Voyage on...

For the first time in this blog we have passed our midway point and there is less time ahead than behind. What an amazing journey so far and what amazing people on route. Our last post was a while ago, around Christmas time, where we said goodbye to the coast for the first time and headed inland to the mountains and SNOW!!!! A big deal for the Harley family, who had never experienced this before. 

Entrance to Yosemite Valley

Voyage Recharge

When you have been on the road for 5 months, away from home- you start to feel the wear of the journey and this is magnified by the holidays- which is usually filled with family. In our hearts we plan our steps but the Lord directs our paths. He leads us besides quiet waters ...The Gonzalez family opened their home to us..... an amazing oasis. We felt welcomed and at home in a very special way. Thank you so so much. We were refreshed and words can never express how much this time recharged us. 

Yosemite Valley Christmas Day. #Gods Country #breathtaking

Voyage Harbours & Ships 

If Christian Surfers represents some of the ships God uses to take His story to the surfing world, then we could say that Churches are the harbours that build, empower, restore and encourage these ships. On the California Coast, I was able to connect with a few such harbours. North Coast Calvary Chapel; Shore Line and La Jolla Christian Fellowship were my harbours whilst in Cali. However, as I think back over this trip, I am reminded of numerous other harbours that have been empowered of our voyage :)

Some one once said to me that "Gods call stays the same but his assignments change." Nick Gilmore was one of the key leaders that was catalytic, along with Steve Bailey and others, in shaping Christian Surfers Australia. Nick answered God's new assignment and is now the Missions Pastor at North Coast Calvary Chapel. 
"Legend, thanks for your wisdom and hospitality. Thanks for connecting me with the "Coach" and with men who could speak wisdom and insight into my life. Blessings to you V and Mo."

Different CS Chapters / Local mission in Cali / 

I met a young kid one night about 17, at a local CS meeting. He has been sober for a few months he tells me. His eyes have a fresh sparkle as he sits in a group of people, as they listen to a fellow surfer share their Jesus story. There were about 50 people gathered at this Monday night meeting. A number are followers of Christ and others are seeking. Again I'm blown away by how God is changing surfers lives through the faithful efforts of CS leaders and their CS Chapters. 

Dean & Amy Plumlee, who have lead CSUS for the last 9 years, have also recently felt that God has changed their assignment. Dean, probably more than any one else I know, has faithfully focussed the US and influenced the broader CS movement around the centrality of Jesus and his call to make Disciples. His giftedness in preaching, teaching and writing, are given all the more credence by a life that exemplifies a disciple maker and life long follower of Jesus. May your influence for His Kingdom grow and may you be empowered as He hands you your new assignment. 

Dean & Amy Plumlee. Thank you for your faithful service. Thank you for exemplifying the love of Jesus and calling us all to be focused on his call to make Disciples. It is the core of our mission and the bedrock of His kingdom. Looking forward to serving with you further as you step into His new assignment for your lives. 

Sometimes it's the most unexpected promptings on the journey that give you the most encouragement . Just this morning I felt moved to pray for Brian Edwards from Huntington beach. Later I decide to call. As we caught up he told me a story so simple and so true and one that continually resonates around the CS world and one that never ever gets old. Just this week he was going for a surf on a misty morning in Hunnington, bumped into another CS leader, Rick Roe, who was with two teenage boys heading out. Brian felt moved to share the story of Jesus' love with them and they responded and so a new discipleship journey begins. I was 16 when Jesus rocked up in my surfing world and it has been the most amazing adventure ever since. I'm excited... for who knows how these two new stories will unfold and what they may do for His Kingdom.

Mark Chu and Brian Edwards - Constant proclaimers of the Love of Jesus to our surfing Tribe :) 

Voyage...ISA; Africa & Mexico 

No trip to Southern California would be right without a high quota of carne asada burrito's, Tom's fish Taco's, a visit to San Diego and the grom "Alex Reynolds" CS Africa Coordinator and ISA frother. And of course a road trip- south of the boarder to some epic waves in Mexico. 

Alex Reynolds CS Africa RC / Shannon Bolotin (her dad Tom makes the best fish tacos ANYWHERE. / Nathan Harley- yip sitting backwards on Val Reynolds tandem pulling a shaka, classic 

San Miguel Surf Spot / CS Crew / Taco Heaven (it was that good but I didn't take the surf photo I was surfing. Photo from web)

Mexico, just south of the California Boarder, was an epic trip. What was even more of a stoke was seeing the burgeoning Mexico surf community. Please pray for places like San Miguel and Sayulita, that CS would be able to serve and empower God's work among surfers in these communities. 

Photo From web / next gen rippers :) The fields are white unto harvest.

