19km today. Best day yet. 10/10. It was awesome. Problem when you’re the first to leave, you have all the wet dew on the grass so your feet are soaked. At least you clear it for others. Two surprises today. First a gate I tried to open was electrified, it was shocking!! Second I met my trail daughter, Steffie, wonderful surprise. We climbed to high hills and walked among the sheep. Only
19km but the next stop is 5 hours. So stopped at lunchtime for a bunk room and promise of coffee and eggs for breakfast. A Baptist pastor runs it. Great chat about grief and recovery.
Location:-
Karamu Homestead,Katamu
https://maps.app.goo.gl/V9N2fF3RnxYc9Nv5A?g_st=ipc
Stephen Barrington (trail name: _Bitter Sweet_) has passed away peacefully in his sleep.
ReplyDeleteDad was continuing his wild adventures, hiking the Te Araroa trail in New Zealand. He had just finished what he called his “best day yet – 10/10”, spoke to those around him with the same big-hearted love that came from his faith in Jesus Christ, went to bed, and was called home to glory.
We know with 100% certainty that he has gone to be with Jesus. He loved his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and radiated his Heavenly Father’s heart of love to everyone around him. He had a big adoptive heart, welcoming many as family and making them feel truly loved.
To say he will be missed is a massive understatement. He was Dad, Papa, Granddad, Brother, Brother-in-law, Uncle, friend, and brother in Christ. He had family who loved him and friends who became family. He may have called you Tulip, Fred, or Fruitcake, but he knew you and loved you.
Our family grieves very deeply, yet with a confident joy. The Bible gives us this hope:
Revelation 7:17
For the Lamb ( _that's Jesus_ ) in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.
Please join us in weeping and grieving, but please also call out to Stephen's Heavenly Father for the comfort we all need at this time.
With love
Jason & Matthew
With Noemi, Mandy, Annabeth, Emma-Jane, Theo-Jo, Bea, Maia and Baby.
Loved checking in on these now and then and seeing his adventures. What a full life he lived, thinking of you all.
ReplyDeleteThe kindest man I ever knew.
Ah, Jason, Matthew and family, shocked to hear the terrible news. We loved following his (mad!) adventures! He is now at peace with your beloved Mum and his partner in crime, Linda. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. Nigel, Kate and family.
ReplyDeleteSo shocked at this news. I worked with Stephen so we were just getting used to his retirement, but relishing his daily updates from NZ, the start of his new chapter. I send you all my deepest condolences. We will raise a glass to him at the company event on Friday.
ReplyDeleteHello Jason and Matthew, Shane and I had the privilege of meeting and hosting your awesome dad on the 9 November. He attended Waipu Presbyterian church and then joined us for lunch , and stayed the night. I took him to a night service at another church and we heard a message from a guy who had had a near death experience. Stephen was so interested in hearing about what heaven was like. I wanted to leave before the last song as it was getting late and I worried he might be tired but he wanted to stay until the end and enjoy the worship 😄He talked about you both and was so proud of you and the grandkids. He was sooo pleased you were following the Lord and it was great to hear that he had “passed the baton on.” Thank you for sharing him with us. Each day my husband would follow him on the map and his blogs were always inspiring and encouraging us to keep “running the race “. We are so sad for your loss, truly a remarkable, wonderful man 💕🌎
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