Camping Trip

My dream came true! I wanted to go camping and water skiing with the Illings while Kirstie's here. Dad and Mum Dickson lovingly volunteered to look after Zeke and Tazara. It was the first time I've been without the kids for more than a couple hours since Tazzy arrived 14 months ago. They were happy as larks at Nana and Grandad's house - away from the wind, sun, rain and water. I'm really grateful for the refreshing break - though I was happy to see their precious faces again after 36hrs.      

       

Andrew and Graeme each pulled a boat behind their car. It was a fun group with 5 Illings, 2 Tarbottons, 3 Koolards, one of Olivia's friends and the three of us. We boarded the boats and arrived at our campsite across Lake Tarawera before midday Saturday. There are natural hot pools long the shore and beautiful forested mountains on all sides. The water is clear and splendid. We got some rough biscuit rides while the winds were busy as well as some calm rides when it settled down in the evening and Sunday morning. Kirstie and I teamed up on one biscuit with Andrew and Matthew on the other. The wind jostled us around and the water (with the Captain's help) tried to hurl us off. At one point Andrew invented a new stunt. He held Matthew's biscuit with one arm and mine and Kirstie's with the other. As the biscuits flew, water went over and under him while he managed to keep holding on until with speed he planed skimming along on top the water. He looked mighty and powerful flying through the water, I'm just thankful he wasn't torn in two. :) The weather looked sketchy when we had looked online before the trip, with high winds and some rain predicted, but God answered our prayers. He calmed the sea and the only rain we got was when it poured as we ate dinner inside the Illing's large tent followed by a game of mafia. There's nothing like soothing hot pools after cold water swims, rain and boat rides. We also got in a hike over one of the neighboring mountains. On Sunday, Graeme led us in a devotional and we got into some good discussion about hope and the purpose of life. It was so fun to be able to enjoy New Zealand beauty with lots of family and a sister close!!!

Beauty, fresh air, and exhilarating play have a way of pumping life into a person. Thank you Abba for glimpses and tastes of your glory- I yearn for more of you!