Well time is flying by it is almost a month since my last post and it only seems like last week. We are starting to get settled in. The house we are renting, whilst quite expensive, is perfect for us. It is on 3/4 of an acre so Dave and the boys are able to get out in the yard and kick the footy and run around and chase each other like mad things. We have 4 bedrooms so that means we have an office (yah - no more paperwork on the kitchen table) and it is 2 story so that means we have heaps of storage downstairs as well as a spare room for visitors.
Nick has settled into school really well. Left a message for the teacher to ring or send a note if he was having any problems and I haven't heard from her. They actually stream their kids. So they have an elite athletes Year 7 class and a social/recreational sports class and a music class and an arts class etc. Each of these classes gets extra time allocated to their speciality. Nick is in the social/recreational sports class.
Pat is a different story. He gets on really well with the other kids and likes his teacher. But his teacher is currently suspended ( yes the teacher). There is a bit of an uproar in the school at the moment as the teachers are wanting to do less of the paces (booklets that the students work through individually) and more actual teaching and not all the parents are happy about this. Up until last year it was a parent controlled school and many seem to think that they are still in charge. Patrick does not get on with the student teacher who is running the class in the teachers abscence. He has not spent very much time in class over the last 2 days as apparently "he doesn't exist to her and she is not going to listen to him as he doesn't listen to her" and he has spent the day sitting outside or in the office. There are numerous duty of care issues. I don't know that he has learnt a great deal there. At the end of his first week he brought home 27 pages of work that needed to be completed by monday (it was a long weekend). During the next week he brought home 8 pages of work on commas. He had told the monitor (like a teacher aide) that he didn't understand them. She explained them to him and told him he wasn't allowed to go to lunch until they were finished but he still didn't understand them and so he just put a comma after the first word in each exercise so that he could go to lunch and then brought them home for me to teach him how to do them. Students are supposed to do diagnostic testing when they arrive so that it can be decided what level they are up to in each subject and where they are to start. This hasn't happened. He was doing a maths book, english and SOSE. Once a week or fortnight he was going for a science lesson but they only have enough equipment for the teacher to do the experiment and the students watch. He has had 2 art lessons and he gets PE. He finished his Maths book last week but they don't have another one for him to go onto so he got a science book. They have a manual arts shed but no teacher and whilst they said they were looking into options and hoped to have it started before the end of the term I don't see this happening. He is supposed to be doing the Year 9 testing this week but apparently there has been some mix up and a boy in year 10 did they practice tests and he didn't and neither of them are doing the actual tests. There is plenty of other stuff as well. So we have been praying and have decided to look at Tullawong High. It has 1200 or more students but seems to have a reasonable reputation for discipline. It has a good vocational as well as academic program (according to its brochures). Have rung and organised an interview to have a chat about what they have to offer. Didn't bother sending Pat to school today and will probably keep him home until his teacher comes back from suspension or we decide to send him elsewhere.
I applied for and got a casual job at Coles (about 8 hours a week). Am also supposed to be starting tutoring at Tullawong but haven't heard anything back about whether there are any kids. So we'll wait and see. The government allocates $700 for tutoring to each student who does not meet the minimum standard on the Year 3, 5, 7 Testing. I did this tutoring in Victoria the only problem with it is that you don't get paid until the end.
Dave is going to Gympie 2 days per week. And is continuing to pick up some new customers. I have started to design some flyers and business cards so that we can start advertising down here.
We went to Toorbul fishing on the weekend. We were the only ones there and it was really nice to get out as a family beside the water and have a barbie and just relax. We are going to the Greek festival on Saturday with friends from Gympie and out to Bribie Island on Sunday with Dave's sisters family for a BBQ and some fishing.
Well better go. My job for today is to sort out the office and get all the boxes unpacked in here and put away.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Journeys End and the Start of a New Journey
Well it seems our Phillip Island Journey is over for now and what an adventure it was. There will be plenty that say that it wasn't meant to be because it was only for such a short time but I have to disagree. When we left Qld we had no home or job to go to and we weren't even sure where we were going to end up but we were definitely meant to go.
We began with a trip down the Newell Highway which runs from Queensland through Western New South Wales and into Victoria. It was so very dry through until about central NSW and then green the rest of the way. We enjoyed roaming about the Dubbo Zoo. We worked out that we walked about 10 kms and the boys didn't complain once. The cats stayed in some lovely catteries (better than some of the motels we stayed in).
