The Walk

Today was a beautiful day in Pacific Pines. The breeze was heavenly so I determined it to be the best time for a walk.  You have no idea how brave I felt heading out on my own in a suburb where all streets are 90 degree slopes; all streets are uphill; all streets curve so that you can't see where you have been or where you are going. And did I mention that I am completely directionally challenged?
In the picture above, if you can spot a utility trailer in a driveway, you are looking at the house that I left on this courageous journey. I took this picture about half way up the first hill. You may choose to believe that I simply turned around to snap this beautiful shot of Victoria Drive... or if you know me better you know that my legs had turned to led, fiery, molten led.  I stopped and turned around, walking backwards up the slope hoping to ease the fire in the muscles that have been happily dormant for most of my life.  That lasted for about ten feet and it was apparent that I needed more of a break to catch my breath. So glad I had my camera with me to make me look like a tourist rather than just a totally out of shape middle-aged woman. Do you think I fooled anyone? It came in handy several times on that walk. When I couldn't remember which street I was on... stop and take a picture while praying for my guardian angel to show up and direct me... take another each time I needed to rest... take another whenever I felt myself turning blue from oxygen deprivation...  I got several nice shots of the city in my hour long adventure! By the time I return to Indiana I will be in much better shape... right?

At the top of the first hill there is a T and you can turn right and go up this hill or turn left and take a steeper hill. I turned left.  Must have been the oxygen deprived brain making the decision. 

Beautiful cloud shadows across the hinterland (mountainous region on the edge of town)

The sky was beautiful all day.  It was clear tonight and I could see constellations unlike the typical dippers I see at home.  The Southern Cross and Orion. The universe just keeps getting bigger and bigger to me. 

So many places to stop and pray for the city and all the lost people who need to meet Jesus and follow him.

 Please continue to pray for the ministry of Journey Church as we try to reach a community of people who are lost and don't even know it. I can feel the Spirit at work in the hearts of the believers and in the three short weeks that I have been here I have been able to see their level of commitment deepen. God is preparing the laborers and the harvest is ripe. Your prayer support is highly sought and valued by Journey Church.

Happy Valentine's Day!

 Today is Valentine's Day in Australia. For all of my friends in America who are spending it alone... without their true love by their side, I just want you to know that, having already been there a day ahead of you, the world doesn't come to a screeching halt.
 It's just another day... another opportunity to love God and love others.
I wonder what the world would be like if there was more thought put into loving well, than being loved in a way that meets our needs or expectations.
I am truly blessed to have a husband that loves me in a way that helps me to be free to become all that God calls me to be.  People say we are lucky. After 35 years our love continues to grow stronger and our joy becomes more complete.  Not because we are lucky, special or perfectly suited to each other but because we are both committed to honoring each other above ourselves and praying for each other.  It doesn't come naturally, but once you have tasted the sweetness of it, eventually it becomes a way of life that you never want to be without.  Today I am on the other side of the world from Dana, wishing he were here with me, but knowing that our love grows stronger even apart because of a God who makes it so. Feeling pretty blessed!

Pictures from Down Under

Beautiful scene from the backyard pool of a family from Journey Church. They live in the same neighborhood as I, but at a higher elevation.
They are a lovely family: Greg and Kim, Maddie and Christian.  Keep them in your prayers as they seek to establish a godly home for their children.

I am standing in front of the building that Journey is privileged to rent every Sunday. It is a wonderful building and part of Pacific Pines Primary School.

We arrive two and a half hours before church starts for a variety of reasons. This Sunday I discovered that the room had been used for a variety of science experiments and set up took a bit longer.  I think that must have been a very fun class for the kids!

Here you see a traditional Australian Bar-b.  No open fires allowed.  Even in the parks they provide gas grills rather than the fire pits we have in America.
About once a month they have what they call a 'sausage sizzle' after church to promote time for visiting and unity. Just wrap a piece of white bread around it, top with onions or bbq sauce, if you like, and enjoy!
Shall we throw another sausage on the bar-b for you?

We drink primarily water here. Understand why?
Groceries are quite high and the Ravells have families over for a meal a few times a week to build relationships. Pray that God will stretch their dollars to enable them to continue this ministry of hospitality.

Meat pie and veggies!  My Super Bowl lunch. Yes, it was on here and I watched the whole thing.... but I didn't eat the whole thing... too much mince. That's what they call the mixture of meat they use, which is lamb and beef (I think). If it isn't, don't tell me!