The Boarder Crossing. Ok so I have heard all the horror stories about the boarder crossing and how long it takes. I'm the only Safer in the car hoping that all is good with my visa...I kid you not- our car overheats and we literally push it across the boarder post. A white, tinted window van full of salty, post surf, bloodshot eyed, surfed out surfers....tooo funny.

Voyage...Shore Line 

It was fantastic having Brett David, the CS Founder, over in California. BD connected me with a number of his contacts and imparting the wisdom of the "Founder Advisor" to his padawan. We were able to run a Surf Ministry network meeting at Shore Line Church in San Clemente. We also had a special dinner hosted by the pastor George Hulse at his house, where a number of people could come and hear about CS from Dean Plumlee- CS US ND, Brett and myself. We were also able to do a crazy one day trip up to santa Barbara to connect with other CS friends like Britt Merrick, Lizelle Wilsnagh & Matt Coleman.  

Rincon. A beautiful wave, unfortunately didn't get time to surf it. Caught up with Brit Merrick 

All over the world we have bumped into what I would like to call our secret heroes. Amy Wong and Mark Chu are two of those people. So much happened because of them. The dinner I was telling you about is just one example. We cannot say thank you enough guys for loving on us as a family. Amy lives close to LAX, a $5 Uber taxi ride. Amy is a rocket scientist , no kidding your cell phone works because she helped get the satellites up there, or something. Amy is also the person who after a LOOOOONG day at the office did three late night airport pick ups, took us to in and out burgers (California tradition / Go animal style if you get  chance LOL) And gave us her floor to crash on before we exited. 

Amy Wong, straight up you are one of our secret CS hero's. Ps. sorry if I blew your cover 

Voyage - Hawaii - Aloha 

Aloha the north shore and Home away from home :) 
We arrived and were welcomed at the Honolulu Airport by CSI Board member and North Shore shaping legend Eric Arakawa. Amazingly it was the finals of the Volcom Pipe pro, and the Harley's managed to drag Eric through Costco, (wholesale food store) just long enough to ensure he missed the finals of the contest...Sorry Eric. 

Thanks for fetching us from the Airport during the Volcom Contest Erric, We owe you big time.... 

Thanks to Tony and Tammy Moniz for letting us shoot these shots from the Billabong house opposite pipe. 

This has been a month that has gone by way too fast. In my prayer times before coming to Hawaii I felt challenged to not ask how we might get CS established in Hawaii but to rather ask how could we position ourselves to serve what God is already doing in Hawaii. What I came to realize through BD, Eric & Sue Arakawa and others, was the rich and deep legacy of all that our amazing God and Father has been doing over many, many years with his faithful followers on the island of Oahu. I was inspired as meetings produced stories of people who have been ministering faithfully here for many years. Thank you to Pastor Larry Garrett from the Sunset Beach Christian Church, who accommodated us in a way that exemplifies the Aloha of Hawaii. That you to Christian, for loaning me a whole range of boards as my 5'11 was not going to be appropriate. Thank you to Pastors Mike Stangle from North Shore Christian Fellowship, Pastors Butch & Trip from The Mission, Scott & Nicky Bridgman for your years of impact and influence for God's Kingdom among surfers. For Dennis and pastor Roy on the South Shore...my deepest Mahalo to God's Ohana. I will keep you in my heart and prayers as we travel on. It's with a sad heart that I say totsiens (Afrikaans for until we see each other again) 

Voyage - The Eddie. 

A gift. The biggest swell in some 10 plus years, and for Hawaii that is something. The last time the event ran was 2009. The North shore literally shuts down. Cars line the Kamehameha Highway from the night before. People camp out, businesses close down (except FoodLand thats open from 3am for the Eddie) and by 06:00am on the day, you have to park at Haleiwa, 6 miles / 9km and walk in. So to be there, to experience it- was a breathtaking privilege to say the least. 

Form more images check out my photo gallery on Roy Harley Photography on FB

Home School on the Voyage 

We went to Pearl Harbor and all cried when we watched the movie. We saw the Eddie and went to the memorial and all cried when we watched the documentary of a man who lay down his life for his friends. Mahalo Hawaii we learnt much from you. 

How a surf board is made that the Arakawa Factor.

This is serious business. Dont mess with my board LOL.

Surf Time 

In-between the Huge surf we all got to give Hawaii a go / Surfing Haleiwa / Paddle boarding the Haleiwa river/ mom on the beach in the rain/ Dad also got some waves at Log Cabins and an epic session at Sunset :) 

Voyage on to New Zealand 

As the ink dries on this blog so to speak, we are pulling up anchor and setting sail further into the pacific for New Zeland. Kiwi brothers driving the left side of the road same as home. The land of Rugby, Cricket and long left handers :) 

Merry Christmas  

Just a Short Note to wish all of you a very Blessed Christmas. 

