A group of 22 met at the Onepoto Domain carpark to do a return walk through the Kauri Glen Reserve. After the usual intros and karakia from leaders Ted and Christine Calvert we set out about 2:05pm to go across to Lake Rd and the beginning of the Kauri Glen Reserve. Before entering this bush reserve we had to spray the bottoms of our shoes to help prevent the spread of kauri dieback. The track followed up the Onepoto Stream, and we came out to a grass clearing with a large tree. From there we carried on and came to a viewing platform overlooking the gully. Further on was a pool with a little waterfall, then we climbed up and down heaps of steps to come out to the end of Tui Glen Rd shortly after 3pm. We then retraced our footsteps and had our afternoon tea break back at the grass clearing. Ted spoke about the history of the area, which was known as Kauri Gully up to 1913. The Onepoto Stream was believed to be a drainage system made by gum diggers in the past. This gum digging area later became a farming area, then strawberries were grown. School children were employed before and after school to harvest the fruit in the absence of migrant workers. Christine presented our devotions, mentioning the American tradition of Thanksgiving which would be happening this coming week. We have lots to be grateful for, such as these beautiful places and the freedom to worship God. The first Thanksgiving happened in 1621 at the end of the harvest. All this reminded Christine of the words of Job who in one day lost his 10 children, servants, workers and livestock, but his response was Blessed be the name of the Lord. On good days it is easy to be thankful to God, but on not so good days it isn’t so easy, so she likes to think about a song You give and take away, you give and take away, my heart will choose to say Blessed be the name of the Lord. Christine suggested that as we finish our walk we could ask the person walking alongside one or two things they would be thankful for.   After doing a hug around the large tree we carried on and when we came out to Lake Rd we went into Kororo St and up through the Dudding Ave bush reserve and returning to Onepoto Domain along Exmouth Rd and Howard Rd to finish at 4:25pm.