Hiking madness – 12 June 2009 (Dawie J)

Whitefish, Montana was wonderful! I will remember it as the place where we hiked ourselves almost to death, but even with that, it was still very nice.

We walked at Glacier National park. I was stretched to my limits – I did not think I could go any further, but still kept on going. If you think I can't walk far, how does 20 km sounds?(and half of it uphill!) We lost our path because we walked a long distance over snow. We found fresh bear footprints in the snow! I know now what real fear is.

Two days later we rode on the Go-to-the-sun road with our bicycles. I rode on a SMALL bicycle (the small size children learn to ride on). Mom and Dad walked 40 minutes and Charlie and Tinus went on ahead with the 2 big bikes. Then they switched places and I remained on my bike. It was uphill all the way. Again I was stretched beyond what I thought my limits were. This exercise took us 2 hours 40 minutes non stop! It was high and beautiful. There were high mountains and rivers.

Whitefish, the town where we stayed, is a small town. We barbequed at the lake. We also rowed in the canoe. One day we went down the river which flow out of the lake. I enjoyed that a lot!

We often played cricket on the street in front of our house. My dad made the bat. One evening we played a game that lasted 2,5 hours. it was an anybody's game. We had to play a knock out game to find the winner. I was in the lead with only Tinus to bat. With 2 balls left and 2 runs needed to win (for Tinus), I was the one with the ball in my hand. Tinus hit a full shot. I stretched out and caught it with my one (left) hand! He was out and I won the game with 1 run. If I would have dropped the ball, he would have gotten the 2 runs and won. I was so overwhelmed, I started crying !

Whitefish reminded me of Switserland with the quietness. I liked it very much. I would like to go back one day.

Whitefish, Montana - 24 May - 12 June 2009 (Chrisna)

For the first time on this trip, I was quite sad to leave. Every time we clean, pack and go, I do feel somewhat sad, but also satisfied, content and ready to leave, because it is time to move on. This time however it was different: I experienced an unsuspected sadness and slowness in my packing, a feeling of "I'm not so ready to leave yet." I was most definitely satisfied and content, but it was such a special time and place, that I almost wished it could go on and on and on... I at one stage told Dawie that I can stay in Whitefish - like permanently, and he wisely pointed out that I won't make it , it's way too cold. That of course is true, because we were there when summer started already, schools closed for the summer holidays (for 3 whole months!) and our temperatures in the middle of the day every day were colder than the temperatures in early evening in Windhoek, Namibia - and it is winter there (and a cold one they say!) So yes, Dawie was right, I will not survive there (unless I pad myself to look like a Michellen tyre Man daily and stay inside the centrally heated house). But still, I was sad to leave. Why?

Because it was so "nice" being there. Oh that word says so little, but it seems the right word. For now it is a summary of the natural beauty of the place, the relaxed atmosphere of the town, the quietness, the peace, the town being so small- you can walk anywhere, the special church we've attended, the friends we made, the beautiful sunsets at 21h30 over the lake, the slow life, even going there along the scenic train ride... I can go on, but I will stick to it was very nice.

With Some input of Wisdom in the beginning of our stay, we all had to give in goals/commitments as to what must be finished/done in our time in Whitefish. That was good, because the danger exists that one can think there is plenty of time and not so much to do, that at the end you do nothing! So, we all had goals and we had (as in all other places) our list of "things to see/visit" . I am glad to report that (almost) everything was accomplished. This prove that unfinished lists was not my reason for not being ready to leave. The reason was purely because it was so nice, and I wanted to have more of it! (I have snapped out of it by now, but it was still very special)

So, what did we do? Mostly walked slowly through the days- soaking in each other's company , God's Presense and the beauty of nature surrounding us, (and of course working on our "to do lists") AND then we also walked -literally I mean! Or in American dialect, we hiked. We hiked a lot...

I've decided that if any one will ask me in future how we travel around the world, I will tell them "we walked". I do think that we (almost) have covered the distance that a circle around the earth will be. If I look at our shoes and feel my legs at times, I'm pretty sure that we are close to completing that circle. Long distances have been covered in Switzerland, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand and especially in America (mostly because in other places we could still afford other tourist excursions as well, but here we do the only thing that is free: we hike) And I must add: we enjoy it!