As I look at the many nativity scenes I can't help but think could we have ever imagined   that the Creator of the universe, the one who holds all things together, would clothe himself in humanity, forsake His glory and become human. Who could have imagined he would be born to a humble home and who could have imagined - He would die on a traitor's cross and who could have imagined he would rise three days later making a spectacle of sin and death? Who could have imagined that the carpenter would be exalted as our hope and example of eternity and that one day every knee will bow and every tongue confess that he is LORD? Philippians 2:5-11

Thank You Lord Jesus for coming to make a way for us to be part of your family and for calling us to your mission. 

And thank you to each of you for the part you play with us in His mission to the surfing world. 

Harley Surf Family (remembering warmer water :) But loving the Snow :)

California; Carne Asada Burritos; Colder weather; warm people 

The Americas so far

Shift Colours

The trip to North America went really well and marked our fourth month under sail. As a family we have settled into the rhythm of life on the road. Sharon is keeping pace with home school, the kids are loving life and living an adventure of a life time, and whilst I struggle with keeping my inbox in check, I'm constantly amazed at how God is using Christian Surfers to share His love and grace within the surfing culture. 

Our US East Coast Home the CS Office Base & Multiplication Centre

An early start up 04:30am and off to the airport through CRAZY Peruvian traffic, in every way as warm and gregarious as the people :) 

Cleared customs in Miami and boarded another plane, bound for Norfolk. Arrived at the CS East Coast Camp out at 02:00am the following day.

Christian Surfers East Coast Camp Out Outer Banks North Carolina / Amazing Gospel challenges by ND Dean Plumlee

HUGE NEWS / CHIEF MATE / OPERATIONS MANAGER FOR CS 

It's a pretty well know fact that I am somewhat "Administratively Challenged" and because of this for a while we have been looking to add an extra staff member to the CS International team. I can now publicly confirm that Casey Cruciano has been seconded from team CS US to join us in J-Bay as our operations manager. We are so appreciative of this answer to prayer and for how God has worked all of this out.

Pray for the Cruciano Family moving from their home in North Carolina Outer Banks to J- Bay South Africa in July 2016

PILOTGE 

East Coast  - First a visit to a church in Virginia Beach, then from the Cruciano's home, in North Carolina, to South Carolina, where we overnighted and connected with the Charlston CS Chapter, stayed at Nathan Arkwood's spot and checked in with Bill Hogan. Then through Georgia and onto the CS head office and the Multiplication center in St Augustine, Florida, that would be home for just over two weeks. It was here that we realized that this would be the longest we would be in one place so far on this trip and by now that was AWESOME :)

Friends Shakas and Straw glasses / US East Coast is a beautiful place 

SCHOOLING UNDER SAIL 

Sharon is diligently cracking away with Maths and English and we are even talking about instituting an Afrikaans day just to keep our kids ears in tone, however home school is by no means school at home :) 

Boys in the stocks (AGAIN) / Governors Palace Williamsburg / Civil war enactment BANG! / Taking off with the Wright brothers in Kill Devil Hills = cool School :)

Port St Augustine  

For two and a bit weeks the picturesque town of St Augustine Florida was our home base. It was amazing to be able to be in the mix of the CS US office. I was able to catch up with Dean Plumlee, the national director of CSUS, and get a real handle on their passion to see disciple making disciples. We stayed at the multiplication centre & Office, real close to a beautiful expansive beach. Thank you so much to Paul, Summer, Laurel, Dean and Amy for all you did for us and for sharing your lives with the traveling Harley's.

Harvest Festival Dress up / The Alligator & Crock Farm / The Spanish Fort that was the start of St Augustine 

Come About

Buzzzz my cell phone shouted. A message form Nick Gilmore is always catalytic :) "Hey we have organized this impromptu barbecue for Brett Davis in California and now it seems every one is coming, I think it would be good if you and Dean Plumlee were able to come."
So a scurry of planning and checking and shifting schedules and before we knew it we were on our way to LAX. What an amazing event - there were about 150 people there, some driving over 470 miles to be there. Amazing evening. It was great to catch up with some friends, go for a surf with legends and also have some good time with Lyle from the CS US Board.  

Impromptu Cali Barbie / Dustin & Jessica (who since got engaged WHOOO!) / Sharing a breakfast Burito with legends in the faith :)

Sailing to Disney

Well, it may have been reckless to fund this experience by selling our car, but hey, how many times in your life time will you have kids who are 8 & 12 and be just a few miles down the road from this glittering spectacle. 

