Just an update

Hey Friends and Family,
I'm taking the opportunity to write now that Lorri is asleep and I don't feel tired enough to take a nap.
Things are going really well for us. Dale just got offered a teaching job in Masterton, which is an hour from Wellington. He flew out there for an interview on Monday and they called him back on Wednesday offering him the job. We are both thrilled. Dale will get his own classroom and office space, which is something he's really been missing. We are looking at renting a place of our own. It's been a blessing living with another family, but I think it's about time to move on. When we first moved here we knew Auckland was just a temporary place to stay. The cost of living is expensive in the city. We are planning on moving during Dales six week holiday which starts mid December.

Another exciting thing is we are expecting Corin William anytime. I know I have two weeks left but I keep thinking he should be here by now. In all reality I would rather he come next week because it's convenient with Dale getting time off. I am just excited to have him come and to meet him. I've been doing everything I can think of to induce labor. I bought Cranberry herbal tea to drink, I've been massaging my feet, I've been walking long distances, I've been on my hands and knees cleaning, and I've been eating licorice. All these things I have heard bring on labor. I guess he's going to come when he wants to:) I'm also getting plenty of rest because I know how much sleep I'm going to crave once he does come.

Yesterday I had to go to the ATM to get our rent and tithe out for this week. I decided to drive because it looked like it could rain. Sometimes I walk to the shops and library because it's a good walk. I got out of the car, unbuckled Lorri and took the ATM card out of the diaper bag and stuck it in my pocket. I decided not to get the stroller out of the back and just walk to the ATM. Once I locked the car I changed my mind and decided to take the stroller. I checked my pockets and couldn't find the keys. I tried all the doors and they were all locked. I was so bummed, when I turn off the car I usually stick the keys in the diaper bag. There was nothing else I could do so I walked, carrying Lorri, all the way back home. I wanted to get home fast to let Dale know we didn't have a car, so I didn't let Lorri walk:) She is always distracted by the littlest of things and it takes forever to walk when she's walking. Once we got back to the house I got the money out of my pocket to pay the rent and I found the keys!!!! I was so exhausted from the walk, but it was funny. I thought maybe Corin would arrive after doing that:) ha ha He didn't. Again I think he's going to come on his own timing.

Today Lorri and I walked Dale to school, which we do every day. He was a little behind so we were walking fast, once we got there Dale realized that he forgot his phone. He asked me to run back and get it so that we could stay in touch during the day. He only had twenty minutes before class started, so I had to hurry to catch him. All the teachers meet in the staff room before school starts so I had a window of opportunity. I walked fast back home, got his phone, my phone and the keys to the car. We live upstairs so I had two sets of steps to climb, the whole time carrying Lorri:) I made it in time and he even said it was faster than he expected:) ha ha ha.
It was neat being at the school that early because some of the kids were showing up. I could here whispers and mummers from every group of students that I passed "That's Mr. Walterhouses family". It was a weird experience because it almost felt like we were royalty or superstars. They were in awe to see us. I usually visit the school before and after hours, so the teachers are the ones that we have gotten to know. I think they were more in awe of Lorri than of me:) ha ha. A white baby! I think it just goes to show that Dale has really made an impression on the kids.

The beginning of the week is usually the busiest because of playgroups and mums groups, but this whole week I have felt like I've been in a mad rush. Tomorrow is Saturday! Yeah, Dale will be home all weekend and Monday. Monday is Labor day:) I want to climb a mountain, but Dale doesn't want to. He says I can walk in circles, he doesn't want to get to far away just in case I go into labor. We are having so much fun guessing when Corin will come. It's on the forefront of our minds every day now.

You will all hear from us soon!

Daily life in New Zealand

Dear Friends and Family,
I know it has been some time since I've updated our blog, so I thought I'd put something together while I had the time.

Dale is in the living room watching a nature show while marking papers for the week. We just put Lorri to sleep, which was easy because she was worn out. Our nightly routine for putting her to sleep is reading her a chapter from the Bible, praying together, then tucking her into her bed at 8:00. Usually we give her a sippy cup with warm milk as we read to her. Almost every night she is asleep before we get to the prayer time.
We went to the Papatoetoe public pools before dinner and swam for a couple of hours. Dale and I took turns playing with her in the toddler pool, so we could each swim for exercise. Lorri loves to swim and she played really hard. I think that's why she was so ready for bed.

Dale and I have joined a birthing class, which is three hours in the evening on Thursdays. I'm dragging him to them because I want a refresher course on all the coping with pain techniques. It's nice because we don't have to pay a fee and we get to meet other couples. I think it runs for six weeks.
We have eight weeks left before Corin is due to arrive, but we are praying that he comes earlier. Dale says that we should shoot for the 24th of October and shoot for a short labor. He's helping me stay motivated with walking, swimming, and yoga. It makes me feel alive and not so drowsy when I'm up and active. If I'm not active all I want to do is close my eyes and melt into the bed for hours. Anytime Lorri is sleeping I'm with her. I keep her awake until 11 or 12 then we both sleep together for two hours or so. I'm getting to the point where I can't go without a nap. Corin and Lorri are a team in wearing me out.

