Happy Australia Day!

well, i'm a day late. Australia Day is January 26. I wished my teammates a good day, and my heart was with them as they enjoyed their beautiful summer day and a trip to the beach. Our day was cold and windy. But Darian's team did win their basketball game! There was much celebration then. ;-)

I thought we'd be in Oz by now and would have celebrated our first Australia Day in Wollongong, but that wasn't to be. So, instead i'm taking a look back at our family trip to Oz and taking a moment to appreciate where i am and the many ways God has blessed my waiting.

This trip was taken in July '05. Oh my how the kids have grown. I am so proud of who they're becoming. And, I am so thankful for the wonderful husband and leader i have in Shawn.

Australia is a beautiful land created by an amazing God. His power and might are awe inspiring. It's good to have friends to appreciate his wonder with. And it's grand to have new friends here in Jackson to grow and learn with as well.

God's creatures are amazing as well. The diversity is astounding. We enjoyed holding and petting this koala. It's amazing how soft he was... and how sharp his claws are. Guess you'd need that to hang high in a tree all day. I hope that while i'm here (and where ever i go), i'll have the strength of a koala to grasp on to God and his wisdom and his will.

While we were in Australia, i was amazed at the vegitation. I occasionally felt like i was visiting a Dr. Seuss book, it was so unique and unusual to my eyes. This tree was gigantic! It's amazing what God can do from a small (?) seed. May I allow God to do as he wills with me.

Hiking up for a different view with the kids. (Brenna really liked the name of the lookout) This reminds me that it's important to ocassionally get a different perspective on what's around you.

This was taken on our first full day in Australia. We were picked up from the airport by some amazing christians and dropped off at our temporary residence. We were on our own for a few days. So we walked to a nearby train station and took the train into the city. We didn't know where we were going or what was there. But, we were together. May God continue to give us that sense of adventure and the contentment in being together.

Thanks for taking this little journey with me. Hopefully the next time Australia Day rolls around, i'll be able to write about a fabulous day from Oz. Please keep lifting those prayers for our visa, may it come quickly.