Recently Finished North Shore Design Addition
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Old Rag
Wow... It sure has been a long time from our last post.
Just wanted to post some pictures from a recent hiking trip... enjoy!
Just wanted to post some pictures from a recent hiking trip... enjoy!
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Jesse Herrick
On Dec 20, 2007 9:07 AM, Katrina and Dave Marple
> Dear family & friends,
> We just received news that our dear friend Jesse Herrick (Sara's
> Husband, 25yrs old, from Colorado) got killed in a car accident
> yesterday when he was driving to work. We ask that you pray
> desperately for Sara, and her baby, as she's five months pregnant. His
> funeral is this Saturday in Durango Colorado. here's the link to the
> article
> http://www.durangoherald.com/asp-bin/article_generation.asp?article_type=news&article_path=/news/07/news071219_1.htm
> Thanks,
>
Gingerbread house.... spaceship!
just a quick preview of our most recent ginger bread house...
(it was filled with lots of sugar to carry to outer space!
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Monday, November 19, 2007
0-1 Bel Air Takes #2 for All State Boys Soccer
Seth played his last soccer game for the high school team. Bel Air is 2nd in the state. Lost the game 1-0, but they played a great game. Seth played most of the game. John video recorded the game. David took many pictures. Great opportunity for the team. Students, parents, and friends filled the stands. They had fantastic support from the Bel Air community! And as Seth stated, the trophy all of the teammates received is as big as the 1st place team trophies. It is a nice wall plaque that he can easily display.
This was the quote in today’s Baltimore Sun newspaper:
With less than a minute left in the game and his team trailing by a goal, Bel Air forward Nick Burdick sprinted down the middle of the field and made a sliding stop inside the penalty area against a Bethesda-Chevy Chase player who was surging toward the goal in the Class 3A championship game.
Nonetheless, the Bobcats' quest for the school's first state title in boys soccer ended just a few seconds later in the defeat against the Montgomery County school. Bel Air coach Dominic Rose said the play by Burdick underscored the toughness of his team, which won three straight games in the playoffs on penalty-kick shootouts to reach last night's final.
"The sad part is that we have 14 seniors who unfortunately have to go home," Rose said. "They made one mistake tonight and I am proud of them. There is no shame in losing a game like that."
Bel Air and Bethesda-CC (12-3-2) played evenly for much of the game, and neither team created many scoring chances in the scoreless first half. That changed with 36:50 left in the game when Barons forward David Williams collected a loose ball just outside the penalty area and ripped a low shot that found the far corner of the goal.
The Bobcats (14-4-1) tried to recover by knocking the ball into the open spaces on the outside of the field and developed several dangerous attacks in the final 20 minutes of the game. Bel Air just missed tying the game on a point-blank shot by Cameron McKibben from about 4 yards out that was stopped by Bethesda-CC goalie Roger Kirk with 18:22 left.
Bobcats senior Colin Theis then hit the post from just inside the penalty area with 10:28 left.
"We've had a lot of injuries, but somehow we have kept winning," Burdick said. "I think we dominated for the most part tonight, but they just got that one goal. The ball can't bounce our way all of the time."
Post Written by Virginia Marple
This was the quote in today’s Baltimore Sun newspaper:
With less than a minute left in the game and his team trailing by a goal, Bel Air forward Nick Burdick sprinted down the middle of the field and made a sliding stop inside the penalty area against a Bethesda-Chevy Chase player who was surging toward the goal in the Class 3A championship game.
Nonetheless, the Bobcats' quest for the school's first state title in boys soccer ended just a few seconds later in the defeat against the Montgomery County school. Bel Air coach Dominic Rose said the play by Burdick underscored the toughness of his team, which won three straight games in the playoffs on penalty-kick shootouts to reach last night's final.
"The sad part is that we have 14 seniors who unfortunately have to go home," Rose said. "They made one mistake tonight and I am proud of them. There is no shame in losing a game like that."
Bel Air and Bethesda-CC (12-3-2) played evenly for much of the game, and neither team created many scoring chances in the scoreless first half. That changed with 36:50 left in the game when Barons forward David Williams collected a loose ball just outside the penalty area and ripped a low shot that found the far corner of the goal.
The Bobcats (14-4-1) tried to recover by knocking the ball into the open spaces on the outside of the field and developed several dangerous attacks in the final 20 minutes of the game. Bel Air just missed tying the game on a point-blank shot by Cameron McKibben from about 4 yards out that was stopped by Bethesda-CC goalie Roger Kirk with 18:22 left.
Bobcats senior Colin Theis then hit the post from just inside the penalty area with 10:28 left.
"We've had a lot of injuries, but somehow we have kept winning," Burdick said. "I think we dominated for the most part tonight, but they just got that one goal. The ball can't bounce our way all of the time."
Post Written by Virginia Marple
Friday, November 9, 2007
Maryland HS Soccer Team
Dave's brother Seth's H.S. Varsity team is listed here in this article. They have won their devision for MD and are competing for one of the top 3 positions in MD HS teams... you can read the article below about their team:
News Paper Article
News Paper Article
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Brother-In-Law voted "Hottie of the Week"
Here is the Article from Erik's school newspaper... Erik you are a Hottie!
Erik Trefzger
Year: Senior
Major; Economics (with some Mathematics and Physics mixed in)
This self-proclaimed model from Milan is certainly Pradalicious. Once
finished at Whitman, he plans to take Wall Street by storm. Nowadays,
Erik can be spotted indulging his taste buds at Aloha Sushi or
showcasing his imposing dance moves at hip Indie parties. With his
open mind, boyish charm, and ever-distinct hairstyle, E.T. livens up
every situation. He’s looking for someone special, who can have fun
and keep up. So come on, ladies. Let’s show him what we can do.
Erik Trefzger
Year: Senior
Major; Economics (with some Mathematics and Physics mixed in)
This self-proclaimed model from Milan is certainly Pradalicious. Once
finished at Whitman, he plans to take Wall Street by storm. Nowadays,
Erik can be spotted indulging his taste buds at Aloha Sushi or
showcasing his imposing dance moves at hip Indie parties. With his
open mind, boyish charm, and ever-distinct hairstyle, E.T. livens up
every situation. He’s looking for someone special, who can have fun
and keep up. So come on, ladies. Let’s show him what we can do.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Gorilla Gear T-Shirts & Hoodies
Announcing the arrival of Gorilla Gear Clothing. Katrina created this logo for a Krav Maga / Jiu-Jitsu / Vale Tudo T-Shirt company in Falls Church, VA and as of last night the first set of T-Shirts and Hoodies are available. Please visit the website at Gorilla Gear. Be sure to leave some comments here so we know what you think!
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
DC with Eva..
What a trip... It is so much fun to hang with family! We took Eva downtown for some adventures at the art galleries. We would love to do the same with any of you that read this! Check back later for some pictures from Hopper's exhibit and the National Zoo (where we went afterwards!)
Hopper:
http://www.nga.gov/exhibitions/2007/hopper/introduction/index.shtm
or
http://www.nga.gov/exhibitions/hopperinfo.shtm
National Zoo: (Cheetah's)
http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/AfricanSavanna/ccsexhibit.cfm
Hopper:
http://www.nga.gov/exhibitions/2007/hopper/introduction/index.shtm
or
http://www.nga.gov/exhibitions/hopperinfo.shtm
National Zoo: (Cheetah's)
http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/AfricanSavanna/ccsexhibit.cfm
Friday, August 24, 2007
Mom's Parents (Dave's Grandparents)
(In Their 90's)
Dave's Grandparents were not able to make it to our wedding so we traveled to Lakeland Florida to see them on our way to Naples to be with Kristin (Kat's Sis) wile she gives birth to a new baby girl... we'll put pics up when it happens :)
Just for you Joe:
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Uncle & Aunt
Well, we are now the proud aunt and uncle to Josiah Lucius!
Check Him out @
PICTURES!!
the password is marple
Check Him out @
PICTURES!!
the password is marple
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Apt. Searching
Hello all faithful readers:)
Right now we are in the process of finding an apartment near falls church, va. (Outside of Washington DC) So if you want to come and visit us... stay a day or two when we find a place... we would love the company!
Also, if you have info on a great place to rent/buy send that our way!
Right now we are in the process of finding an apartment near falls church, va. (Outside of Washington DC) So if you want to come and visit us... stay a day or two when we find a place... we would love the company!
Also, if you have info on a great place to rent/buy send that our way!
Monday, June 25, 2007
Rare political plug...
Here is a link for an organization that is trying to fight to let kids in schools know the problems of that life style and they are fighting to let students know that "change is possible"
http://www.nea-exgay.org/
as Christians we know that change is possible because of what Jesus did on the cross... anyway. check it out... i urge you to support organizations such as this that directly influence the way schools teach students and what they teach!
http://www.nea-exgay.org/
as Christians we know that change is possible because of what Jesus did on the cross... anyway. check it out... i urge you to support organizations such as this that directly influence the way schools teach students and what they teach!
ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS
Answers to most common questions:
Where are you?
Cottage Grove, MN
What are you doing there?
Visiting Katrina's Aunt (2 wks ago Katrina's Grandmom passed and the funeral was here)
... it was a good thing... she had cancer, lived to be 87, and she went to be with the Lord (Lovely woman of God
Looking for a vehicle/plane tickets/ bus tickets/
When are you going to be in Virginia?
NOT SURE
Where are you planning to settle down?
NOT SURE... why settle?
Plans as of now?
Visit Justin and Leia in Kentucky
Visit other family along the way:)
See lots of the US between MN and VA
Make a little money here and there to keep traveling US
How can/ should we contact you?
USE EMAIL
Any Questions?
LOVE YA ALL!!!
PLEASE LET US KNOW HOW YOU ARE DOING AND WHAT YOU ARE UPTO!
Where are you?
Cottage Grove, MN
What are you doing there?
Visiting Katrina's Aunt (2 wks ago Katrina's Grandmom passed and the funeral was here)
... it was a good thing... she had cancer, lived to be 87, and she went to be with the Lord (Lovely woman of God
Looking for a vehicle/plane tickets/ bus tickets/
When are you going to be in Virginia?
NOT SURE
Where are you planning to settle down?
NOT SURE... why settle?
Plans as of now?
Visit Justin and Leia in Kentucky
Visit other family along the way:)
See lots of the US between MN and VA
Make a little money here and there to keep traveling US
How can/ should we contact you?
USE EMAIL
Any Questions?
LOVE YA ALL!!!
PLEASE LET US KNOW HOW YOU ARE DOING AND WHAT YOU ARE UPTO!
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Welcome Flat's on the Copland Pass Tramp
Here goes our last adventure: With a desire to soak in some hot pools after a long walk! It all started in Christchurch with our friend Benji from cornerstone house and Craig who recently moved in there. 
We peaked their curiosity with the words "hot pool" and soon we were off on a trip in "little red" to the west coast and the start of the Copland pass tramp. After 6 hours of driving we stopped just short of the beginning of the tramp at Fox glacier and slept in our tents at the view point!!! 
The view was amazing, but the possums were just as amazing. They are huge black creatures here that look like large cats. Here in NZ they are considered a pest and the government thanks you for killing them. Well, we didn't kill any of them but we did gather rocks and attempt to trick them into our throwing range... I know we shouldn't have been so cruel but they were annoying us! Anyway, lets move on! We then wake up the next morning and after a quiet nights sleep and make our way 15min down the road to the beginning of the tramp. Here we go!!
Day 1:
Tramp to Welcome Flats Hut (6hrs)
This tramp is labeled as Easy/Med. It has some distance though. something like 17km. The views are amazing, as you can see from some of our photos! Along the tramp is a glacial river (so its a baby blue/ turquoise color)! We passed through a couple places that were labeled "danger avalanche path" and "active rock slip area next 500m no stopping" but we made it there and back safely:)
Here is a Picture of the Hut:
as you can see it was beautiful all around the hut! The sleeping area is upstairs and the downstairs has a coal fireplace. Our first night here we were joined by about 25 other people.
Day 2: Relaxation and Exploration
The beginning of this day we were woken up quite early by the other trampers leaving this hut, but we made use of the extra time! First thing we made breakfast and enjoyed a morning soak in the hot pools. Then we hiked with Benji up the trail along the flat area to see more of what was above the hut.
The views were amazing! With the pending storm system approaching, most of the people at the hut had decided to hike out while the weather was still nice, thus leaving the hut for us to enjoy by ourselves!
Finally, we ended the day by eating a wonderful dinner and soaking in the hot pools one more time before heading to bed early!
Day 3: Hike out and Drive back to Christchurch
Longest of all the days!! We woke up before anyone else to enjoy a private dunk in the hot pools and watch the sunrise.
Although, the sun was covered by the clouds we had a wonderful last dunk! Then we hiked out to the car park in the rain/mist/clouds. The mountains were mystical with the clouds covering the highest points! BEAUTIFUL! Finally, we made it to the car park... 6 hrs after starting... and we tossed our bags into the car and left as fast as possible driving to Franz Joseph glacier (the sand fies were horrible at the car park!!!!). We all changed into dry clothes once we got there and took the 20min walk to the "end of the forest view point" it was amazing. This huge glacier right in front of us and waterfalls on the sides of the mountains around us and a huge river coming out of the glacier! Amazing. We were all in awe of what God had created! Then we left the glacier and headed towards civilization and food. Time to drive to Christchurch!
We peaked their curiosity with the words "hot pool" and soon we were off on a trip in "little red" to the west coast and the start of the Copland pass tramp. After 6 hours of driving we stopped just short of the beginning of the tramp at Fox glacier and slept in our tents at the view point!!! 
The view was amazing, but the possums were just as amazing. They are huge black creatures here that look like large cats. Here in NZ they are considered a pest and the government thanks you for killing them. Well, we didn't kill any of them but we did gather rocks and attempt to trick them into our throwing range... I know we shouldn't have been so cruel but they were annoying us! Anyway, lets move on! We then wake up the next morning and after a quiet nights sleep and make our way 15min down the road to the beginning of the tramp. Here we go!!
Day 1:
Tramp to Welcome Flats Hut (6hrs)
This tramp is labeled as Easy/Med. It has some distance though. something like 17km. The views are amazing, as you can see from some of our photos! Along the tramp is a glacial river (so its a baby blue/ turquoise color)! We passed through a couple places that were labeled "danger avalanche path" and "active rock slip area next 500m no stopping" but we made it there and back safely:)
Here is a Picture of the Hut:
as you can see it was beautiful all around the hut! The sleeping area is upstairs and the downstairs has a coal fireplace. Our first night here we were joined by about 25 other people.Day 2: Relaxation and Exploration
The beginning of this day we were woken up quite early by the other trampers leaving this hut, but we made use of the extra time! First thing we made breakfast and enjoyed a morning soak in the hot pools. Then we hiked with Benji up the trail along the flat area to see more of what was above the hut.
The views were amazing! With the pending storm system approaching, most of the people at the hut had decided to hike out while the weather was still nice, thus leaving the hut for us to enjoy by ourselves!Finally, we ended the day by eating a wonderful dinner and soaking in the hot pools one more time before heading to bed early!
Day 3: Hike out and Drive back to Christchurch
Longest of all the days!! We woke up before anyone else to enjoy a private dunk in the hot pools and watch the sunrise.
Although, the sun was covered by the clouds we had a wonderful last dunk! Then we hiked out to the car park in the rain/mist/clouds. The mountains were mystical with the clouds covering the highest points! BEAUTIFUL! Finally, we made it to the car park... 6 hrs after starting... and we tossed our bags into the car and left as fast as possible driving to Franz Joseph glacier (the sand fies were horrible at the car park!!!!). We all changed into dry clothes once we got there and took the 20min walk to the "end of the forest view point" it was amazing. This huge glacier right in front of us and waterfalls on the sides of the mountains around us and a huge river coming out of the glacier! Amazing. We were all in awe of what God had created! Then we left the glacier and headed towards civilization and food. Time to drive to Christchurch!
Monday, April 23, 2007
Mt Somers Tramp
So, here goes the newest info...
We climbed Mt. Somers... (see map) so here's the fun details:
We hitched out of Christchurch... well... we were planning on it, but we got a ride from our friends here in CC to the Rakia river and from there we walked maybe a km or 2 (little less than a mile) and then we were picked up by Tom, on his way home from the dentist and an avid tramper (NZ's terminology for backcountry hiking..the more serious stuff), decided to travel an hour out of his way to drop us off at the beginning of the hike. He's a farmer, and said that if he got home an hour later, it would be too late to start any new projects on the farm...he was feeling lazy so it suited him nicely. What a nice guy, and what a blessing to us! Then, he gave us his address and told us to drop in and stay in his wee cottage out back when we finished the tramp. Whenever we hitchhike, we pray that God would send the right person along who He wants us to be picked up by, and so far, He's sent some pretty amazing people along!!
Details of the Tramp:
Day 1:
Hiked 2-3 hours to Woolshed Creek Hut (The nicest hut/mansion we have stayed in...it was brand new!). We passed old coal mines. The coal mines are closed but they have put little plaques that let us know all about them. They have not even removed the old carts that have fallen into the valley ...pretty cool stuff! We had an awesome view of the sunset right before we made it to the hut.
