New Website, New Blogsite.

Hey all you faithful readers out there, we wanted you all to know that are website is now launched. Our blog will now be hosted on our website. www.joshandmisty.com. From here, you can now subscribe to our blog and receive notice of updates. Have a look around, enjoy, and keep up with us on our new website. Love you lots!

100% Pure New Zealand.

This is a CALL to New Zealand. Watch this video.

Back Down Under

Josh and I have been back in New Zealand for just under two weeks now. It's been great to catch up with friends and family, and see all the new babies floating around the Tauranga House of Prayer. They are all so precious. The first week we were back, it looked like Spring had sprung. However, the last few days and the whole upcoming weekend are full of cold and rain. Bummer! I was hoping to plant my spring vegetable garden this weekend.

This week work has been awesome! Half of our staff for the upcoming DTS have arrived, and things are really starting to move ahead full steam. Having such a great team is just awesome! I'm excited to have Jordan (one of our DTS students from the last school) joining us on staff. I think this school is going to be an incredible journey for both the students and Josh and I as we oversee it. Our Call2All/YWAM Jubilee team is beginning to take shape too. We have some quality people that have put their hand up to help us, and we are excited to get things moving for January 2010. It going to be awesome! I think from here on out, the train is rolling - get on board.

Call2All The Next Generation

We just wanted to give you a glimpse of something that we will both be helping to coordinate. Coming to Tauranga NZ in January 2010 - Call2All Next Generation....Watch the vid and put it in your calendar.

Where did the two months in America go?

Wow - As I sit here waiting to board our plane back to New Zealand, all I can say is, "Where did the time go?" The last 8 weeks have just flown by. We have been all around the South and Mid-West, spoken in 4 different churches, and hung out with some of our most beloved friends. Josh had speaking engagements 6 out of the last 8 days, and as we wait for plane - I can say we feel like we have finished well. Hanging out with my parents and family was incredible, and I have to be honest and say that it is SO HARD to leave Austin. Austin, we love you! However, I am so convinced that God has amazing things in store for us this next year, and I am determined to not dwell on leaving....but to look forward and press on into what God has in store for us.


Josh and I


My parents and I - one final picture

Old Friends make me smile

Sometimes old friends are simply the best. They are the ones you can really relax with, the one's you don't have to entertain, the one's you can just share your heart with. They make your heart happy. That is one of the best things about coming back to Texas for me. Connecting with people! This time here is just about that.

One of my beautiful bridesmaids decided to come surprise Josh and I with a visit in Austin. She brought with her, her new husband Chris, and her even newer baby, Madeline. All I can say, is these guys are just awesome. They have embraced life with such joy and passion it is amazing. Even more amazing is seeing the out workings of becoming parents. They do it so well! Chris, Cristina, and Madeline, thanks for spending time with us.

Hong Kong and Call2All

As you know, Josh was in Hong Kong in June with over 3,000 leaders from around the world. Watch this quick video below to get an overview of what happened, and some insight into what's taking place within the Call2All movement.

Family Vacation

It seems like I have been away from Internet for weeks. We have been many places and seen many faces. Many things have happened and there is simply now way to blog it all. A major highlight was family vacation down at Port Aransas, off the Gulf of Mexico.


A family tradition, little one's watching Grandpa make bisquits.


Port Aransas Beach


Josh in the cockpit



Us at the USS Lexington


The USS Lexington

We have had a great few days down at the beach with my family. Josh and I, Mom and Dad, Chris and Pam, and of course little Abby enjoyed the time immensely. Without question the actual beach was not Mount Maunganui, but the time was awesome. Thanks for the holiday Mom and Dad.

On the Road

We have been traveling for 5 days now and we are loving it. We had a fantastic time experiencing East Texas hospitality over the weekend. I seriously can't say enough about it. There is something fantastic, about small town Texas that just can't be beat. Maybe it is the pace of life, our wonderful friends, the ranch land, or the emphasis on the important things in life (like God and family). Everyone should visit at least once in their life - for real!

Presently we are in Kansas City and we are loving it here too. We have had so many awesome opportunities (some planned and many unexpected) to connect with our friends and co-workers from around the world. KC really is an international hub. Tonight's highlight...hanging with the Batz family and meeting precious baby Madeline. What a joy to see good friends fully embracing life. Tomorrow, my little niece turns 2 - hopefully I will remember to bring my camera. She is unashamedly my favorite niece.

USA Adventures so far....