On Mondays Lorri and I go to a mothers coffee group. I met a couple of women at playgroup that invited me to join them. They just get together at each others homes and let the kids play as they talk. I have really enjoyed their company and Lorri loves all the toys the other kids have.
Tuesdays we have just started another playgroup. A mother I met at the Wednesday playgroup invited me to go with her to a smaller one. I will still attend on Wednesdays even if I decide to keep going to the Tuesday one.
Wednesday is our original playgroup day, then in the evening we go grocery shopping as a family.
Thursday is a "free" day, which means I do laundry and deep cleaning to catch up with being out during the first half of the week. Fridays are free as well and I usually take Lorri to a park and feed the ducks. We go visit Dale at the school most of the time too. All the teachers hang out together at the end of the day and Dale likes it when I come and join them. We let Lorri run around while we talk and drink hot chocolate.
On Saturdays and Sundays we try and explore as much of New Zealand as we can. We love to go on tramps in the bush, but lately we've been staying close to the city attractions. Two weekends ago it was the Zoo, then we went to the Hamilton Gardens, then this week it was rainy so we hung out at the pool. We hope to go out in the bush this coming weekend though.

We have had our share of sickness in the past month. Dale and I both got the stomach flu and Lorri has had an ear infection and a wheezy cough. We are thankful to the Lord for getting us through. All seems back to normal now.

God has continued to take care of us and provide for us every step of the way. Our love for him and our desire to be obedient to his will is very strong. If you think to pray for us, pray that God will continue to guide us in all our decision making.

We miss you all very much!

Psalms 18:30-36

This morning, during Lorri and my scripture reading, I came across a word of encouragement and thought it would be nice to share it. Lorri liked it as well, because she sat still through the whole chapter:)

"As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the hights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You give me your sheild of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great. You broaden my path beneath me, so that my ankels do not turn."

God is good!

Dear Friends and Family,

We are grateful to the Lord for his care and leading in our lives here in New Zealand. It is a scary thing to start a life in a place unknown to us and a way of life that is different than what we are used to. God has truly taken care of our needs and given us supportive friends. We could find things to complain about and dislike, but there is so much more to be thankful for. I don’t think we realized how big of a step we were taking by leaving all that we knew and were comfortable with. It’s a great experience and we are amazed with how things have turned out.

The Samoan family we are living with have been so gracious and wonderful to us. We weren’t sure if we would adjust well with the living situation, but it has worked out great so far. We are getting to know them better and have come to love them. Their kindness is a blessing and we enjoy their fellowship. Dale and I were talking a few nights ago about how amazing and cool it is to have so many friends of different nationalities. We wouldn’t trade anything for what God is teaching and leading us through.

The car we are borrowing was due back at the end of this week and we were starting to search out the possibilities we had for buying a car of our own. Sunday night we found out that we have the care for an extra two weeks longer. Also we found out that a reimbursement check from Dales job in Arkansas is coming to us. It is enough to cover the cost of buying a car. We are amazed at the timing of it all and we praise God for his continual care.

Dale is doing great at his job and he’s liking it more and more. It has been a rough start, but things are getting better now that he has a feel of it. He’s starting to feel like he’s making a difference in the lives of some of the kids. Not just in teaching them math, but in showing them that he really cares and that he‘s there for them. He plays basketball with them after school sometimes and he shows up at their rugby games, which most of the parents don’t even do that. Some of the other teachers advice to him was to think of the students as brats and himself as the boss. I don’t think Dale took their advice because he really is investing time into his kids.

A two week break is coming up soon, so everyone is looking forward to that. We are going up to the tip of the North Island for a week of fun at the beach. The Lamanus have a family beach house up there and they are letting us use it. We are taking Michel Walter and Merlynne with us. The Lamanus are the people we are living with. Michel Walter and Merlynne are the two oldest of the family.

I have finally made an appointment for a check up at the medical clinic. I don’t know the date yet because they have to mail me a letter telling me when it is. I called in today and gave all our information. They aren’t sure if a midwife is available and that’s why I have to wait for their response. I will get a personal midwife who will come to my house to do all the check ups. When I go into labor she will be there during the process but a doctor will deliver the baby. At least that is what I have understood it to be. They also are scheduling a scan (ultrasound) for me, which I am excited for. Everything has been going fine, just these past four days have been a bummer because I’ve been sick.

Lorri is learning all her animal sounds, which is so adorable. We want to start teaching her the sounds of the alphabet, but I don’t think she finds it as interesting as the animal sounds. We are excited for her first birthday coming up in a month. She will be a one year old! Crazy. Dale and I will have our three year anniversary too. Life is going by so fast.

Thank you for all your prayers and we hope you all are well!

Long week!

