Lots of work, fighting off old men at Aldi, important men from Germany, and prayer

Not in that order though.


Fighting off old men at Aldi....happened this past Thursday morning. I went to Aldi to get Brandon an angle grinder, stand, grinding disks, spanners, and some tie downs. I felt like a real man putting those things in the trolley :-)

I think Thursday mornings at Aldi are the social gathering of the week for those over 50. When I and the girls arrived 10 minutes before opening there was a line down the side of the building. There was quite the energetic buzz in the group. Now, I am not sure it is like that every Thursday but I am assuming it is. Why Thursday? Thursday is when all the new products are placed on the floor. Anything ranging from an angle grinder to snowboard boots can end up at our Aldi.

For the more desired items you should arrive at least a half an hour early. Be prepared to fight off other crazed shoppers while you try to grab one of the remaining valued wares being offered that week.

There were several in line for the angle grinders the day I went. I told Adele and Jolene to create a diversion (perhaps grab the men's ankles or something?) while I slipped in with my massive belly to grab one. No, thankfully someone placed the angle grinder stands a few islands away and that confused some of the shoppers. I spied the angle grinders and was not lured by the stands. So I got both. Ha, too bad I don't know what they are for :- )

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Lots of work...Brandon has been working 10-12 hour days for the past three weeks now. It has been going ok, but we are all beginning to grow weary. Thankfully it won't be forever. There has been a big spurt of work that needs to get done.

Important men from Germany...part of the increased hours is due to some important CEO type people from Bayer (in Germany) coming to see the machine Brandon and his boss are putting together. Tomorrow is actually the day. I asked Brandon if he was nervous about these Herr Dr. Dr. Von BlahBlah guys coming. He said no. I will be nervous for him. This machine they are interested in is the first one of its kind, a prototype, and well like I said it is a prototype. There are things in hindsight, according to Brandon, that should have been done differently.

We are not really sure what this visit means for Brandon and his boss, but at least we can say it is cool.

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Prayer...we are going through a course at Fellowship Group right now entitled "Everyday Evangelism". We are learning how to share our testimonies, how to meet with objections to the gospel, and how to be salt and light. This is the second time I have done it and am enjoying it once again. The course is really good at opening the eyes to everyday opportunities God gives us in sharing the gospel and being Christians to others.

Since we started the course we have been praying that God would give all of us opportunities. This past week at fellowship group there were many people who shared of opportunities that arose and of two new converts! God gave me two opportunities this past week as well. The first was at the park. A lady asked me why I was here (thanks to my accent) and I was able to share with her about our church and how God brought us here to labor.

The other opportunity was through work. I am helping with a friend's research project and we had to meet with her adviser. She also asked why we were here and that led to talking about being raised in a Christian home, God's provision after the house burnt down, and the differences between the RP church and the mainline Presbyterian church.

Those opportunities were an answer to prayer in another way as well. The past few weeks I have been really feeling down about being here in Oz and ,maybe in my eyes, not being very fruitful. I spent some time praying about it and asking God to continuing confirming our move. I see those two opportunities to share about Christianity as a real answer. He continues to show me that we are here to be Christians in Australia.

Sometimes it is a real struggle to see the above, especially when the homesickness hits. I have to remind myself that God knows why and that he might not make everything apparent within the first two and half years. I suppose he might not ever show us all the reasons. We don't always know what happens to the seeds we sow.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart..."

Another reason why you should come to Geelong/Melbourne area

You could be an extra in a movie, yes you!

This is going on for the next three days in Geelong.

Nicholas Cage seems to have a thing for this area. The film "Ghost Rider" which he stared in had bits filmed in the You Yangs (some big hills) near Geelong.

So when you go see the movie "Knowing" you will be watching the locals of Geelong and our great new "Ring road"

Jolene is three!

Jolene's birthday was this past Monday. Boy oh boy :-) This I think was one of the most anticipated birthdays ever. The main reason had to do with the fact that when she turned three she could begin taking ballet lessons.

Wednesday we went to ballet, we waist no time.

This past Friday, we had the playgroup over to help us celebrate Jolene's day. We played "pass the parcel" and had a good time playing, eating , and talking.

Monday morning, Jolene's real b-day, Brandon made everyone pancakes even though he still had to pull a ten hour day. Jolene and Adele very much enjoyed the special treat.
I decided that it would be fun for Jolene to open a few presents at each meal.

Breakfast: Dorthy the Dinosaur dress-up tail

Lunch: Cinderella doll and felt pieces

Dinner: A new bike

I think she enjoyed the anticipation of each meal.

For dinner Josh, Sarah, Eleni, and Oscar came over to help us celebrate.


This Saturday we are having all the church friends over for another b-day party. In retrospect it probably would have been easier to have the party last Saturday, but thats ok. I really don't think Jolene minds drawing it out over a week.

Here are some pics from all the celebrations. Click on the photo to go to the Kodak slideshow.









P.S. Adele is finally walking! She is funny though. If we are at someone's house, no walking for at least 15-20 minutes. If people are at our house, no walking for about 15-20 minutes.