I've been in the USA for 9 days now - and wow has it flown by. In a few hours my family will load up and head to the airport to pick up Josh. Yippee! That being said, I have had a great time seeing old friends (like one of my best friends from High school and her husband and two kids) and getting to meet some new ones (like my friend Liz's fiancee of right before I arrived).Here are some pics.


The newly engaged couple!


Ally, Jeffery and the Famous Cheese Dip - Yum!


Look at the Purple House near the Santa Monica Pier.


California Pacific Ocean Sunset.

We Are Alive....

Even though jet lag has seriously affected my blogging abilities, we are both alive and well. Josh will board a plane to the USA tomorrow evening and my little family over here is stoked to have him join us. It has been so good to be with my parents the last week, even though I confess I am reeling with culture shock. The week has been full of "normal" activities of life, lots of Tex Mex, seeing old friends, and running lots of errands. My highlight for the day, buying a years supply of mascara for 1/4 the price it cost in NZ. It's great to be in the USA!

Oxford

We have arrived in "thriving Oxford," as the locals call it. It is wonderful little town, that reminds me a bit of where my grandmother and grandfather used to live. Josh and I are being hosted by a lovely couple out on a farm. We are getting the royal treatment that is for sure....fresh baking every night and escorts to and from our meetings. It is a real experience being here.

Hopefully I can get some more pictures today....maybe even of the famous Seagar's Cafe and Cook school.

So....the chickens

As promised a couple of shots of our new pets! The chicken coop is pretty nice, thanks to Grampa Peter's handiwork a few months back. We look forward to feeding everyone free range eggs when you come to visit.

Travels.....

"On the road the again, G'oing places that I've never been, See'in things that I may never see again, And I can't wait to get on the road again"

Tonight that good old Willy Nelson song is in my head, maybe because I am currently writing from the southern city of Christchurch and I am dreaming of Willy's favorite Texas tamales! Yep, we have begun our travels. I must say the weather is much nicer and warmer than I expected, and I am excited for the week of meetings.

Keep watching this space, photo's more news to come!

A New Pet....

It seems like crazy timing with Josh and I leaving the country for two months, but we couldn't help it. Our first family pets, have joined our ranks. No, they are not dogs, or cats, of even fish.... our first three pets are CHICKENS! Yes, Josh and I are the proud owners of 3 chickens. We couldn't resist the deal, 3 chickens for 24 bucks. You can't even buy ready to eat chicken at the store for that cheap! I don't have pictures of them yet, as they are living with the rest of the family chickens "out in the boonies" at Dave and Sue's. Pictures coming soon.

It looks like I've gone country, back to my Texas roots.

Lisa's Graduation

We had a great family day celebrating Lisa's Graduation from Mercy. She looked radiant and we are so proud of her. Here are some pics.


Family Pic


Lisa on Piano


Jules, Myself, Alana, and Auntie Rosie


Me and Lisa

Random Storms in the Bay of Plenty

So today in the Bay of Plenty, we had some really freakish weather. Apparently up to ten centimetres of hail fell in places, blocking drains and flooding several streets and houses. Crazy huh? Here are some pictures.


That is hail on the beach not sand.


More hail, covering the grass.


Now I know that Josh and I are winter wimps....but this is some serious weather. Several offshore twisters were spoted, and the local mall had to be evacuated due to flooding and a couple of callapsing roof panels. Josh and I only experienced a little bit of rain and some beautiful thunder and lightening. However, the funniest report on the news was definatly the 4 dead cows that have now been assesed by the insurance company. The anaylis, death due to lighting strikes. What a day in the Bay!

A Day for Celebrating

Tonight is the graduation 1st Internship of 2009 for the Tauranga House of Prayer. There will two others this year, but this seems to be a significant graduation as 100% of the interns are planning on transitioning onto staff for the next season of their life. So tonight is the celebration! It’s a formal event, which caused a bit of stirring in our house last night as we attempted to figure out what would be appropriate to wear. The fact it is cold outside made it a bit of a challenge, but never the less tonight is a formal night out.

Another great thing about today is that it is Josh’s youngest sister's Birthday today. Debs, HAPPY BIRTHDAY from us! You are a delight. We are so glad to have you in our family.

Looking forward to the next few weeks!

It is May and I am so excited because at the end of this month Josh and I are going to be traveling once again. Did I mention that I love traveling with Josh! I have not left Tauranga in months, so the thought of getting out and seeing some new places makes me really excited. Our first stop will be the village of Oxford in the South Island of New Zealand. The national staff gathering is being held there, so I am excited for our time there. From what I know, the village is really tiny but there is a famous restaurant and cooking school located there. Click here to learn more about where I am hoping to visit, and at least get one of their famous hot chocolates.