We thoroughly enjoyed and feasted our eyes in National Glacier Park. It is in the same category of the Grand Canyon, but completely the opposite. Very high mountains, snow covered mountain tops, water everywhere: streams, rivers, waterfalls, lakes and green, all shades of it: trees, plants and wildflowers. We did not only see this from a comfortable car seat, but from ground level, as we hiked. We went up mountains to heights of 3000 ft(right to the Continental Divide) and down valleys. We walked over rocky roads and through ice cold water, we even hiked on snow covered footpaths(or let me rater say, where we thought the path to be) and in pinetree forests, but where ever we went, it was always upwards, higher and higher. I absolutely agree with the wall plague we saw in a shop: "When you see a man on the top of a mountain, remember, he did not fall there." That is true both literally and symbolically. Only persistent, hard work gets you to the top!

We went twice to the Four Square Gospel Church and had very special meetings there. We were also blessed by being invited for dinner at the pastor's (Paul and Angelita Ogle's) house the 1st Wednesday evening and again for breakfast the next Wednesday. It was a BIG spoil and times of blessed fellowship. It is so precious to experience true friendship in such a short period of time, and the reason because of the Unity we have in Christ.

Montana calls themselves "Big sky country" and "The best kept secret in USA", and both are true. May it remain that way, so that so many more brave and adventurous individuals can enjoy the overwhelming beauty.

This was truely a gift out of the Hand of our Loving Father (like all the other places before...)
Thank you for being blessed in abundance.

Prayer:a privilege and a necessity - 7 June 2009 (Chrisna)

Prayer has always fascinated me. It excites me and make me feel grateful. I am also amazed and humbled that the Lord of lords actually listens to what I'm saying AND always answers. The fact that we are invited to ask and promised an answer, makes it even more amazing. Even more mind boggling is that our prayers can be powerful and can make a huge difference in circumstances (sometimes the circumstances remain the same, but I become different). In James 5 in God's Word every one who is suffering, is invited to pray. We are reminded that prayer can be instrumental in healing and that God is present when we come together in His name and pray. Awesome!

Prayer has always been part of my daily life and existence. But this year...this year of being out of our comfort zones at all times, being far from home and unable to assist others in a seeable way, this year of challenges and self confrontation more than ever, of having to trust totally on God and not on the things we are used /able to do, prayer is an even bigger part of life. (May it keep on increasing in my life in years to come.)

Why is prayer so prominent and alive in my/our lives this year – even more than other times – and even to such an extent that I feel it important to write a blogpost about it? I'll give a short summary of reasons, which must also be a reminder for me in months and years to come, to continue fervent prayer and even do it more as time moves on. While I'm writing , I realize that there is more reasons than what I thought initially, and what was suppose to be a short blog, might be longer. My problem is that I think while I speak (or write,) I realize now that there is more in my heart than what I thought!

Why we pray more:

Reason 1: We are so completely dependant on God. Yes, we say we always depend on God, but back home, in known circumstances, I am unfortunately quite often able to do many things on my own and then dependence is more theoretical than practical.

Reminder/Lesson 1a: Depend on God's guidance even in known circumstances. There might be a better way to do things, and by merely following my known ways, I might miss the wiser way.

Reminder/Lesson 1b: Plan with God from the start. Don't plan and then ask God to help you and bless your plans. God's plans are always the best.

Reason 2: We are constantly out of our comfort zones. In a comfort zone, one feels...comfortable, and in control. We do not feel like this – we feel privileged and blessed, but not comfortable and in control. This causes even more dependence and need for guidance and sometimes even rescues. This demands adaptation, self examination and a good attitude at all times.

Reminder/Lesson 2: Never get too comfortable, it is a dangerous place of self dependence and reliance completely on own abilities. Comfort-zone-living can easily lead to selfish self-centeredness, without you ever calling it that! I must check regularly if I am in a comfort zone or if I'm stretching myself to limits which I can only achieve through the Power of Jesus. (Phil 4:13)

Reason 3: We are far away from home and cannot help others in need physically. I cannot sit with someone in pain, I cannot listen and give advice where it is needed, I cannot see the need and then do something about it, I cannot give anyone a hug... The "only" thing I can do, is to pray. And because I cannot depend on wise words the Spirit give me to give someone as advice or comfort, I must pray and trust God to send someone else or to comfort the person in need Himself. Quite often, I do not even know of the need and must rely on the Spirit to show me for who and for what to pray, only to experience God's faithfulness when realizing afterwards how "right" that specific prayer was. An e-mail response to God's call in my heart for that person, is the only thing I can do, other than continuous prayer for the person.

Reminder/Lesson 3: Pray for someone before I talk to that person. Wait and pray and wait and pray to get guidance from the Spirit to know for whom to pray. Sometimes, all I have to do, is pray – not necessarily "help" physically, unless God says so.