We house sat for some friends on Phillip Island while they went to Qld for nearly a month and decided that we liked the area. We found that homes on the island were quite affordable and were able to purchase a 3 bedroom home in the main town on the island for $180 000. We are very fortunate and one of very few people our age who own a house outright with no mortgage hanging over our heads.
We met with a couple very early in our stay who visit China 2 or 3 times a year and smuggle Bibles across the border from Hong Kong with a group called Autumn Rain which was set up by a guy from Melbourne. We felt led to join them on their next trip. We also made friends with a family who were heading to Laos for a year with Interserve. We decided that we would also visit them and check out some of the other countries in Asia while we were at it. And so we headed off for nearly a month. We visited Darwin, Singapore, Shenzhen (southern China), Hong Kong, Macau, Bangkok (Thailand) and Vientienne (Laos). This was definitely the adventure of a lifetime and you will find more details about it on blogs from October 2007 in the Archives.
We also made some good friends while we were there who I hope to keep in contact with through the wonders of the electronic age (blogging, email and webcam).
We began with a trip down the Newell Highway which runs from Queensland through Western New South Wales and into Victoria. It was so very dry through until about central NSW and then green the rest of the way. We enjoyed roaming about the Dubbo Zoo. We worked out that we walked about 10 kms and the boys didn't complain once. The cats stayed in some lovely catteries (better than some of the motels we stayed in).
We house sat for some friends on Phillip Island while they went to Qld for nearly a month and decided that we liked the area. We found that homes on the island were quite affordable and were able to purchase a 3 bedroom home in the main town on the island for $180 000. We are very fortunate and one of very few people our age who own a house outright with no mortgage hanging over our heads.
We met with a couple very early in our stay who visit China 2 or 3 times a year and smuggle Bibles across the border from Hong Kong with a group called Autumn Rain which was set up by a guy from Melbourne. We felt led to join them on their next trip. We also made friends with a family who were heading to Laos for a year with Interserve. We decided that we would also visit them and check out some of the other countries in Asia while we were at it. And so we headed off for nearly a month. We visited Darwin, Singapore, Shenzhen (southern China), Hong Kong, Macau, Bangkok (Thailand) and Vientienne (Laos). This was definitely the adventure of a lifetime and you will find more details about it on blogs from October 2007 in the Archives.
We also made some good friends while we were there who I hope to keep in contact with through the wonders of the electronic age (blogging, email and webcam).
We struggled with finding a Church in the area and this was one of the driving factors to us looking to move on. David was also struggling with the cold. We looked at many different options for where we were meant to go next. Magnetic Island and Alice Springs were both seriously looked into as well as internet searches of the rest of Australia. But after much thought and prayer we decided to head north to South East Queensland and see what we could find. So we headed up the east coast of Australia. There are so many gorgeous little spots that we would love to explore further (preferably without 2 whinging teenagers.) We dreamt of the possibility of having our own trailer/sailer and wondering down the coast stopping off where ever we please. Some thing to look forward to when the boys have grown and left home.
We have rented a house at Moodlu outside of Caboolture and moved in last week. Dave has been going to Gympie (our old home town) and checking out a mowing business he saw advertised on the internet. It only operates about 2 days a week and he would just run up for the day. The boys have started school this week and once I have finished unpacking and sorted out the house I will get in and contact everybody and let them know what is happening. Don't have phone or internet at home yet.
Hope this finds you all well.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Easter Message
I had been wondering about an Easter message for my blog. This came through in an email from a friend and I thought that I would use it. It tells the Easter story and also issues a challenge.
Hope it makes both Christians and non-Christians stop and think. Have a wonderful Easter.
A Moment to Consider - March 20, 2008-------------------------------------------------------------------Jesus has come! A Note of EncouragementBy Chuck Graham- Copyright March 2008, (Adapted) Sign up for Chuck's letter at ChuckGraham@ciloa.org-------------------------------------------------------------------It was two thousand years ago and something was about to change the history of this planet and the people who live here. In one certain city, on one certain day, the extraordinary was taking place. Though there had been ample warning, no one imagined it could happen like this. But word had gotten out and excitement grew quickly. From man to man, woman to woman, and child to child, the news spread like wildfire. Theygathered along a road and started to chant. Local authorities were nervous as they watched a growing crowd they could not control. Suddenly a great shout rose in the air. "Jesus has come!"
