The Making of a Man

This past weekend, a small group of young families from Riverbend enjoyed a retreat together at a nearby Christian camp. Each husband/father participates in a men's Bible study, where they are encouraged to be men, that is to be men who lead their homes biblically. We were invited to join them, as Greg was asked to speak to this group on Sunday morning on the subject,'The Making of a Man'. This group of young husbands recognize that they are on the front-line in the fight for the sanctity of their homes and meet together weekly to encourage and support one another in the fight. We were greatly encouraged to see their commitment to be men of the Word, to love their wives as Christ loves His church and to raise their children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. We were also blessed by sweet fellowship and good Kiwi fun! Greg did a great job addressing the men, as well as involving the wives and children in his Sunday message. We are so grateful for the ministry set before us. May we be faithful ambassadors!

Blast from the Past

Well, the day we arrived home from the states, our long time friend, Linda arrived for a week-long visit. We first met Linda when Micah was in the hospital as an infant. She was in charge of Micah's home health care nurses, when he first was discharged from the hospital. Before long, she was our dear friend and often babysat Micah in his first year. Linda is our first visitor from the US (apart from Kevin Edwards--who came for the TMAI Symposium). We had a lovely visit with Linda, showing her bits and pieces of life in NZ. Of course, we had to take her to the beach, where Micah was intent on boogie boarding for the first time this season.

An Unexpected Journey

Life often brings unexpected journeys doesn't it? And, walking with the Lord is always a journey, of sorts. We don't know what a day holds--despite our calendar keeping skills, our to-do lists, our planning. We do know that nothing takes our Lord by surprise. He is absolutely sovereign in all things and He knows what is best for us. On October 3rd, Greg's dad was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and was given twelve weeks to live. After having several weeks of medical tests, months of severe back pain and numerous other medical issues, doctors finally determined the cause. Immediately, we began to make plans for an unexpected journey to the US to visit him. With each passing day, his health deteriorated dramatically, and we began to wonder if we would even make it home in time to see him. Well, as the Lord would have it, we didn't make it. We received word on our way to the airport, that Glenn had gone home to be with the Lord. We praise the Lord that he didn't suffer longer than he did. But now, Mom begins an unexpected journey, that of life without her partner of 55 years, whom she met at fifteen years old.

Spring has Sprung

Well, in our last post we had snow. And, within days of that post, the weather began to turn warm (fine up, as the Kiwi's say). At present, we are experiencing cool mornings (and still the odd frost), with gloriously warm and sunny days. The garden is all but planted and we are enjoying longer days. But, life and ministry are as busy as ever. Greg is teaching two courses, Old Testament II and Biblical Counseling. Traci continues to co-lead a small group at the ladies Bible study and is preparing to teach the ladies study September 21 and 28 on the subject of the tongue. She continues to meet with three college gals on a weekly basis. Micah's school year continues to progress. Life is full and ministry rewarding.

In mid July, our new landlords moved onto the property. Micah is enjoying having boys to play with, as they have an 11-year old and a 12-year old. In the second photo, Micah and Chris are atop a wooden sculpture in our front yard, playing with an Ipod. They have begun to make changes to the landscape as well. Just yesterday, they brought home two three week old kids (first photo). We are told that two adult emus will be joining us next week. They are also rearing six baby chicks which will be introduced to the chicken pen in the coming weeks. The chickens have been getting a bit of freedom of late, having a bit of a wander around the yard (last photo taken in our front yard).

Oh, and we are in the midst of the Rugby World Cup, which began on Friday with a very impressive opening ceremony. As the host nation, this is a huge deal for New Zealand. And we confess, it was quite exciting to see the All Blacks whoop Tonga in the opening match.

We Got Snow!

Ol' Man Winter has struck the Hawke's Bay! The weather forecaster predicted we'd get snow (as most of the country did), and he was right! Micah was determined that the roads would not be passable this morning and he'd enjoy a three-day weekend. But, alas, that wasn't the case. We did wake up to snow this morning, though. And, while I did take some photos of our back yard, they were all blurry. It was just a dusting anyway. This photo was taken from our living room and is a nearby hill. Thank the Lord for a wood-burning stove and a shed full (well, it's not full anymore) of wood!

Holiday Happenings

So here's a snapshot of a few ladies from Traci's small group. They gathered for a potluck lunch during the school holiday. Several were not able to make it, but they had a lovely time.

Also a couple of snapshots of Micah and his mates, who have come for a two-night sleepover. They built a small fire in the backyard and just minutes before dinner came requesting marshmallows. They are having a great time. Last night we played a couple of games out under the bright stars with our gumboots on and our flashlights in hand. In fact, as I write, they are down at the river doing who knows what! They took a backpack full of snacks, ginger beer and matches. Hmm, wonder what they'll get up to.

Holiday in Hamilton

Micah is one week in to a two week school holiday. Early in the week, we went to Hamilton, about one hour south of Auckland, where Greg had three sessions at Equip Bible Conference (topic of sanctification), hosted by River City Bible Church. River City is a new church plant, pastored by TMS alum Bryan Martin. Wednesday we were able to meet up with Matthew & Tammy Anderson, Greg's long time mate from university. They minister in Auckand, with Campus Crusade. Thursday, we drove home, via Waitomo Glowworm Caves.

Later this week, Traci's small group from the ladies Bible study will come for a potluck lunch and Micah is planning on an overnight outing with his mates (as in sleeping in a tent). Mind you, it is winter and the weather report is for an Antarctic blast to whip through the country this week.