Month: May 2022

Sue’s Views

No matter what stage you are at in life ….. you have an important part to play. The sunflower is a great illustration. We all love the beauty and freshness of the young bright yellow flowers! They bring joy and vitality just being around them. But their most productive season is when they age! They don’t look so good ….. and they can no longer lift their heads to the sun ….. but this is the time they have the most to give. This is when they are harvested for their seeds and oil which live on to be used for many other products. The glorious seeds of lessons learned from experience and time can be of benefit when shared with others. You may not have the energy you once had ….. but the treasures within you are priceless!

Sue’s Views

55 years ago ….. my family left the UK to come to New Zealand by ship. I remember the first week was very rough. I didn’t want to leave the cabin ….. but my Dad who was a seasoned sailor ….. made me go up on deck. He said it was the best place to be in rough seas. And he was right! Our journey took us through the English Channel ….. into the Atlantic Ocean ….. navigating the Panama Canal ….. and out into the calmer Pacific. At one point we were taken to the place where the helmsman steered the ship. I couldn’t believe how small that wheel was! And yet it guided us through rough seas ….. landed us at ports along the way ….. guided us through the Panama Canal with little room either side ….. until we arrived at Wellington Docks. Life is like that journey. Aren’t you glad we have a Helmsman who knows the seas ….. the weather ….. and the way! You can relax and know He will get you safely to your destination!

Sue’s Views

It’s good to be home after our whirlwind tour of the upper South Island! As Dorothy said ….. ‘There’s no place like home!’ But it has definitely given us a greater appreciation for our country and the hardy folk who live in the South. We think we’ve been hard done by with our months of lockdown here in Auckland ….. but it has had a follow on effect throughout the country. On top of earthquakes ….. floods ….. and fires ….. the lack of tourists has been a huge blow. One thing I’ve noticed is the resilience of people who have lived through hardship. There’s something about brokenness that makes us stronger. Flying home over the mountain ranges reminded me that a few days ago ….. we were on a train looking up at those same mountains. They seemed imposing and impenetrable! We were glad someone had made a way through and around them. But looking down on them ….. they seem much less menacing ….. and even beautiful. Whatever mountain you are facing ….. Someone has gone before you to make a way through. From His perspective ….. they are nothing! 

“Let every valley be lifted up,

And every mountain and hill be made low;

And let the rough ground become a plain,

And the rugged terrain a broad valley.” Isaiah 40:4

Sue’s Views

The final leg of our journey took us back to Christchurch. We awoke to a frosty morning and a fresh sprinkling of snow on the mountains. We stopped in Amberley to spend time with some old friends ….. and then on to Christchurch. We walked to the Botanic Gardens  but soon returned to the warmth of our room for the night. Thanks for coming on this trip with us! We have so enjoyed seeing this beautiful part of our country. But it’s time to return home ….. hopefully with a fresh appreciation and outlook. Love to all!

Sue’s Views

Today started with an early morning walk to the beach across the road. We then visited the Kaikoura Museum which was awesome! Lots of information about the earthquake. We hear about these things on the news but It’s amazing to hear individual stories from people who lived through it. Also lots of reminiscing over days gone by. Our journey then took us to Hanmer Springs! What a beautiful place. The warm water was very welcome and very relaxing. A bit cold getting out ….. but we fixed that with a great Indian curry!

Sue’s Views

Another day of new experiences! We left the vineyards of Marlborough and travelled south along the rugged coast road towards Kaikoura. Today’s highlight was seeing the seal colonies where masses of seals of all ages were basking in the sun! We got to talk to some local business owners about the effects of the earthquake 6 years ago. That ….. plus Covid ….. has affected their businesses tremendously. Apparently the earthquake also rearranged some of the coastline. The seals don’t seem to mind!

Sue’s Views

We are now on day 5 of our Top of the South Trip. Yesterday’s leg was from Nelson to Blenheim via Queen Charlotte Sound and Picton. This journey has really made me appreciate the early settlers who paved the way for us to be able to drive on good roads ….. and have towns to stay in. I can’t imagine how hard it would have been for them. Pioneering is never easy ….. but someone has to be the first to do something new. We might not be called to go to an uninhabited place ….. but God might be calling us to start something new ….. a new business ….. outreach ….. creative idea. Don’t wait for someone else ….. you might be that someone!

Sue’s Views

A sprinkling from day 2. We drove back to Christchurch and had a walk around the city centre. We all love ‘comeback stories’ ….. and Christchurch is a great example. After the earthquakes 11 years ago ….. it was a city that was broken ….. grieving ….. and without hope. It is now beautiful ….. bustling ….. and filled with new ventures. If you relate to this in any way ….. you too have a ‘comeback story’. The memories still remain ….. but they also serve as a reminder of the miracles God has done.

Sue’s Views

Our first ‘overseas’ trip for 3 years! At least we are crossing the Channel! I’m guessing we are over the Marlborough Sounds and heading to Christchurch. Lovely day for flying ….. at least up here! Not sure what awaits us but we’ve come prepared for anything. So looking forward to seeing more of our beautiful country. Will keep you ‘posted’!