Literally hours after we return to the North Island; I get to board a plane and journey back across the Pacific Ocean to the USA. Josh will join me a couple weeks later after he spends some time in Asia. I am so thankful to have a husband who understands I need some time with my family, and lets me have it when I would otherwise be left alone in the cold winter of New Zealand. I am starting to make my list of “things I must do”…..and am getting really excited. I’m sure none of you reading this will be surprised that most of them revolve around food. I hope I get to see you all.

World We are Back!

Just a quick update to let you know that both Josh and I are now feeling better. I emerged from the house this morning and thoroughly enjoyed rejoining the human race. No more coughing or sneezing for me. I was getting quite lonely at home with just my computer for company. Administration is much more fun when you can do it in the Prayer Room! Yea for being well.

My turn....

Unfortunately for this little Cole family, the day Josh started recovering I caught the bug. It must have been all those gigantic sneezes I was around. After two days of trying to rest as much as possible, I gave in. This morning I booked myself in to see the doctor. The result, a prescription to kill a contagious virus with a sinus infection on top. The doctor told me, "You would have had to be wearing an astronauts suit to not catch the sickness from Josh". How funny is that...but at the same time, how seriously no fun!

So...as much as I would love to see you all, until I stop sneezing, keep your distance. I won't emerge until I know I am safe. I must admit I am relieved to know it is not the swine flu. That would be ten times worse.

The weekend flu....

Well Josh has the flu this weekend, and is absolutely miserable. So you can guess what our weekend is looking like. Lots of rest and relaxing, trying to recuperate before the week kicks off again.

So...I'm getting to put my nurse hat on and figure out how to take care of a sick husband. I just made my first batch homemade chicken soup ever, which Josh declared was the best soup I have ever made. I must admit I am pretty proud of myself, as even I went back for seconds of this soup. If you want to give it a try here is the recipe. It is perfect for the cold rainy weather we are experiencing in Tauranga too.

Chicken Noodle Soup

Ingredients
500 grams (just over a pound) of chicken
500 grams spaghetti noodles
1 can of cream of mushroom soup
1 can of cream of chicken soup
5 cloves of garlic
½ a large onion chopped
vegetables on hand (bean, mushrooms, zucchini, carrot, celery – whatever)
10 cups of water
garlic salt to taste
salt and pepper to taste
herbs (fresh is best, but dried mixed herbs works too)

Cooking Instructions
Pre chop garlic, onion, chicken, and your choice of veggies. Sautee garlic and onions. Throw everything but spaghetti noodles into a pot and bring to a boil. Add the spaghetti noodles to the pot, breaking them into about 1 inch pieces. Reduce heat to medium and let simmer for 35-45 min. Taste and adjust levels of salt, pepper, and herbs to your liking. Eat and Enjoy!

I still can't believe this....

To think that I live in a place where these things are common still blows my mind.


Now these are avocados...it's the size of an ostrich egg.


A porcupine I almost stepped on when I went out to the car.

Musings

It been few day since my last post. And to be assured each day has been full of thoughts and activities. Hopefully each one has been chronicled in my memory somewhere. I know we have had a few guests, said "good bye for now" to some friends, and made considerable progress in the planning for the next DTS. In the midst of all this activity however, I have turned a bit contemplative this week. I'm diving back onto the rich texts of A.W. Tozer. His book, Knowledge of the Holy is holding me captive at present and helping me look upward.

For all of you reading this that are classic hymn lovers (I'm thinking of you Daddy)this is for you. You will notice that this old hymn has a new chorus, created by a friends of mine. It has been a joy for me to be able to sing it recently.

BE THOU MY VISION
"Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart; Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art
Thou my best thought, by day or by night, Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

I will set my gaze upon, The brightness of Heav'ns Son, Satisfier of my one desire
To behold eternal light, In the face of Jesus Christ, Holy radiance of the glory of God

Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise, Thou mine inheritance, now and always
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art."

That's it from here, I'm off to read a bit more before calling the day done.

Easter Weekend and the Dentist

I can't believe Easter has already come and gone already. It was a great long weekend full of family gatherings, a trip to Taupo to visit some friends and a lot of avoiding Easter eggs and other sweets. After three years of hearing about it, Josh and I finally made it to "The Easter Journey", which is a walk through the Bible from Creation to the Resurrection. It was great! The local church that puts it on really does a good job and I recommend to everyone who has not yet gone through the journey.

