Surrounded my maps!

Hey blog readers,

I thought it was about time to post a bit of an update! So as you could probably guess, the more we think about and organize Hoofprints for Hope, the more we realize we need to do! It's SUCH a massive task and lots of people think we are just crazy to want to do something like this. Fair enough (ha-ha) but you know what? We really beleive in this cause and it feels great to put time and energy into something that is bigger than ourselves. Of course this journey will be one Brent and I will never forget but it will partly be so due to all the challenges and not so high points that we will experience. We are so committed now to this journey and in the last few weeks, we have had a couple of knocks backward and a growing anxiety about finances for the trip. We beleive God will continue to provide for us but phew, it's a scary thing!
So anyway, to the topic of the blog - mapping! Our latest big task has been planning out route for the trek. We have decided to start in Bluff as it will be summer as we begin and we don't want to end up in the south island in winter (which is what would happen if we started in Cape Reinga!). So far, we have mapped out our route from the Bluff to Kaikoura which is 3/4 up the east coast of the South Island! It's a big job to map out a route but rewarding and exciting thinking about all the beautiful places we will be riding.
Brent and I are hoping to begin the fundraising process soon for the trek as well as seeking some sponsors. We firstly need to buy our horses and begin to bond with them and desensitize them to the roads and various sights and sounds. We also need to make sure that they (and we!) are fit for the journey. We will make sure they have had a couple of vet checks before we begin to make sure they are healthy and ready to travel the country with us!
In terms of sponsors, we are so reliant on these to come through for us so if you could keep us in your prayers that would be fantastic :)
If you know anyone who has some camping gear/horse equipment that they could donate, it would be so appreciated!
Yeah, so other than working hard on the route, Brent and I are excitied about planning our wedding too! We will be married only a couple of weeks before we hit the road...

Well that's all from me at the moment.

If you want to get in touch with us for any reason at all, we would be happy to hear from you and thank to those who have sent us emails of encouragement and support - blessings!

Sarah (& Brent)

hoofprintsforhope@hotmail.com