in pieces

I have so many things to be grateful for. I can't believe that it was only a couple years ago, when I dug in my heels and said ,"NO way God, I don't want to go to Australia." And like a child said, "I hate it there!" To show how emphatic I was, and that I truly meant it, I took some time to scream at Leigh about it (not because he was making me go, but because he was, in a way, connected, and of course "wildly responsible" for it) I knew in my heart that I didn't hate it here, but I hated the fact that I could have to change. I like comfort. Of course after many years serving in a mission organization where you MUST learn to adapt, you either become good at it, or good at hating it - depending on your experiences. I think in some way, deep down, I knew that it was right that we come here, and I felt somehow frustrated that this was "God's Best" for me. I guess it could be traced back to adolescent days, when I bloody-well...

So this is a post for those of you who know our friend BEN COOMBE! We just spent 24 hours hanging out with Ben, and had a great time together. He came over to our house, Tuesday afternoon, and we literally didn't stop talking 'til he left Wednesday afternoon. It was good to reminisce about our days in YWAM...to catch him up to speed on the most recent happenings, to be caught up to speed on his most recent happenings, and to spent lots of time talking about what could be next (for all of us) It is really refreshing to talk with someone that knows you. I liked talking about deeper things, about dreams, and just laughing together. Ben STILL makes me laugh just as much as he used too...but somehow he doesn't seem to be as crass! Maybe he is growing up? SCARY! We even were able to Skype with Wade and Jo, and Ben got to see his God-daughter Eleanor for the first time! He said he was trying not to cry the whole time! aawww (I'm letting all his secrets out now!) He ha...

Well, many of you have been asking about our job situation at this point, and I thought I'd send you all an update of what is going on... Angela - recieved a casual job with the Australian Institute of Music and Childhood Development working with the Hey Dee Ho Program. This is working with kids 5 and under teaching music skills as well as child development skills (using music). Although this program is widespread across Victoria, the program is just starting in Ballarat. We go into preschools & playschools, and offer our services as the music portion of their program. We also hold parent/child classes in local community centres. This is what I will be doing primarily. It all really breaks down to me being a children's entertainer...really!! Move over Barney! It is loads of fun! However, I have about a million kids songs playing around in my brain all the time! that could make me crazy! I also received another part-time job this week, as a bookkeeper/administrato...

Written by Renee Dueck