Reason 4: The slower pace and more time gives more opportunity for self search; for looking into the mirror and asking the Spirit to show me dirty spots. The not being so busy with doing and performing, gives more time to see the hidden, not so good, parts or characteristics, that was overseen in the past. Being out of the comfort zone also reveals parts of the self that is not so easily recognizable inside the place of comfort. To deal and grow through these realities, needs prayer and lots of it. Out of myself I cannot change, but if I allow Jesus to live through me, I can become who I am supposed to be.

Reminder/Lesson 4: MAKE time for self evaluation and do it regularly. Running is OK, but slow walking and pausing - stopping - is of vital importance. Self evaluation and rectifying of flaws does not happen with one line prayers on the run. To be filled with the Holy Spirit, to have Jesus living through me, takes time in prayer, in communication with God, woven into meditation on His Word.

Reason 5: More time with my family and more time for praying together. More deliberately living a life and setting the example...24 hours a day in which God is real and near and with us. Involving God and all 3 boys in the day to day decisions and challenges.

Reminder/Lesson 5: Think of God as being with you the whole time (it IS an absolute truth). Involve Him in your day to day life. Pray not only because you need Him, but as a reminder of His presence, of Him being with you. Make time to pray together – with my husband, with my family, with my friends. Make special prayer opportunities out of ordinary things – creating a life of thinking about God the whole time, knowing he is there the whole time. Like praying with a meal – it's not about the food or the habit, but a reminder of God's Presence.

There is more reasons for praying more and for praying, but these are a few that I know I must remind myself of in future, back home when I'm on the run.

Let me end this blogpost by praising God and giving a testimony of His faithfulness and hearing and answering of our prayers. In March ,when my mother experienced severe back pain, a diagnoses of cancer in the vertebrae was made. She received one dose of radiation therapy AND MUCH (too much to count) prayer from people all over. My mom has not experienced any pain since then and when a bone scan was done a few weeks ago as follow up, there was NO sign of cancer any more! She is completely healed. All other tests done shows that everything is normal and healthy. ALL HONOUR AND GLORY TO GOD!

Prayer is important, it is a privilege, it is a weapon, it is powerful, it is available. When you ask for something which is the Will of God, you will receive, BUT you must have faith. So, with prayer and faith, I will go on another world tour, I will go out of my comfort zone again and again. I will come back home, I will do what God asks of me and I know I can do all things through Christ who strengthen me.

I pray that these few words may help and remind someone out there of God's Faithfulness and invitation to pray, as much as it is helping me to write them.

-------------

It is Sunday today (or it was 10 minutes ago). I wrote this part above on Saturday evening, but haven't posted it yet. This morning we visited "our church" in Whitefish and the message was on prayer! How great is God, and faithful! It was such a blessing to me and confirmation of what I have written. I do however, want to add a paragraph coming from the introduction to Pastor Paul's teaching:

Prayer is always needed. Prayer is always appropriate. Prayer is always effective.

"Eph 6:18 Never stop praying, especially for others. Always pray by the power of the Spirit. Stay alert and keep praying for God's people."

This world we live in is like a minefield. I must walk slowly, carefully and prayerfully through it, always thinking of the other people around me as well. So, let's continue praying – God is listening...

Montana again - Tinus (Sunday night, 7 June '09)

I am really content.

No, I am really, really, really content.

Why? Well, a steaming cup of especially strong coffee is close at hand. My family is all close by also: each silently busy. I know God is happy with me, smiles over me and feasts on my pure delight. The intimate presence of the Holy Spirit (one of my 3 best friends…guess who the others are) adorns every inch (the USA is still on the imperial system) in and around me. And…I have just come home from the most wonderful day in Glacier National Park.

An awe inspiringly beautiful road – the "Going-to-the-sun road" – runs through the park from East to West Glacier. The middle portions of the road, are however at such altitudes that they are all but destroyed during winter. Early every summer, that part of the road is thus closed for repairs. But, bicycles are still allowed to travel to a section of the road called "the Loop," which is almost at the very center of the park, just West of the continental divide. (The continental divide is the imaginary line that runs along the Rocky mountains from North to South, from where rivers start flowing either East or West. It thus divides the North American Continent into East and West.)

So, today we took the two bikes we have (along with a third on which only Dawie can ride) and headed out for Glacier after church (which was amazingly blessed in itself!) Since there are four of us and only two bikes, Charlie and I took the first mounted shift and my parents and Dawie came walking behind. The two lane road, exclusive to cyclists this time of year, took us through paradise, beside a crystal clear river and amidst the most majestic mountains I have ever seen (and I have been to the Spitskoppe, Brandberg, Western Cape Mountain ranges and Drakensberge). We (the eldest Fourie brothers) turned around after 5 miles (exactly, about 28 minutes), having only really been on the part of the road that starts to climb for about a mile. The slight elevation we gained and the relative flatland beyond translated into a return journey to my parents of a 3.5 miles.

