Hang On

February 10, 2019

Because Niue is one big rock, many of the sea tracks to the ocean are caves and chasms where hanging on is pretty relevant, from hanging stalactites...

...to the hand rails on the slippery rocks in the chasms and caves. Years ago the New Zealand (Niue depends on NZ for most outside things) Army built stairways with rails to help you hang on.

If you hung on through the caves, they would then open up to another beautiful view of the ocean

We found there were no surfers out "hanging ten" in Niue. Even on calm days the waves crashed hard on the reef, nobody swam out very far or surfed, just snorkelers in the few tide pools

(You didn't always actually have to wear snorkel gear...
often the water was so clean and clear you could see the fish easily).

We found hardy plants that found a way to "hang on" and find enough soil to grow in the rock.

The kids love to "hang on" until they have finished working in the hot bush to cool off by jumping off the shipping wharf into a safe spot of the ocean.

You often prayed as you walked beneath or had to park under a coconut tree that the coconuts would “hang on” and not fall on you.

When the island was out of eggs or brown sugar or power or heaps of other things you just had to “hang on” until the boat or plane came in. You quickly realized things you could do without…but things you really needed to "hang on" and wait for.

Friendly dogs at nearly every house loved to "hang on" and wait for cars to bark at.

This tiny little guy was instructed and left to guard an unoccupied house, but he stayed faithfully, did his job, and hung on patiently for someone to remember to bring him some dinner, amazing little guy!

At the Hekesi FHE they would end the night with curled hands together to remind them to "hang on" to their beliefs and hang together.

Threw in this Niue amaryllis, never seen one just growing in the wild.

Another of the homes destroyed in Cyclone Geta

We learned much from good people and THOTL in Niue about “hanging on”. Many have weathered cyclones, storms, the rough sea, health challenges and huge spiritual challenges…but they continue to "hang on"... and they have for many years without giving up.

YW New Beginnings Church program (held to start the new year for girls ages 12-18)...

lots of us endure hard years and can't wait for a new year and a new beginning. So, we "hang on".

Another new beginning as we started the new year of Institute and Seminary classes on Niue.

Here it seems to take an extra lot of enduring and "hanging on" to complete.

Steward and Ang are "hanging on", working to over come challenges for marriage and getting to the temple.

Much as these little geckos ended up where we didn't think they should be, we were still in awe at their ability to "hang on". Rain or shine, dark or light, slick or rough, windy or calm,

they could "hang on" and "hold fast".

Our lives present similar opposition and challenges... how good are we at "hanging on" and "holding fast"?

We got back to Auckland this week and saw this lovely yellow flower amid the pavement at a gas station. Love it when nature can 'hang on' even in the pavement.

Got to meet up with a dear friend Lee Donaldson this week who is "holding on". He has been on an assignment here in the Pacific in his work for the church missionary department for a month...

and is not done yet. He's hanging on but can't wait to get back home.

Often when we are away from, or maybe lose something even temporarily, we then realize it's value and that its worth 'hanging on' for.

This sea plant didn't "hang on" very tight, got uprooted and washed ashore in the surf. Lots of people end up "in the same boat"...or maybe its "in the same tide".

(Back in Auckland) When there are no storms, the water is calm, and the world beacons you to join the holiday (this one was Waitangi Treaty Day, February 6) we sometimes get a little too comfortable and don't do as much "hanging on" or "holding tight"

But there WILL be storms, and hard trials (and maybe even fallen trees in our path).

We have observed on this mission and in life something about "hanging on" and "holding fast".

-We find that people seem to come to a place where they are faced with believing in and committing to God. It hard and it will take great faith.

-We find that if they really do commit to Him they WILL have that faith tested, challenged and tried. This is where it gets hard and they can begin to doubt and forget their faith. This is the place they HAVE TO "HOLD FAST" and "HANG ON" to their faith...faith is when you believe in something that is real, but right now you can't see it. This is where too many "jump ship", let go of the hand rail, slip, or go on holiday from their faith.

BUT...

-We find that if they "hang on" and "hold fast", there's some incredible things just ahead with peace and answers and things you never dreamed of seeing or knowing or understanding.

But you have to have your faith tested...you have to. Don't let go!