a table in the wilderness

2003-11-17T20:10:00.000+01:00

Hey, we have a new blogging home, check it out here.... Would love some comments on the new blog, even though it's still under construction. Cya.

2003-11-16T10:49:00.000+01:00

Surreal experience yesterday, watching the Aussies play the Kiwi's in the Rugby World cup while the commentary is in German - only in Europe. Great game as the Aussies won 9-22 and they are now in the final to play either England or France (looks like France at half time). The silence from the Kiwi contingent in this house was noted as they slinked from the room in the last half hour of play. Cya.

2003-11-16T10:04:00.000+01:00

Having a lazy Sunday morning at the moment, but we will be going into town to meet up with a friend, of a friend, of a friend. Yes, our good friend in Oz Bentley has a friend in the US who knows a woman in Czech and she rang the other night and we are meeting for lunch - talk about 6 degrees of separation. Cya.

2003-11-13T22:58:00.000+01:00

WiFe here we come - sorry WiFi - yes we now have WiFi in the house!!! So what does this mean, well I'm glad you asked, it means that we can have three people on line and receive phone calls all at the same time, ye ha. No more half way through something and being chucked off line - thanks Andrew (we had more trouble with my PC than all the Mac's put together, but we're there!!! Cya.

2003-11-10T18:22:00.000+01:00

Had a phone call from Oz today, my good friend Neil Anderson - and before you say it, not Neil T Anderson! He is a good man and i miss him very much, but just to hear his voice was great. Also got a package from 'the messenger' our angel in England - Sunday Paper and magazines - thank you who ever you are.

We are all going through different levels of culture shock at the moment, please be patient with us if we share a lot about it on here, it's just helpful to share, hope you don't loose interest - pray for Dan today if you can. Cya.

2003-11-09T21:35:00.000+01:00

Had a great day today wandering the streets of Praha (must take my camera next time as this is a photo taken in September!). We then met up with a couple from Arizona for dessert (afternoon tea). Had a great chat and got to know some more incite into life in Czech - they've been here 8 years. It's wonderful to just learn from those who are in the know, or more in the know than us.

Realized in myself the pressure I feel when others quietly demand something from me as it just takes my back to times of old and my usual reactions return - anxiousness, confusion and anger. I don't really know what to do about it at the moment but, I feel the pressure when I'm letting people down and anger that they demand illegitimate things of me in the first place. Then again it's not about finding a cure, but engaging in the situation and trusting God in the process. Cya.

2003-11-07T10:36:00.000+01:00

It’s getting cold in them there Czech hills…

One American couple left a card saying, “We are grateful for our new friends who have taught us a lot in such a short time and we look forward to continuing to share stories of God’s activities in our lives”, after staying for 3 nights and sharing life with us all at the house. A young Czech said, “I love your Pizza Party on Friday nights, it’s just like being part of a family and it’s so great just to be invited to be here. Do you think I could do this with my Christian and non Christian friends?” After an event at our house in which we brought together Polish, English and Czech Christians a Polish leader said, “We want you and Andrew to come and visit us in Poland to share, teach and minister. We would also love your whole families to be at the SLOT festival during the summer, we will make a space available so that you can teach and share your lives” (SLOT is an arts festival put on by Christians for the whole community to come too). A young lady said, “When I found out the news about my job, you were the first person I wanted to tell of the news”. But, on the other end of the spectrum is a statement from our Landlord, “You live like Gypsy’s (a terrible derogatory statement here) and you won’t see the end of your lease in 2005”. Interesting, but the last one is the one that stays with me the longest.

Some very different experiences and statements over the last month and it’s amazing how differently people can experience different situations and the way we live our lives in Christ. To some we have been like a breath of fresh air that brings light to their dark lives and to others we are the stench of death. So how have we dealt with all of this? Not really well actually. We dance clumsily with those who want to dance and with the others…. we cry a little, pray a little and ask Jesus how can we not give in to violence and thump them let alone love them more”. I sat in our kitchen the other day and was speaking to a Czech Christian who had been to prison for his faith and I was overwhelmed with my lack of understanding, compassion and humility. We have sat and asked each other, why have we gone through all of this since we got to Prague – Juvenile diabetes, kids asthma, landlord violations, trouble sleeping etc? Do you know what dominating thought comes to my mind, “we are all called to wear the stripes of Christ…”

But, boy we have been blessed – a package arrived today from an ‘Angel’, whom ever you may be knew our need for English reading material and sent some papers from England. Also, our home Church in Perth covered some cost that we didn’t even know we had till they had paid for it. Thank you to all who have done such loving things, it certainly helps us to settle in here having things and people of our old life to fall back on when we can.

So where from here? We are hoping to build upon our relationships with the people that want to dance and join us as we grow in Jesus. We are realising how much we are learners in this world and how much the people we have come to minister to are going to minister to us, teaching us about God as we travel together. We also know the need of our friends out there praying for us ‘cause … I don’t pray well and it’s usually the last thing I do - thankyou prayer people.

Please join us in our thanks and bringing our prayer requests to God

We’re shouting to the Lord; that he will bring clarity to our lives here and make them useful for Him, that we can settle in more and enjoy the diversity of the culture and characters here, Please pray for peace or protection from our Landlord and his family as we endeavour to decide which is the best move to make in the future and also that those who come to visit and learn here will be blessed as we are blessed with their presence and the gifts from God they bring.

We are dancing with Joy because; we are all getting over an illness and are looking forward to the snow, if only so we can have some fun, for the great relationships that we are part of and the small amount of times we can offer a picture of Jesus to them, because of the peace we have in Christ – not yet fully experienced, but we trust in because we believe it is to come. Cya.

2003-11-05T22:41:00.000+01:00

Just got back from seeing 'Matrix Revolutions' with the whole family - it's a big family that takes up one whole line of seats at the theater.
Well, what can i say... the best of the lot. I don't know whether they made the 2nd one boring on purpose or what, but this one is a must see. Yes there is still a small amount of corny stuff but the graphics and story is unreal. Daniel said that he didn't have his hopes up because of the last one, but all the kids came out in awe - not to mention the adults. Cya.

2003-11-05T16:46:00.000+01:00

Sasha is the man who works in our basement office during the day - Andrew and Debbie's bedroom at night. He is one of the most gracious and gentle men I have ever met. A man who's curent ministry is translating the Bible into modern day Czech for the common man. He is one of two translators in a team of 5 who are supported by faith and others in Czech who see the value of this work. Think of him often - he has a story that shouts the greatness of God from the roof tops - he would say not so, but that only speaks of his humility. Cya.

2003-11-05T10:04:00.000+01:00

Andrew's in London and heading to Dallas over the next week. You can also check out his new blog - Cya.

2003-11-04T21:18:00.000+01:00

Well you may ask were have you been? Well we've been pretty busy with Pizza night Friday, visitors from Poland for dinner on Sunday and Seminars at the Baptist seminary here in Prague. We also have had Bea, Andy, Ben and Charlotte from Shefield and also Darren and Meeghan from Florida as well - all great but you know me, rather talk that write, so forgive me for not being up to date with my blogging but I promise to post something of significance tomorrow. Cya.

2003-10-28T22:40:00.000+01:00

Minus 2 degrees when I got up this morning, BRRRRRRRRR!!!!! Daniel and I went for our walk and part of the local lake was frozen - not a usual sight for a couple of boys from OZ. We spent some quality time skipping stones/rocks across the ice - very kool. Cya.

2003-10-28T22:33:00.000+01:00

Bea and Andy - can't find a picture of Andy anywhere, typical photographer - arrive from England tomorrow so we are looking forward to hanging with them for a while. They are hoping to open a coffee shop in their local area and need all the encouragement they can get.

I've had some really encouraging days working and talking with Andrew about the future of Boaz etc. Things are starting to come into focus for me. Watch this space for more info sooner or later.

We have a couple of kids down with a sore throat and headache so prayer would be great - we don't want it turning into asthma. Cya.

2003-10-27T20:04:00.000+01:00

Rang my Dad this morning after a dream/nightmare about him ... very emotional. I didn't know how much I was missing home till I rang and then the tears just flowed after the call. He talked about visiting, I hope this is a real possibility. Cya :(

2003-10-25T20:37:00.000+02:00

Hey it was - 4 degrees Celsius last night, boy was it cold, the kids got up to frost and were hoping to see snow but it wasn't gong to happen today. We did experience some snow, very lightly on Friday but nothing that would stick. Do you know who was the most excited? Sarah - where's a camera when you want one? Our friends seem to think it's going to be a long winter... hope it's a good one.

Pizza party went well last night and we had jobs day today, we painted our lounge/bedroom today as well, Sarah is well pleased with it - even I think it looks good.

Daylight saving tomorrow so we get an extra hour in bed, ye ha!!! Cya.

2003-10-24T10:47:00.000+02:00

Chelsea's a got an 'A' for her math's book 1!!!!! We are so proud of her as math's is not her thing!! Sarah says it's her teachers influence (we're home schooling) - I agree. Cya.

2003-10-21T21:14:00.000+02:00

I enjoyed this film too, so there...
Brad says: "yesterday nathan and i watched 'Waterworld.' yeah, so most people thought it was a dog of a flick, but hey, i almost always find something interesting in films, regardless. and there is a most intriguing section where gills-around-the-ears mutant Kevin Costner asks Jeanne Tripplehorn why she believes in the 'Dryland' myth so much. And she says (to paraphrase) because we weren't designed for this world as it is: 'Because we weren't made for the sea. Got hands ... and feet. We're supposed to walk.' likewise, we were made for The Garden, but everything has gotten out of sync. but someday "

2003-10-21T20:09:00.000+02:00

Read today in Deuteronomy how important the Sabbath was to God - for his people. Been thinking today whether I honour God's desire for me to have a Sabbath and what that could look like? Cya.

2003-10-21T20:03:00.000+02:00

So Erikca (right) left this morning to head home to Texas. She said that it was because she saw all the birds flying south for the winter. My questions is, if birds have a brain the size of a pea, what in the world are we still doing here? I suppose it's the excitement of Daniel getting up in the morning as seeing if its cold enough to snow yet! Boy they are looking forward to that day, their teacher (Sarah) says the day it snows they can have the day off school and we will call it 'a snow day', pretty cool in their minds. I don't think they realize how cold, and how long the winters are here! Hope we all don't loose our sense of AWE at the new experience. Cya.

2003-10-19T23:11:00.000+02:00

Well Dobra Den from Sarah! That is Czech for Gidday! I have a spare few moments so I thought I would say hello. We have been in Prague now for a few weeks, and have formed a few routines, and settled into our new life, somewhat, so I thought I might share some of my thoughts and feelings with you. Every experience here is new, some very over whelming, some extremely under whelming. Where to start?
How about I be extremely honest with you? My first impression of the Czech people was not good. I cant remember if you heard my pants story or not, if so, I am sorry, but its worth telling because it is part of my overwhelming first impression, and deserves a mention.