Outside of work, this week has been full of dinners and desserts with visiting friends, fundraising banquets, and bits of car maintenance. Now it's time for us both to see the dentist before another week goes by. Here is to hoping the avoidance of Easter eggs paid off. PLEASE NO CAVITIES!

Ula's Baby Shower

A friend and I had the privilege of throwing a Baby shower for our friend Ula this weekend. It was a great time to celebrate her and the little girl that we will be meeting soon. I had a great time planning, cooking, and scheming ways to bless her. Here are some pis from the event. Thanks Mama Sue for letting us invade your home.


A time of blessing


Have you ever seen anything like this diaper cake?


It is not a party without food.


The Mom to be.

Got to love these days.

Emerging after the Unrelenting Conference (which was a great success - let us know if you want to hear more about it), Josh and I took a very well deserved day off. Nothing is better than a day off, especially when you really need it. After a late start and breakfast over our favorite TV show "Iron Chef America", we headed to the beach. The weather has been glorious the last few days and we are attempting to squeeze as much outdoor time before the time change on Sunday.

After hanging out there for awhile, Josh met up with some friends armed with fishing poles and kayaks. You can probably guess what happened next. The boys went out around the Mount and I went up it. It was beautiful, and I could actually watch the guys kayaking while I was climbing. When we met back up a couple hours later, Josh had big fish to show for his efforts! I love that we live in a place where you can catch your own dinner! What a blessing!

Then it was off to a some friends place for an evening of pancakes and fun. Chocolate chip pancakes, blueberry pancakes, chunky monkey pancakes, and of course buttermilk pancakes...we ate them all. We came home feeling full and so loved by our friends. It is amazing what gathering together and laughing can do to lift your spirits. All in all I've got to say it. I love our friends and I loved our day off.

3 years of Marriage

Today we celebrate our 3rd anniversary. We're absolutely amazed at how God brought us together outside a coffee shop in Kansas City on a cold winters day 4 and 1/2 years ago. Who would have thought that God would have taken a Kiwi, missionary kid, born in invercargill, who grew up mostly in Singapore, and caused his path to cross with a gorgeous Texan girl in the middle of the USA in a place called Kansas City on a particular day. As we spent some time looking back over the past few years, we're just utterly blown away at God's kindness towards us, His provision, the way he's led us even at times when we've needed a knock over the head! We've had a lot of fun together, we've travelled many miles, and been a part of things that we could have only dreamed of years ago. With much gratitude in our hearts, we look toward the horizon of the future in anticipation. For now, however, we'll just enjoy today, enjoy each other, and soak in the celebration of marriage.

Here's a promise that we lean into as we forge our way into the future.

Zephaniah 3:17 The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.

The Conference is Coming

The Unrelenting Conference is upon us. This Thursday, the first THOP Conference begins. It is shaping up to be a very busy long weekend. Besides all the general good things that happens at conferences, we have several friends from around the country that are coming for the weekend. Tomorrow we will make our first run to the airport to pick one up. Should be a great time!

A Bit of DTS

Home Sweet Home

Wow what a week, full of lots of meetings and lots of driving. The Ministry Leaders Meetings in Matamata were some of the best meetings I have been a part of in YWAM NZ. The campus there had great hospitality, and it was awesome to be there with Josh as he stepped into a new role. The guest speaker from the DTS center was really informative, and the information very pertanent to helping us pastor students through difficult things that are unfortunalty quite common.

All that being said, we are so glad it is Saturday and we have a few hours of down time before heading out to a couple of gatherings.

It's March again - what's going to change this time?

Well since my last post, Josh has come and gone again. I must admit when I have him home, I want him all to myself...and that is exactly what I got these last two weeks. Yea for me, and sorry to all those who wanted to catch up with him, not even fishing could draw him away from home!

His trip to Korea was very successful. The IWT preparations in Korea are moving on schedule and his teaching with the coordinators was well received. He came home jet lagged, and tired...which is always a sign of a good trip. Now he is off in Auckland for his first National Leadership Team meetings. On Wednesday we will both head to a city called Matamata for some Ministry Leaders Meetings for the rest of the week.

As usual, March has arrived and change has hit our little family. This time it is my part time job that has disappeared. Unfortunately recession has hit New Zealand and the company I worked for has gone into liquidation. Please pray for "my old bosses", they are great people who love the Lord, may the Lord lead and guide them and all of us who worked for the company gently. Stay tuned for what the Lord opens up next. We are all ears at the moment.

Love you all! M

Culture is always interesting.

