Our New Cottage in the Orchard

We have landed. There are still some boxes to be unpacked, but after three crazy days of packing, moving, and unpacking - we are settled in our cottage in the orchard. It is awesome and as we walked around the orchard tonight we felt like we were home. There are fruit trees, kiwi fruit galore, and rose bushes every where. The gardens need some work, but what a joy to actually have land to work with! The adventure continues on.

You Beauty!

Well it's been a bit of a dry spell recently with the ol' fishing rod, in fact so much so I gave it up for a couple of weeks. However, Easter Friday was an evening to remember at the canal when I hauled in this beauty after it stripped my line out and gave me a heck of a good fight. A nice fat healthy New Zealand brown trout. I now remember why I like fishing so much. Of course Misty was delighted, as we both love to eat fresh fish!



Cheers,
Josh.

Easter Is Here!

Today is a wonderful day. It's Good Friday and for the first time in a long time I don't have any plans. Of course the on going to do list is still there in the back of my mind, but since today is a holiday I am putting it on hold. No activity is set in stone and I've spent all morning on the phone to friends and family back home. Getting caught up with those that are far away is so good!

Now time for a good lunch and then an afternoon of the unexpected. I love holidays, and the meaning behind this one just can't be beat!

No longer a blonde....

Recently my own father has been sending me blonde jokes galore. In response I only have one to say; a picture speaks a thousand words.



That is right, I’m no longer a blonde.

Date Night

After two weeks of non-stop busyness, Josh and I finally had some time to ourselves. We knew exactly what to do with it too - date night. I was told about "date night" by some dear friends/mentors while in college and I could see how it kept their marriages fresh and exciting. It's pretty simple concept that goes like this - "go out on a date". Do something enjoyable that gets you out of your usual routine and spend time together.

As it happened to be the last few hours of daylight savings time tonight, we took advantage of it and went to the beach. We had Fish n' Chips on the beach, and then went for a stroll around "The Mount", watching the huge surf crash into the rocks. It was awesome and so nice to just spend time together. After watching the sun set over the harbour we were homeward bound with a movie in hand. Tomorrow is another day to get things done. Tonight it is time to relax. I love date night!

We are officially moving

After anticipating moving house for a couple of months, everything has finally come together. On March 30th we will move to a cottage set on a kiwi fruit orchard in Bethlehem, Tauranga. It is indeed very picturesque and almost straight out of movie set, hidden in shelter belts and orchards all around. For those of you who have been journeying with the development of the Bethlehem Missions Base, you will appreciate that this cottage is actually on the land that will one day be developed into the training centre here in New Zealand. This move is strategic and we are excited to live “on the land”. However, now it is time for practical things – like packing. Anyone have any ideas how to fit three bedrooms full of stuff into one?

Abundant Life Community Church

This morning, Josh has the opportunity to preach at Abundant Life Church here in Tauranga. Abundant Life Community Church is our church home here in New Zealand, so it was really cool have him share our heart with the members of the church at large. Now I know that I am his wife, but I will say that he did an excellent job speaking. He was articulate, passionate, and cracked a joke at just the right time. He thought he really encouraged the church to push deeper into the knowledge of God and the message touched my heart too. Let's stop eating the crumbs people and really get to know God, I know I want too. I'm signing up again (and I will probably re-sign up tomorrow too)!

Spice of Life

Last night our good friends, Hans (German) and Ula (Polish) came over to help us eat a big trout that Josh had caught. So often during the week, we are so busy we just can't imagine socializing. Last night however was well worth the effort. Lots of food, lots of laughs, good conversation, and an amazingly good Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Brownie. Friends truly are the "spice of Life".

P.S Mom - thanks for shipping the Reese's Peanut Butter Cups!

Just and Overview

We've been in full swing as usual. YWAM Regional Meetings, Anna and the boys were down from Snells Beach, Lisa had a birthday, the beach was beautiful, the House of Prayer kicked off it's Friday night intercession meetings, we had guests for the weekend, and another birthday party. I have to admit by this time on a Sunday night I am ready for bed. Here are some pics to capture the week.