As you know, the combined Stuart, Jones and stricker families drove right through the night to arrive at the Czech Republic, for no other reason than its easier if the children sleep through the bulk of the journey, so, we did just that, and managed to go through France, Belgium and Germany, non stop apart from the odd coffee and coke break,
By the time we got to the CR ,(Im sorry but the CZ combination is killing me, so I will assume you will be able to follow this abbreviation) anyway, we were all exhausted and decided to drop into a spa town called Karlovy Vary, to relax and soak some aching bodies, anyway, Debbie and I had taken the little ones to the swimming pool, and I was carrying the kids asthma puffers, so I left my pants on, eventually I decided to sit on the pool steps and chat to Deb, so I took them off and hung them right next to meon the hand rail. I kid you not, I had turned away for 3.2 seconds, and when I turned back they were gone!!!!!!
SOMEBODY STOLE MY PANTS! Anyway, a combination of total tiredness, and an extremely sore meant I was feeling fragile anyway, and this just really upset me, so when Bruce showed up and I told him about my pants, I started to cry and just couldn't stop!!!!!!

And one of the worst things was that because we hadn't wanted to unpack the trailer before going to the pool, we didn't have towels, only a candlewick bedspread and a sarong, and because we were parked on the other end of town, I had to walk right the way through the center of town in my bathers and a see through sarong, with big clunky shoes and my "I've been camping for two weeks" hairy legs!

Well, I survived that and got to the giant peach and we kind of took a breath, then, with everything in absolute chaos, remember Andrew and Debbie had been away for three months as well, and had sub let the house to a group of young people, two of whom were still staying there, so in the middle of trying to fit in our nine children, bruce and I, Andrew and Debbie, Jessica, Oh yeah, my dear mum, and Eric the hippie camping in the back yard, the landlord decided to do an inspection. It didn't go well. Actually they, there were five of them, were very very rude, and when the men were not present, were very insulting and offensive to us women, something I find particularly gutless. And if I hadn't been so shocked I bet I could have come up with some great retorts, as I did for a few nights following the incident!

The worst thing was that he was really insulting about the children, and about our home, and said we lived like gypsies, which is a big insult over here. Its really hard as women, even though we know the things he said were not true, it touches something very raw and precious when they attack our homes and families like that , and it took Debbie and I a little bit of time to recover, BUT, the reason for sharing these tales of woe is because that was my first dealings with Czech people, It was also my observation that they were not happy, they never smile. Even if you catch their eye and smile at them, they don't smile back, it is a small observation, but when you come from a country like Australia, where everyone smiles, it is a lonely feeling. Next time you are out and about, sit down and have a little look around, and notice the people. If you are in Ausrtralia, you will notice that the general population is smiling, and if you happen to catch their eyes, they will almost always smile back. SO, I start to think that I might be in a little bit of trouble here, I've come all this way, and I truly honestly and still do believe that God wants us here, But Oh God, I don't think I even like these people! How can I minister to them? What good am I? So this is the question I am asking God, "shouldn't you be giving me some kind of deep, caring nurturing love for these people?" "isn't that a bit of a pre requisite for the job?" But as usual, I am left to stew on this with no bolts of lightening from above, so I started to get really homesick and very miserable, and to try and escape a little from reality, I started to read a couple of fiction books about the zionist movement in nazi Germany time, and I started reading about some of the effects of that time of the people in Germany, Poland, France, Austria, and of course, Czechoslavakia. These books have had a profound affect on me, I am able to get o glimpse of what it must have been like for these people to have lived through such terrible times. The fear, the loss, the sorrow, It is not very long ago that the people of the Czech Republic were feeling the oppression of the communist regime. How would I have held up if I hadnt had the chance to grow up in the safety of Australia? If I had had to try and raise my children under such harsh circumstances? Would I be wary of strangers? I think so! Would I trust my neighbours? I dont know. It is a small break through, but big for me. I want to be here, I want to love these people, I dont know what that looks like yet, but I want it, and that makes it alot easier for me to plant some roots, and settle in for the adventure!

Well, I dont know if anyone gets any of what Im trying to share, but its been really great for me to write it down, so thankyou, or sorry, or whatever, God bless you,SARAHxxxxxx

2003-10-16T22:39:00.000+02:00

Had Family night tonight. We hung around a home and watched videos and then went out for dinner at the local Pizza bar - Fabiano's. Great pizza and even better garlic bread. It's good to just sit with the family and talk about life as it is or isn't in our case. Main subject tonight - what we missed about home more than anything: TV (English speaking), friends (not in that order), the Oz food, space, quiet and routine. Gotta admit, I am missing home more than ever at the moment, not that things are interesting and fun here it's just not home. We had a call from our good friends Ray and Bentley today - only made things worse, but it was soooooooooooooooooo gooooooooooooood to hear from them, love you guys. Cya:(

2003-10-16T11:19:00.000+02:00

Tuesday was to be Jessica’s last day with us, and as I was taking her to Frankfurt Airport (Germany) - which I thought was only 3 hours away but turned out to be a 15 hour round trip - thanks to Jess who drove there and Erica who kept me awake, well, tried to stay awake herself all the way back. We were stopped at the border on our return to Czech and our car and belongings were checked for who knows what. But when you’re in that situation your mind takes you to so many places. Does Jessica have reason to have drug paraphernalia in her car? Was the previous owner a smuggler and there is stuff still the car? None of this is true and I know that, but in that moment your mind goes every which way.

Jessica, my family is going to miss you heaps. Your messy hair in the morning and the half hour it takes you to wake up are the best memories we have…. not really, you are a wonderfully kind person whom God has spoken through and used while you have been with us and he will be speaking through you in your new community as you grow in courage. Chelsea will miss you heaps – she wanted me to add that. Cya.

2003-10-16T11:08:00.000+02:00

I thought it was busy being on the road but it just gets busier when you return. After getting home about midnight on Sunday I took Monday to clean up my stuff and catch up family and everything. Also some sad news – our good and faithful car died on Monday after carrying our family around England and across Europe, she will be missed.

2003-10-11T18:37:00.000+02:00

Had a great time at the wedding, even better after it catching up with those that I know and those that I now know. We did a whole heap of business and pastoral stuff while we've been here so an extra journey has turned this trip to a very good trip ministry wise, but I am looking forward to going home to Prague and seeing the family.

2003-10-10T23:16:00.000+02:00

Please remember that it is was only a year ago that there was a bombing in Bali that really hit the community in Australia very hard, especially our home of Perth. There are still many still grieving and moving through this tradgedy - your thoughts appreciated.

2003-10-10T22:54:00.000+02:00

Sitting here in Sheffield after a very satisfying few days. Meetings have gone well, never as expected, but better. So often we have a picutre/vision of how things should be, we prepare and get things into place and with others guidence try to set the scene - the only thing we don't do is give enough room for stuff to happen. When we do it's great to see things just fall into place... very cool.

Caught up with Derrick and Amy today. As we got off from the bus to walk up to our hosts - Neil and Lorna's place - they walked up having just arrived as well - as only the Chapman's can do. I really barely know them both but it's like we've been friends for sooooo long and there is something very right about having them around.

Really enljoying travelling with Andrew at the moment, we just seem to be finding each other, revealing more about ourselves, our hearts/minds and seeing where we fit in the picture, together, apart and part of the Boaz Team.

Looking forward to the wedding and the chance to meet people and hear stories and do some dancing.... we'll see. Cya.

2003-10-09T09:50:00.000+02:00

Had a great curry last night and caught up with Karren and Steve. The number of meetings are growing and our digs will change for tonight to assist with the meeting tomorrow morning and in our traveling up to Sheffield on Sat. Miss the family though it's only been one night. Cya.

2003-10-08T22:59:00.000+02:00

Spent today getting to London for a couple of meetings over the next few days and then off to Sheffield for a wedding. Enjoying the company of Steve, Karen and family for the next few nights. Cya.

2003-10-07T21:29:00.000+02:00

Had a great coffee and conversation with Artie, another Misho here in Praha. I think you will hear his name a lot from me... cya.

2003-10-07T21:25:00.000+02:00

Sarah and Andrews mum left today..... the house is quiet and every one is grieving in one way or another - some quietly some in anger at the silliest of things. I ... have not felt so empty in a long time, I think its about her going home to Oz and me not having left there properly yet, but ... it could also mean that I really enjoyed her while she was here - cya MUM.

2003-10-06T23:17:00.000+02:00

Eric completed Daniels dreads tonight.... He looks more like Yahoo Serious every day. Have a God time in Greece Eric and Paul, it's been good.

Sarah, Andrew and Debbie have gone to check out a property just outside Prague. Its an old farm house with plenty of room for two families and all that seem to be popping in here for ministry and to be part of what is happening in and around Czech. UPDATE - wasn't what we are looking for.

Marilyn - Sarah and Andrews mum - leaves for home (Oz) tomorrow, she will be missed greatly and I know this will make Sarah and the kids even more homesick. Not only does she leave but then Jessica leaves a week later for Austin, Texas ... so please think of the all at 'the Peach' during this emotional time! Cya.

2003-10-05T11:33:00.000+02:00

Sitting here on Sunday morning, not feeling well, the family's watching 'Friends', I've seen it so I thought I'd blog, great for a day like today...

What is it about today I hear you say? Well it looks like winter is arriving and really quickly, the weather has been great so far but over the last few days it's started to get cold and wet and they say by Monday we will have snow in the hills around Prague and, the kids excitement is hard for them to contain, Summer has gone and winter is here.

Abigail is home, she has never looked so good and she has more beans than the whole bunch of kids put together, makes you wonder how long she has been living under the effects of diabetes. Things in the house are different, in that our meal times are more regulated and we have more order than before, but that's not a bad thing.

Marilyn (mother-in-law) broke a tooth on Thursday so between us we navigated through Prague to find the dentist - I'm very proud of myself. Sarah and I also had a date Thursday night, which was great as we needed to catch up, with the business of teaching school and ministry we hadn't talked in a long while - unusual for us. I said ages ago that the lack of an office felt weird but I have one, actually many, it's every where I go, kitchen, coffee shop, car park everywhere. There seems to be more change happening, still more readjustment to my picture of ministry, life and God - should I be surprised???

Friday night is Pizza party night and we had three families come for dinner - 15 kids and 16 adults - very busy night but a great night to talk about God and His Church and make new friends.

Today we have a big lunch as we celebrate Sunday - our day of rest. The bells at the local church is calling everyone to worship - I feel as though we have seen God at work in various relationships in and around the families, and for that I worship, but today is the day set aside to reflect on all that he has done in our lives. Thanks God - Cya.

2003-10-05T11:27:00.000+02:00

Hey, we've been discovered, check out emerging church info. I went there looking for some other info and found us, kinda funny...

2003-09-30T10:40:00.000+02:00

This is yet another week and the kids school supplies arrived in many boxes. Poor Sarah spent a whole afternoon sorting it all out and putting it into the various kids sections - I think she really enjoys the chance to have some order in what seems to be a very disorganized part of life at the moment.

