Summer Fun, Part Two

One summer evening (Friday, to be exact), we were invited to a barbeque at the Hohnecks--along with 30-plus others (you'll find Greg at the barbie). Our landlord, Harvey, was there as well, along with 8-year old Emmalee. It was a wonderful time of fellowship, stories and laughter.

When we got home, we didn't turn any lights on because it was so warm in the house and we had all the windows and doors open (no screens here). Traci lit a candle for a little light. Before long, Sydney began to bark ferociously. What was up? Traci got the torch (also known as a flashlight), but couldn't see anything in the yard. As soon as Greg was available, he went out to look. Alas, the culprit was identified. It was a hedgehog! (The brown object in the center of the bottom photo). We've seen other hedgehogs in the yard...and Sydney always has the same response. We should have known exactly what it was! Micah took this picture at about 10:00pm, so the flash on the camera did it's job.

The next day, Greg and Micah were in the garage putting together a shelving unit. Traci was at work in the kitchen doing dishes (dishwasher is broken) and realized she heard an incessant bark though it sounded like it was in the distance. She had the chook bucket to empty (Kiwis call chickens 'chooks' so the chook bucket is for food scraps which are given to the chickens). Following the sound of the barking dog, she identified the bark as being that of our very own farm dog...who found yet another hedgehog. Sydney danced around this motionless critter, barking and batting at it with her paw. Ah, no movement whatsoever, other than a rollover by one of Sydney's strikes. She wasn't going to leave that hedgehog! Traci lured her to the chicken area, where she loves to accompany us when we empty the chook bucket. Meanwhile, Greg gingerly scooped up the hedgehog on a shovel and placed it in the paddock just behind our yard.

Ah, farm life! I'm also including a photo taken from the kitchen window on Saturday morning. There are six or seven calves in this photo. Many are still nursing. They are really cute to watch them play with one another.

Finally, we've been asked if we are affected by the floods in Queensland. Queensland is in Australia, so as such, no, we are not affected. In fact, it has been quite dry here. On Sunday morning during our fellowship time, we began to get a slight drizzle. One of the potato farmers began to rejoice--(as in, vocally rejoice in the moisture we were getting). The dry weather is very hard on the farmers. The flooding in Queensland, however, truly has been catastrophic. There are people still stranded on the roofs of their home, while the flood water is just inches from them.

Summer Fun

As I've mentioned, summer is upon us and we have been experiencing some hot days. Our house does not have air conditioning, so on a hot day, we have an early dinner then hop in the car and head for the beach. Micah has taken up boogie boarding and wants to go every chance he gets.

In other news, we're happy about the opening of the area's only Mexican restaurant (we have all missed mexican food). Recently (on a hot day), we headed to town for a bite and afterward walked around town a bit. Micah suggested we go and see how the Mexican restaurant was progressing. We had seen on another visit that it was due for opening in the coming weeks. Alas, it was open! Hoops and hollars were heard around downtown Hastings! Since we had just eaten across the street, we just got chips and a small drink. Needless to say, we went back the next day for lunch!

PEAS FOR CHRISTMAS DINNER?

Looks like we'll be having garden fresh snap peas for Christmas dinner. Greg and Micah have harvested a bucket full of peas along with a bin full of spinach. Now, I get the job of removing them from the pod. But, we'll all enjoy them.

The previous tenants planted quite a nice garden, containing some veggies we can't even identify. Nonetheless, we are enjoying the results of their labor.

Micah's Mates

With summer in full swing, the boredom has already begun to creep in. Micah was recently invited to spend the day with his mates, Jack and Max. They went to a movie and enjoyed Danish donuts prepared by Max's mom. We wanted to reciprocate, so we invited Jack, Max and Max's brother Toby over for the day. They enjoyed numerous rounds of Wii games, taking turns with wheels and remotes. Then they wanted to walk down to the river for a swim. It's been very muggy here the last few days. Even though the water was cold, they enjoyed themselves. With Christmas just a few days off, soon, nearly everyone we know, will be on holiday (Kiwi's typically go on holiday in January). We thought we'd better take advantage of the boy's availability while they were still here. Notice the three Kiwis are barefoot in the picture. That is a very Kiwi thing. It's not at all uncommon to find people barefoot in the market or restaurant (we're not in Kansas anymore). The boys walked barefoot all the way to the river.

TSBC Graduation

December 11 marked the TSBC graduation, where seven men and one woman were awarded the Diploma of Biblical Studies. It was a wonderful ceremony with a reception following. We were privileged to meet the parents of at least two students. Greg was asked to do the Scripture reading. We look forward to graduating many more students to full-time ministry, Lord willing.

Micah's First Campout

The end of the school year also brought an annual event for Micah's grade level. During the last full week of school, his entire class went on a two night camp-out. Camp Wakarara welcomed twenty-five level 6 and 7 students. The class hiked a four hour hike up the mountain and two hours back down.

Micah loved it!

Micah the keen Rugby player

Micah enjoyed learning rugby by joining the school's rugby touch team this term. His team of nine players were inexperienced, but they played hard and had lots of fun. That's Micah running hard with the ball (blue/green; opponent in red).