The Art of Night Photography
World renown Astro Photographer Mark Gee has come out to Orama 3 times now to run exclusive photography workshops with a small amount of photographers.
The workshops have all been a success & have included learning about Astrophotography setup & the art of time lapse guided by one-on-one feedback from Mark alongside self directed work.
The program is also designed to capture the essence of Aotea’s community and lifestyle, and includes a Marae visit with traditional Māori powhiri (welcome), & stories of Matariki shared by kaumatua and kuia of Ngāti Rehua Ngāti Wai ki Aotea.
These workshops have really been an unforgettable experience for those who attend.
“One of the coolest events I have ever been a part of. We learned so much and I have a bunch of images I’m proud of.”
Fatherheart INS Ministries
Each year Orama is privileged to host Fatherheart Ministries’ Inheriting the Nations (INS) training school for three months – from mid-September to the beginning of December. During this time around 80 students and staff come from all over the world to learn about and experience the love of the Father and find deep inner healing. INS students and staff enter into the Orama community’s way of life and become part of the family.
If you are interested in participating in this year’s school you can apply online at https://www.fatherheart.net/ins-a-unique-experience/
Inheriting the Nations is a 3 month residential school, run by Fatherheart Ministries, that Orama has had the privilege of hosting for many years.
Generally, this school runs from September to the first week in December.
Around 80 students and staff from all over the world come to learn about and experience the love of the Father and find deep inner healing. Attendees enter into the Orama community’s way of life and become part of the family.
“A unique experience found nowhere else in the world”
Farewell to the Dyck Family
After five years at Orama Kimberley and Andrew made the difficult decision to leave and go back to Canada. They have been real rocks at Orama and we will miss them terribly. Over this time we have built a deep relationship with Kimberley and Andrew and their kids Evelyn, Olin and more recently baby Emmet. We shared a lovely last morning tea with them as is our tradition when people leave each person had a chance to speak. There were some lovely words said and quite a few tears shed. After singing the blessing song we then saw them off at the bridge. We very much hope they will be back again for another stint in the future.
Arnie organised a very special farewell gift for the Dyck family. Arnie traveled especially to Te Kauwhata to purchase a beautifully carved waka. He originally went for some pounamu but in the end it was the waka that really spoke to him. The waka was presented by Arnie on behalf of the whole community to the family at a touching ceremony in the Orama dining room, Opo and Hope spoke on behalf of Kawa and Motairehe marae's about their deep respect and love for Kimberley and Andrew and all they have offered to the wider barrier community, A beautiful waiata was sung - lead by Elaine Ngawaka, Hine, Brian Reed and his wife Lurlene.
Visit from Fae Pratney
Fae Pratney and her brother Paul paid us a surprise visit this week when they sailed into the bay on a beautiful catamaran. Fae is the wife of Winkie Pratney (youth evangelist) and long-time friend of Orama. Winkie had a great impact on Orama’s ministry back in the day. Norm and Fleur were also visiting at the time and were able to relive old memories with Fae of their time at Orama and Winkie’s teaching at summer conventions.