Abigail, our niece, will probably be coming home today. Debbie and Andrew have been having training and when all that is done she will be aloud to come home. Home to a household that doesn't want to treat her with kid gloves but wants to be mindful that she, and the family do have new life restrictions. Just take meals for instance, she needs to eat regularly, well and at the correct time. Looks like our new meal times will be; 7 am, 1 pm and 7 pm to coincide with here testing and shot time - a little order in chaos is a good thing. The whole family is looking forward to Abigails return, especially Beau who has missed her so much.

Tomorrow Andrew, Jess and I are heading out of Prague to scout out a possible new heaquarters for The Boaz Project. A place where people can come, stay, work practically, receive teaching, counsel and encouragement in their ministry's in a monastic environment. At the moment we are going to look at an old army barracks in a border town that has laid unused for a few years - so your prayers would be greatly appreciated.

The family are doing ok except for the odd bit of homesickness, but with all who come through this house we are never alone. Finding time to reconnect with Sarah has had it's problems though, especially with the kids here all the time and now with Abigail being sick. We have got away to do the weekly shop twice just for some time alone, though Sarah's Mum did come it was great just to escape the noise and energy. I am so glad to have our own floor as we have created a place of quiet and retreat there and a few find it so and join us regularly.

I need to confess something..... my mother-in-law..... and it pains me to say this.... is the best! I have to admit.... I was worried with her coming but....... she has been great! I don't think it was an accident she is here at this busy time and I for one am SOOOOOOOOOOOO grateful that she is. But don't tell her she might get a big head. Cya.

2003-09-27T21:05:00.000+02:00

First congratulations to the Brisbane Lions for their win in the AFL Grand Final - three years in a row - they beat everyone's least favorite team Collingwood - Yeah.

We went to the castle, which though very interesting to the oldies like me it has been there for nearly 2000 years, to the kids was just a hole in the ground with some rocks and walls in it, ho hum, though they did discover some steps!!!! The scenery was incredible and the time spent with others in the Home Schooling Network was worth wiled. (This is Beau walking in the hills)

We have had a very quiet day today - Saturday in our house is sleep in and cartoon morning, and then we do all the jobs that need to be done. You have no idea how much satisfaction I get from scraping paint off a window for 4 hours to make it clean, after a visitor over summer had painted on it - very artistic but very impractical. It must be something to do with my gifting and the long term out working of it. So often when your a Pastoral person you don't see what you have done. You just listen, speak and then the person leaves and you just don't know what they have done with your words? This has happened a lot recently so to beginning a job and finish it with the window looking very, very clean is just great!!! Please remember your pastors, they need to be encouraged regularly, with words and gifts, as they bring you guy's word gifts so they need them toooooo!!! We also had a great conversation making dinner and were able to encourage one of the Pastoral people here, so I know it's important.

Had some great news about a possible location for our ever growing ministry - more info after Wednesday when we visit the possible new facilities. Cya.

2003-09-25T22:41:00.000+02:00

Abigail is getting better and we have all been visiting her in hospital as it can be a very daunting experience where you can't understand every thing that is being said - but she is the best Czech speaker in the family so that helps. She is looking sooooo much better and she has her lovely smile back again - thank you God.
Andrew and Debbie are running around trying to find out as much information and hunt down resources that they can, which can be a problem when your not in you native home land and the rest of us are trying to help where we can, encourage and challenge as we go. We had a great time of prayer and conversation last night and the house feels lighter and more free - spiritually and emotionally.

We have 75% of the teaching material from Oz, so it's only Beau we are having to make it up as we go along for, and the materials so far are wonderful - thank you SIDE (Schools of Isolated and Distance Education). Tomorrow the kids are off to a Celtic Castle and anthropological dig with other home schoolers in the area - part field trip, part friend meeting opportunity, should be good.

I am home sick but still enjoying the adventure. What I miss most at the moment other than friends is the News, casual conversations with people I meet (rather than cross language) and having a TV I can flop in front of at the end of the day. Cya.

2003-09-23T18:11:00.000+02:00

SICK LITTLE GIRL - I told you that one of the kids in our house was sick - Abigail. Well yesterday we found out that over the last two/three weeks she has been suffering from the onset of juvenile diabetes. She has been put into hospital and after some recovery time will start to administer her injections etc. This, on top of the other things that have been going on have really given the community another good kicking and we are all reeling from the news in different ways. We are all dealing with it differently, none of us have got it right but we are trying to lean on each other and God in the process, its early days. Please pray for Abigail as this is hard on an eight year old.

TEACHER VISITS - A high point is that Thom Wolf is in town and is teaching at the centre for ‘International Baptist Mission’ all this week, so some of us got to sit in this morning. He spoke from Acts 17, great passage, one of my favorites, if you can have a favorite? Thom is one of; if not the best teacher/mentor Andrew ever had and as far as missions are concerned, there are few in the world who can speak with as much authority as him. He is also coming for dinner tonight so we can all get to know him better and visa-versa.

CYA Racheal, have a great trip home to England.

2003-09-22T20:40:00.000+02:00

Well it's been a rollercoaster ride here in the Giant Peach - see what Andrew has to say about it all too. We spent the weekend recovering from the visit from the landlords. Thank you Anita for your prayer of comfort. One of the landlords came this morning and reneged on their demands and are willing to pay for what is their responsibility. Some are still cynical but it has got us to look more deeply at our current living situation and what our next move could be considering our ministry and family needs.

This also brought up a heap of other issues from within and these are being processed and will continue to be processed over the next weeks. The price of team building's never easy but with love, grace and a willingness to hear the other person it will be GOOD!

We also have a sick little girl in the house and ask for prayer for her - Abigail

From a personal note: I woke this morning very sad and missing our home. I knew this would come and I have been very busy helping the others with their homesickness but mine has started to begin. It's not that I don't love the current and recent changes to our lives but I do miss my home, the people and the known. Cya.

2003-09-19T19:28:00.000+02:00

We had a visit from the landlords tonight, did not go well and the way some were dealt with made me reflect upon the many years of persecution the Czech's experienced. Please think of us all at this time as we process the events of the day and pray for the landlords when you do. Blessings to you and yours, cya.

2003-09-17T15:16:00.000+02:00

Our good friend Tamsin is finally blogging..... about time you!!!

2003-09-17T15:02:00.000+02:00

My very good friend Peter Harrison turns 44 today (Thursday in Oz) boy I miss him and his family. Sarah's mum brought pictures from our leaving at the airport in Perth and we are finding it very hard to hold back the tears.... even now. Luv to all in oz who know and miss us cause we miss you lot tooooooo.

2003-09-17T08:15:00.000+02:00

Well, this morning Sarah and Andrews mum arrives for a three week visit. They have both been looking forward to this but it does make Sarah homesick a little. For me, she's my mother-in-law for crying out loud, all I can do is make silly mother-in-law jokes.... it will be good to see her again, and she is bringing me electrical supplies from Australia so I gotta be happy. Cya.

2003-09-16T17:01:00.000+02:00

so that was Summer ....

Greenbelt is a Christian Arts Festival that has been held for 30 years and we were a part of it putting on an Alternative Worship instillation that was well received with over 150 people in attendance. We spent 5 days enjoying the community that had joined us at our campsite; this was an interesting mix with over 15 children and at different times over the weekend 30 adults. We were gifted with some great teaching and on more than one occasion the speakers joined us at our campsite for further discussions. This was a wonderful experience for all with only one night of rain for the nearly 15,000 who were camped at the race course.

After this busy long weekend we spent a couple of days in and around London doing some sight seeing and visiting my home in Old Windsor which I hadn’t seen in over 25 years. It was while in London that the Underground failed and 9 children and 5 adults were trapped in the centre of the city during rush hour till midnight. We learned some valuable lessons that night and God blessed and stretched us all and drew us together using all our gifting in the process – I’m thinking I shouldn’t have read the book of James over this summer!

We also got to spend some great time with my Aunty and Uncle Rose and Brian, this also coinsided with my cousin Nigels wedding, at which we had a great time, catching up and telling stories from over 25 years ago.

From London we travelled to France to drop off Shannon, one of the most valued members of the Boaz Team. She was travelling back to the USA to continue her ministry there and she will be sadly missed in Europe as well – she was an wonderful help to Sarah in those first few days in England.

From the airport in Paris we left for the Czech Republic, all of us were so ready to go home, even though we had never been there. Funny how you can be homesick for somewhere you’ve never been. The house named the Giant Peach after the story of James and the Giant Peach and the obvious colour it is. This journey started 3pm in the afternoon and ended at 9 am the next day in at a petrol station in the Czech Republic with our early morning coffee. We had travelled through France, Belgium, and Germany and then into Czech Rep. with some of the kids sleeping through one or two countries. 18 hours of travel and we were finally home within two days we were in the Giant Peach and starting the incredible job of organising a house into a home for two families and many visitors again. We started to get involved with the local ministries as soon as we got here and it’s been busy ever since.

As I look back over the last few weeks I/we have enjoyed many sights that could not have been seen at home in Australia and we have been blessed also by the people that we have met. But more than anything, we have had the opportunity to see, feel, hear and be led by God in ways that we could never have experienced at home as we would never have been put in some of the crazy positions we found ourselves in. He has proved to be faithful in all situations and has blessed us beyond measure from the most surprising people – to all of you, thanks that God has used you, even if you didn’t know he had.

So where from here? We are hoping to build on our relationships with the people that we have come to know over the summer and look forward to making new relationships with the locals. We want to settle the kids into their home schooling as well as make our new home as peaceful as possible for them and us – I think we are achieving this slowly. Cya.

2003-09-12T19:32:00.000+02:00

Here's a photo to keep you interested in the stories to be found here soon from our travels this summer (northern summer that is). More info soon, I promise.

Hey back on the hill sending some emails to try and catch up with everyone. Meeting great new people all over the place - Eric most recently from Israel has pitched a tent in our backyard and I met Artie and Elizabeth today, very good people with great hearts.

We are having our, well the Jones' traditional Friday night Pizza Party and are expecting a couple from Slovenia to drop by as well as a few Yanks and Czech's, should be a good night.

Joel from Canada has just started blogging so give him a visit and drop him a line of encouragement - we met in England over the summer and this guy can play the violin, and even in settings you don't expect - very worshipful. Cya.

2003-09-09T18:16:00.000+02:00

As I sit on a hill in the middle of a group of panel locks (flats) with my brother-in-law next to me we must be a sight to see. Sitting with computers on our knees typing away for all our worth! The reason we sit here in the open, WiFi (wireless fidelity) for free!!! If we sit here we can email and surf as long as our batteries last rather than pay over the top phone rates per minute - pretty cool hey - though I do see a problem coming when it gets so cold that we can't take our gloves off.

Spent today still unpacking and putting things away, but as we had such a long day yesterday we rewarded ourselves with a trip to old Prague - INCREDIBLE!!! I thought Paris was pretty...... Nothing compares to the city of Prague and all that it contains. We spent two hours there today and you could not look around and not see something new and fascinating - Debbie Jones was a great tour guide, so much so that others were listening in as well. Cya.

2003-09-08T17:49:00.000+02:00

Yes we are in Prague. We made the dash across the Western Europe and made it HOME in time to be at the birth of a new church - Sasha has started with the help of his friends - great night with many blessings.