Josh is halfway through his teaching trip in Korea...and things have been busy here on the home front. Rahel, a Japanese/Swiss friend of ours from our time in Korea is visiting New Zealand, and we have been keeping busy. In the course of 24 hours, I experienced 2 different cultures....thanks for hanging out Rahel.

It went a little like this. After singing at THOP on Thursday morning, Rahel taught Ula (my Polish friend - yes we are a mix of cultures) and I how to make "real" sushi...this was of course after visiting the Asian supermarket here in Tauranga. We learned how to "flavor" the rice and make the rolls using a sushi mat. It was pretty easy...and really yummy. I think I see more home made sushi in my future.

After our "cooking class" we piled in the car and went to the Bi-Annual "Kapa Huka" festival. It was the first time for it to be held in Tauranga and was very eye opening. Act after act came on stage, and preformed their routines. I must admit we were pretty confused as all the commentary was spoken in Maori, but then our friends Ray an Shanene found us. They were able to explain everything which made the experience much more enjoyable. We then went to watch Ray's friend get his face tattooed (this is called getting a Moku) which looked very painful - but beautiful at the same time.

Culture is definatly always interesting.

Orama's Lamb Curry!

This is not my typical blog entree - but so many people have been asking for it, I thought this was the best way to handle the requests. Disclaimer. I have not yet made this recipe....I just grabbed it from the cook at Orama....it was good when she made it!

1) Brown Lamb Chops in pan and remove from pan

2) Cook 1 chopped onion and 6 large crushed cloves of garlic and add lamb back into pan

3) Add the following and let simmer for 20 minutes
- 3 Tbsp coriander (fresh)
- 3 Tbs tomato paste
- 2 tsp cummin
- 2tsp paprika
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tsp honey
- 3/4 cup beef stock
- sliced carrots and chickpeas

4) while lamb is simmering make couscous - as much as needed for your family at the ratio of 1 to 1 couscous to water

Asia

After couple of busy days getting ready and about 20 hours of travelling....Josh has landed safely in Asia. Apparently he had a whole row to himself on the plane and was able to sleep. He went straight into meeting, so I am sure the sleep was needed. He will be teaching in the IWT coordinator school in the seaside city of Bouson, South Korea. Hopefully the times goes quickly....babe you are missed already!

NZ Family Pic from our time at Orama.

DTS Slide Show!

Hey, want to see a few picsand highlights of the DTS?

Check it out here.

More Pictures from Orama

You might have been wondering why there where no pictures of Josh and I on the last post. Of course it was because we didn't take pictures of ourselves...so thanks to Kelly we now have a couple. Enjoy!

Alana Cole and Misty Cole at the lookout point.


What a huge tree.


Auckland City at sunset - pretty:> The space needle is where Josh proposed to me.


Josh and I on the 5 hour long boat trip back to Auckland from Great Barrier.


This is just an example of the quality of food we ate at Orama. It was seriously good food. I came home with two recipes.

Better late than Never :>

So I promised pictures of our time at Orama. Hopefully this will give you an idea of what a great week we had debriefing the DTS. We've booked in for next year - so obviously it was awesome!Here is a bit of a play by play.

The far point is where Josh went swimming with a shark. Spear fishing is no longer allowed in this household.


The view from the lookout point. What a great hike to get there.


This is Orama - our fantastic host for the week. A seriously good place to get away from it all.It helps it is on an island.


Group shot on graduation night. What fun we had replaying the last 5.5 months.


This is the view from Orama! Beautiful!

The DTS is FINISHED

The last five and a half months of the DTS have gone by so quickly, and now I can officially say that this season on life is finished. All of our students are on their way to their "next stop" on this journey called life, and so are Josh and I. Well, maybe after we do some clean up administration.

We just returned from debreifing week on Great Barrier Island, off the coast of Auckland. It was a great final week with the students, full of great times procecssing together, emotions, and a lot of fun as well. There are tonnes of stories I could tell - and lots of pictures to post. But that will have to come later.

It's bed time.

New Years

After a very busy Christmas, we finally relaxed for a couple days over New Years. Josh and I headed down to Taupo to visit with Marty and Candice who are here on furlough after completing the 2nd phase of IWT Ohio. We had a great time getting caught up, seeing the beauty of Hukka Falls, and getting to know their twin boys. We just love these guys and are so glad we get to work with them around the world.

Of course hanging out, also means discussing IWT....so who knows where the two days will end up taking us. Here are some pics of our time away.


The Emmetts


Josh and I at Hukka Falls


Josiah and Malachi