Day 72 (Wednesday Oct 31) – Before I left Queenstown, I recorded a final good-bye.
I was on the road by 2pm and took my first break around 3:30pm in the town of Cromwell. They are known for the fruit that grows in the area…
As I got closer to Mt Cook village, the road paralleled Lake Pukaki. I’ve been amazed at the color of the lakes here. They have high mineral contents and are often fed by glaciers or underground springs.
I arrived at my hostel around 8pm. The sun was starting to set, so I snapped a couple of pictures and then got started on a dinner of spaghetti, carrots and apple. I met Perrine and April who I shared a room with, and I was also able to share my story of being gay and Christian, as they were also Christians.
Day 73 (Thursday Nov 1) – While I had originally only planned to do the Hooker Valleu track, Perrine and April told me about the Red Tarns track, which was a short steep climb near the youth hostel. I set out after breakfast to tackle this track, and I’m so glad I did. Here’s why…
A third of the way up, I encountered a stream. It was very peaceful to listen to the water and take in the view…
Red Tarns Track was definitely a steep trail, but most of the time it had very defined steps to climb. Eventually, I started encountering snow. And before long, I thought I had hit the summit…
As it turns out, I still had some more climbing to do, but I eventually made it to the top.
I got back to my hostel around 10am, had some toast and tea, and then set out for my second hike of the day – Hooker Valley Track. As I parked my car, I got to see a few more ducklings.
Right at the start, there was an impressive pine. And the track itself was much easier than Red Tarns, although the distance I would travel would be 3 times as far…
I first stopped to view the Mueller glacier. In the video, I also show the first of two suspension bridges that you cross to get to Aoraki / Mt. Cook.
I also took a video of my bridge crossing…
Not long after, I saw a piece of snow break off near one of the peaks and start tumbling down the mountainside!
A bit further along, I took in a beautiful view of the stream…
Next, I discovered another one of the viewpoints and continued to get closer to Mt. Cook.
Once I arrived, I ate my PB&J that I had made at the hostel and got some amazing pictures.
I also had a few moments experiencing the Divine. For a span of 5-10 minutes, the wind died down, the lake surface cleared, and I was able to snap a reflection of Mt. Cook on Hooker Lake.
By the time I climbed a near-by boulder, the image had cleared, but I experienced another profound moment of worship and connection with the Divine. Here were my 7 realizations –
- Experiencing sorrow in joy – Here I was, having a powerful worship experience and yet what I wanted was to be holding someone’s hand, sharing a smile at seeing the same image, participating in the mystical experience of seeing a lake calmed and the beautiful picture that was revealed. As I ascended the boulder, I was in tears…
- Humanity will never be content – Would having a partner there have made the experience better? Probably, although maybe not. The bigger question: Is having a partner the end goal of life? Definitely not. I, like the rest of humanity, will always have to re-center and re-learn the fact that we need to experience peace and contentment no matter our situation. I was actually breaking down a beautiful moment because I was breaking down in fear (fear of being alone), pain (the pain of ending my relationship), and longing (wanting a new relationship).
- Stillness brings beauty – But as I sat reflecting on my life about the reflection I had just seen, I recognized that it was only brought about because the lake was still. God showed me that we often need to be still to bring about the beauty He wants us to see.
- Changing your location can help you see new things – I am possibly the only person who got this image of Mt Cook on this day, as I needed to walk down from the viewpoint to this location. Out of dozens of people at the viewpoint, only a handful came down to the edge of the lake, and even then, it was only a few minutes that the lake was still enough to see the reflection. Changing our viewpoints can help us to see new things. I wouldn’t have experienced this reflection otherwise.
- Wind (Breath) focuses you back to the main image – I had now been focused on the reflection for a while and I was still crying a bit about the first 4 things I had realized. It wasn’t just the fear, pain, and longing, but I was also feeling God’s love, grace, and beauty. It was an emotional moment, maybe overly so, but then a wind blew into my face, and I took some deep, cleansing breaths. I’ve learned that’s what I need to do anytime I get anxious or fearful. Take some deep breaths to focus myself on the important things. There was an actual mountain in front of me, and I was focusing on an imprecise, pale imitation in the lake. We so often focus on things that are for a moment, when we should focus on things that are more eternal. God’s breath (The Holy Spirit) helps us to lift our eyes to more important things.