We have spent today moving furniture and trying to fit 15 people in with as much room as possible for all. Great to be settled at last. Before church last night we went up and looked over the city - man what a sight! But what took my breath away was the feeling of being home! We have spent so long (3 months) traveling that we really feel as though we are home. I can't stop saying the word Home ...... and you should see Sarah in her element, setting up her nest for her birds. Gotta love that girl.

Any way over the next few days I will stay up late to complete my admin and let you know all that has happened while we were un wired though it won't be tonight as we are having a Pizza party to celebrate with the people here our return, we the Jones return and our arrival. Cya.

2003-09-05T10:54:00.000+02:00

I'm in Paris, the city I've always wanted to come to. Bruce and I have been blessed with a night to ourselves, it was sorely needed as we have missed each other during the busyness and change of our lives. It was a great time to reconnect, we climbed to the top of the Eiffel Tower and did a river cruise. Every where you look in France there is a picture waiting to be painted. On their buildings they put beautiful tiles window boxes and wrought iron for no good reason other than it looks pretty. I love that! Our stay was not without drama but we met an angel called Gabriel, tell you more later.

We are 5 days off arriving in Prague and just as well cause our backs are telling us its time to sleep in a bed. Bonjour for now!

2003-09-03T15:34:00.000+02:00

Sitting in the Museum for the battle of the Somme 1916. Finally in France and enjoying it greatly. Moved from yesterday from Calais to a small town in the Somme.

tomorrow taking Shannon to the airport in Paris and Sarah and I get to do Paris on our own, a dream of Sarah's. Will may then drive straight through to Czech as we are all looking forward to going HOME. We won't get the house till the 10th of September but we will camp in Czech just to feel like we are at home.

2003-08-30T13:24:00.000+02:00

Greetings from the Long Eaton Public Library. Yes we are in the middle of England for the weekend for my cousin's wedding today. Had a great time last night remembering old times with the family - haven't seen some in over 25 years - they haven't changed a bit.

Yesterday we had the adventure of a life time seeing the sights of London. The Underground went down and 9 kids and 6 adults became a team to see a way through and celebrate in the middle of it all and get back to our camp site after midnight. The kids were great little troopers.

Tomorrow we head up to Yorkshire to visit my 2nd cousin and pick up our bags before we head to the very south of England to cross on the Ferry to France on Monday.

I know I said this before but when life slows a little I will post some more info, pictures and catch up on my admin. Cya.

2003-08-27T18:06:00.000+02:00

Has it really been 7 days since I last blogged! Well we have been all over the place since then, after a few days recovering from WabiSabi in Sheffield we made our way to Greenbelt festival (Cheltenham Racecourse) were we set up our mini tenting village - 50 people, 21 of them kids and 14,950 other people. Interesting week winding up with us landing in London last night after visiting my childhood home in Old Windsor on the way - I even got to go in my old house. I will bring you a fuller report later when I have proper access to the internet.

We are resting up today, visiting London tomorrow for Abigail's birthday and taking off again up to Derby for my Cousin Nigel's wedding on Friday.

2003-08-20T17:46:00.000+02:00

WabiSABI Sheffield – Started with an evening of getting to know each other at a local. This was a great night where we all got to feel our way into each others lives and ministries, what was interesting was the different people not only from different nations (Australia, England, Canada, Switzerland, New Zealand and USA) but different ages (I wasn’t the oldest) and from different Christian backgrounds. All these different people, different theologies, different ministries, different everything – but a great night was had ending in the traditional English way, with a Curry.

The next morning, not too early thankfully, we gathered to worship together and carry on the conversations that had started the evening before. We shared what we had brought to the gathering and what we hoped to leave with. We stayed together sharing till lunch and then went our different ways with people that we wanted to carry on our conversations with.

During that day there were different instillations that shared some different pictures of God in our culture. We, the kids especially, set about setting up a house to reflect their thoughts and discoveries on their various pilgrimages. The different rooms of the house sharing one main theme – angels and their comfort and care, packing lives into bags, different food and drink experiences, feeling dirty and not being able to get clean, keeping journals of our experiences and sharing them with others, trying to find a wayward dog. This all culminated with an angel leading the blindfolded participant up the stairs to the darkened attic where they could hear a fountain flowing and were left to experience the moment – many took forever to come down and all said they were blessed by the experience. The fountain was a communion fountain which flowed with the wines from the different nations that we had all travelled through: Australian, California, Spain and France.

After all had been through the house we all travelled up the hill to a local park where we partook of communion – wine from the fountain and bread made during the day at another instillation. Whilst we were there singing, praying and sharing as we looked over the city of Sheffield we were joined by a group of young people, in various states of sobriety. They mocked, laughed and even requested songs to sing but after a very tense time they prayerfully settled and many were drawn into conversations about Jesus and some even recalled their days at a local churches Sunday school class.

During this time our son Daniel heard from Holy Spirit for the first time. He was told to give one of the kids his ring, his special platinum ring he has guarded for years. He went over, explained what he wanted to do and gave it to the lad. He then burst into tears and shook all over in my arms. The young lad was overwhelmed by this act and was still saying an hour later that he couldn’t accept it – our hope is that it will call him to remember the gift of God - Jesus.

The next morning Bryce, Sam, Pascal and Elle arrived from Switzerland to bless us all with their VJ evangelistic ministry – fuse factory. We gathered for more worship and even more opportunity to learn from each other and share our experiences in Jesus. Bryce shared their desire to go into the city and play, so they set out to find a site to do it. They found it at the first site they looked, a skate park in the middle of the city where, to make a log story short, God set it up so that they had power, stage and audience – very cool time. That night we gathered to eat and bring all our video and still images together for a night of worship and with the help of ‘force factory’ an audio and visual experience - which ended with much singing and dancing for joy.

The next morning we all gathered for brunch and more networking as the gathering came to an end, some gathered later that afternoon but we were toooo tired and opted for a quiet night watching the movie – Bruce Almighty - a thoroughly great way to end a very God time.

For me entwined through this time were moments of Pastoral Care - times of prayer, challenge and blessing. I mentioned before that I missed my office and all the security that it brings but, I have a new office. I think that the heart of the emerging church is the kitchen, where I’m being called to set up an office, an anointed office, an office of the priesthood full of warmth, fragrance, blessing and fullness in Jesus. Cya at Greenbelt.

2003-08-18T11:04:00.000+02:00

Greetings old friend, long time no thoughts - well not so, just been so busy with wabiSABI. Had a great time, with struggle and blessings together - isn't that part of the trip? Will bring a bigger picture, with pictures later. Highlights - Bryce and Sam's spontaneous concert in the middle of Sheffield and the meaningful pastoral conversations where God turned up. Cya soon.

2003-08-14T14:36:00.001+02:00

Had a great night last night meeting with the Gang from Sheffield, Canada, Switzerland, the USA and beyond - a real meeting of the nations. For me, just a place to be me and be with people again - i was going a bit stir crazy not being able to do the pasotral bit, even got very angry before the party.

Wabi-Sabi starts tonight with a gathering in a local Sheffield icon. Let you know more with photo's after the weekend.

Oh yeh, if you want to give us a call you can do so on +44 07952024496 - would love to hear from ya. Cya.

2003-08-14T14:36:00.000+02:00

2003-08-12T12:40:00.001+02:00

We are now in Sheffield - not so sunny as the south coast but we were dancing when the rain came in as it's been so hot/sticky. We workied out that it is the first real rain Sarah and the kids have seen for 9 months and we are all loving it.

We arrived on Sunday, well 2 am monday really, so we spent yesterday catching up on sleep and rest etc. Today though is a new day and after some prayer this morning we seem to have shaken of the lithagee (sorry Christine no spell check).

Andrew and i are out making contacts, answering email, picking up people coming in at the airport etc. The girls and kids are preparing for Friday night when the house we are staying in will become a intstilation of Wabi-Sabi. All the kids are involved in coming up with ideas around God and what he shared with them on our various pilgrimages. When i left they were really on a role and Sarah is in her creative element!!!!

We have been on the road for 8 weeks now and haven't been anywhere long enough to sink roots deep enough to be comfortable, now this has bad and good stuff attached to it. What is cool is travelling to different citys and picking up on the 'vibe' of it and the people. I am finding that as you travel from one end of the world to another you are able to sense different flavours, both good and bad, and as a visitor, i wonder whether you can bring a different perspective to a current situation, both practically but spiritually as well. I'll leave this comment in here - though it feels disjointed.

what i have noticed in the last two weeks is my reaction to the current situation and my past positon as a Pastor. What i am experiencing now is a kind of grieving of my identity. When i was in Perth i could usually be found in the office doing admin or in a coffee shop chating. what i am amazed about is my desire to find an office and some more structure to what i do. not even that, i want an office so i can feel important again so i can connect with my picture of pastoral work. i have so longed for more freedom to be, that now i have got it i don't know what to do with it all. don't get me wrong i am able to pastor as i go and that's an ongoing daily experience but there is something in me that would feel good to have the office. somewhere to be reached and respected, here i am the learner, there i was the expert. here i have to go out and make contact, there it came to me. this is more work and far more risky, what if they don't like me? what if i say or do the wrong thing?

I sit here stunned at my need to be driven and my lack of flow. In the Message it talks about the 'rythms of grace'. I think i'm discovering what it means to be caught in the rythms and go with the flow, and it's not comfortable, but it's GOOD!

Andrew asked me to put a comments link into my blog, i'm not sure, if you wanted to make comment you would email me, but then again i could control that? what do you think?

2003-08-12T12:40:00.000+02:00

2003-08-10T11:56:00.000+02:00

We are all in Chichester now (20 of us), including some other Aussies - Maggie and Cindy from Perth - great to see them again.

It's really interesting sitting at the dinner table last night, eating Tex Mex and talking about what brought us here and how we all see the group fitting together in the future. What is even more interesting is watching the relational dynamics play out. We have brother and sister who know each other but because of time and changes they don't really know each other and are starting to discover the great things God has done within each of them. We have people who have never met but know of each other through others just bumping up against each other trying to feel their fit. We have a whole lot of young kids just having a great time and making friends and enemy's (as kids do) with each other.

The best thing that I have seen happening is watching my daughter coming into her own. She no longer is caught between being a kid and being an adult, she is with the adults and holding her own - much to the delight of all here. She is not only accepted but the great bunch of people around here want to be with her and hear what she has on her heart.

Chel, your a blessing to your Mum and me and we do see God moving in your life and with the help of our community here we will see God do great things through you - Blessings and Peace be on your heart. Cya.

2003-08-09T10:09:00.000+02:00

It's early, too early in the morning for me any way, and Sarah and Debbie are off at a local boot sale trying to find a cheap tent and some sleeping bags for our journey later this month.

Last night I finally got to meet Derek and Amy Chapman another part of the Boaz Team - when i was in the USA and Europe last time we just kept missing each other, as I left a place or arrived they did the opposite - if I wasn't so well adjusted i could take I personally. It was good to just sit an listen to them and hear how God was leading them in who they are. Funny thing is Derek looks just like an old friend from home.