We bead farewell to our base in St Augustine for a few days and headed as a family to hang with Mickey and Donald and crew. Wow what a wonderful experience!

Our God is a God of the details, amazingly it just so happened that good friends from back in South Africa, who are now living and working in the USA, just happened to be there at Disney over the same exact dates as we were. Now what are the chances of that !!!

A real blessing and memories we will cherish forever :) 

Harley's and Scharffenorth @ Disney

Sailing to the Caribbean Seas and the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is a beautiful and interesting place. It was where the Spanish colonials first set up shop. So in down town Santo Domingo you will find a number of picturesque remnants of this era. 

Nathan with Christopher Columbus / Thanks Rafael for showing us around (Rafael is the National Leader of CS in the Dominican) 

On arriving we were greeted at the airport by Dustin Miller, the CS Regional Coordinator, for the Central and North America region. Dustin and Emily live on the north shore. Thanks for making the long drive to fetch us Dustin :) 

The DR with Dustin Miller below and Rafael above 

An all boys camp out - Nathan, Dustin and I jumped in a buss for a 6 hour ride from the North Shore down South to connect with the National Leader of the DR Rafael Ferreras at his Surf School. 

An amazing national event with over 150 campers from all over the DR. Sleeping on the beach is a great adventure and in a rain storm a leaky tent makes it all the more so. 

CS Camp Out in the DR with my Boy / Read more on the CS Site  

Hanging out seeing where Emily teaches and getting a better picture of the Millers World. 

Other CS Ports of Call in Central America 

With the family setting up camp in the DR - myself and Dustin Miller headed out to connect with Mike Proctor and the CS Crew in Panama. Great to see how seriously the guys are taking governance, and it was a privilege to sit with Dustin, as he and Mike asked a pastor to join the Board of CS Panama. 24 Hrs later and we were on our way for some leadership meetings in Costa Rica. Damian Boza, the National Leader of Costa Rica, fetched us and we were off to Jaco, for some good surf and great meetings, then back to the DR. Really excited to see the development of a regional leadership team for the Americas taking place. 

 After Surf Breakie with CS  Legends. / Nathy mesmorized by beautiful DR Sunset / Mike Proctor Rodo and CS Pnama Crew / Rafael ND of DR & Huan.

Parting Shot 

Next stop "California" :) 

CONTENTAL COURSE CHANGE

SETTING SAIL FROM UK TO PERU

The last time I blogged, we were on Leg One. The UK. (England; Scotland ;Whales; North Ireland & Cornwall LOL) Sorry about the Rugby guys - Ouch and I can hear Nev from NZ saying the same thing :)

20kg Luggage cul (44 LBS)

Since then we have undergone two continental trips.

Fantasy vs Reality of intercontinental travel. Still smiling :)

Leaving Bristol, at 00:45 with no sleep with the very generous Melcome who drove us to Heathrow, so we could get there three hours early - the mandatory check in for international flights. Arrived at 03:00am to discover that as it was the first flight of the day the airport only opens at 04:30am Nice :) 

Fortunately we had done a luggage cull, Yip 20kg lighter, so basically a family of four with a ticket that allows us to have X2 23kg bags each = 184KG is now traveling with under 90kg (proud Dad) I sold this one by promising we could buy some new stuff some where, but due to the slipping Rand this may not materialize LOL

CONTINENTAL COURSE SOUTH AMERICA 

SAILING INTO PERU

So we have decided to name each of the cars we drive in, by the going through the names of the Disciples.

Simon Peter was a beautiful golf and navigated the picturesque narrow streets of the english countryside. Peru however was a whole different story. Driving in Peru is an experience second to none. It's crazy but has a beautiful, noisy, warm gregarious rhythm. The hugest thank you to Aldo and Stella, as they became our drivers and enabled us to get around without risk of injury and death:)

Peru prior to rush hour; Simon Peter our UK Companion, James driven by Aldo & Stella in Peru / Glad it wasn't us :)

SETTING SAIL FOR THE BEACH HOUSE @ PUNTA HERMOSA PERU

Fresh off the plane, it was straight to Ruth's house which would be our base in Lima, then SLEEEEP Friday and we were off to the beautiful beach house of Punta Hermosa. Aldo has kindly donated some time to CS to use this amazing facility opposite amazing surf breaks for our surf house accommodation.... so watch this space. 
That night we were able to join in a Local CS Peru meeting. 

