Fifteen years! :-)

...and we've only just begun! :-D

Our wedding day

1994 - Plymouth, MI
in our house
2002 - Clinton Twp, MI

before a friend's wedding...

2008 - Jackson, TN

15 years together.

and a wonderful day of enjoying eachother.

2009 - Wollongong, Australia

roller coaster

Darian, Brenna, and Aunt Jane at the beginning of a great day at Cedar Point for a HalloWeekend in October of '07.

I love ridin' roller coasters! In fact, one of my favorite summertime destinations is Cedar Point, "America's Roller Coast" in Sandusky, OH. Tons of rollercoasters, yummy park food, and great memories.

But lately, I've been on a different sort of roller coaster. Still lots of ups and downs, often in rapid succession, but not nearly the fun. Though sometimes I do get that queazy feeling in my stomach.

Adusting to a move can be hard. I had no idea how challenging it would be to add culture shock into that mix. It seems silly that we could experience culture shock in a country that so similar to our own. But it's definitely had it's shocking times. I think that it just might be more frustrating because we should understand the language and so many other things. But truly, it is a different country. Not only do they use some confusing words (or words in confusing ways), but there's also a difference in values and customs, things you can't see or touch.

While I ride this roller coaster, I'm trying to stay connected and share what's going on. Sometimes, that doesn't seem to work. Hopefully that will change, I'd like to bring you all along this journey.

It's been a while....

Sadly, I've been too quiet recently. I've discovered that it's difficult for me to want to share what's going on, what I've been processing when it's not all sunshine and roses.

The past couple months have been a crazy time of adjustment. Some obvious adjustments like moving, jet-lag, driving on the other side of the road, and using the metric systems. Others are not so expected, redefining roles, understanding different lingo (yes, even in an English speaking country), struggling with expectations and reality.

I've been told what I'm going through (as well as the rest of the family) is "normal", but it doesn't make it any easier. Some days, I question my intellegence, since it surely shouldn't take so long to accomplish a menial, common task. (that surely I could do in my sleep in the states).

My goal is to me more "vocal" here, sharing not only daily events and pics, but also some interal struggles and crazy moments. We'll see how that goes.

blessings.

The family after our first "footie" (rugby) game. I had a blast! (don't think the kids were too impressed. maybe next time)

A day at Bombo Beach in the middle of winter. It was an unseasonably warm winter day, so we went exploring. Brenna asks every day if we can go to the beach. This day we let them get totally soaked! They laughed and played it the freezing (to me) cold water. Good times.

Everybody working together to assemble Darian's bed. It was a great moment to sleep on our own beds in our own (rented) place. Although it was more work than I expected to get settled. But it's good to be on that journey. At this point, we still don't have our shipment from the states (it was shipped out in early April, i think)

A day with the family on the rocky shore on Shellharbour. It was a cooler winter day and the waves were lovely to watch coming in. God's creation is amazing to observe. I'm often aware of it here. For I while I watched Shawn and Brenna out on the edge. Very cool.

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?