Community - if you are in the midst of it and are feeling stuff, you've got to speak it or you rob from the rest of the group. Last night we sat around the table and one of us shared some of their feelings over the last few days, which was hard for them to do but it opened up a whole heap of conversation that freed us all up to speak our hearts, minds and spirits. People are more aware of others right now, and seem to be more caring in different ways that are relevant to the receivers.

I received big time yesterday from Sarah. We are all home sick but if you had to look for the gold medal winner, it would have to be Sarah. However, in the middle of her struggle she blessed me by running a bath so that i could recover from a lot of late nights and early mornings - to find a GOOD woman who wears her heart on her sleeve and is strong is to see God in action. Cya.

2003-08-08T15:13:00.000+02:00

We are still in Chichester at the invitation of the Carters but we are planning to move to Sheffield tomorrow. It's Andrew and Debbies 16th anniversary so they have gone out for the afternoon. We are very excited about all the possibilites laid out before us but we have some homesick people here who also feel overwhelmed with the life before us, so please pray.

2003-08-06T13:40:00.000+02:00

Spending some good time with the Jones and the Carters. Talking about the future and what is going on at the moment in and around Europe. Jessica and Shannon get in tonight - be good to see them again.

Kids are having a great time getting ready for their 'lemonade stand' - it's going to be the hottest day on record today in Britain - we must have brought it with us from Oz. Cya.

2003-08-04T23:00:00.000+02:00

Heading off tomorrow from North Yorkshire down to Chichester for a party. It's been great to have such a welcoming landing place where we could just chill out and let our minds catch our bodies up after the long trip from the US.

We will hang out with the Jones' and the Carters for a little while - it's going to be good to see them all again - and we will then be preparing for Wabi-Sabi.

2003-08-02T23:52:00.000+02:00

Well hello! is sass here and here we are in merry old england, and today we met up with Andrew and Debbie. Andrew is my brother, and im so proad of him, and how lucky am i that debbie comes with the package! You know what it is like when you wait for so long, and plan, and then when it happens, and your sitting outside in the sun in yorkshire, and its really happened, it just doessnt feel real? but it felt right, and good, and for a little window,I just knew everything was allright. the kids met with eachother like they had been apart for two minutes, and at the end of the day we actually had to pull them apart ! I love that! I loved seeing their beatiful personalities. I am happy.

2003-08-02T22:06:00.000+02:00

We know that Ab and Bev Phoenix are in England at the moment and ask that they contact us 'cause we are heading in that direction in a couple of days and would love to catch up. Cya.

2003-08-02T22:04:00.000+02:00

Got hold of the Jones' this morning and they dropped round. Great to see them and to hear all that is happening, including the ever changing landscape that is our new lives. Looking forward to seeing them again on Tuesday when we are going down to Chichester to see our friends the Carters for the social event of the year - Poppy's birthday. I will post pictures when I can.

We are so looking forward to being with them and the rest of the team. We can't share the joy that we feel at being with them and together seeing what God is going to do in His emerging Church. Cya.

2003-08-02T01:39:00.000+02:00

Looking forward to hearing from the Jones' via phone tomorrow. Tried ringing them today but the phone was off!!!!! Spent the rest of the day getting our new car going, yes new car - God is good - and recovering from jetlag, but I don't think it is over yet.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHANNON I am really looking forward to introducing you to the Family and finding out how old you really are?

Sarah seems to be extra tired so prayer for her would be great. Cya.

2003-08-01T08:44:00.000+02:00

Hey, been up since 3.30 am but slept like a log before then. I am however enjoying the quiet before all the troops get up. Glad the kids were able to sleep right through as it has been a hard 40 odd hours on them - 4 plane rides, three states in the USA and three different counties (airports) - they are the best kids in the world and I'm not biased in any way.

It was wonderful to sit next to Chelsea as we flew into Britain and see the excitement grow in her body at the thought of seeing her cousins Megan and Gillian, who were sitting out side of there place on deck chairs waiting for us when we eventually arrived. Sarah saw the joy in my face as we landed, as I was bringing my family back to my roots and part of my story, both old and new.

We were going to ring the Jones' last night but fell asleep on the floor of the lounge. We are so looking forward to seeing them, the cousins and being part of the work that is going on.

Had a great conversation yesterday about the limitations of blogging - written conversations. Is that why God created us to walk and talk with him in the garden face to face? Is this why my relationship with him is more like a dose of MSG poisoning and not a memo from on high? Cya.

2003-07-31T22:26:00.000+02:00

Well we made it to England (thanks for the prayer) and we are enjoying the company of my 'second cousin twice removed' and her family. We are all exhausted but glad to be here. Fill in the blanks tomorrow. Cya.

2003-07-29T19:59:00.000+02:00

For Matt's birthday we went to see 'Pirates of the Caribbean' yesterday, fun movie, the boys haven't stopped ridding the seas of Pirates since. There's been a few injuries but that's what happens when your saving the world from evil, isn't it?

We are off again. We start our journey at 3.40 am tomorrow and arrive in Manchester, England at 1.50 pm the next day. So prayer will be very much appreciated for - that we don't get lost at JFK airport, so that we are able to sleep on the planes and not get to tired, flight connections (we have 4) and a trouble free entry into England.

The rest of the Team are;

The Jones are still in London, enjoying the city, letting the kids enjoy themselves and preparing for Wab Sabi

Shannon arrives in England today to link up with the Jones to organise Wabi Sabi - boy can she organise!

Jessica is still walking the Camino in Spain - go girl go!!!!

Cya jolly old England soooooooooooooon.

2003-07-27T01:41:00.000+02:00

It's July 27 in Australia which makes it my son Matthew's birthday right now. He thinks that he should be celebrating it early but seeing as we are in America, we reckon he can wait a few hours. He's 11 years old, and he is a very special bloke cause he hasn't had it the easiest with asthma and other stuff, but he has the greatest view of life, the world, is a wonderful friend and has the most subtle, most wicked sense of humour. I enjoy his company so much and I am grateful to God for lending him to me cause he's so very cool. I love you Matt and think the world of you and look forward to seeing your character unfold before us all. Cya.

2003-07-24T22:21:00.000+02:00

Boy the weather is hot here. Yesterday we took a trip to Palm Springs (home of the late Bob Hope) yesterday and it got up to 112 F - thats 45 C for those in OZ. Daniel tried to count the Palm trees but there was just tooooo many, he lost count at 817. The boys had a ball at the WW2 Air Museum and we visited a Indian Museum - but it was closed for the summer??

As part of our unofficial U2 pilgrimage we also went to 'Joshua Tree' to see the very trees that their album was names after. Interesting thought - the tree was named such by some Mormons who thought it looked like a person Praying to God.

From here we went 7000ft up to 'Big Bear Lake', were I'm told you can ski in the winter - we didn't see any snow but it was good that the temperature dropped 30 F on the way up. Beautiful country, and the contrast between dessert and mountains is incredible and it only took 1 1/2 hours to get there.

In the mean time we are doing some emailing, writing stuff, fundraising and the kids are catching up with some of their letter writing and school work.

Really, really looking forward to seeing all the gang in England and enjoying some cooler weather. Cya.

2003-07-23T06:27:00.000+02:00

Yesterday we went and did the 'Hollywood' thing, much to the delight of the family and we had a great time. We got to visit some stars homes and see many of the walls that separate them from us. We also got to hang out at the premier of 'tomb raider 2' and we got to meet Angelina Jolie, well when I say met, I mean we were a small group in a large crowd and she was well away from us, but we got a photo! - is my cynicism showing? But we did have a great time, really.

I've just written our monthly 'Wrap up' for our prayer partners, here's a taste below;

So I find myself sitting here reflecting upon the last month and all that it has meant. We left Australia convinced that God wanted us to do the trip across the USA - this did not happen. We had hoped to hook up with certain people as we went - this didn't happen. So what was going on?!?! Well, during our times on the road - God turned up in very quiet ways. As we travelled, and dare I say it, pilgrimaged our way through the lives of the people we did meet - God turned up in quiet ways. I woke last night with 'restless legs' (for me either - a physical reaction to MSG or God wanted to talk to me) so I got up and read from the big book. I opened at Acts 16 and read where Paul was told in a dream by a Macedonian;

"All the pieces had come together. We knew now for sure that God had called us to preach the good news to the Europeans" - from the Message.

So do we have all the pieces together as the passage says? NO, definitely not, but we step out in faith, having less understanding of Gods plans than when we started out, but as Peter says - where else would we go Lord, where else would we go?

We are making plans for our trip to the UK to meet up with the rest of the team, then onto Europe for who knows what's in God plan.

Please join us in our thanks and bringing our prayer requests to God

We are dancing with Joy because; we are all in good health, we have the best link people in Adrienne and Paul Robinson, we have enjoyed all the contacts that we have made and see a great future in these relationships, we have all been impacted by the hospitality of Gods people and Sarah has been given a recipe for the worlds best mashed potatoes..

We are shouting to the Lord for; our move to England to be trouble free, that linking up with the rest of the Boaz Team will go well, that the conferences we are involved in will be a blessing to us and all who attend and our deep desire for 400 prayer partners and more financial supporters.

If you would like a copy of this wildly exciting journal - this would automatically include you in our prayer team - please contact us here, and i will send a copy on. Cya.

2003-07-20T07:51:00.000+02:00

We hung out with friends of the Jones' today, Daniel and Tammy. Daniel was in their bridal party and we got to hear more Andrew and Debbie stories, lots of them. Had a great time and enjoyed their son Garrett, who fitted in with our boys like he had known them forever. Poor Matt was a little sick at dinner but he recovered to put in a good couple of hours of play later. Planning a culturally relevant worship experience tommorow at one of the local hot spots. Cya.

2003-07-19T06:28:00.000+02:00

We are all doing well, though we all seem exhausted and a little flat. we are preparing to put Harvey the RV out to pasture, he served us well for the briefest of times but all good things must come to an end. it's funny though, as we share some of, what at the time seemed part of a nightmare, we all laugh and see the fun in it all, who would have guessed?

I kinda feel that this move is out of our hands and that we are part of something that is yet to be seen and experienced in its fullest, if that makes sence to some of you, please explain it to me! Sarah has already aired so much of our/my thoughts in her blog yesterday but i neeed to go on the record to say that while this trip so far has not been all that we wanted it to be, it has been so much more, in that, we are more humble and less driven than before. Now, can you say you feel more humble and actually be more humble? I'm not sure, but I feel more reflective and less caught up in the "vison" and hopfully more intrigued with the "unfolding drama" that is before us. I have felt at times that I was loosing my mind, but have realized that i just lent it out for a while and it will be back soon with a different set of lenses to look through.

At the moment we are making plans and preparing to travel to the uk and organising things with the boaz team. We will be doing the whole "HOLLYWOOD" thing on Monday, much to the girls delight!

Thanks to all who have encouraged us with emails and gifts etc, we appreciate it all and value your continued journey with us. Cya.