Praise and Worship at Punta Hermosa CS Gathering 

One thing I'm finding over and over, is that it doesn't matter where you connect with CS, the heart of the people to see surfers have opportunity to know and follow Jesus - is always the same. So humbled and encouraged by this. 
It was exciting to join this crew where the very next day, they served at a National Peruvian Surf Contest in Punta Hermosa. Awesome Job guys. 

CS Punta Hermosa Serving the National Event. Competitors view and Judges view 

Water Shot CS Peru Crew with food, fruit, water etc for competitors

Pelicans in the line up 

SETTING SAIL TO ONE OF CS PERU's PARTNER CHURCHES - THE ALLIANCE CHURCH- MIRAFLORES.

Sunday Morning it was up and at em to get back to Lima, where Aldo's church had given us an amazing opportunity to present the work of Christian Surfers. I'm so thankful to their openness and graciousness in giving us this space as well as their backing and support of the work Aldo, Stella and the awesome CS Peru team. Takkie you are a legend thanks for all the media :) 

Thank you Mr Ventura for the awesome Job your doing :)

Aldo with Antonio, the National Director for CS Peru. Thanks guys for looking after us as a family so well :) 

Cool surf spot - A little left called Whyko (no idea on spelling) with Da Boys Antonio and local Chef Andreas = Best Ceviche EVER!!! at his restaurant. Absolute must for any foodie surfer :) 

SETTING SAIL FOR SAO PALO - BRAZIL

After hanging in Lima for a week, being so well fed by Ruth's mom, Rebecca who was an amazing host. (Reminded me of my Nana :) Aldo and I headed over to join BD and the Brazilian Leadership team for some crucial meetings. This was no surf trip - this was a red eye(flight) all the way. We were headed to the Brazilian capital, to have a meeting around Governance. I have to say that this is becoming more and more of a recurring theme. Governance is about People, not structure, where we have good governance and healthy people in places of authority over us, we have healthy missions. Where we don't sooner or later.....we seem to have a road block. 
This is not the time to get into detail but I have to say that I left feeling encouraged and stoked to know that we as a mission are able to tackle the tough stuff. I applaud all the crew in the photo.

Godly meetings by an amazing group of brothers  - go the Brazilian CS Storm :)

On a lighter note it was fantastic to connect with BD and observe first hand the value of a Founder Advisor in our movement. He empowered us and inspired us on to the future. Thanks BD.

It was also a miracle because I met a social media phantom. Up until today no one knew if he really existed. Palario. So to give you and idea why I say this. On average most CS face book pages around the world range in the vicinity of 1000 to 5000 to some 15 000 likes depended on the size of the surfing population. BUT then comes brazil. 55 794- WOW!
You Go Guys. I encourage you to find a way to use this for the kingdom :) Hey if you haven't already go and like the page 

SETTING SAIL FOR VENEZUELA AND THE CS AMERICAS CONFERENCE 

Another batch of red eye flights with Aldo. Thank you for all you give brother :) I so appreciate it. 

Photo from top right: left -Takkie CS Peru veritable legend of all things and a great worker, media guy and disciple maker; middle-CS Chille, good surfer and another legend. & right-Louis Jnr, who surfed with us and served with us. I see where his dad gets it. 
Dustin Miller our very own CS Central and North America RC. Diligently and hard at work doing training with the leaders from across S and Central America. 
Louis Snr is the national leader of CS Venezula. It has not always been easy but it was exciting to see what is happening on the ground - well done brother, especially under difficult circumstances.     

I have to share another story. From another brother from CS Panama that blew me away in the feedback session. Rodo is one of the CS Panama leaders with Mike & Lory Proctor. Almost every Friday this upwardly mobile lawyer drives 300km / 186 miles down the coast to connect with a group of grommies from his town who surf but who dont know Jesus. Rodo CS Salutes and honors you brother. You are the reason we do what we do. May God bless you and may you see all those grommies baptized and following Christ :)

Rodo driving above :) 

Great job Dustin, Aldo and Louis-this was a special gathering and most encouraging.

SETTING SAIL BACK TO PERU

Another red eye flight, with Aldo, back to Peru to join our last weekly gathering with the crew from Lima. We met so many people that are so close to our hearts. Peru has to be one of the foodie capitals of the world, and it has the warm hospitable loving CS people to make sure you experience all of it. A great team working so hard to see Jesus come to surfers. A honor and a privilege to have been there with you all. 

CS Meeting Lima Crew

Thank you so much Aldo, Estela and Family and the whole CS South America Crew.

See you soon.

Proud Dad moments :)

SETTING SAIL FOR THE USA

I think that is good for the blog for now. We have set our course for the USA and been here for two weeks already. So much to tell and share with you next time. Thanks for your love prayers and support. You are investing in an amazing organization. SOOOOO Stoked :)