Day 2:
We did a little exploring for the spa pools that were mentioned in our Tramping NZ book... not sure what happened to them, but they were not there :( We did however find the emerald pools! Then, we headed off to the water caves and finally over the Saddle (1170m - Alpine Crossing) where we encountered a heavy cloud. Leaving the saddle we headed to Pinnacles hut. We could barely make out the pinnacles of Mt. Somers but we could see huge,.. huge rock faces on our right that were the beginning of the Pinnacles! 9 members of the Otago Tramping and Mountaineering Club were staying the night there as well, so we had a great time exchanging stories, and feasting on camping food with them!
We also learned a new Kiwi phrase that had us chuckling to ourselves for hours... Jonette, on her way out the door, exclaimed that she was going to "go to the loo and take a wee little widdle!":):)
Day 3:
Hiked out via Bowyers Stream, Dukes Knob, and finally Sharplin Falls Reserve in the Alford Forest. We were heading towards Staveley, NZ. We did this day slowly due to the recent rain and the constant mist. Everything was slick and it was downhill! We enjoyed the terraine the most this day, because this trail was narrow, rooty, muddy, and trecherous, unlike the old 4 wheel drive road that we had started on during the way in. We finally saw the Canterbury plains as we descended from Dukes Knob, through it was very patchy clouds! After we made it to the car park we started our travels to Tom and Sue's farm/house. We were picked up 3 times and made it in about an hour! What a lovely family!
Day 4:
Spent the day at their farm marking out the posts for a new fence that they are installing due to the recent addition of a high powered sprinkler (made in the USA) for irrigation! That was fun, and they fed us so much good food that we figured we probably put on the weight that we had lost from the tramp:). Tom also has a plane, we might get a chance to go for a "scenic flight" with him sometime next week!!!!!!! Until then we are heading to Christchurch with plans for this weekend to go to Welcome Flats on the west coast with two of the guys from a YWAM ministry house there.
Sunday, April 8, 2007
Pics From Traveling
Our Friends Jesse and Sara that we met in Nelson.
They are from Durango, CO!!!
This is us in front of the Lake at Queenstown... huge lake! (NOT MAN MADE)
This is Katrina Hiding in her sleeping bag - we are next to Lake Dunstan in Cromwell, NZ (MAN MADE HYDRO LAKE)
Friday, March 30, 2007
Curtis' BDTS Grad Poem
Hey all... this is a poem that Curtis from our BDTS school wrote and then read at our DTS graduation.
>I look out over the class
>Deep into your eye's
>SWEET AS!
>I can't bare to say goodbye
>
>Our time has come
>to move on
>Do not be bummed
>sing a song
>
>There will be many things missed
>expecially the freinds
>keep the address list
>don't forget to send
>
>Keep your memories
>of the times we had
>we are a family
>be glad
>
>In the classroom
>we have never been board
>many people have gone down with a boom
>this is where we listen to the lord
>
>The deep fears
>the woundering why's
>the flowing tears
>the looking into our lives
>
>Please don't boo hoo
>
>Think BAAHHHAAAAA!
>Kristen, Katie and Hanna too!
>
>Mell lover of the charmel tim tam's
>and the laughter that moves all
>
>Ransom so handsom
>found maricals happen
>
>John my pillow fighting companion
>number one fan, set the gitar sing
>
>Kalip twinkling eyes
>of his heart, how great though are
>
>Jesse speech of bold
>growth of wisdom untold
>
>Matias hair and beard of red
>follower of god on fire
>another partner in crime, Prankstar
>
>Jake the beater of a different drum
>living life in the simplist form.
>
>Dan the man
>with a voice touching the soul
>always there never letting go
>
>Darren the voice at night
>making us laugh, not fight
>
>Jono with jokes unseen
>speeking his mind of keen
>
>Judy you can bug
>she'll laugh, than give a hug
>
>Hanna "A team goer"
>working hard, never going slower
>
>Amy always smiles light to you
>there is nothing she can't do
>
>Natalie holking on tight
>so quiet, yet willing to fight
>
>Sarah with the voice of tenderness
>never admitting defeat but climbs on
>
>Mark liven's up any party
>dances the drunken uncle well
>please sit down for a spell
>
>Sam's voice so sweet
>moves the mountains and valley's deep
>
>Anna, Hi
>HI Anna
>Anna, Hi
>Hi
>
>Amanda so very quiet and shy
>take's care of us al
>with a motherly hand
>
>Matt could sing a song
>tell a tail, than let off a fart bomb
>
>Jessica with eyes bright
>shining like diamond light
>
>Stephen and Grace
>have beautiful hearts
>always setting the pace
>
>Curtis all have to watch out for
>don't turn your back
>ou everything will be knotted on the floor
>
>Kristen K. speaks her mind
>and has a love of a very special kind
>
>Rossie has a radient glow
>with a smile that never lets go
>
>Katie and Katie to
>sorry about the confulion of names
>but we love you too.
>
>Dave with a smiley grin
>loves his wife without an end
>
>Just want to say
>you are freinds
>that have become a family
>but remember
>never forget
>always forgive
>live, laugh, love
>
>This is only good bye for now
>but not forever,
>until we meet again
>
>Love you all
> Staff too!
>I look out over the class
>Deep into your eye's
>SWEET AS!
>I can't bare to say goodbye
>
>Our time has come
>to move on
>Do not be bummed
>sing a song
>
>There will be many things missed
>expecially the freinds
>keep the address list
>don't forget to send
>
>Keep your memories
>of the times we had
>we are a family
>be glad
>
>In the classroom
>we have never been board
>many people have gone down with a boom
>this is where we listen to the lord
>
>The deep fears
>the woundering why's
>the flowing tears
>the looking into our lives
>
>Please don't boo hoo
>
>Think BAAHHHAAAAA!
>Kristen, Katie and Hanna too!
>
>Mell lover of the charmel tim tam's
>and the laughter that moves all
>
>Ransom so handsom
>found maricals happen
>
>John my pillow fighting companion
>number one fan, set the gitar sing
>
>Kalip twinkling eyes
>of his heart, how great though are
>
>Jesse speech of bold
>growth of wisdom untold
>
>Matias hair and beard of red
>follower of god on fire
>another partner in crime, Prankstar
>
>Jake the beater of a different drum
>living life in the simplist form.
>
>Dan the man
>with a voice touching the soul
>always there never letting go
>
>Darren the voice at night
>making us laugh, not fight
>
>Jono with jokes unseen
>speeking his mind of keen
>
>Judy you can bug
>she'll laugh, than give a hug
>
>Hanna "A team goer"
>working hard, never going slower
>
>Amy always smiles light to you
>there is nothing she can't do
>
>Natalie holking on tight
>so quiet, yet willing to fight
>
>Sarah with the voice of tenderness
>never admitting defeat but climbs on
>
>Mark liven's up any party
>dances the drunken uncle well
>please sit down for a spell
>
>Sam's voice so sweet
>moves the mountains and valley's deep
>
>Anna, Hi
>HI Anna
>Anna, Hi
>Hi
>
>Amanda so very quiet and shy
>take's care of us al
>with a motherly hand
>
>Matt could sing a song
>tell a tail, than let off a fart bomb
>
>Jessica with eyes bright
>shining like diamond light
>
>Stephen and Grace
>have beautiful hearts
>always setting the pace
>
>Curtis all have to watch out for
>don't turn your back
>ou everything will be knotted on the floor
>
>Kristen K. speaks her mind
>and has a love of a very special kind
>
>Rossie has a radient glow
>with a smile that never lets go
>
>Katie and Katie to
>sorry about the confulion of names
>but we love you too.
>
>Dave with a smiley grin
>loves his wife without an end
>
>Just want to say
>you are freinds
>that have become a family
>but remember
>never forget
>always forgive
>live, laugh, love
>
>This is only good bye for now
>but not forever,
>until we meet again
>
>Love you all
> Staff too!
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Le Bons Bay Boat Trip Dolphins
We went on a boat ride in Le Bons Bay... check out a pic of the dolphins... Gary and Heidi from Le Bons Bay Backpackers are wonderful, and we definitely think this is a hostel worth staying at for a week!
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Akaroa, NZ
Well.... lots has been happening, but I only have a minute to tell you all about it. We made our way to Le Bon's Bay Backpackers and have been there all week, we leave tomorrow and head to a small place called Little River. You would all love it here... we went on a boat trip and saw hector dolphins, a funny little penguin and of course a seal!!!! some amazing pics that we cannot wait to add to our website!
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Leaving Cromwell, Heading to Queenstown!
Leaving Cromwell :( We have had such a wonderful time with our friends here in Cromwell... It has been a blessing to see them and to spend time with them! We have felt like KINGS AND QUEENS! Tomorrow we head to Queenstown to go to the Q-town baptist church with John and Rosa. They plan to take us by arrowtown on the way (where people have recently found gold nuggets in the river!). Pray that God continues to bless them in this endeavor to have a BNB and that they continue to get more and more visitors!
http://www.antrimguesthouse.com/
http://www.antrimguesthouse.com/
Gold Sluicing?