2003-07-18T00:27:00.000+02:00

Hello everyone! Its Sass here! I suppose some of you thought that I wasn’t actually on this trip and that any photos you actually saw of me were just cardboard cut outs! No, I’m actually on this journey, but have left much of the blogging up to Bruce so far, but it is definitely my turn to share!

Well, it’s been an interesting ride. As you know nothing has gone the way we pictured it would, not a bad thing, but fairly unsettling for some one like me, not a control freak exactly, but some one who likes to have a bit of a picture of what is happening. It has definitely been a time of refining.

I really like America. It is an extraordinary place, I have learnt a lot, and that is a good thing. I can definitely see a time of preparation has been happening for us, so since Bruce has pretty much told you all about our travels, I will concentrate on our personal journey.

I have been amazed at how close Jesus has kept us to his heart. I/we have felt it in a million different ways. One could say that travelling in the Winnebago would automatically draw you closer to God anyway, but it is true. The driving was not easy, and I must say that I am so full of admiration for Bruce and how he has managed to drive something that weighs seven tons, on the wrong side of the road, on L.A.s busiest freeways, seven lanes sometimes, I think he did an amazing job, and I think in all, there were only three times that we started off on the wrong side of the road.

We planned our journey so that we would have to travel up as least hills as possible, but some-times it was unavoidable, there were some hills just outside of L.A. that just went on and on and on it was a six percent grade, which didn’t sound much but it went on and on and on, and poor Harvey the RV was really struggling, so we asked the kids to pray, and there after, every hill we came to the kids and us prayed fervently. We also got to have some interesting conversations with the kids about constant prayer, and was it nagging or not… When we were travelling home we drove through Carmel, (which for all you trivia buffs is the town that both Clint Eastwood and Sonny Bono were mayors of at different times, and it’s a lovely spot by the way,) we came to this huge mountain, with really narrow lanes, with no way to turn back, anyway, that morning Bruce and I had read James chapter one, and felt the Lord telling us that he delighted in our requests of him, he loved to hear us ask, and he loved to grant our requests, so later that day, we are crawling up this hill, with a huge line of cars behind us, and we are claiming the promises that Jesus made, and the kids are visualizing angels pushing the van from behind, and we are thanking him for his faithfulness, and it was quite a wonderful experience, because if we had had any idea how big that hill was, we never in a million years would have attempted it, but we did it!!!! By the time we pulled over to let all the other cars go past we were high fiving and praising God!!

Another time we were driving through the middle of the Californian desert, is it desert? I’m not sure, it looks a lot like outback Australia, very dry, and brown, anyway, there was a sign offering petrol and food and said that the next stop was 120 miles ahead, and I had this awful feeling of vulnerability about what would happen if we were to break down right there, and just as I was thinking that, there was a little poster stuck to a power pole that said , “Trust Jesus”. It made me want to cry.

Another thing that has really been occurring to me is that I have no right to assume that I have to know the reason that things do or don’t happen. There is arrogance in assuming that I have to know why God is doing things the way he does. Or even to assume that one day I will know the reason! As soon as I demand to know why, or even try to figure out why, I am putting conditions on the availability that I have committed to offer God (that doesn’t mean that it isn’t wonderful to see Gods wonderful works, and see his plans unfolding) but its definitely not a demand I can place on Him. I think this is going to be a really important thing for me to grasp in light of the uncertainty that we face - that and the lesson in flexibility I have previously spoken about)

I still have lots to share, but my head is aching, I’m not the worlds best typist, so I think I will save the rest for another time, I want to thank everyone that is following the blog. I hope you are enjoying the journey, and thankyou all for the prayers, and words of wisdom, and kindness, and friendship that have been offered. It is a privilege to share this time with you. Lots of love Sassafras.

2003-07-17T22:58:00.000+02:00

hey we made it to Moreno Valley where we will be staying for a while. Sarah is typing a full update as we speak. cya.

2003-07-15T19:51:00.000+02:00

this is the third, no the forth time i've tried to post this, having trouble with the library system.

we will be moving on today - south to Monteray as we don't see the point in getting further away from LA when we don't know what "Harvey the RV" will do next. (yes the kids have named him)

i find this very hard as i make it about me, my faith and calling. Funny how we find a way of taking all the mystery out of anything, even at the cost of marterdom. I had so much more to say but if this makes it on the blog i'll be glad.

Moving on, trying to trust in God within the mystery (and frustration). Cya.

2003-07-14T21:52:00.000+02:00

Greetings from Aptos - Santa Cruz. We had a little trouble getting here but are resting up before we decide what our next move is. We enjoyed our time with the Evans' and are grateful for their hospitality and care and pray that as we have taken some of them on our journey we have left a little of ourselves there too.

Glad to hear the Jones' have made it to England and are enjoying their time after a very hard walk with the kids.

Please continue to pray for us all as we are feeling a little disappointed and overwhelmed with all that has happened and not happened. Cya.

2003-07-11T19:20:00.000+02:00

Looks like we are on our way today, though as usual with us we are making a slow start. We will be heading up the west coast on our planned way to San Francisco and then Portland Oregon. I read Luke 10 this morning and was challenged by what I read - Jesus sending our the 70 with nothing and having to receive from others as they went. They could only give after they had received from the people on the way. That's how it has been for us so far too, as it has been a big struggle for us to receive gifts of love, shelter and food from people we hardly know. Very different to our picture of the journey. Very humbling and scary as we now launch off into the unknown again with no where to specifically go, but just a conviction to just go.

Last night we went to the house church and had a great time. Very simply, we ate in the apartment complex and various people joined during the evening and the guy's there just made conversation, which eventually turned to God, very cool. Please pray your blessing upon this bunch of "kids" - they are so young and full of god's promise. One of the girls there could do some incredible contortions with her body but I'm a little scared to share them with you as young children and animals may be harmed fro life - she knows who she is.

Once again, emails and blogging may become sporadic but we ask your continued prayer. Cya.

2003-07-11T01:06:00.000+02:00

It's another day and we are still enjoying the hospitality of the Evens'. Last night we cooked a special dinner for the gang and a friend of theirs, Eddie came over and we sat talked over dinner and into the night. We discussed church, mission and consumerism and the church. Also shared some of our stories and compared scares.

This morning I accompanied Jason to a study group in the local book-store/coffee-house. We enjoyed the company of Glen and Sarah were we dialoged over the reality of God, His love and the world that will finish in Rev 21 - pretty heavy - not really just conversation about God and His radical way of dealing with sin.

Had Mexican for lunch and the girls have gone shopping - I yelled "window shopping!?" as Sarah and Chelsea left with Brooke - but I doubt it very much. Tonight we will be going with the gang to their house church and we look forward to some more times around the table.

Please pray as we think we will be moving on tomorrow and have no confirmed contact in middle California and we would love to stop in and visit some people, as we do. Cya.

2003-07-09T20:35:00.000+02:00

We have just spent yesterday with the Evans’ family, a lot of that time at San Diego Zoo. Which we got to go too for less that $12 which is incredible - thanks people who made it possible. But the bestest thing about the day was spending it with a young couple who are very much in Gods movement in the local area and have committed their way to Him and are seeing His blessing upon them and their local community of house churches. They are also very easy to get along with and are very accepting, even amused at our Aussie oddities. They are great to be with and very open and honest about their situation, the community they are involved in asking plenty questions of God and his ways in this world.

You know what’s happened over the last week or so, but how has it all played out for us in light of our journey to Prague and what God is doing on the way there and beyond? Well, we have spent a bit of time wandering why we came to the USA, because we are so disappointed that our plans had not come to be. In some ways it feels like everything has gone wrong, but if God is true and I believe he is the only thing in this world that is, “all things work together for good for those who love Jesus,” so we attempt to stay in a constant state of flux for the moment. Sarah is wondering if it is all about us letting go of our picture and letting God write the words and paint the pictures on the page. We had wanted so much to travel over to the east coast but there is no way we can do that at the moment – even in our trip to San Diego via Newport Beach we had to stay over two separate days because of mechanical/electrical problems.

Yet at both of those stops we experienced something new; the first was a extra lay over in New Port Beach and the next was the stop in Lake Forrest where we were to begin our pilgrimage to the east coast. At both stops I was able to fix a larger problem with the RV – a constant miss in the engine and a flat tyre - both of them we fixed at no cost to us – only time and the discomfort of sleeping in the car parks of shopping malls.

Time, what is time and how is it relevant to our lives and how it works out? Are we tied to the clock too much? I know in my case that I am never late to anything; I will even arrive 20 minutes early just so I won’t disappoint those whom I am meeting. In the case of landing in San Diego at the Evans’, we were over a day late, and no one was hurt, died or psychologically harmed, that we know of. Maybe it’s less about when, where and what we are doing at any one time but with whom. Did Jesus deliberately wander around the east with an agenda or was he just wandering letting the Father unfold each day before him, knowing He had a destination at the finale of the journey and that it would be a great sacrifice on His part and an overwhelming blessing to the world on ours.

We are very sorry that we came in some ways because of our homesickness, mainly missing the people we know and the things and situations known in our lives – every thing is so different though it is so simular. On Sarah’s birthday we just sat in the Winnebago and cried together - it was the best thing we could have done as we were all able to share our disappointments, anger, frustration and sorrow at our situation. From there we seem to have let go of our picture a little and are holding onto things a little less tight and that, as usual, seems more fun and far more adventurous all round – happier me, wife and kids. We are meeting with people we never would have met if we had stuck to our plans and even doing a little more kid friendly activities like going to San Diego Zoo – which when we left Australia was well out of our financial possibilities.

So in the mix of all that is happening I am very glad to be here – cause its where my family is and where God seems to be moving in us, though not in the way we would like or expected. Never imagined we’d be in San Diego but it’s right for the TIME we are at. Who knows where, when and what next.

Check out the photo’s I’ve attached to the blogs below. Cya.

2003-07-08T20:03:00.000+02:00

Greetings from "thelivinghome" which is the home of Jason, Brooke and Paige Evans our new best friends as they have power and running hot water - boy Daniel was starting to smell! We finally got to their home after two days of travel and celebrating Sarah's birthday, ye ha!!! Bring you more details later today with pictures, I hope. cya.

2003-07-05T20:11:00.000+02:00

Hey everyone, we survived the 4th of July and got some great photo's of some crazy things. We were staying in a loft apartment in the middle of all the action and it was great. Beau and Matt went skateboarding in the middle of the street at 11 at night. The cops were everywhere and arresting anyone for anything that was out of the usual - they didnt arrest the boy's though.

Earlier that day we spent it at the beach with the Burkes and then had a BBQ back at their Beech House. Spent some good time talking church and stuff and what discipleship looks like through the net.
UPDATE: this is Lisa and Grace playing at ROCKharbor mega church after the service. We were very encourged by the message and music - just like home, most of the same songs.

