Photographic journey through Canterbury and Otago with the children

What an exciting time we had in New Zealand with the children.

The main reason we were there was to spend time reconnecting with our supporters. We had 30 meetings in the 25 days we were in New Zealand. So all that follows was interspersed between meetings, and Sunday preaching, of which we did 7 sessions. 

Sumner with containers used to protect from landslides

First off was the opportunity to meet Nick Magiera, Naomi’s boyfriend whom she had met at the Iris Ministries bible school in Mozambique. Nick had arrived in Christchurch from his home in Chicago a few hours earlier. Chris and Ruth De’Ath from Thrive Church in Rangiora kindly loaned us a car for the time we were in New Zealand. Craig and Sharon Reynolds were there to meet us at the airport. Craig and Sharon will be going to Papua New Guinea in a few months time to serve with MAF there.

Christine getting a piggy-back through the stream. Naomi on the waterfall edge.

Naomi was not due to arrive for another 10 hours so we had the opportunity to have a drive around Christchurch with Nick before picking her up. We had not been to Christchurch since before the February 2011 earthquake. It is hard to find the words to describe what met our eyes. Streets with house after house condemned, interspersed with empty sections. It was a pleasant surprise to see the vet clinic in Linwood we had owned for 19 years was still operating.

Picking up Naomi that evening, we stayed with John and Dorothy for the most part of the first week, besides spending some time camped at Russell and Mary’s.

View from Russell and Mary's temporary accommodation

Mandatory was a trip to Sumner Beach, including checking out our old house up Clifton Hill. We had built it ourselves in 1999-2000, as a three level pole-platform house. It was still standing, showing little evidence of any damage. The only damage was to the driveway that we had not put in! Christine’s favorite walk has always been along the top of the cliffs. Unfortunately much of the cliff edge including the original walking path has fallen into the sea, but we still managed an enjoyable walk. 

Naomi and Nick overlooking Taylor's Mistake

Next up was a walk in some native bush near Glentui. A beautiful waterfall had to be investigated with walking down a small mountain stream to get to the top of the waterfall.

Nick and Naomi rock climbing at Castle Hill

The opportunity then presented itself of a trip to Cave Stream. This is a 500m long underground stream. Its been a family trip done several times over the years, so it was an opportunity to take Nick. We also had a look round Castle Hill and a walk up to Punchbowl Falls at Arthurs Pass.

Naomi and Nick @ Punchbowl Falls

A week after we arrived in NZ,  David arrived, and we all headed down to stay with Emily and Anthony in Beautiful Valley, inland from Geraldine. What gorgeous countryside! 

Naomi and Tess with Emily in the background

Looking across to Fairlie Valley from the top of the farm

David sighting in, Anthony checking the target. David shot a wallaby 30 minutes later

David and Naomi tacking up Louie for a ride

David and Tess

Naomi and Tess

Emily tacking up Tess with Naomi and Nick looking on

Christine and Louie

Emily riding Louie, Naomi walking Tess with David and Nick

Christine getting a lesson from Emily and Louie

Nick and Naomi with Emily's dog Ellie

Due to ministry responsibilities, Christine and I had to leave the family behind the following day for Arrowtown. Naomi, David and Nick stayed with Anthony and Emily for four days before joining us in Wanaka. A wonderful time being looked after by Alistair and Adrienne Chalmers and Freedom church

Farm scene

Toi Toi walk

Looking in towards Skipper's Canyon

River walk at Arrowtown

Queenstown in the distance

It was then on to Wanaka where we stayed at the house of Emily's boss for four days, with the children joining us.  

Matukituki River

Glendhu Bay

Outcrops

Diamond Lake

Christine at Wishbone Falls

 After a wonderful time at Wanaka and ministering at Wanaka New Life Church, we had to say goodbye to David. Then it was back to Emily and Anthony's for a few days. I thoroughly enjoyed being able to get to now my future son-in-law Anthony a little during this time.

Looking down over South Canterbury and Banks Peninsula in the distance from the top of the farm

Anthony moving cattle with Ash

Naomi with the horses before an evening ride

Emily with her mare Tess, Louie in the background

Emily and Naomi on an evening horse trek

Anthony with the dogs

Family photo minus David who was already back in Australia

After saying goodbye to Anthony the rest of us drove back to Christchurch for a fitting for Naomi's bridesmaid dress and a chance to look at Emily's wedding dress. It was then onto Akaroa to the Anthony and Emily's wedding venue. Then tears shed as she returned to her home and we carried onto Rangiora for a busy week of meetings.

Another glorious sunset in Akaroa

 However, unfortunately a few days later Emily cut the tendons in her finger. This meant she was off work for 12 weeks and no driving for ten days, with threat of amputation if she didn't look after it. After finishing our responsibilities a change of plan. We were intending to stay with our friends Brent and Ann in Kaikoura, but instead it was back to Emily and Anthony for the last week. It was just wonderful to spend more time with Anthony and Emily, this time helping Emily rather than Anthony.

Beautiful Valley

Beautiful Valley with Emily and Anthony's house

View from Emily and Anthony's balcony

Returning to Rangiora is a beautiful drive even though sad because of leaving Emily and Anthony and not seeing them for another year. We will return late January-early February for their wedding later in February 

Rakaia Gorge