Gold Sluicing... whats that... ??
http://www.keeneengineering.com/pamphlets/howsluice.html
Today we traveled with John (our resident tour guide) to Braddock road to visit the central otago gold sluicing fields. What a site, you could see where they had let large amounts of water go to erode the dam and force the light sediments away leaving only the "pay dirt" behind. The dirt was then panned for gold. All that damage to the surface for little pieces of Gold! The government stepped in to stop them here in the 1930's. I am quite positive that much of the gold still remains below the surface! Quite fascinating. Hopefully we can add some pictures to show you how much dirt was eroded away during this process. You could even see the marks inside of some of the caves from pic axes! What a trip. Thank you John for the tour! (John from the antrim guest house was once a tour guide at the local gold mine establishment)
http://www.keeneengineering.com/pamphlets/howsluice.html
Today we traveled with John (our resident tour guide) to Braddock road to visit the central otago gold sluicing fields. What a site, you could see where they had let large amounts of water go to erode the dam and force the light sediments away leaving only the "pay dirt" behind. The dirt was then panned for gold. All that damage to the surface for little pieces of Gold! The government stepped in to stop them here in the 1930's. I am quite positive that much of the gold still remains below the surface! Quite fascinating. Hopefully we can add some pictures to show you how much dirt was eroded away during this process. You could even see the marks inside of some of the caves from pic axes! What a trip. Thank you John for the tour! (John from the antrim guest house was once a tour guide at the local gold mine establishment)
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Finished Sign
Here is the sign that we did for the Antrim Guest House... it was delivered to the printer today!
Cromwell, NZ
What a lovely town! Our friends John and Rosa from the www.antrimguesthouse.com invited us to stay with them for a few nights! What a treat. They made us wonderful meals, a roast dinner,... and we are planning on going on a trip to the Gold Fields tomorrow! Last night we sang some songs together and talked about how awesome our God is! Today, we are going to help John create a sign for the BnB to place outside so people can locate the house. We took this picture of Old Cromwell from the lookout point:
Also today we are planning to help John do some screen printing! He has a screen printer here in the house.. and the local plumber has asked him to make some shirts. This should also be fun...
Later this weekend we plan to meet up with our friends Jesse and Sara in Queenstown! They too are traveling NZ on a shoestring budget!
God bless you all!
Also today we are planning to help John do some screen printing! He has a screen printer here in the house.. and the local plumber has asked him to make some shirts. This should also be fun...
Later this weekend we plan to meet up with our friends Jesse and Sara in Queenstown! They too are traveling NZ on a shoestring budget!
God bless you all!
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
NEW FRIENDS!!
Above: Us w/ Pauline Wagner... writer of the Pet Travel Guide Book for NZhttp://www.pettravel.netaccess.co.nz/whatsnew.html
She also makes some wonderful jams!
We met these two (Ian & Noeline Mills) in Hokatika and they offered to let us tent next to "close quarters" their bus! They have been traveling around NZ for 2 years on this bus, and love it!
Monday, March 12, 2007
Goat's Pass Track/Tramp
Note to mom... don't worry about your son/daughter... we are gona be okay :)
Here's the short version of what we did......
hitched from Wimack to arthurs pass, hiked the goats track to goat pass hut and stayed two nights due to the horrible weather. Then we put on our wet boots and boulder hopped out the track (it follows the deception river... although most of the time you spend crossing it over and over again) We actually stopped after about 8 hrs of hiking and pitched our tent next to the river bed. The next morning we packed all our wet stuff up and hiked 2 hrs out of the track to the road. Unpacked all our gear and laid it out to dry... ate breakfast... then packed everything back up and hiked 1/2 hr. Some lady stopped and handed up a wildfoods festival ticket but she was heading the other way. Then we caught a ride to hokitika in a campervan that an australian was relocating and he had already picked up two drunk hitchhikers!
Okay... so ill make the rest short cause we have to run (Internet cafe)
we stayed in hoki until today and tomorrow we are heading down to Cromwell... hopefully... to visit our friends!
Friday, February 23, 2007
BDTS Graduation & Debrief
masquerade ball! Katrina and I dressed with minimal masks... but many of the people there did not! It was a great time for us... we were able to present our nelson team with certificates stating that they had graduated the BDTS!!! www.ywambackpackers.org You should check it out. God really gave us a heart for travelers in the world through this school. We would love to take the time to share our hearts and our experiences with all of you. Let us know if you are interested and we will set up a time when we are in town to come and visit you... bring some photos... and let you know a little more about what God has shown us!
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Birthday Bash
Hello all... Just so that everyone knows Dave just hit the 1/4 of a century mark. (25yrs) We had a wonderful day! To surprise him I rented him a bike from the base, and then we went mountain biking! We biked to the blue house to get ice-cream and then one of the bikes had a flat so we got a ride back to the base. For dinner we surprised him with sushi from downtown! YUM YUM. Then during the evening talk everyone sang Happy Birthday to dave and Amanda and Anna made dave a brownie birthday cake! What an awesome Birthday!
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
Feb 07, 2007 UPDATE
Hello friends and family!
God is so good! As I'm sitting here writing this email to you all, I'm overwhelmed with how in the world I'm going to share all that God's doing in us and through us during these two months where our main focus has been and is to tell backpackers that God loves them, has provided a way for them to have a relationship with Him through sending His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for our sins, and that through putting our faith in Him, we'll spend eternity worshiping our Creator! Wow! We feel so privileged that God's chosen to use US imperfect humans to tell everyone about how much He loves them!
At this point in outreach, I feel as though we're all beginning to understand this on a deeper level. We all realized that we're called to love people, and through our love, they'd know that we're Christians. Now we're learning that what it means to really love someone is to love them enough to tell them that there's a God that loves them more then we ever could, and that our love for them is only a tiny reflection of how much God loves them.
Okay, now for how God's using us here in Nelson, New Zealand! Last time I wrote, we had just finished renting a house for a week and were heading up to the Golden Bay area with 2 hitchhikers that had been living & traveling with us. We had asked you to pray for Simon's salvation, and we have a HUGE answer to our prayers! A week before Simon headed back to Sweden, he professed Jesus as his Lord! We had given him a Bible a few days earlier, and he read all of John, 1 Corinthians, and a few other books. He also watched a video with us called the Lazarus phenomena about real people today who have had experiences where they've died and either went to heaven or hell, and then came back from the dead to tell about their experience. He didn't really believe in Jesus, or hell or any of that before he met us, so we know that the only reason why he accepted Christ is because God grew the seeds in his heart that we planted. We're pretty sure his mom has been praying for him, along with all of you, so we have no doubts that you are as much of a part of his salvation as we are! Thank you God! We spent about a week up in Takaka at a backpackers called Kiwiana. We met many travelers up there, made many friends, and told many of them about God's love for them. We also met a Christian guy from Germany, who we were able to encourage in his faith, and in sharing his faith! The most exciting thing that happened though up in Takaka is that we met our beautiful biking German friend, Jana. During a hearty meal of delicious pizza at the Hot Rock Pizza Kitchen, the conversation turned to God, and we asked her if she knew what Christians believed. She had never heard before, and genuinely asked us to explain it to her. After sharing with her the gospel message, a couple of us shared our testimony with her, and shared with her how God's changed our lives. She was very interested, and accepted a Bible from us. The next day, we drove 100 Kilometers back to Nelson, where we rented another house. We very shortly after received a text from her letting us now that she was biking down to stay with us! She's been with us for over a week now, and has been sitting in on our team devotions and worship time. She understands what we believe, but has told us that she still has some questions that she's working through. She's planning on traveling with us the rest of the time that we're on outreach, so PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE pray that God turns her heart towards Him, and that she puts her faith in Him. We absolutely love this girl, and want so badly for her to know how much more God loves her. During this time that we were at the house, 2 other backpackers from Germany were living with us, Tobias and Malte. Be praying for them as well, and they will be traveling with us for a little while longer. They don't know the Lord, but He's definitely working on they're hearts, as they've been asking to come to church with us, and are obviously searching.
After we rented the house, we stayed in another backpackers hostel, the Paridiso. It was a great time where we built a lot of relationships, and shared Jesus with a lot of people who didn't know Him. A lot of seeds were planted, so be praying that God grows those seeds, and brings other Christians along their paths.