Sarah's birthday tomorrow and she's feeling a long way from home with all the differences and every thing, please pray for her.
UPDATE: as it was Sarah's day she got to do and eat what ever she wanted. She and Chelsea ate at a cafe and then went to the movies to watch "leagally blonde 2" - Chelsea wanted me to add that this is well before her friends in Oz. We also trudged around the biggest shopping mall in the area - we boys with a happy smile for mum.

looking to connect up with Jason E in San Diego after going to the local church ROCKhabor Sunday. Cya..

2003-07-04T06:45:00.000+02:00

Greetings from Newport Beach California. Yes we are sitting in one of the nicest, coolest places around, staying on the peninsular (ocean one side - river the other) with much thanks to Spencer, Lisa, Matt and Kristin from The Ooze. We will be staying at the Matt and Krista's over the "Independence Day" - 4th of July celebrations. We were heading down to San Diego cause we couldn't find a place to park when we got a call from Spencer saying we had accommodation here - very cool. Hope to link up and hear some stories while we're here - Cya.

2003-07-02T06:16:00.000+02:00

Hey ho, hey ho, it's off on the road we go. Yes, we are hitting the road tomorrow morning to make our way to San Diego. We are going to take our time so that we can become accustom to the feel of such a beast as ours. So, our bloggs and email may become a little sporadic, keep um coming any way and we'll answer them when we get access again. Once again our thanks go to the Cospers who have done more than put up with us, they actually seem to have enjoyed it!!! Cya.

2003-06-30T20:56:00.000+02:00

Looks like we might me on our way soon. The RV is getting the final essential things finished today and then we will be traveling down the coast to San Diego via ROCKharbour to hang with Spencer at the "international headquarters" of TheOoze, we are also hoping to catch up with Jason in SD.

It's funny how we make plans and then things happen and it's when we are heading in a completely different direction that things start to come together again. It happened when we were looking to travel direct to Prague and everything froze up until we returned to our original vision to come the US. This time is no different, we were going over the East Coast but it looks like we are going to stay here and meet with the tribe in the West. Maybe we are not ready for the East Coast or they're not ready for us? Thanks be to a gracious and patient God who knows what is good, cause if it was up to me we would be half way to Texas! Boy I'm going to miss the people I know it TX, cya next time.

To all those on the West Coast that we haven't met yet - G'day! And we are looking forward to getting to know you all - the 'G' stands for God in OZ - well I think it should. Cya.

2003-06-29T03:12:00.000+02:00

Hey we have the RV back. It's not finished and it's got to go back on Monday to finish it but we can clean and set it up for our trip up and down the West Coast over the next 4 weeks. Thanks to all who are and were praying for us, especially the Cospers amd James who has been of great encouragement from Denver. We are planning to travel down to San Diego first them up to San Francisco and Seattle so if you have lawn for us to park on and plug in we'd love to hear from ya! Thank you God for your provision and Grace....

Went to Walmart and Costco today and got to pray with a lady who was struggling with family issues - son in law. Please pray for 'D' and ask for courage and grace in her situation. cya.

2003-06-28T02:36:00.000+02:00

Still waiting for parts and getting some in so that's good news. Had a suggestion to quit the trip across the base of the States and travel up the West Coast - see certain people and attend the Portico Festival. As I've been reading Acts it seems Paul and the gang didn't sweat the little things and were willing to change direction as the situation and Holy Spirit warranted. We'll pray and see where God leads, cya.

2003-06-27T04:24:00.000+02:00

Spent today waiting for parts, wandered around the quietest Mall I think I have ever been in, explored Mereno Valley a little and fixing reticulation at the Cospers, cya.

2003-06-26T02:53:00.000+02:00

TRANSPORT REPORT: We spent yesterday looking at options and throwing ideas around. Today we towed the RV down to a brake mechanic to look at it and give us a quote. Still don't have many other options up our sleeve so at the moment this is the best. Many thanks for your prayers - keep them up, blessings to you and yours. Cya.

2003-06-24T23:35:00.000+02:00

Hey we are doing a bit of brain storming here and want to know if there is someone who would like to have their big van- seating for six with luggage driven from LA to NY for a nominal cost? We have tent but need wheels, get back to us soon. Cya.

2003-06-24T22:54:00.000+02:00

Woke up early this morning and read Acts Chapter 16. You know the story Paul and Silas locked in the inner jail and the were praying and singing God's praises! Then the walls and doors flew open and they walked free. I realized that I had been seeing the troubles and not the blessings that God had done - great time in Sydney with the Morton's, getting through customs very quickly and landing in the Cosper's home where we feel like one of the family. Sarah and I spent some good time praising only and that felt good.

later that morning I was attacked in a dream by the enemy and our son had a asthma attach. This morning things didn't get any better with the Winnebago's brakes being shot! BUT, God is good and I found myself singing "Great is they faithfulness". He is good and we wait with anticipation to what he will do to get us to New York by July 30. Cya in HIM!

2003-06-24T06:28:00.000+02:00

Please pray, having trouble with the Winnebago - got it moving but can't stop it!

2003-06-23T20:57:00.000+02:00

Hey youz, just dropping a quick line from Moreno Valley CA. Staying with the very gracious Cospers (Debbie Jones' Mom & Dad) while we fix up the Winnebago for the trip to the east coast.

We had a good time in Anaheim, even though we slept through most of it, I had a great conversation with some Arrapo (hope that spelling is write) Indians talking about the creator and the Holy Spirit, interesting connecting points and food for thought.

2003-06-22T09:01:00.000+02:00

Hello to all the people who thought that the Stuarts had flown off and fallen off the end of the earth, we haven’t, it just feels like it. We are into our third day, and still waiting for the jet-lag to wear off. It has been quite shocking really, the tiredness is astounding, so we are just trying to rest our bodies, and hope the excitement kicks in soon!

Our grand plan had been to splurge on a hotel in Anaheim (Disneyland), so that after the eighteen hour leg of the journey we would be able to fall into bed and sleep, then on day two (or three if we were really tired) we would go to Disneyland. Well its day three, and we all have headaches, blocked sinuses, and bags under our eyes! It feels like the flu, plus all the kids were wide awake at three this morning, so it’s a struggle trying not to let them sleep until later tonight.

Before I get ahead of the story, let me take you back through the journey so far.

We left Perth on Monday the 16th, It was hard to say goodbye. Harder than I thought it would be. But once we were in the plane, the kids enthusiasm was like delightful, and Bruce and I enjoyed their excitement. I sat with Beau, who wanted a window seat, then at take off he hid his face and squeezed the circulation out of my hand. When the force pushed us back into our seats, Beau looks all worried and says to me, “I’m taking this very hard!!!!” Pretty soon after take off they served lunch, and he proclaimed “I wasn’t expecting any of this!” When they were asked what they wanted to drink, they asked me if we had to pay for it, when they realised it was free, they really enjoyed themselves. The stewards seemed to take a shine to them and they all got two ice cream trumpets each. It was a great flight, not too long, and we arrived in Sydney bright eyed and bushy tailed.

We were met at the airport by Richard and Rosemary Morton, from AMT, and they took us straight to our flat in Parramatta. Its not the normal AMT accommodation, but we were really happy with it.
We woke the next morning to Matthew saying,” I cant believe it, our journey has begun” I think that’s how we all felt, very excited, and raring to go.

Rosemary had recommended that we take the ferry right into circular key in Sydney, so we pretty much got up and out first thing Tuesday morning. Right before we caught the ferry I rang my brother Lewis. I haven’t seen him in over seven years, and he has not wanted to keep in touch with any of us since then, but I have been fortunate enough to have made contact with Lewis’s girlfriend Lisa’s mother, whose name is Sue. Sue has been wonderful in writing to me occasionally letting me know how Lewis is going etc. When I realised that we were going to be gone for two years, I really wanted to contact Lewis before I went, so I wrote him a very long letter, a couple of months ago, asking him to please consider contacting me. I believe God wrote the letter for me, it was written within ten minutes, and was very gracious. Anyway, the Thursday before we left he called me, and agreed to catch up with me when I came to Sydney. So I called him first thing Tuesday and we arranged to meet in the food hall at Westfield in Parramatta on Wednesday at 11am.

Then we caught the ferry. It was great. It took nearly an hour, we went past Homebush, and some other things on the way, then we chugged right under the HUGE harbour bridge, (and we waved at the people climbing it) and then there it was, the opera house. What an amazing piece of architecture it is, that was when we really knew we were in Sydney!!!. We went right up, and took lots of photos, wandered in and got kicked out, and we were really blown away by its magnificence.

Then we caught a train over the harbour bridge, and had lunch on the north shore, the kids thought it was great to see their first “Burger king”, then we caught the train back and wandered into downtown Sydney. We went up into the Centerpoint needle, but they wanted $78, just to see the view, which we thought was extortion, so we just had fun zipping up and down in the really fast elevator. Sydney is a lot faster than little ol' Perth, but they have a fantastic public transport system, and we packed in quite a lot that first day.

Bruce actually broke his tooth that day, so the Morton’s recommended a Christian dentist that they knew, and he not only fitted Bruce in between patients, he didn’t charge him a cent. God bless you Dr Payne!—Yes, I kid you not! Dr Payne the dentist!

Day two dawned, and I was surprised how incredibly nervous I was about seeing Lewis. As it got closer to the time I felt more and more tense. I really wanted to see him, and tell him that he was and always would be my brother, and other things like that, but I was very fearful of it ending badly, and having to feel all that pain all over again, so that was how I was feeling when we entered the shopping centre that day. Straight through the front doors is a big sign saying food hall, so we went down and were there by about five too. At about ten past when he still hadn’t come, we asked a lady sitting there if there was another food hall, and sure enough, she said there was the main food hall on the fifth floor. So we all ran as fast as we could up to the fifth floor, did a quick circuit, and still couldn’t find him. Bruce said he would go back down to the lower food court, just in case he went there, so he took Chelsea with him, and said he would come back up at quarter to twelve if he hadn’t arrived by then. So I sat with my three boys, staring around, worried that he might get by me unnoticed. I kept doing circuits, because I couldn’t sit still, and I was worried that his appearance might have altered a lot, because he has had some bad drug problems, and has been very ill this last year, so I must have looked a bit like a stalker, staring at strange men left right and centre. My dear boys were so patient, and aware of my pain, Beau was suggesting that his car may have broken down, and Matt thought he might have got lost.
Eventually I realised that he wasn’t going to come, and I started crying, I’m not sure why, part of it was disappointing that he hadn’t shown, and part of it was that I felt bad because I felt a bit of relief that I wasn’t going to be hurt by a discussion going badly, and so then I felt incredibly guilty that I felt that!, I was also worried that Lewis might have come, and we had just missed each other, then he would have been really hurt, so I had a lot of things going through my brain. Bruce came back at twelve, and we feed the kids up there, dear sweet children, and I spent the whole time looking for Lewis, and feeling really washed out. I had him paged, but it’s a huge shopping center, and when I got back to Bruce, he hadn’t even heard it. Eventually we had to leave, as we were being picked up by Richard at 2.30. so by then I had terrible eye strain from constantly looking for Lewis.