Many began to sing and praise God. Others called out blessings on the traveler who slowly made his way down the road. They strained for a better view, even a glimpse. And then there he was before them, riding not a royal steed, but a common donkey. The people declared their hope that he was the one they had been waiting for, to bring a new order to theworld. They had come to adore the one who would give them what they wanted, but did they want what he had come to give them?
When Jesus entered Jerusalem, there were great expectations. People hated the Romans and longed for someone to drive them from their land. Whether it was Him or some self-proclaimed savior who had come before, they didn't care. They were not so much interested in what Jesus had to say as they were in one simple question. Will you give us what we want? If He did, they would gladly worship Him as their king.
But if He didn't... Crucify him!
They would rather have had a murderer in their midst than follow Him.
I wonder. Have things changed much in the years since? I search each day for some indication. I listen to church leaders. I hear the messages from pulpits. I watch those who claim to be Christian as they take on the problems of the world. I look at my own life, my own priorities. And still I wonder.
In the months and weeks and days before Jesus entered Jerusalem, He shared with His disciples that He would suffer, die and be raised on the third day. He told them this was necessary for their own good. But they did not believe Him, one claiming that it was not true. Some argued He should not go to Jerusalem. For them, other things were more important, such as their safety, their rest, even their personal importance in Jesus' kingdom. What they wanted...got in the way.
The same was true for those drawn to Jesus. Every day before His arrest, He taught in the synagogue, but what was most important to these people? The lame came. The blind came. The sick came. They could walk, they could see, they were healed, but did they follow Him? Many saw the miracles and wonderful things Jesus did. They came for the show, but did not want what He had come to give them. They weren't with Him when He was tried and beaten, or when He died? What they wanted...got in the way.
Jesus made it clear that our status, our wealth, our house, even what we do for a living, mean nothing compared to the importance of following Him. If anyone would come after me,he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? Matthew 16:24-26
To follow Jesus requires that we deny ourselves, and to deny ourselves means we have given up what we want in order to pursue what He wants. Not that we are willing to, but that we have. There can be only one focus and that has to be Jesus. Living as He has shown us. Doing what He has told us to do...loving and encouraging each other. Being a truthful witness of what He has done in our lives.
As you sit in church this Easter, or wherever you may go to worship, ask yourself, Do I honestly follow Jesus? Do I truly want what He has to give me? Or is it more important that He gives me what I want? Consider carefully...for Jesus has come.
Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, "Sir, open the door for us." But he will answer, "I don't know you or where you come from." Luke 13:24-25
Take care and be God's,------------------------------------------------------------------- A MOMENT TO CONSIDER is a ministry of: Harvey and June Schneider Servant Soldiers Ministries Daphne, Alabama-------------------------------------------------------------------
Hope it makes both Christians and non-Christians stop and think. Have a wonderful Easter.
A Moment to Consider - March 20, 2008-------------------------------------------------------------------Jesus has come! A Note of EncouragementBy Chuck Graham- Copyright March 2008, (Adapted) Sign up for Chuck's letter at ChuckGraham@ciloa.org-------------------------------------------------------------------It was two thousand years ago and something was about to change the history of this planet and the people who live here. In one certain city, on one certain day, the extraordinary was taking place. Though there had been ample warning, no one imagined it could happen like this. But word had gotten out and excitement grew quickly. From man to man, woman to woman, and child to child, the news spread like wildfire. Theygathered along a road and started to chant. Local authorities were nervous as they watched a growing crowd they could not control. Suddenly a great shout rose in the air. "Jesus has come!"
Many began to sing and praise God. Others called out blessings on the traveler who slowly made his way down the road. They strained for a better view, even a glimpse. And then there he was before them, riding not a royal steed, but a common donkey. The people declared their hope that he was the one they had been waiting for, to bring a new order to theworld. They had come to adore the one who would give them what they wanted, but did they want what he had come to give them?
When Jesus entered Jerusalem, there were great expectations. People hated the Romans and longed for someone to drive them from their land. Whether it was Him or some self-proclaimed savior who had come before, they didn't care. They were not so much interested in what Jesus had to say as they were in one simple question. Will you give us what we want? If He did, they would gladly worship Him as their king.
But if He didn't... Crucify him!
They would rather have had a murderer in their midst than follow Him.