We spent about a week up in Takaka at a backpackers called Kiwiana. We met many travelers up there, made many friends, and told many of them about God's love for them. We also met a Christian guy from Germany, who we were able to encourage in his faith, and in sharing his faith! The most exciting thing that happened though up in Takaka is that we met our beautiful biking German friend, Jana. During a hearty meal of delicious pizza at the Hot Rock Pizza Kitchen, the conversation turned to God, and we asked her if she knew what Christians believed. She had never heard before, and genuinely asked us to explain it to her. After sharing with her the gospel message, a couple of us shared our testimony with her, and shared with her how God's changed our lives. She was very interested, and accepted a Bible from us. The next day, we drove 100 Kilometers back to Nelson, where we rented another house. We very shortly after received a text from her letting us now that she was biking down to stay with us! She's been with us for over a week now, and has been sitting in on our team devotions and worship time. She understands what we believe, but has told us that she still has some questions that she's working through. She's planning on traveling with us the rest of the time that we're on outreach, so PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE pray that God turns her heart towards Him, and that she puts her faith in Him. We absolutely love this girl, and want so badly for her to know how much more God loves her. During this time that we were at the house, 2 other backpackers from Germany were living with us, Tobias and Malte. Be praying for them as well, and they will be traveling with us for a little while longer. They don't know the Lord, but He's definitely working on they're hearts, as they've been asking to come to church with us, and are obviously searching.
After we rented the house, we stayed in another backpackers hostel, the Paridiso. It was a great time where we built a lot of relationships, and shared Jesus with a lot of people who didn't know Him. A lot of seeds were planted, so be praying that God grows those seeds, and brings other Christians along their paths.
Now, we are heading up to the Marlborough Sounds to stay at the DOC campground at French Pass (Check your maps to find that one:)), where we're planning on camping for the next 4 days. The campground that we're going to stay at is supposedly a pretty busy one, so pray that God starts working on the people's hearts that He wants us to share with!
Thank you again for all of your prayers. God's really using them!
Please write back and let us know how you're doing!! We can't wait to hear about anything new that's going on! Congratulations Bonnie on new baby that's on it's way !!!!!! How exciting! Congratulations as well to Kristin and Joe with a new baby on the way, and also to Justin and Leia! We're excited beyond words to be an Aunt and Uncle!!!! Beth and Chris, let us know how your baby's doing!
Love,
Katrina & Dave
PS. Continue praying for Saskia, the other backpacker that was traveling with us, as she's went off to travel on her own about a week ago. Keep on praying that God miraculously heals her moms cancer!
God is so good! As I'm sitting here writing this email to you all, I'm overwhelmed with how in the world I'm going to share all that God's doing in us and through us during these two months where our main focus has been and is to tell backpackers that God loves them, has provided a way for them to have a relationship with Him through sending His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for our sins, and that through putting our faith in Him, we'll spend eternity worshiping our Creator! Wow! We feel so privileged that God's chosen to use US imperfect humans to tell everyone about how much He loves them!
At this point in outreach, I feel as though we're all beginning to understand this on a deeper level. We all realized that we're called to love people, and through our love, they'd know that we're Christians. Now we're learning that what it means to really love someone is to love them enough to tell them that there's a God that loves them more then we ever could, and that our love for them is only a tiny reflection of how much God loves them.
Okay, now for how God's using us here in Nelson, New Zealand! Last time I wrote, we had just finished renting a house for a week and were heading up to the Golden Bay area with 2 hitchhikers that had been living & traveling with us. We had asked you to pray for Simon's salvation, and we have a HUGE answer to our prayers! A week before Simon headed back to Sweden, he professed Jesus as his Lord! We had given him a Bible a few days earlier, and he read all of John, 1 Corinthians, and a few other books. He also watched a video with us called the Lazarus phenomena about real people today who have had experiences where they've died and either went to heaven or hell, and then came back from the dead to tell about their experience. He didn't really believe in Jesus, or hell or any of that before he met us, so we know that the only reason why he accepted Christ is because God grew the seeds in his heart that we planted. We're pretty sure his mom has been praying for him, along with all of you, so we have no doubts that you are as much of a part of his salvation as we are! Thank you God! We spent about a week up in Takaka at a backpackers called Kiwiana. We met many travelers up there, made many friends, and told many of them about God's love for them. We also met a Christian guy from Germany, who we were able to encourage in his faith, and in sharing his faith! The most exciting thing that happened though up in Takaka is that we met our beautiful biking German friend, Jana. During a hearty meal of delicious pizza at the Hot Rock Pizza Kitchen, the conversation turned to God, and we asked her if she knew what Christians believed. She had never heard before, and genuinely asked us to explain it to her. After sharing with her the gospel message, a couple of us shared our testimony with her, and shared with her how God's changed our lives. She was very interested, and accepted a Bible from us. The next day, we drove 100 Kilometers back to Nelson, where we rented another house. We very shortly after received a text from her letting us now that she was biking down to stay with us! She's been with us for over a week now, and has been sitting in on our team devotions and worship time. She understands what we believe, but has told us that she still has some questions that she's working through. She's planning on traveling with us the rest of the time that we're on outreach, so PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE pray that God turns her heart towards Him, and that she puts her faith in Him. We absolutely love this girl, and want so badly for her to know how much more God loves her. During this time that we were at the house, 2 other backpackers from Germany were living with us, Tobias and Malte. Be praying for them as well, and they will be traveling with us for a little while longer. They don't know the Lord, but He's definitely working on they're hearts, as they've been asking to come to church with us, and are obviously searching.
After we rented the house, we stayed in another backpackers hostel, the Paridiso. It was a great time where we built a lot of relationships, and shared Jesus with a lot of people who didn't know Him. A lot of seeds were planted, so be praying that God grows those seeds, and brings other Christians along their paths.
We spent about a week up in Takaka at a backpackers called Kiwiana. We met many travelers up there, made many friends, and told many of them about God's love for them. We also met a Christian guy from Germany, who we were able to encourage in his faith, and in sharing his faith! The most exciting thing that happened though up in Takaka is that we met our beautiful biking German friend, Jana. During a hearty meal of delicious pizza at the Hot Rock Pizza Kitchen, the conversation turned to God, and we asked her if she knew what Christians believed. She had never heard before, and genuinely asked us to explain it to her. After sharing with her the gospel message, a couple of us shared our testimony with her, and shared with her how God's changed our lives. She was very interested, and accepted a Bible from us. The next day, we drove 100 Kilometers back to Nelson, where we rented another house. We very shortly after received a text from her letting us now that she was biking down to stay with us! She's been with us for over a week now, and has been sitting in on our team devotions and worship time. She understands what we believe, but has told us that she still has some questions that she's working through. She's planning on traveling with us the rest of the time that we're on outreach, so PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE pray that God turns her heart towards Him, and that she puts her faith in Him. We absolutely love this girl, and want so badly for her to know how much more God loves her. During this time that we were at the house, 2 other backpackers from Germany were living with us, Tobias and Malte. Be praying for them as well, and they will be traveling with us for a little while longer. They don't know the Lord, but He's definitely working on they're hearts, as they've been asking to come to church with us, and are obviously searching.
After we rented the house, we stayed in another backpackers hostel, the Paridiso. It was a great time where we built a lot of relationships, and shared Jesus with a lot of people who didn't know Him. A lot of seeds were planted, so be praying that God grows those seeds, and brings other Christians along their paths.
Now, we are heading up to the Marlborough Sounds to stay at the DOC campground at French Pass (Check your maps to find that one:)), where we're planning on camping for the next 4 days. The campground that we're going to stay at is supposedly a pretty busy one, so pray that God starts working on the people's hearts that He wants us to share with!
Thank you again for all of your prayers. God's really using them!
Please write back and let us know how you're doing!! We can't wait to hear about anything new that's going on! Congratulations Bonnie on new baby that's on it's way !!!!!! How exciting! Congratulations as well to Kristin and Joe with a new baby on the way, and also to Justin and Leia! We're excited beyond words to be an Aunt and Uncle!!!! Beth and Chris, let us know how your baby's doing!
Love,
Katrina & Dave
PS. Continue praying for Saskia, the other backpacker that was traveling with us, as she's went off to travel on her own about a week ago. Keep on praying that God miraculously heals her moms cancer!
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Outreach Update from Nelson, NZ
Hello Everyone!
We just finished our second week of outreach, and it has been incredible! We are doing a backpacker's outreach, which basically entails doing what the backpackers do, and sharing the love of Jesus with them in the meantime!
We kicked off outreach by spending New Year's Eve in the Blue Backpackers hostel, and invited everyone in the hostel to share cheese, crackers, fruit kabobs with caramel sauce, and sparkling apple cider with us. 2 backpackers from Holland (Silvia and Preska), a couple from Germany (Anna Marie & Ricka), and a few guys from South Korea joined us for the evening. We had a lot of fun with them, and had the opportunity to share with them why we are in New Zealand traveling around, and tell them more about the school that we're at. By the time that we left 2 days later, we all exchanged email addresses, and are planning to keep in touch!
