other members who also
went out of the way and for the great dinner the church catered us!
The second week we served at North cross Community church winter holidays youth week and stayed with guest families. Marcel and I struck Gold (HOME) with our family-the Van Graans! Later I would find out that everyone felt the same about their families, but if it was a competition I still think we would have won! Hehe! I felt at home from the word go-and the house smelled like Christmas for a week with mom Annetjie’s hearty, warm, delicious comfort food and desert to give you that wonderful stuffed Xmas feeling-and Sis Joane’s baking packed on more pounds with teatime! I think the thing we miss most about South Africa is a braai(BBQ)-and Dad Andries did not disappoint with a few braais! The van Graans also took us on a road trip to explore the east coast and the black sand of the west! They catered to us hand and foot and still wanted to do more-but most of all they loved us into their family. I miss you already-even the crazy cat Oscar!
This blog turned out to be a thank you letter. And rightfully so! Hospitality is a gift of the spirit and an order from God to be hospitable and I was on the receiving end of just that! THANK YOU! Even to those who gave us friendly advice on the street during our challenge-those who squeezed us into their cars to help the red team to arrive first over the finish line (by like 4 hours).
And last but O so not the least a great thanks to Gerhard and Surita our NZcoordinators/family/support/organisers...who put their business and lives on hold to help make our NZ experience fruitful and memorable!
I also want to give God thanks. We prayed that the kids at the youth week (who’s parents are not believers) should talk to them about what they have learned and experienced. Our prayers were answered. Three parents came to talk to the pastor and now added to the family! GREAT STUFF!
I feel revived, rejuvenated-batteries at max, ready to run the last half of the year! Thanks NZ-but may the Springboks still annihilate you in the TRI Nations! Hehe