Not just surviving but thriving

 August ended much the way that it started, with a small group of volunteers sitting around the dining table at Vertical Horizons. What happened in between that first and last day was a much different story!

Chris playing the Inglewood Golf club disc golf course with a cloud covered Mount Taranaki in the background

 August started off with a surprise- We were enjoying a short afternoon tea break with just the 7 McMobiles when one of the staff members walked in with a new volunteer. It turned out that a family from Greymouth, who had originally emailed to say they would be joining on the 1st of September, had actually meant the 1st of August! That and the arrival of another older couple meant we went from the McMobile team of seven to fifteen in one day! From then on the place has been a hive of activity, with even more volunteers arriving and leaving, right up until the last day of August when we have had to say our farewells.

Some of the kids and volunteers working on a jigsaw puzzle in the evening

The arrival of another family here was such a blessing for us. In addition to his years of building experience Simon has brought and Cora’s amazing skills in the kitchen we have also, for the first time since being on the road, had other children with the team. This has been a great joy for our kids, who have loved building huts, playing card games, doing puzzles, baking and having all sorts of adventures together. Chris and I also enjoyed having another couple similar age and stage as us, and they played board games! We enjoyed many evenings of playing Wingspan and chatting with each other.

The kids all enjoying an Inglewood playground together

The building work suddenly surged ahead with all the extra workers- multiple teams were formed- some working on exterior building, others painting, and other teams working on the inside work of the building. What had felt like an impossible task was starting to feel more doable.

 

Getting the final flooring down inside and painting outside

One of the new volunteers learning new skills - he was a computer programmer!

 

Hudson learning how to cut scribers with a jigsaw

However, complex building work rarely runs smoothly and we were in for one big upset over the month. Chris had been working hard on following the architects plans to a tee, getting ready to show the inspector the work. When the inspector arrived however there was a big problem- the work was perfect, but the plans were not. Despite being signed off by the council earlier, they had now found some flaws with the fire rating provisions in the plans- they would have to go back to the architect to be adjusted and parts of the work done ripped apart, to get it up to the required specifications of 60 minute fire-rating. This was not only frustrating but the added work has required us to extend the project further- now to be finishing at the end of September. 

  

Despite council disappointments and some bad weather the work goes on!

Despite the initial disappointment and frustrations of the set back, the team all took time to pray, give it over to God and then get back to it- adjusting what needed to be adjusted until the work was redone to a new design. Where frustration or bitterness at the architect or council could have taken hold there were many discussions and encouragements to continue to represent Jesus well in the way we work and interact with each other and the local council.

  

A sample of the variety of work being done over the last month

The month has also been full with other visitors and activities. One weekend the camp had an influx of people attending the Grace Community Church New Plymouths Winter Retreat. This church is affiliated with our home church, Grace Bible Church Dunedin, and we enjoyed a great weekend connecting with brothers and sisters in Christ and enjoying some fantastic teaching from Tim Capill on reading the Bible. 

Thea helping out with the high ropes at the church retreat

                                 

Hudson tackling the jellyfish high ropes course at the church retreat

                                  

Not long after camp had finished we enjoyed a visit from the MMM director Howard, his wife Ave and the board Chairman Doug. They wanted to see us before we left for the South Island and catch up on how the year had gone/was going. It was a great chance to reflect on the year so far and was a great reminder of the joys of serving the church and his people. The positives of this year have definitely far surpassed the negatives so far!  Chris has found himself saying "I thought we would be able to just survive the year, but we have been thriving this year!"

It was great having Howard and Doug helping out on the job for a day

  The next lot of visitors were well anticipated from everyone in our household (caravan)- my parents had the opportunity to come and be with us for 2 weeks. My dad had signed up to help with the work on site and my mum was a great help with the kids and the dishes! Thea enjoyed learning to knit, Hudson was well entertained with 3D Star Wars models he got to assemble and paint and Abbey started to learn to write the alphabet out. 

Learning to knit with Granny

                                                                              

A mini golf outing

                                

With my Dad and Chris busy on the work site during the week the weekends were our time to show them around all the places we have enjoyed in Taranaki so far. Some highlights were the Taranaki Aviation, Transport and Technology Museum (TATATM), the views and walks around Mount Taranaki visitors centre and Tawhiti museum near Hawera. 

   

Playing in the old firetruck and sending messages through the TATATM museum with a pneumatic tube

My dad at TATATM

                                

One of the stunning walks on Mount Taranaki 

My dad at the glorious Mt Taranaki

Tawhiti museum looks at both Maori and colonial history through incredible visual and interactive displays- a must see when in Taranaki!

Hudson with one of the displays at Tahiti museum

Two weekends weren’t nearly enough to show them all the gems though and before we knew it we were saying our farewells. We were very grateful for their time here though and Chris and I managed to sneak a mountain biking date too while we had babysitters on site!

Enjoying biking around lake Mangamahoe

Praise points:

• For the many volunteers who have put up their hand and said "Here I am to help" from all over NZ
• Good friendships for our kids 
• The fantastic bible teaching and fellowship we have had through church, the Grace winter retreat and with our team in daily devotions. 

Prayer points:

• That the work done here would serve the camp and the growth of the gospel in Taranaki
• That council inspections would keep the ball moving to get this done! (1 more critical inspection)
• Camp ROLO (Rock of Life Outreach) at the end of the month, first week of the school holidays, would have a good turn out and that many kids would get to hear the gospel and know love.