(Team Pic @ the Waterfall in Kaikaura)
After New Years in Kaikora, we headed up to the Nelson area, and did one of New Zealands Great Walks, the Abel Tasman. We spent 8 days hiking, first in the rain forest, and then along the coast of the top of the south island. It was absolutely beautiful, with crystal clear water and isolated beaches with seals and penguins! The first day of our trip, we met our new friends, Shela and Joe. We ended up staying at the same camp grounds with them almost every single night. Through dinner, cards, and laughing, we were able to show them the love of Jesus, which led to some cool conversations about their beliefs,and our beliefs. Shela used to go to church, but said she didn't believe in going any more after they rejected her during her painful divorce. We invited them to join us for our team devotions and worship, and they said that they felt so at home with us, and loved seeing how much we loved each other! Keep them in your prayers, as we know that God used us to plant a seed in their hearts. We also saw our friends that we met in Kaikora again, and Dave had the opportunity to share Christ with them! We also met another couple from Germany, Steffan and Cena, along with many others that we hopefully planted seeds in!
(L to R: Dean, Simon, Katrina, Saskya, Krispy, Tim)
This week, we rented a house, and our desire was to use it to bless anyone in need! We realized that a lot of backpackers, especially those traveling alone, are very lonely, running low on money, and are very open. We decided to start out our time at the house with a big barbecue, and go into town and invite as many different backpackers as we could! We had a houseful, and about 8 of them have been hanging out with us every day, and about 5 of them have been living with us, sharing our meals with us, and worshiping God with us in the mornings! Only one of them, Tim, is a Christian, and the rest of them either don't (didn't) believe in God, or don't believe in one God. I get goosebumps as I think about the conversations we've been having with them throughout the week. One of the guys, Simon from Sweden, didn't believe in God a couple of days ago, and after many many conversations about God, along with different things, worship sessions, and team devotions, he prayed to God for the first time in 4 years! He's going to be spending the next 2 weeks with us as well, so be praying for his salvation! He is an amazing guy, and I want to see him again in heaven!
We also had an amazing discussion with a ton of backpackers that we invited back to dinner 2 nights ago. One of them, Mattias, asked why the Bible is split up in to the Old Testament and the New Testament, and we were able to tell them all (including and Israeli,) about how the Old Testament is based on laws, and sacrifices as means to atone for sin, and have a relationship with God, and then the New Testament is about how Jesus came and fulfilled the law, so now we can have a relationship with God through Christ! That led to many more discussions about other topics like evolution/creation, etc. Wow! it was amazing, because it didn't turn into an argument, but instead, we all talked about some really deep stuff, and everyone was genuinely interested. God is doing some amazing things here, and the coolest part is, we're just living life here in Nelson, loving each other, and loving others. Our hope and desire is that through this, our team will learn that life and missions aren't two separate things, our lives should be so completely holistic with our love for God, that He just pours over into other people's lives, and we can't help but love the lost, feed the poor, visit those in prison, because through loving God, He gives us His heart for people, and our life isn't complete if we aren't loving others!
Right now, we're praying about what God wants us to do next. We have been hearing a lot about this backpackers hostel that is in the center of Nelson that we might spend some time in. Some of the guys that we've met have been telling us we probably wouldn't enjoy it because the people aren't good people there and drink a lot...and we've been thinking that that's exactly where Jesus would've gone if He was walking on earth now, because those are the people that need Him! Pray for wisdom for us!
Also, a few more prayer requests:
Saskia's (one of the backpackers who's living with us) mom has cancer in her back, and we've been praying for a miracle!
More boldness for our team to share Jesus' love with people outside of our comfort zone
That God brings the people along that He wants us to meet!
That's all for now. We love you all so much, and would love to hear back from you!
Love,
Katrina and Dave
We just finished our second week of outreach, and it has been incredible! We are doing a backpacker's outreach, which basically entails doing what the backpackers do, and sharing the love of Jesus with them in the meantime!
We kicked off outreach by spending New Year's Eve in the Blue Backpackers hostel, and invited everyone in the hostel to share cheese, crackers, fruit kabobs with caramel sauce, and sparkling apple cider with us. 2 backpackers from Holland (Silvia and Preska), a couple from Germany (Anna Marie & Ricka), and a few guys from South Korea joined us for the evening. We had a lot of fun with them, and had the opportunity to share with them why we are in New Zealand traveling around, and tell them more about the school that we're at. By the time that we left 2 days later, we all exchanged email addresses, and are planning to keep in touch!
(Team Pic @ the Waterfall in Kaikaura)After New Years in Kaikora, we headed up to the Nelson area, and did one of New Zealands Great Walks, the Abel Tasman. We spent 8 days hiking, first in the rain forest, and then along the coast of the top of the south island. It was absolutely beautiful, with crystal clear water and isolated beaches with seals and penguins! The first day of our trip, we met our new friends, Shela and Joe. We ended up staying at the same camp grounds with them almost every single night. Through dinner, cards, and laughing, we were able to show them the love of Jesus, which led to some cool conversations about their beliefs,and our beliefs. Shela used to go to church, but said she didn't believe in going any more after they rejected her during her painful divorce. We invited them to join us for our team devotions and worship, and they said that they felt so at home with us, and loved seeing how much we loved each other! Keep them in your prayers, as we know that God used us to plant a seed in their hearts. We also saw our friends that we met in Kaikora again, and Dave had the opportunity to share Christ with them! We also met another couple from Germany, Steffan and Cena, along with many others that we hopefully planted seeds in!
(L to R: Dean, Simon, Katrina, Saskya, Krispy, Tim)This week, we rented a house, and our desire was to use it to bless anyone in need! We realized that a lot of backpackers, especially those traveling alone, are very lonely, running low on money, and are very open. We decided to start out our time at the house with a big barbecue, and go into town and invite as many different backpackers as we could! We had a houseful, and about 8 of them have been hanging out with us every day, and about 5 of them have been living with us, sharing our meals with us, and worshiping God with us in the mornings! Only one of them, Tim, is a Christian, and the rest of them either don't (didn't) believe in God, or don't believe in one God. I get goosebumps as I think about the conversations we've been having with them throughout the week. One of the guys, Simon from Sweden, didn't believe in God a couple of days ago, and after many many conversations about God, along with different things, worship sessions, and team devotions, he prayed to God for the first time in 4 years! He's going to be spending the next 2 weeks with us as well, so be praying for his salvation! He is an amazing guy, and I want to see him again in heaven!
We also had an amazing discussion with a ton of backpackers that we invited back to dinner 2 nights ago. One of them, Mattias, asked why the Bible is split up in to the Old Testament and the New Testament, and we were able to tell them all (including and Israeli,) about how the Old Testament is based on laws, and sacrifices as means to atone for sin, and have a relationship with God, and then the New Testament is about how Jesus came and fulfilled the law, so now we can have a relationship with God through Christ! That led to many more discussions about other topics like evolution/creation, etc. Wow! it was amazing, because it didn't turn into an argument, but instead, we all talked about some really deep stuff, and everyone was genuinely interested. God is doing some amazing things here, and the coolest part is, we're just living life here in Nelson, loving each other, and loving others. Our hope and desire is that through this, our team will learn that life and missions aren't two separate things, our lives should be so completely holistic with our love for God, that He just pours over into other people's lives, and we can't help but love the lost, feed the poor, visit those in prison, because through loving God, He gives us His heart for people, and our life isn't complete if we aren't loving others!
Right now, we're praying about what God wants us to do next. We have been hearing a lot about this backpackers hostel that is in the center of Nelson that we might spend some time in. Some of the guys that we've met have been telling us we probably wouldn't enjoy it because the people aren't good people there and drink a lot...and we've been thinking that that's exactly where Jesus would've gone if He was walking on earth now, because those are the people that need Him! Pray for wisdom for us!
Also, a few more prayer requests:
Saskia's (one of the backpackers who's living with us) mom has cancer in her back, and we've been praying for a miracle!
More boldness for our team to share Jesus' love with people outside of our comfort zone
That God brings the people along that He wants us to meet!
That's all for now. We love you all so much, and would love to hear back from you!
Love,
Katrina and Dave
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Abel Tasman
The beginning of January marks our first long hiking trip. We took a group of 4 other people on an 8 day hiking trip through the Abel Tasman national park! First, we hiked the inland route where the view were amazing and the people were scarce. Then when we got to the end of the inland trek we hiked back to our car via the coastal track! Altogether it was a little over 60 miles of sometimes extremely rough terrain.
Friday, December 29, 2006
God Is Good
Hello everyone!
We just wanted to let all of you know that we're heading out on outreach in a day and a half! Dave and I are taking a team of 4 students (Jesse, Amanda, Hannah, and Anna), up to Nelson, and we're doing a backpackers outreach. We're very excited to see how God's going to use us!
