Feeling New

We know we said we would be updating this more often, so apologies for not putting that into action! It's not that there haven't been things to say, or time to say them, but we just haven't been sure how to put them into words. Things are new and the same and different all at the same time. We recognise the sight of pine cones on the roads (our driveway in Anglesey is always covered in them), a beautiful cat who lives next door, green grass, people with umbrellas, students gathered round desks, maps on the walls, mechanics with greasy hands, tinned tomatoes on the shelves in the store and washing up in the sink. We recognise feeling new too and even though it has happened plenty of times before, it still feels challenging, uncomfortable and as if we would like it to be over as soon as possible.

Looking sleepy - perhaps a hard night of catching rats...

Perhaps it is the difference between recognising and knowing. Eager beavers that we are, we want to jump into knowing and being known and the hard fact is that that takes time and perseverance. Willing for both, we will keep on keeping on!

New friends definitely help. They are trying to make things familiar, manageable and a little bit fun! Check out Tru's Ukarumpa Domestic Goddess challenge below to see an example.

Tru has already achieved 'Junior Domestic Goddess' rating!

Thanks for praying about the yoghurt...it would seem miracles do happen because it worked and Tru even got points for her success! She's working on the new recipe every week and trying to get excited about cooking with beans. Any suggestions welcome!

Work has begun too. Duncan has been having meetings, medicals and has started preparations for the air law examinations he must take in order to be able to fly here. Tru is team teaching Grade 7 (year 8) and Grade 8 (year 9) classes and they are about to start a unit on Stevenson's 'Treasure Island'. Her pirate voice is a bit dodgy, so there should be a few laughs...

As these times of transition continue we are struck by the things that don't change too and there are some: Duncan's face when he came back from his first flight (elated, delighted and did I mention elated?!), the messages of love and encouragement that have been filling our inboxes and the constant, overflowing grace of God.

All dressed up with places to go!