I wonder. Have things changed much in the years since? I search each day for some indication. I listen to church leaders. I hear the messages from pulpits. I watch those who claim to be Christian as they take on the problems of the world. I look at my own life, my own priorities. And still I wonder.
In the months and weeks and days before Jesus entered Jerusalem, He shared with His disciples that He would suffer, die and be raised on the third day. He told them this was necessary for their own good. But they did not believe Him, one claiming that it was not true. Some argued He should not go to Jerusalem. For them, other things were more important, such as their safety, their rest, even their personal importance in Jesus' kingdom. What they wanted...got in the way.
The same was true for those drawn to Jesus. Every day before His arrest, He taught in the synagogue, but what was most important to these people? The lame came. The blind came. The sick came. They could walk, they could see, they were healed, but did they follow Him? Many saw the miracles and wonderful things Jesus did. They came for the show, but did not want what He had come to give them. They weren't with Him when He was tried and beaten, or when He died? What they wanted...got in the way.
Jesus made it clear that our status, our wealth, our house, even what we do for a living, mean nothing compared to the importance of following Him. If anyone would come after me,he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? Matthew 16:24-26
To follow Jesus requires that we deny ourselves, and to deny ourselves means we have given up what we want in order to pursue what He wants. Not that we are willing to, but that we have. There can be only one focus and that has to be Jesus. Living as He has shown us. Doing what He has told us to do...loving and encouraging each other. Being a truthful witness of what He has done in our lives.
As you sit in church this Easter, or wherever you may go to worship, ask yourself, Do I honestly follow Jesus? Do I truly want what He has to give me? Or is it more important that He gives me what I want? Consider carefully...for Jesus has come.
Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, "Sir, open the door for us." But he will answer, "I don't know you or where you come from." Luke 13:24-25
Take care and be God's,------------------------------------------------------------------- A MOMENT TO CONSIDER is a ministry of: Harvey and June Schneider Servant Soldiers Ministries Daphne, Alabama-------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Penguin Parade
We finally went to see the Fairy (oops can't upset the gay people we now need to call them Little) penguins at the Penguin Parade (it was too cold during winter to be sitting out at night and then we were too busy over summer working). Unfortunately there are no photos as you are not allowed to take any (not even without a flash). Any way it was great. There were quite a few in at the burrows as we made our way down to the beach (babies and it is malting season where adults have to stay on land for 2 and 1/2 weeks until their new feathers are grown). There was not as many coming across the beach as we expected but we were at the side of the stands and saw them walk up the hill right beside us. We wandered back along the board walks and saw heaps up really close. There was one beside the path as we went to the car park. We could have touched it but had been warned earlier not to touch them because they bite.
There was also heaps of school kids from camps on the island. Being in charge of a group of 15 - 20 Primary school children in the dark in amongst hundreds of other kids and tourists is not my idea of fun.
Anyway it was a great night.
There was also heaps of school kids from camps on the island. Being in charge of a group of 15 - 20 Primary school children in the dark in amongst hundreds of other kids and tourists is not my idea of fun.
Anyway it was a great night.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Cricket Presentation Night
These are the photos from the presentation night.Nick loves having his photo taken.
(I think not).
All the U13's winners.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Nicholas
Nicholas with his cricket trophy.
And what happens when Dad and Patrick are pulling faces behind the person taking the photograph.
And what happens when Dad and Patrick are pulling faces behind the person taking the photograph.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Nicholas' Cricket Presentation Night
Nicholas has enjoyed his first season of cricket very much. He continuously improved throughout the season. Presentation night was on Saturday night and we enjoyed a lovely roast meal and good company. To our surprise Nicholas won the bowling average on 10.75. We knew Nicholas had been doing well but there are a number of good players in the team all of whom have been playing for a lot longer. For those of you not up on cricket the bowling average means that for every 10.75 runs that were scored against him he took a wicket. (I had to have this explained to me because I had no idea.) Apparently Brett Lee and Shane Warne have averages in the early 20's so Nicholas did really well. The coach said that he also almost got the bowling aggragate (the highest number of total wickets for season) and that he was a very close 2nd in the batting average and aggragate. This photo was taken when we got home. There was a photographer there and I am getting some copies of photos that were taken so I will post them when I get them.
Photos don't want to go on so I'll try again later.
Photos don't want to go on so I'll try again later.
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