Travel

Our First Overseas Trip

Posted on March 3, 2012 by Pieter Stok

On our first overseas trip together in 2003, my wife and I travelled to the USA. After visiting our daughter in Davis we started our long road journey. We had arrived in LA and it was not love at first sight. San Francisco was a more likable city, but it was a city and we hadn’t travelled all this way just to see another city.

It was when we arrived at the Grand Canyon that we finally had a “Wow!” moment. Our original intention was to take a peek and drive on, after all we were on the great American road trip. But we were mesmerised. We couldn’t move on. We couldn’t take it all in. I remember my wife saying it was bit like comprehending God. You could look at parts of the canyon but it was impossible to comprehend the whole.Ultimately we drove 16000 kms over 5 weeks. We traversed the continent twice. But our visit to the Grand Canyon was the highlight.

Nine years later these days are still a stand out moment in our travels. From the grandeur of the scene to the coyotes calling across the canyon at night as we lay in our tent surrounded by snow, it was the best introduction to travel we could have had.

Finally, as a person of faith, it was another amazing glimpse of the omnipotence of God.

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1&2

Categories: christian, Christianity, Faith, Travel, Uncategorized | Tags: , , , | 5 Comments

One of My Favourite Journeys

Posted on February 5, 2012 by Pieter Stok

Today’s post is simple. It is a reminder of one of my favourite places to visit – the west coast of Tasmania.

Categories: Photo, Travel | 4 Comments

Tasmania – Beauty and Retreat

Posted on November 2, 2011 by Pieter Stok

Strahan

One of my favorite places in the world to visit and revisit is Tasmania. It isn’t just that we lived there for three years many years ago that pulls us back. There is something unique about the island that makes each return a special treat.

Cataract Gorge in Flood

It is hard to put your finger on the magical quality it has. In one sense it is just like most other western societies with consumerism and supermarkets, graffiti and all the usual social problems. In that regard it is not that much different from home. Yet, at another level, its separation from the rest of the  Australian rat race, its many places of retreat, its huge variety of scenery all within easy driving distance, makes it very appealing. If you are an elderly couple or a thrill seeker there is space and there are places for you.

Because I love European history, it is that aspect of Tasmania that appeals to me

Richmond Bridge

most. The early European settlements, the connections with Convict History, the visual reminders of the past are all present and accessible. The bridges at Richmond and Ross are worth the trip alone.

And then there is the stunning visual beauty from rugged mountains, spectacular waterfalls to the secluded inlets and coves. Being campers we have often stayed in places that would other wise be impossible. There was a night in the Tahune State Forest, another near Hell’s Gates on the west coast that are etched in my memory. And pitching a tent on the Freycinet Peninsula is obligatory.

Cradle Mountain

The aspect of Tasmania that thrills me most is that it refreshes my faith in the creator God. It reminds me that this place wasn’t an accident or a freak offshoot of chance but an glimpse of an intentional God who has a sense of beauty and magnificence. Tassie is a reminder that I need to keep my eyes and heart open for glimpses of God, not just in places, but in people and circumstances. God refreshes our soul through his Word and Spirit but there are times when He does it through what he has made.

The Infamous Port Arthur

Categories: christian, Devotional, History, Travel, Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , | Leave a comment

Ships in Churches

Posted on October 18, 2011 by Pieter Stok

When we were in Europe we were intrigued by models of ships hanging in many churches. Their presence has various explanations. In some churches, notably in Scandinavia, they are reminders that they are sea faring nations and their sailors are in constant need of God’s protection. They are also reminders of those who have lost their lives at sea. In the days of sail this must have been a constant concern. Even now, when fishermen set out in their small boats, they are putting their lives on the line.

Other countries have a slightly different twist on their presence. Sometimes they are offerings (Votive Offerings – roughly translated sacrificial offerings), that is offerings given in thanks to God for, often miraculous, protection at sea.

However, ships in churches have a more metaphorical meaning. They can represent the faithful in a sea of unbelief.

The meaning extends into church architecture. The Nave, coming from the Latin ‘navis’, meaning ship, is the approach to the altar in traditional churches. In Gothic type buildings  the Nave could easily be seen as an inverted. hull of a ship. It is a reminder to the congregation that it is on a journey through life and the church is there to protect and guide, just as a ship protects and guides its passengers. This thought comes from the beautiful book, “The Secret Language of Churches and Cathedrals”.

In the New Testament a number of Jesus’ disciples were fishermen. Jesus himself was closely associated with their boating activities(e.g. Mark 4: 35-40). So maybe the presence of model ships and boats in churches is not such a strange thing after all. However, like any aspect of church life, we need to know why it is there and what it represents.

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