Autumn is in full swing and the leaves are falling all around. The beautiful fall colors are a stark reminder of our creative God. Our drought has ended, bringing green to the once brown hillsides again. Micah is nearing the end of his first term of Year 9. It was a very busy summer (I'm getting there) and now is just a blurred memory.
We enjoyed Christmas with Russell & Liz, their family, and several other families from Riverbend. On Boxing Day, we departed on our three week tour of the South Island. A TSBC student from the south island suggested that Greg do a tour to promote the college, as it's not well known on the South Island. We drove down the west coast, through Hokitika, Westport, Greymouth and made our way down to Queenstown. We enjoyed several days at a Christian camp near Queenstown, ending the time there with fireworks over the lake on New Year's Eve. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet Christian families from various churches around Southland.
We enjoyed Christmas with Russell & Liz, their family, and several other families from Riverbend. On Boxing Day, we departed on our three week tour of the South Island. A TSBC student from the south island suggested that Greg do a tour to promote the college, as it's not well known on the South Island. We drove down the west coast, through Hokitika, Westport, Greymouth and made our way down to Queenstown. We enjoyed several days at a Christian camp near Queenstown, ending the time there with fireworks over the lake on New Year's Eve. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet Christian families from various churches around Southland.
that's Micah poking Mum with a big stick (Queenstown)
From there, we drove even further south to Edendale, home of Annaliese's parent's (Annaliese is the student who recommended the trip). I'm not sure Mrs. Smith would know what 'southern hospitality' means, but boy, howdy, did she extend it. What a dear couple!
Don & Stephanie Smith, Greg & Traci
DUNEDIN
In Dunedin we were hosted by Sue Carey-Smith, mum of TSBC graduate, Benji Carey-Smith. We enjoyed the privilege of hearing Benji teach on Sunday morning at his church. It was a real joy for Greg to witness Benji applying what he had learned at Shepherd's.
The Steepest Street in the World
OAMARU
Continuing our drive back north, we stopped in Oamaru to visit another TSBC graduate. Zohar & Tehila Gonen have a ministry of reaching Israeli tourists for the gospel. Our friends, Eric and Ros Borrie, were in Oamaru at the same time, so we enjoyed a lovely meal at the Gonens.
We also visited the penguin colony (sure wish I knew what these two were saying).
From there, we traveled north to Christchurch, spending several days in that area.
Our journey then took us to Blenheim, though we had meetings in Nelson . We wanted to stay in Blenheim so that we would be closer to the ferry.
There were numerous meetings scheduled with church leaders along the way, and Lord willing, we made some great contacts for The Shepherds Bible College. While we really enjoyed the tour around the South Island, 'there's no place like home'!
From there, we traveled north to Christchurch, spending several days in that area.
Our journey then took us to Blenheim, though we had meetings in Nelson . We wanted to stay in Blenheim so that we would be closer to the ferry.
There were numerous meetings scheduled with church leaders along the way, and Lord willing, we made some great contacts for The Shepherds Bible College. While we really enjoyed the tour around the South Island, 'there's no place like home'!
