a bit of today...

We took some time to enjoy the city today... or mostly. After lunch and a peaceful, unhurried morning (but not in that order), we visited the lighthouse and watched the waves come in for a couple minutes. :-) The wind was strong and the waves were fierce. It was a beautiful sight. There was one brave surfer out... or at least at the beach near the lighthouse. (I however was wearing a sweatshirt!) Then we visited a local mall. (the mall's here include grocery stores, fresh fish shops, fruit markets, banks, and the 'normal' mall stuff) Just getting to know the area a bit.

Oh, and we drove around to look at potential rental properties. We've seen quite a few already and are working on an application for a couple. But, there's still some good possibilities out there. (The rental market here's a bit crazy. The leasing agent schedules an 'inspection' which is like an open house of the property (sometimes w/ the current tenant still there). Then those who are interested come for a look-see. There are usually between 5 and 20 interested parties, sometimes even more. And, they're all interested in the same properties. Several (we've hear of 27!) apply and the ones who pass the agent's approval get shown to the landlord who makes the final decision about who gets to rent the place. hmm....) I'll keep ya posted about how that goes. :-)

Thankfully, we've got a great place to stay while we're searching. :-D

pictures coming soon....
(relatively...)

Overflowing....

The past year has been a time of waiting. But more importantly, it has been a time of growing. God in his infinite wisdom placed us in a loving community of fellow believers who would encourage, listen, teach and direct us in reflecting Jesus and his love in our lives. The year we spent among the Skyline family has helped me to grow in so many ways. And for that I am thankful. Deeply thankful.

Some special friends, Jeff and Ashley, who were a great help and comfort to me.

Some of the folks at our send-off party. Thanks for your support!

Love, kind words, and hugs after the elders' prayer for us on our last Sunday.

Gathering outside the host home just after putting suitcases in the car.

(i didn't have to carry one outside! wow!)

Getting in some last minute love and hugs from our loving Skyline family.

Our cups were filled and overflowing.



~~~~~~~~~~

God has blessed us with amazing support and love. I am humbled by his provisions. God is good.

Packing Up...

Well, actually, we're almost done. But it's been quite a journey just packing. Here's a few highlights...

Sorting boxes to unpack, then repack.

Lots of boxes to go through.

We only packed the important things.

Just fits!


A van full of boxes off to ship. See ya in 4-6 months.

tug-o-war

I seem to be in a tug-o-war with myself, and perhaps even with God. I seem to jump from moments of amazing peace and hope to times of frustration and doubt. I'm pulled between the two, back and forth, back and forth.

As i look around me and at these swings, so many questions pop up. So many thoughts. The biggest of the is wondering, seeking God's will in this ebb and flow. Sometimes i think i understand, and others i'm sure i'm more confused than ever. I sway between the two, back and forth, back and forth.

Through it all, i tightly grasp the rope, afraid to let go ... going back and forth, back and forth.

Then i think... what if i just let go?
and how do i? what does it mean to let go?

Happy Australia Day!

well, i'm a day late. Australia Day is January 26. I wished my teammates a good day, and my heart was with them as they enjoyed their beautiful summer day and a trip to the beach. Our day was cold and windy. But Darian's team did win their basketball game! There was much celebration then. ;-)

I thought we'd be in Oz by now and would have celebrated our first Australia Day in Wollongong, but that wasn't to be. So, instead i'm taking a look back at our family trip to Oz and taking a moment to appreciate where i am and the many ways God has blessed my waiting.

This trip was taken in July '05. Oh my how the kids have grown. I am so proud of who they're becoming. And, I am so thankful for the wonderful husband and leader i have in Shawn.

Australia is a beautiful land created by an amazing God. His power and might are awe inspiring. It's good to have friends to appreciate his wonder with. And it's grand to have new friends here in Jackson to grow and learn with as well.

God's creatures are amazing as well. The diversity is astounding. We enjoyed holding and petting this koala. It's amazing how soft he was... and how sharp his claws are. Guess you'd need that to hang high in a tree all day. I hope that while i'm here (and where ever i go), i'll have the strength of a koala to grasp on to God and his wisdom and his will.

While we were in Australia, i was amazed at the vegitation. I occasionally felt like i was visiting a Dr. Seuss book, it was so unique and unusual to my eyes. This tree was gigantic! It's amazing what God can do from a small (?) seed. May I allow God to do as he wills with me.

Hiking up for a different view with the kids. (Brenna really liked the name of the lookout) This reminds me that it's important to ocassionally get a different perspective on what's around you.

This was taken on our first full day in Australia. We were picked up from the airport by some amazing christians and dropped off at our temporary residence. We were on our own for a few days. So we walked to a nearby train station and took the train into the city. We didn't know where we were going or what was there. But, we were together. May God continue to give us that sense of adventure and the contentment in being together.

Thanks for taking this little journey with me. Hopefully the next time Australia Day rolls around, i'll be able to write about a fabulous day from Oz. Please keep lifting those prayers for our visa, may it come quickly.

Pickles and Pajamas

oh, and there was pineapple too!
:-)

I've been a bit delinquent (per form) in family updates as i wade through the emotions of waiting. So, here's a bit of holiday cheer...

Christmas w/ Aunt Jane. Our 'first' Christmas of the season.

Chirstmas w/ NuNu. Our second... We were so thrilled that Shawn's mom could visit with us the weekend before Christmas. We tried to keep her longer, but it just didn't work. :-(

Christmas dinner w/ Nunu. It was a yankee meal complete with pickled beets and eggs, yumyum!!

Christmas morning aftermath... there's the pickles... the pj's and the pineapple didn't make it into a picture... but they were enjoyed!

just a thought...

about the wandering Israelites...

... was it any easier to wander, to wait, for such a long time with a physical, daily presence of their Creator and Comforter?

... i just wonder.




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