We also wanted to let you know that God's provided all of the money for everyone to go! In 2 weeks, we saw 45,000 NZD come in. What a testimony to God's provision. Our faith grew so much through this time. God is truly good.
We love you all so much, and would love to hear from you! Please keep us in your prayers! We're a little nervous about leading this team, and the huge responsibility that we have to lead them and other's to Christ. We know that He'll give us the grace and wisdom to handle anything that comes our way...but ppllllease still be praying-we can use all we can get!
Love,
Katrina & Dave
We just wanted to let all of you know that we're heading out on outreach in a day and a half! Dave and I are taking a team of 4 students (Jesse, Amanda, Hannah, and Anna), up to Nelson, and we're doing a backpackers outreach. We're very excited to see how God's going to use us!
We also wanted to let you know that God's provided all of the money for everyone to go! In 2 weeks, we saw 45,000 NZD come in. What a testimony to God's provision. Our faith grew so much through this time. God is truly good.
We love you all so much, and would love to hear from you! Please keep us in your prayers! We're a little nervous about leading this team, and the huge responsibility that we have to lead them and other's to Christ. We know that He'll give us the grace and wisdom to handle anything that comes our way...but ppllllease still be praying-we can use all we can get!
Love,
Katrina & Dave
Thursday, December 28, 2006
TEAM PICTURE
Here's our team picture...From left: Jesse from Colorado, Amanda from Saskatuan, Canada, Me, Dave, Hannah from Vancouver, Canada, and Anna from Ireland!
Love ya!
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Christmas Love
Hello friends and family!!!
We hope that you're having a wonderful Christmas celebrating our Savior's birth! Here in New Zealand, we're a day ahead of America, so we celebrated Christmas yesterday! Our Christmas activities started with a Midnight candle light service, where we sang songs, and one of the students talked a little about the real meaning of Christmas. Then the next morning we got up and had a white elephant gift exchange. Then we had a special lunch together...lamb, chicken, ham, sweet potatoes, pudding...and then we all...WENT TO THE BEACH AND WENT SWIMMING :). It's summer here!
A lot of the students (and we) were feeling homesick during this time, but we had to keep in mind that even though we weren't able to be with our families, we were still here with our spiritual family, and that's a bond that's tighter than blood. Also, there are sacrifices that we have to make if we truly desire to follow God and not man. He might call us away from our families for a time, and as hard as that is, we know that God has a purpose for it, and will comfort us even when things are hard.
We also have some things that we'd really appreciate your prayers in. Our school is preparing to go on outreach (6 week long missions trip) to Morocco, 2 teams to Thailand, and 3 teams are staying in New Zealand. Our school had an amazing week 2 weeks ago, but since then, we've have had some trials. Half of the school is sick, one of the student's has been asked to go home, another student's sister had a miscarriage, and another student just found out today that her mom's just been diagnosed with thyroid cancer, and her Dad has a blood clot in his leg that was caused by hitting a deer.
We know that God has huge things that He's preparing for us as we go out sharing His love, but we also know that satan's getting scared that he's going to lose ground, and is trying to weaken us. God is so much more powerful though, and we really NEED to look towards Him, and in saying that - we need your prayers!
Another thing that we could use prayer about is for our finances for outreach. Our school still needs about $14,000 New Zealand Dollars (around $10,000 US Dollars) in order to go on outreach. Our whole school is fasting and praying for God to provide the money for us to go where He's calling us, and we are confident that He WILL provide. Last week we needed $45,000 NZD, and in the past week, He's provided $35,000 NZD for our school! We would appreciate if you all would partner with us in your prayers. Also, we'd also love if you would ask the Lord if He would like to use you in helping to provide for us to go out! If God puts this on your heart here is a direct link to paypal or https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_xclick&business=payments%40dkmarple%2ecom&item_name=Marple_YWAM&no_shipping=2&no_note=1&tax=0¤cy_code=USD&lc=US&bn=PP%2dDonationsBF&charset=UTF%2d8
You can also make donations on the YWAM Oxford website. Please More than anything, we really do desire to partner with you in prayer as we go out. Money is just a tool that God uses to send us where He wants us to, but your prayers are what's going to impact eternity.
We love you all so much, and would love to hear if there is anything we could be praying for you about as well. Thank you all so much for all of your love and support. It means more than you know when you tell us you've been thinking about us and praying for us even though we're half way around the world! We've been praying that God just blesses all of you abundantly as you've been blessing us!
We love you,
In Christ,
Katrina&Dave
We hope that you're having a wonderful Christmas celebrating our Savior's birth! Here in New Zealand, we're a day ahead of America, so we celebrated Christmas yesterday! Our Christmas activities started with a Midnight candle light service, where we sang songs, and one of the students talked a little about the real meaning of Christmas. Then the next morning we got up and had a white elephant gift exchange. Then we had a special lunch together...lamb, chicken, ham, sweet potatoes, pudding...and then we all...WENT TO THE BEACH AND WENT SWIMMING :). It's summer here!
A lot of the students (and we) were feeling homesick during this time, but we had to keep in mind that even though we weren't able to be with our families, we were still here with our spiritual family, and that's a bond that's tighter than blood. Also, there are sacrifices that we have to make if we truly desire to follow God and not man. He might call us away from our families for a time, and as hard as that is, we know that God has a purpose for it, and will comfort us even when things are hard.
We also have some things that we'd really appreciate your prayers in. Our school is preparing to go on outreach (6 week long missions trip) to Morocco, 2 teams to Thailand, and 3 teams are staying in New Zealand. Our school had an amazing week 2 weeks ago, but since then, we've have had some trials. Half of the school is sick, one of the student's has been asked to go home, another student's sister had a miscarriage, and another student just found out today that her mom's just been diagnosed with thyroid cancer, and her Dad has a blood clot in his leg that was caused by hitting a deer.
We know that God has huge things that He's preparing for us as we go out sharing His love, but we also know that satan's getting scared that he's going to lose ground, and is trying to weaken us. God is so much more powerful though, and we really NEED to look towards Him, and in saying that - we need your prayers!
Another thing that we could use prayer about is for our finances for outreach. Our school still needs about $14,000 New Zealand Dollars (around $10,000 US Dollars) in order to go on outreach. Our whole school is fasting and praying for God to provide the money for us to go where He's calling us, and we are confident that He WILL provide. Last week we needed $45,000 NZD, and in the past week, He's provided $35,000 NZD for our school! We would appreciate if you all would partner with us in your prayers. Also, we'd also love if you would ask the Lord if He would like to use you in helping to provide for us to go out! If God puts this on your heart here is a direct link to paypal or https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_xclick&business=payments%40dkmarple%2ecom&item_name=Marple_YWAM&no_shipping=2&no_note=1&tax=0¤cy_code=USD&lc=US&bn=PP%2dDonationsBF&charset=UTF%2d8
You can also make donations on the YWAM Oxford website. Please More than anything, we really do desire to partner with you in prayer as we go out. Money is just a tool that God uses to send us where He wants us to, but your prayers are what's going to impact eternity.
We love you all so much, and would love to hear if there is anything we could be praying for you about as well. Thank you all so much for all of your love and support. It means more than you know when you tell us you've been thinking about us and praying for us even though we're half way around the world! We've been praying that God just blesses all of you abundantly as you've been blessing us!
We love you,
In Christ,
Katrina&Dave
Saturday, December 16, 2006
West Coast! - Hokitika, NZ
What a trip! We were given a chance this past week to travel to the west coast. We chose to go to the town of Hokitika! During the three hour drive we traveled over arthurs pass and down the coast. It was beautiful! Once we arrived in Hokitika we found a hostal called BirdSong. What a great place to stay! The dinning area and the kitchen overlooked the coast. We decided to enjoy ourselves (in the midst of a rain storm) and walk along the beach in search of the famous green stone (Jade). We thought we were rich... we crawled back to the hostal with loads of "green stones". Much to our disappointment none of it was jade but simply a serpintine stone. Ouch! The hostal had an outdoor bathtub or a "bushman's bath) it was really hot, but great with the rain falling on us! Then on sunday we went to the Jade store and studied jade. The carver told us a couple places to go and search for it! Next we went to the Hokitika River Gorge Swing Bridge. What beautiful blue water! (Check out the pics!) And we explored the region. Then we came back to town and walked along the beach at sunset point! And finally just before the sunset we took another bath at the bushmans bath. After that it was time to go back to oxford... the drive back was really foggy!