After that we went back to the AMT offices for some talks with Richard and Rosemary. They were wonderful, and shared a wealth of information about how, when, and why things should be done. They left us wondering how we ever would have done if we hadn’t gone to see them. We were there for a few hours, and again, the kids were wonderful, its times like these that your really see what they are made of, and I was really proud of them, it really was a full day of waiting for them.

Next day we were up early to pack and clean up, and Richard and Rosemary arrived with the two cars to take us and allour luggage to the airport. They dropped us at the door and we went straight to check in. The lady started putting us through, then she asked to see our visas for England. Bruce said we didn’t need them, we were British citizens except for me, so where was mine she said. I told her that the British consulate said I didn’t need a visa, that I could come in as a visitor for six months, she asked where I was going after that, I said to Prague, I’m planning to buy my ticket whilst in America, its hard to know dates, because we are meeting Andrew and Debbie in Sheffield, and are planning to travel back with them. “Oh, she says, I don’t think we can let you go, we have to see your visa or return ticket here before you go, and I’ll have to call my supervisor.” We were freaking out! WE know what information we were given, but it seems like you get a different set of rules depending on who you talk to. Eventually she said that her supervisor said we could go, but be aware that we may get questioned on arrival. I feel sick every time I think about it! What if the information we were given was wrong? The worst case scenario is that they could refuse me entry and send me straight back to Australia, at our expense. Or, it may all come to nothing and we will sail through, and all this concern is for nothing.

Right now Bruce and I are just trying to get us all over the jet lag, and worry about this next week, but to be honest, it is there all the time, little feelings of nausea every time it comes into my mind. I’m aware that right now I’m tired, and everything always looks huge when your tired, so prayer is constantly on my mind, I’m praying for peace at the moment, and I still know, deep down, I’m 100% sure, that we are right where God wants us to be. NO DOUBT AT ALL. Could you pray for us too? Please don’t judge my struggles, I’m just trying to be honest about where we are on this journey, what is the point of blogging if I wont tell the truth to you?

Just so I don’t finish with this trip looking totally disastrous, let me share with you a lovely God moment with you. After our really long 18 hour journey, our legs were numb, and we were so tired, we got off the plane as quick as we could, hoping to get through customs quickly, when half way there, Daniel realised he had left the camera on the plane, so we sat down and Bruce went back to get it. As we sat there, all the other passengers walked past, then the hostess’ sailed by, and eventually, even the pilots. By the time Bruce got back, and we made it into customs, the que's were so long that you wouldn’t believe it! And we were right at the back, and then they opened anther que, but were too slow, so we were in the back of the longest line! Suddenly a woman from customs pops up behind us and says “How many in your family? Six? Follow me, and she takes us straight up to a desk, and we go straight through customs! Now that wouldn’t have happened if we hadn’t left the camera on the plane, or if we had hurried over as we planned, we would have been stuck in the middle of the que, and the lady never would have seen us!!!!!! Thankyou God, for the constant reminders that you are there, and your looking after us, Lord I pray that as we continue to move into this new, exciting, scary phase of our journey with you, that we will feel peace, blessed assurance! Amen.

2003-06-22T08:43:00.000+02:00

Thursday, 19 June 2003
We were all up early, very early considering in Perth is was 4.30 am! We had breakfast and got chauffeured to the airport by Richard and Rosemary – again. For the short time that we were in Sydney they really made it a pleasure. Had a bit of a hiccup at the airport with passports etc so could you pray fervently for the future in this area.

Sitting in an airplane at the mo listening to Robbie Williams hearing a whole lot of people who talk just like Sarah. So cool. Cya.

Wednesday June 18 2003
Arranged to meet with Sarah’s brother Lewis at the local shopping centre fro lunch but we missed him, Sarah was able to have some great conversations with him on the phone and after 3 years that was like a drop of water to a thirsty girl. Please pray for him as he grows in his relationship with Jesus.

Later that day we met up with Richard and Rosemary Morton for our formal conversations and other important stuff. Well they made us feel so at ease that it felt like old friends chatting rather than a stuffy business meeting. Once again the kids were great and I was so grateful that I cooked dinner for them, much to their disappointment!

Tuesday June 17 2003
Thanks to Richard and Rosemary Morton from AMT we were in the flat in Parramatta by midnight. We didn’t get to sleep till after 2 am Sydney time but up by 7am for a busy day. Because our meeting at AMT was moved to Wednesday we found that we had a day free to see Sydney, so at the Morton’s suggestion we caught a ferry to Circular Key travelling under ‘the old coat hanger’ and sliding past the opera house. The kids were amazed and we found it hard to hold back our excitement as we wandered around looking at the sights.

While we were out and about we arranged to meet Lewis, Sarah’s brother for lunch on Wednesday. She hasn’t spoken to him in 3 years and seen him in over 7. It will be good to catch up with him and his girlfriend Lisa. Please ‘shout to the Lord’ with us for them.

From there we travelled over the Sydney Harbour Bridge on the train, had lunch at North Sydney. Then my tooth broke and I found myself ringing AMT for a dental contact, which they provided – many thanks AMT.

That meant that we had to make our way home, well I went one way and the rest of the family went the other. My family from Perth travelled on the trains and buses in the busiest city in Oz and they kicked butt, boy I’m proud of them and their ability to adapt to the new so well – not with out bucket loads of anxiety I might add. Then I was off to Eastwood to a very kind and not correctly named Dentist – Dr Payne. He was great and found the problem and fixed it very quickly and generously – it’s good to be part of a big Christian Family. If you live in Sydney I know a great Dentist you could honour for his commitment to Missions and wandering pilgrims.

I got home (funny calling a flat in Parramatta for three days home) about 6 pm so we had a great night chatting about all our adventures for the day and planning for the next. Cya.

Monday June 16 2003,
Well after some tears and butterflies that wouldn’t fly in formation happening at the airport we are off. I sit here 100’s of meters off the ground with Sarah and Beau on my right, Chelsea and Daniel in front of Matt and me. QANTAS were good enough to give us two extra seats so we are spread out all over the plane but at least we have plenty of room. Oh, we also have Rebecca Malcolm, whom I married over 5 years ago sitting next to me over the isle, pretty good how God does that!

The day started with us re packing our bags, no I should say Sarah repacking our bags trying to get the weight down - again. It was at this point that Sarah’s lost emotions found their outlet! She is a wonderful woman who has in her words, “packed her life in one bag!” for me. God’s grace is with you my love!

Boy it was a hard leaving all the friends and family, so many people with so many good things to say and so many hugs to be had, very hard to take it all in. In some ways it is better to be emotionally numb at those times, well that didn’t work - did it! Thanks to all those who were there and all those who couldn’t be and were there on the phone etc. Thanks for all the great things you said, gave and the tears that you shared as we stepped into our future and yours. Please be with us in prayer as we are in your life too.

Yesterday we spent with our best friends, some of the Harrison’s and the Balls; they’ve all been on the blog at one time or another. The other great thing about yesterday was that we began our pilgrimage at New Norcia Monastery – see pics below. Ray quoted some things from the sermon in his card that just seemed to fit our situation just right – funny that. This is what he heard, “He has given us the Spirit of Adoption!” “Our inheritance is GOD!” Go make disciples - is the Great Commission and it was made to those who were still unsure of Jesus, even after hanging with Him for 3 years of His ministry”. “I will be ‘WITH YOU’” is included in this part of the ‘go make disciples’”.

After the service we had coffee with the monks and then went on the tour for two hours, very inspiring and challenging. Even the kids were very interested and didn’t make any disgruntled sounds until just near the end. Gee they are great kids.

And I say that just as one of them annoys the life out of me! Our kids are given to us to bless and try us - but I wouldn’t be without them. Hey they just asked on the movie we are watching, ‘the good girl’, “If we are made in the image of God what does that say about us?” also, sometimes on the road to redemption we have to make a few pit stops” the new song from ‘LIVE’ says, “I see what God is like as I look in at my little girl”. So when we look into the eyes of our kids what/whom do we see? Are we shocked, pleased, mystified or what?

Also, during communion I had an experience that I won’t forget too soon that kinda ties in. As I was taking the wine from a gold goblet and lifted up to receive the wine, it was as if the reflection was looking deep within my soul! As I walked away I was unsure of what I saw, but the act has made me start to look within, deeper within.

And so the journey begins, not just geographic but ‘body soul and spirit’ - the sermon on Sunday was about The Trinity. May be this is the theme for our journey, well I it looks like it for the moment. Hang in there with us, travel and pray with us all as we do for you. Cya.

2003-06-19T03:01:00.000+02:00

just leaving from Sydney airport. had a great time with Richard and rosemary Morton from AMT. kids love flying and managed to walk all day without complain. missed Sarah's brother but had some great phone conversations. our next step is to land in la and pickup the winnabago.

bring more detail of the last few days when we have more email time and upload facilities. cya

2003-06-16T02:57:00.000+02:00

Here are some meaningful images of our trip to New Norcia. On the plane ride today I will string some words together...

2003-06-13T10:21:00.000+02:00

So what Pilgrimages are the Boaz team on?
Andrew and Debbie Jones are off to Spain. Jessica, Erika and Linnea are in Italy. Derek and Amy Chapman are in France. Some will meet up in Lausanne on the June 21, again in Barcelona and then on the Spanish pilgrimage trail. it's planned that we will all meet up in August for Greenbelt '03 in in the UK - including the Stuart's.

So join one of the team as they are praying, walking, eating, fasting, seeking God with other God seekers.....or invite them to join you on your journey.

2003-06-13T04:14:00.000+02:00

Happy birthday Chelsea, you made it to 14!!!!! Love mum and dad, we’re proud of you.

So what’s been happening round ‘ere then. We’ve been having the best rest, caught up with Sarah’s brother and we’ve finalising details for the trip.

We are in the hills of Perth staying with our great friends Pete, Deb, Melissa, Emma, Tarlee, Beth and Jared, yes 5 kids and with our 4 it means we have a full basket ball team including reserves! You’d think that with that many kids in one house there would be bedlam, but no, it’s been great - the kids get on so well, we’re going to miss these guys.

Sarah sent an email to a contact who contacted her brother and after 3 years she had her first conversation with him, and we’re hoping to catch up with him in Sydney while we’re there – pretty cool hey! But I’ll let her give you the story behind the details – if she gets to the computer any time soon?

Last night it hit me, we are leaving Perth on Monday and then go onto LA on Thursday! While this was not unknown to me, it was a bit of a shock. We have tried to get all things in order but you know about the “plans of Mice and Men” – we’ll I don’t, but I know what the saying means. Something’s have gone very well and others not so well, but we have seen God move and guide and that is so cool.

Please join us during our last few days in Perth and especially our journey on Sunday when we begin our pilgrimage at New Norcia - Australia's only monastic town. Cya.

PS - Can someone help me? I would like to post pictures but wrap the text around/beside them, can anyone make it simple enough for me to understand?

2003-06-10T06:10:00.000+02:00

Here are some random pic's of the last few days. Much laughter and tears in leaving and moving on, but it is good to be free.....

"Heaven is my throne room:
I rest my feet on earth.
So what kind of house
will you build me?" says God.
"Where I can get away and relax?
It's already built, and I built it."