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."
Sunday, June 28, 2009
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!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
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!!
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!!
Sunday, May 24, 2009
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.
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.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
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.
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.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Amazing
We finally celebrated Dales birthday on Saturday. We dropped Lorri off at her adoptive grandparents house and went tramping around Karekare beach. It was the best thing we have done so far. We were able to tramp through the jungle then sit on the rocks and watch the waves. Lorri did pretty well away from us. I think she had a rough start and end, but the middle was okayJ George and Susan said they will watch her again but not as long next time. We were very grateful to them for watching her while we were gone. It would have been to windy and cold to take her.
For mothers day we went to the Auckland Botanic Gardens. It was a beautiful walk, but we are told it’s even better during the spring time. I have pictures that I will have to post later.
This week we have been busy with getting settled. We may be moving in three weeks though. A family from the church offered their upstairs apartment. We would save almost the amount that I would need to get a job to make. It may be an answer to prayer about me looking for a job. I can stay home with Lorri as my job:) Who knows though.
We miss you all and love you!!
For mothers day we went to the Auckland Botanic Gardens. It was a beautiful walk, but we are told it’s even better during the spring time. I have pictures that I will have to post later.
This week we have been busy with getting settled. We may be moving in three weeks though. A family from the church offered their upstairs apartment. We would save almost the amount that I would need to get a job to make. It may be an answer to prayer about me looking for a job. I can stay home with Lorri as my job:) Who knows though.
We miss you all and love you!!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Every day stuff
Nothing all that exciting has happened this week. We are excited for Saturday to come because we are going out tramping the Karikari beach. Now that we have a car we can go out and discover more of New Zealand.
I’ll write about the little things that have happened in the week though it may be boring. Lorri and I went over to her friend Shikira’s house to play earlier this week. We spent all afternoon at their house and we just let the girls play together. When Shikira saw Lorri she ran to her and kissed her on the lips. It was so cute because Lorri opened her mouth and leaned towards her for another kiss. She hasn’t learned to give kisses yet, so it was funny the way she reacted. That morning Dale said goodbye to us and walked out the door. Lorri starting crying and walked to the door looking out as Dale was leaving. He noticed and came back to give her an extra big huge. We were both laughing because it hasn’t ever happened with him, she does that with me, but this was a new thing.
Lorri and I went to play group on Wednesday. We signed up for the whole year and they gave us a little T-shirt for Lorri. It’s cute on her because it’s several sizes to big. At the end of the play time they had 20 minutes of singing, which we hadn’t stayed for last week. I was excited to find that Lorri enjoyed it. I thought it might be a little to old for her. She was watching all the other kids at first, then she was bouncing up and down with the music. I borrowed some music from them to copy to the computer and play during the day.
Dale gave me my first driving lesson Tuesday night. I really felt like I was driving for the first time. When my dad taught me how to drive I had trouble looking for other traffic as I merged into a lane. It was just like that, I didn’t want to take my eyes off the road in front of me. I’m better at it now, I just have to be aware of what I’m doing, it’s so easy to slip into what feels natural. I keep turning the windshield wipers on to signal that I’m turning and I hit my hand on the door to put the car in park or reverse. I’ll get used to it soon enough.
I have to explain some of the pictures. Lorri received several frilly dresses from Shikira and I just had to take some pictures of her. She was afraid of the dress at first, but when she was wearing it I think she new she was cuteJ She also borrowed a hat from Shikira and I thought it looked so cute. She kept taking it off so I quick took a picture while it was on her head. She thought it was funny.
I’ll write about the little things that have happened in the week though it may be boring. Lorri and I went over to her friend Shikira’s house to play earlier this week. We spent all afternoon at their house and we just let the girls play together. When Shikira saw Lorri she ran to her and kissed her on the lips. It was so cute because Lorri opened her mouth and leaned towards her for another kiss. She hasn’t learned to give kisses yet, so it was funny the way she reacted. That morning Dale said goodbye to us and walked out the door. Lorri starting crying and walked to the door looking out as Dale was leaving. He noticed and came back to give her an extra big huge. We were both laughing because it hasn’t ever happened with him, she does that with me, but this was a new thing.
Lorri and I went to play group on Wednesday. We signed up for the whole year and they gave us a little T-shirt for Lorri. It’s cute on her because it’s several sizes to big. At the end of the play time they had 20 minutes of singing, which we hadn’t stayed for last week. I was excited to find that Lorri enjoyed it. I thought it might be a little to old for her. She was watching all the other kids at first, then she was bouncing up and down with the music. I borrowed some music from them to copy to the computer and play during the day.
Dale gave me my first driving lesson Tuesday night. I really felt like I was driving for the first time. When my dad taught me how to drive I had trouble looking for other traffic as I merged into a lane. It was just like that, I didn’t want to take my eyes off the road in front of me. I’m better at it now, I just have to be aware of what I’m doing, it’s so easy to slip into what feels natural. I keep turning the windshield wipers on to signal that I’m turning and I hit my hand on the door to put the car in park or reverse. I’ll get used to it soon enough.
I have to explain some of the pictures. Lorri received several frilly dresses from Shikira and I just had to take some pictures of her. She was afraid of the dress at first, but when she was wearing it I think she new she was cuteJ She also borrowed a hat from Shikira and I thought it looked so cute. She kept taking it off so I quick took a picture while it was on her head. She thought it was funny.
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