- God gives you gifts – Lifting my eyes, I could now appreciate ALL the gifts that God was giving me in that moment. He was giving me connection to Himself and His Spirit. I wasn’t, nor won’t ever be, alone. He gave me an amazing hike that made me use the healthy, strong, body He had given me. I was experiencing the fullness of His creation. Snow was melting, spring was arriving, and I was part of it.
- Be Here Now – During the hike I listened to my ReVivified playlist as I hiked towards Hooker Lake. During this moment, I was actually listening to my playlist for next month (entitled ReEstablished), as I assemble them the month before I debut them. A song came on called Be Here Now. I realized that the song suddenly had dual meaning for me. Not only did I want God to “be here now”, but I also realized that God was calling me to “BE HERE NOW” – be in the present (the only place that we ever truly are) and allow this moment to confirm His love, presence, and desire to connect with me.
I ended my journal entry with the great commandment. Found in all four gospels, it is summarized by this: Love God and Love your neighbor as yourself. I wanted to remind myself about what was truly important.
The hike back was fun. I walked quickly, enjoying the sun and music, smiling at the other hikers as I passed them. I was looking forward to getting to Tekapo for the hot pools. Lake Tekapo was a brilliant blue, and I got a few photos on the way.
After checking into my hostel (Tailor Made Tekapo Backpackers Hostel), I went over to the hot pools. It was wonderful to soak, relax, and reflect on my amazing day.
After dark, I did venture a few miles outside Tekapo to take in the stars. This entire area (Tekapo and Mt. Cook) is a dark-sky preserve. I couldn’t really get any photos, but it was another profound, worshipful moment.
Day 74 (Friday Nov 2) – I was up and on the road by 9am. I stopped The Great Shepherd church and a monument to the Collie Dog before I left Tekapo.
On the drive over, I continued listening to The Liturgists podcast, which is recommendation #31. I’ll be writing that up soon, as I’ve now listened to over 30 episodes. But, to give you a little hint on what I’ve experienced… I HIGHLY RECOMMEND it.
I arrived in Christchurch around lunchtime, and that afternoon I met Alison, a friend of Meagan’s who I had met twice before in the States. She also grew up in Montana, so it was nice to have a connection and friendly face. I also touched base with Xavier, who I met in Queenstown, as we was going to let me crash on his couch for a few days while I continued to figure out housing in Christchurch.
I had sent out over 30 requests for Couchsurfing, any number of days during the month of November, but mostly I just heard silence. I did get one acceptance for 5 nights (Nov 8-13) and several more declines. So, my first few days in Christchurch would be trying to find more permanent housing for the month.
Day 75 (Saturday Nov 3) – I hung out at Xavier’s place for the morning and talked with him and Matt his roommate. They are both from the UK, although both have been living in New Zealand for several years. I didn’t want to impose on them though, so I also searched for housing. I found a few promising leads, but they all feel through for one reason or another.
That afternoon, we went to the Riccarton mall and then went to pickup some wine and fireworks. Here was a display at the supermarket.
November 1-5 are the only days you can purchase fireworks in New Zealand as New Zealand celebrates Guy Fawkes day on November 5th. But we opted to launch the fireworks that night.
Day 76 (Sunday Nov 4) – Alison had invited me to her church for Sunday morning worship. I was thankful I didn’t have to pick a church, although I had called several on Saturday to ask if they had anyone in their church that could host me. But this was another dead end in my search for housing.
Church at The Well was great. I got to see Alison and her family, as well as meet several other individuals in the church. They also had a great poster in their lobby about their Hopes & Dreams. As a dreamer myself, I really resonated with it.
Alison invited me back to her house for lunch and so I got to hang out with her and the kids some more.
That night, I cooked dinner for Xavier and Matt – my stand-by dinner of Blackened Chicken with dirty rice and beans. It turned out really well, although I had to hand grind the cumin seeds as I didn’t specify I needed cumin powder when I asked them to pick up some spices that they didn’t have in their spice cabinet!
Day 77 (Monday Nov 5) – I found an Airbnb room for 3 days. I lucked out as it was a great place to stay and even included a hot tub I could use!
I also had dinner with Alison, Jono (her husband), and her kids that night.
Day 78 (Tuesday Nov 6) – I took my bicycle into the city center. I saw an impressive art piece on the way.