Then they took the bikes and we did not see them for 50 minutes. By that time, our feet had carried us to where the road starts ascending. From there, we cycled all the way up to the Loop (3 miles and 30 minutes), having gained around 350m. Sure, this doesn’t sound so hard, but for runners (I haven’t ridden a bicycle in a very long time), it is an effort worth mentioning. This entire scenic bi-athlone, took us a total of 2 hours 50 minutes. But, oh! I would do it again and again and again, even if just for the view!

So, with a tired and slightly sore, but healthy and currently comfortable body, I am content.

I am really, really, really content!

Praise the Lord!

The last time I felt like this was on the Alaska cruise…

P.S. My mother had our camera with her, so for photos, you'll have to wait for her post. Sorry.

Mainly Montana - Tinus (6 June '09)

I am content!

Two weeks ago we arrived in Whitefish, Montana by train. Our time since has been spent mostly working (e-mails to Namibia, school, etc.) and walking. Truth be told, I am still slightly drained as I am writing this, for on Friday the family thought it propper to hike for more than 20km in Glacier National Park. Yes, I am tired, but would do it again any day!

The natural beauty of this land cannot be put into words, or even captured in a photo. Everywhere you look, you'll see some form of water.

Be it the snow we hiked at higher elevations, the lakes gracing the distance, or the cascading water falls that make you want to cry from delight. Logically, everything is also green. And so many shades thereof! Then, throw into the mix the white snowcapped mountains, the brilliantly blue sky, the magnificent mountain faces that blush when you look at them and the seemingly infinite detail in which all are tied together and you find yourself in a place you do not wish to leave (were it not for your wet cold feet and angry belly).

Truly, this world was made good!

But it became even better when humans started roaming it. We had the privilege of spending an evening with the Ogle family: Paul - the pastor of the foursquare church where we were so blessed last Sunday - and his wife, Angelita. Apart from wonderful (oh no, I'm starting to sound like Dawie J, which isn’t a bad thing, come to think of it) food, lovely atmosphere and GREAT company, our time was also blessed by God. May He bless them abundantly.

Before we arrived in this corner of the world we spent a day in Seattle, sleepless off course! The journey by train from there to here was filled with beauty also. We passed through the longest tunnel in the US, slept on the airplane-business-class-tipe chairs and watched movies on my laptop. The trip took us up and over some mountains, which afforded an interesting observation: as we went higher, the rivers became smaller, and faster and as we went down on the other side, the mountain streams we crossed gradually became small creeks, larger creeks, fast flowing small rivers and eventually mighty boulevards of stampeding water.

The past two weeks have truly been unforgettable! But, believe it or not, the week preceding it surpassed it boundlessly. I am referring to a week that was by far the highlight of my tour thus far. A week which was filled with ear-to-ear fun and excitement, breathtaking beauty, inspiring art, fattening food and soothing encounters with the Creator. A week I shall write of in due time: our week aboard the Norwegian star!

Frequently Asked Questions (Dawie) - 30 May 2009

Today we are exactly 5 months away from home on our journey around the world. I wish it was possible to share the appreciation and thankfulness in our hearts. Just as that is impossible, so too is my ability to use words to describe our journey and experiences. Luckily I have a talented family who will share in different ways our tour with you. Some will do it in perfect British English, other in charismatic American English and others in passionate Namlish.

It does not matter how these words will be put together, I am convinced that the Holy Spirit will use our words to feed your soft hearts to encourage, to edify, to equip and to reprimand for His glory.

I thought to share my heart today with you by answering (some of) the questions most frequently asked, apart from: "Where is Namibia?":

Where do you come from, which places have you visited, where will you still go and when will your tour end?

We come from Namibia in Africa, left home on 30 Dec '08 and already built precious memories in London, Paris, Orcierre (France), Switzerland, Germany, Phuket, Singapore, Australia, New Zeeland, Los Angeles, Palm Springs, Grand Canyon, Seattle, Vancouver, Alaska and Whitefish (Montana). We plan, amongst others, to visit Toronto, Atlanta, Chicago, New York, Southern France, Italy and Greece. We plan to be home on the 5^th of October 2009.

How did you come up with the idea like this?

Difficult to pin point and give 1 reason, but I guess it was birthed because of a family habit of regularly having family meetings. During one of those meetings Tinus challenged us to do a Cape to Cairo trip. In another meeting he shared his heart that he is close to finishing school but did not want to leave our house yet, but, also do not want to waste a valuable year of his life. If there was only one reason why we do this tour , it was to say thank you to Tinus who :"got it right for 18 years in our home". We dreamed ,talked, discussed, prayed and laughed, and over time, the around-the-world-idea unfolded right before us.