Saturday, December 9, 2006
Mt Cook, New Zealand
Mt. Cook was amazing to look at. We camped near the Hooker Run Outflow area. Aroung Mt. Cook are three glaciers - Huddleston, Mueller, and Hooker Glaciers. You can see most of them from Kea Point that overlooks the Mueller Glacier and the Sinkholes around it. We hiked a few of the trails during our stay there. We are not quite sure what is more grand... the Rocky Mountains or the NZ southern alps... Mt. Cook is supposed to be comparable to Mt. Everest w/o the height (therefor you do not have to carry oxygen). It was great watching parts of the snow melt and then watching small avalanches come down the sides of the mountains around us. The first day we arrived it was cold and raining and then on Sunday is was warm and clear thus causing the snow to melt on the mountain. Awesome Times :)
Sunday, November 26, 2006
traveling for photographs
Sitting here thinking about our love of travel and how many pictures we have taken in recent months... wow... some 60gigs of photos since we were married! kind of scarry when you think about it. We were driving along stopping everytime we saw another great shot... I guess thats the great thing about photography! Looking back, we are trying now to delete the images that we dont like or arent very good, and the bummer is that most of them are just plain awesome. Some of them lack good movement or flow. Some of them were not set up correctly. But the memories that are brought up, even by the uglist pictures will just bring you to tears everytime you think about it! God Bless... go look over your old pictures.
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Hanmer Springs, NZ
This was an amazingly short trip and the weather was not ideal (kind of rainy). We had an aewsome time and on the way up we saw the wimacareri (bad sp) river. It was up 15ft.
Wednesday, November 8, 2006
How are you?!
Dear Family and Friends,
This email definitely took too long to write so please excuse us for not writing sooner and more often. I know many of you are thinking... How are Dave and Katrina doing?.. well, we are doing exceedingly wonderful! It is an amazing time in our relationship where we are learning to completely love one another. Definitely Challenging! Sometimes we think how much easier it would have been to stay in the US, and have jobs, but we are excited to say that God is good and that He definitely has brought us here for a reason.
We made it safely to New Zealand one week after our wedding and thanks to many of you we are currently living off your generous support while studying and learning about God and his nature/character in preparation for a two month outreach to Nelson, New Zealand. Katrina is on staff here at the school, but for outreach we will be co-leading the team. So, we are also learning how to lead an outreach team!!! The weight of what a huge responsibility and awesome challenge this is going to be has really been hitting us the more we learn about what being a leader really means. Often we think that we might fail, but the letters/emails of encouragement and love that many of you have sent us have helped to sustain us so far and will continue to help sustain us in the future.
Because we have not been sending regular emails, here are a few links that some of you have requested:
We have put out wedding photos online @ www.davemarple.com/wedding/pictures .
Also, the website for YWAM (Youth with a Mission, Oxford NZ) is www.ywambackpackers.org or www.ywamoxford.org .
We Love you all so much and we are working on sending out a newsletter more often. Please keep us in your prayers as we would love to hear from each and everyone of you!
In Christ,
Dave and Katrina
p.s. if you think we have left anyone out of this email, please forward it on to them And let us know so we can add them to our list!
Also, if you wish not to receive our newsletter please do not hesitate to let us know!
Mailing address:
Dave and Katrina Marple
c/o YWAM Oxford
PO-Box 47
Oxford, North Canterbury 8253
New Zealand
This email definitely took too long to write so please excuse us for not writing sooner and more often. I know many of you are thinking... How are Dave and Katrina doing?.. well, we are doing exceedingly wonderful! It is an amazing time in our relationship where we are learning to completely love one another. Definitely Challenging! Sometimes we think how much easier it would have been to stay in the US, and have jobs, but we are excited to say that God is good and that He definitely has brought us here for a reason.
We made it safely to New Zealand one week after our wedding and thanks to many of you we are currently living off your generous support while studying and learning about God and his nature/character in preparation for a two month outreach to Nelson, New Zealand. Katrina is on staff here at the school, but for outreach we will be co-leading the team. So, we are also learning how to lead an outreach team!!! The weight of what a huge responsibility and awesome challenge this is going to be has really been hitting us the more we learn about what being a leader really means. Often we think that we might fail, but the letters/emails of encouragement and love that many of you have sent us have helped to sustain us so far and will continue to help sustain us in the future.
Because we have not been sending regular emails, here are a few links that some of you have requested:
We have put out wedding photos online @ www.davemarple.com/wedding/pictures .
Also, the website for YWAM (Youth with a Mission, Oxford NZ) is www.ywambackpackers.org or www.ywamoxford.org .
We Love you all so much and we are working on sending out a newsletter more often. Please keep us in your prayers as we would love to hear from each and everyone of you!
In Christ,
Dave and Katrina
p.s. if you think we have left anyone out of this email, please forward it on to them And let us know so we can add them to our list!
Also, if you wish not to receive our newsletter please do not hesitate to let us know!
Mailing address:
Dave and Katrina Marple
c/o YWAM Oxford
PO-Box 47
Oxford, North Canterbury 8253
New Zealand
Monday, October 30, 2006
Visiting Kaikoura, NZ
What a spectacular place to visit. This place has it all... waterfalls, snow capped mountains, Seal's, Penguin's....
This weekend we stayed at the Dolphin Lodge (a backpacker hostel) with a hot tub and beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean! On Saturday when we arrived in Kaikoura we (Dave, Katrina, Jesse, Jake, Kristin, Hannah, Katie, Jessica, and Sarah) immediately went on a hike around the end of the peninsula... we saw some amazing sights... (many pictures from this weekend will end up being on here:) The cliffs dropped about 100+ feet into the ocean, and at the bottom was a beautiful rocky beach...and a seal colony!! There were hundreds of seals, and we even had to go around a couple of them to continue our hike. Saturday night our group made this amazing meal of meat pies, potatoes, veggies, and cookies, and we invited our new friends (Ed, Jen, and Shay) to join us. It was definately a time of fun and relaxation as after dinner we spent a hour or so relaxing and talking in the hot tub. Hostels are sooo nice here in NZ! Then this morning we walked down to the beach had our own church service. It was awesome proclaiming/praising/singing to God at the top of our lungs. The Ocean's waves were crashing on the beach and the wind was blowing our hair all over the place, and as we read Psalm 94-102, we couldn't help but be in awe of His beauty and strength. We then traveled about 20min out of town to a waterfall on the north side. It was here that we found 2 baby Seals playing in the water!!! It was sooo beautiful. Imagine a 100ft waterfall crashing down in front of you and 2 baby seals playing with one another! WOW :) That was the end of our weekend.
This weekend we stayed at the Dolphin Lodge (a backpacker hostel) with a hot tub and beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean! On Saturday when we arrived in Kaikoura we (Dave, Katrina, Jesse, Jake, Kristin, Hannah, Katie, Jessica, and Sarah) immediately went on a hike around the end of the peninsula... we saw some amazing sights... (many pictures from this weekend will end up being on here:) The cliffs dropped about 100+ feet into the ocean, and at the bottom was a beautiful rocky beach...and a seal colony!! There were hundreds of seals, and we even had to go around a couple of them to continue our hike. Saturday night our group made this amazing meal of meat pies, potatoes, veggies, and cookies, and we invited our new friends (Ed, Jen, and Shay) to join us. It was definately a time of fun and relaxation as after dinner we spent a hour or so relaxing and talking in the hot tub. Hostels are sooo nice here in NZ! Then this morning we walked down to the beach had our own church service. It was awesome proclaiming/praising/singing to God at the top of our lungs. The Ocean's waves were crashing on the beach and the wind was blowing our hair all over the place, and as we read Psalm 94-102, we couldn't help but be in awe of His beauty and strength. We then traveled about 20min out of town to a waterfall on the north side. It was here that we found 2 baby Seals playing in the water!!! It was sooo beautiful. Imagine a 100ft waterfall crashing down in front of you and 2 baby seals playing with one another! WOW :) That was the end of our weekend.
Thursday, September 21, 2006
The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe
NZ is such an amazing place to see. Everywhere you look something else amazing can be found. A few examples include our recent trip to castle rock (the site of the final battle in the movie The lion the witch and the wardrobe. We ran around looking for the rock where the movie was shot, but no such luck (the place was huge) some of the pictures from our trip show just how huge the place was!
Sunday, September 3, 2006
Building a website...
I can not begin to tell you all how exciting it is to be in New Zealand!! Although we miss everyone back home, we are so excited about being married, and about traveling and exploring together. Our travels took us first to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, then to Los Angeles followed by Auckland, New Zealand. We have met so many wonderful families that remind us of how much we miss you all back home -> so don't worry we will return (eventually)! Thank you so much to Juan in Mexico who gave us a ride to the airport (Mi Casa is su casa)! Thank you so much to the Vini's who showed us what it means to share what we have, reguardless of how much or how little we have. Finally thank you to Kamera and Harley who opened up their home, befriended us, and gave us both their time and support! A special thanks to Kamera for helping us program this website!!!! Again, we miss you all back home and cannot wait to see you in 9 months.
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