Next, I got some coffee and banana bread from a coffee shop. I had another bird visitor like the Subway in Picton…
Next I stopped by Cathedral Square, where they are still doing repairs on the Cathedral that was damaged in the earthquake 7 years ago.
Then, I went to the newest public library in Christchurch – Tūranga.
The kids play area included Lego’s, and a tower you could climb and explore.
For these two images, the bird was on the wall near the elevator. Each floor had a different color theme. The second was a close-up of a small foam board that had been etched by a 3-d printer.
At the “Our Painted Stories” exhibit, there were several colors of cards that you could pick which had questions and things to ponder and discover at the library. While designed for children, I found one for “indigo” which is now my favorite color (surpassing blue which I would say was the favorite color of my childhood). Indigo is a perfect example of how I see myself. Indigo is neither blue nor purple. It is somewhere in the middle. And I am the same way. I am not just Christian or gay, but I’m somewhere in the middle, having properties of both. You can see my indigo card in my selfie photo.
Next, I went back to Alison’s house. I had left my scuba boots in Milford Sound, but luckily the scuba shop noticed them and mailed them over to Christchurch. Alison graciously let me use her address to receive the package. I was also able to share more about my story with her, talking about how I had come to terms with being a homosexual Christian.
The afternoon and evening I recorded My Story Episode #10 – 2 incidents and Five Things, with an image coming from another “rainbow” I discovered downtown.
My Story Episode #10 – 2 Incidents & 5 things – now available
To end my day, I met a guy from Grindr late that night and we had a good conversation while using the hot tub at my Airbnb. He was a young university student, so it was interesting to hear his perspectives on Christchurch and New Zealand.
Day 79 (Wednesday Nov 7) – I started looking into the grad schools that I would be applying to, as well as reading through more of my recommendations list. I also spent some time with Alison and Teddy (her youngest child) at the beach that morning.
That afternoon, I did some more exploring on my bike.
That night, I worked on my knitting
And then I soaked again in the hot tub, as it was my last night in the Airbnb.
Day 80 (Thursday Nov 8) – My time with Claire and Liam began, as they had agreed to host me through Couchsurfing for 5 days. They actually had a nice, private room for me. Claire works and Liam is in university, so I didn’t see them very much, but I was incredibly grateful for the room they provided.
I spent the day working on my next podcast, website maintenance, and reading my recommendations.
Day 81 (Friday Nov 9) – A very rainy day, but I babysat in the morning and that night for Alison. Teddy had a runny nose, and I hoped I wouldn’t catch whatever he had.
I also released another podcast episode!
Day 82 (Saturday Nov 10) – Hiking day! I did some of the Rapaki track in Christchurch.
And of course, I snapped a photo of my shadow, who also helps me remember that I am never truly alone (because God’s light is always shining down on me, from His Son).
I wrote up Recommendation #7 – Astonishing Legends on this day.
Day 83 (Sunday Nov 11) – My second week at The Well. It was good to return and see familiar faces. The message was given by Sarah Scott Webb on Micah 6:8.
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.
It was a powerful message. Here’s a link to learn more about Sarah’s ministry – https://sim.org.nz/this-is-not-fair/
Sunday I rested and did lots more reading, thinking, praying, journaling, and preparing for grad schools applications.
I also found an funny Facebook meme that pretty much sums up My Adventure here in New Zealand, including my preference for Subway, journaling, my hoodie, and my headphones. Although I still can’t bring myself to eat eggs…
Day 84 (Monday Nov 12) – More reading, thinking, praying, journaling, and preparing for grad schools applications. I also stopped by Alison’s house because she let me borrow her library card to check out more books. That’s how I got the A Tale of Three Kings, Christian Mysticism, and Of Mess and Moxie books in the pic. Of the three books, only Of Mess and Moxie is on my recommendations list. Three Kings caught my eye because I am Trinity Dreamer, and I’ve been wanting to study Christian Mysticism for several weeks, so I decided to pick that up as well.
I also released the next installment of My Story. Episode #12 is entitled Young Love.
I also started getting sick towards the end of this day (headache and runny nose). But as I’ve transitioned out of adventuring and into more introspection, it worked out fine to be a little sick.
And there you have it, dear readers. Another 13 days of my Adventure. Thanks for continuing to follow along. The song that you get to discover is the one I mentioned above when I had my moment with the Divine at Aoraki.
Be Here Now. It’s a preview from ReEstablished – my playlist for December 2018!