What was the highlight of the tour so far?

For Tinus: Sydney (because of the Hillsong church) and the Cruise to Alaska. For Dawie J: The many new places (or watching rugby in Sydney). For Charlie: the isolation in the snow in Switzerland and joining the family after playing rugby back home for two months. For Chrisna: Impossible to say...every place is a highlight, but if she had to say..."the bonus family time". For myself: the slower pace, being more with my family and our Lord Jesus, the visits to the many special churches and their leadership, losing part of my finger and ending in hospital in Phuket, the Alaska cruise and the many times I was hearing God's crystal clear voice.

How could you afford it?

Live a life of simplicity over many years, save according to a plan which has measureable goals, pray, plan, study and work hard, prioritize, budget, assign responsibilities, be accountable, measure progress, be disciplined, be obedient, adjust timely, find cheaper options (live on specials), do home exchanges, do not make mistakes, operate in faith and communicate well (if you need more detail...read my blog dated 20^th Jan 09: http://fourieworldtour.blogspot.com/2009/01/our-trips-finances-20-january-2009.html)

What would you have done differently?

Very few things, it was as close to perfect as can be! But maybe to sin less and walk to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and sleep in it for at least one night.

Are you not tired of traveling, foreign food, suitcases and not to have a place of your own? Are you not considering it to go home earlier?

Not at all, we are enjoying every moment. We are continuing with our family meetings. I am putting the above question on the table on a regular basis, and the answer remains the same: no one wants to go home yet!

When we are reading your blog it seems that you are enjoying it so much. Are you considering it not to go back at all?

There are so many beautiful place on earth. We have discussed it several times. We are sure that there are many different places where we will be able to stay and be very happy. Although we are blindly loyal to Namibia, we are, for the first time in our lives, honest enough to acknowledge that there may be other places on earth, which on a scale may "weight better" than our home town/country. However, the decision where to live is driven, in our opinion, by God and his calling for your life. For what the latter is, we will remain in a close walk with our Lord Jesus.

Can you, as a family, remember special "wow moments " that you will never forget?

Chrisna: Seeing and touching a Koala Bear , experiencing God's Greatness in the Grand Canyon and Alaska's glaciers. Charlie: Seeing my family after two months. Tinus: God's special gifts during the Alaska cruise. DawieJ: Receiving a word from the Lord from strangers in Australia and NZ. For myself: Seeing a banner with the three words on it: "Family , Faith, Friends"...when I saw it I thought: "this is IT, this is me! That is why I will devote my life to leadership development and the local church so that people will reach their full potential , enjoy life to its fullest and God's glory will shine!" But there were many more...seeing the Grand Canyon, the majestic snow covered mountain tops in Alaska, the many prayer times as a family, the special people we have met, etc. etc.

The whole trip sounds so exciting with so many wow's and so many highlights - were there any disappointments as well?

When you travel so much and so far as a family with a limited budget, there will always be numerous challenges. But through God's grace we could turn them all around into great learning experiences. (Like to walk in the snow for kilometers after our car could not go further one night in Germany to mention only one). I think it is very true that the only real disappointments were when we as individuals sinned and we did not reflect God's glory through our characters, thoughts, words and conduct.

What have you learned so far?

So many things. Read my blog comment on the 9th March 09. (http://fourieworldtour.blogspot.com/2009/03/ali-newsletter-9-march-dawie.html) Maybe I can add: God is GOOD and GREAT. There is no one like Him! The needs in this wonderful Godly created earth are growing. We have to press harder for the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. We have to pursue in love and faith. We should not try to do it alone. We need family, friends, a local church, a strategy and above all the power of the risen Jesus Christ inside us.

Will you do such a tour again?

I seriously doubt if such a tour is possible more than once in one lifetime. The circumstances around our children will also never be the same again. But if it is God's will, I most definitely will.

Is there any last message you have for the people reading this blog?

God created this earth in its splendor and beauty. He saw that it was good. Then He made you and me and He said it was VERY GOOD. (Ps119) We have one life...let us make it count for the King of all kings, for the Lord of all lords. Accept Jesus' forgiveness, give forgiveness yourself: quickly and in abundance, live with a soft heart, do not judge others, treasure your family, diligently pursue your purpose, get actively involved in a local church within your area of gifts, never stop learning, keep your passions burning hot and finish your calling. While you are on this journey... laugh a lot and walk intimately with Jesus!

Dawie Fourie - 30 May 2009 - Whitefish, Montana, USA