Dear friends and family,
I hope you all are doing well. Dale and I haven't gone on any exciting treks this week mostly because we've been busy with moving in with a family of six. They have been very helpful and gracious to us, but it has been quite a big adjustment. Their plumbing was chewed up by some rats, so we had to make due without hot water for a couple of days. Then Lorri caught the Chicken Pox. Dale has had a rough spell at the school and getting immigration papers sorted. We are looking forward to a weekend and the start of a fresh new week.
It's amazing how God works in our lives. It seems that when we go through hard times we are even more grateful for God's hand guiding us and his strength to help us through. The harder things are the more in love we become with him. This has been the hardest week yet away from family. I talked to my dad on the phone yesterday and I was all choked up and teary eyed. When he prayed for me over the phone I just let the tears run down my cheeks. I made my voice sound all cheery and happy, but it felt good to cry. I love it here, but I miss my family. Through it all I'm strengthened in my relationship with the Lord. I feel down, but when I pray I praise God.
Dale and I laugh at ourselves this week because we've been sleeping in separate rooms because I've been with Lorri. We haven't had a meal together either because there are always people around to talk to. We laugh because we need to go back dating again to get to know each other. ha ha ha. Okay maybe it's not that bad, but it will be nice to have things back to normal.
We love you all!!

Another Week

Another week has gone by and we are all still alive. Our legs are dead though. The three of us went to the Hanua Ranges for a three hour tramp on Saturday. The map said that we tramped three miles, but we are more than sure that it was further than that. It was beautiful everywhere we went, worth the rough hike. I was amazed that we could go in a loop and be going straight uphill the whole time. After the first hour and a half we started booking it to get back before nightfall. Lorri fell asleep during the last hour, which was probably torture for her. We bought a nice hiking pack for her, so we could take her along on our tramps. It is amazing to have. God has been blessing us every step of the way during this adventure. It's crazy to be out in such beautiful areas of the world. We are always in awe of who God is and what he has created. Even though things can be rough at times we always have that sense that God is with us and guiding us.
Dale played soccer on Thursday, but I don’t think he’ll be doing that again for sometime. He borrowed a kids soccer boots, which where a size eight and he wears a size eleven. When he got home his big toes where blue and purple under the nail. We think that the nails are going to fall off because it feels like they broke at the base. He had to take two Tylenol PM’s in order to sleep because they were throbbing so bad.
My sewing lessons on Friday were very helpful. I learned a lot and even made three shirts for Lorri. It took all day, but the time flew by. I’m going to learn how to make a dress this coming Friday. I’m amazed at how easy it is to make clothing for children. It’s nothing flashy, but I’m just learning the basics for now.
I don’t know if I wrote before but Dale sings on the worship team Sunday mornings now. Last Sunday they had him greeting people, taking the offering and singing. I was laughing because he was really busy getting from one thing to the next. We also laugh at the fact that we are always the last ones to leave the church. This Sunday we tried racing some people out the door because we didn’t want to be the last ones again. I guess being pastors kids it’s just in our nature, we can’t escape it.

Exciting news

We are moving again! ha ha. Dale and I added it up and we have moved seven times since being married. A family in our church has offered us their upstairs area for half of what we are paying, so in three weeks we are moving down the street.
Another exciting thing is I felt the baby move today!! It was while I was reading to Lorri, she fell asleep but I was interested in the book so I kept reading. I felt a movement and wasn’t sure, so I stopped reading and just laid still with my hand on my tummy. Yep!! It was not just moving around it was kicking and punching. I was so excited and I can’t wait to tell Dale. It’s crazy because I didn’t just feel it move inside, but I felt it with my hand. I’m only 15 weeks along, so I thought it was crazy to already be feeling movement. I’m thrilled though.
Lorri has learned how to clap! We are so happy for her because she has been trying to learn for almost two months now. She’s so proud of herself too. She just learned yesterday, and now she’s clapping all the time. She’s also learning how to drink out of a cup. She thinks it’s a game, so it’s always fun to play it with her.
I’m taking sewing lessons on Fridays now. An older lady in the church wants to teach me how to make cloths for Lorri and the baby to come. She showed me a dress that she made for her granddaughter and I loved it. Also this older lady says she’s lonely on Fridays and would love the company.
On Sunday Dale and I went on a bush walk. It was amazing! Most of the bush consisted of different types of ferns and palm trees. We walked in circles so many times because it all looked the same. We were laughing at each other because our sense of direction was so messed up. Lorri fell asleep on the way there and continued her nap without waking up during the transfer to the stroller, through the walk, the transfer to the car seat, and then from the car seat to the house. Her nap lasted almost three hours. Dale and I were so amazed. During our walk we came upon an exotic looking picnic area. It was crazy because we were walking in heaving greenery than all of a sudden there was an open area with picnic tables. We were laughing at that too, because there weren’t any markings for it. I guess people just have to know the area. They have so many hidden secrets.