halfway there...

I'm now 35. Last Saturday i reached halfway to the 3 score +10! But I really did have a lovely day... although it was ever so slightly overshadowed by the marriage of my sister Helen, to my good friend Jake! But hey, who cares... it means that for my birthday I got a champagne breakfast... lovely wedding to enjoy... a great afternoon with a whole bunch of friends... and this great party that Jake and Helen had in the evening! ...twas a wonderful day!

The Dutch Connection

This week we welcome to Van Diemans Land... Helen De Hoog! Congratulations Helen and Jake on your marriage in England... we're looking forward to the Australian version on May 30th.

This union is of course lovely for us... Firstly, we have a Sayer family member over here... to impose on, chuck the kids to... and many more things that 'go' with those family ties!

Secondly, as a minister in a dutch origin church... I am now not just 'some geezer they got in from England' ...I am actually related to nearly the whole of Tasmania it seems... and certainly the large church community around Kingston!

Thirdly, I'll be able to get to know Helen... something I'm really looking forward to!

getting back up to speed

Here's a bit of a news catch up for you after a period of slackness on my part.

Entering into our 3rd year we feel so blessed as a family to be here, whilst still of course, missing you guys. We feel very connected to and protective of the church family at One Way church in Margate, and we now feel they view us in the same way.
We have so much to thank God for here and even through some tough things we have seen the reality of Romans 8v28. Our goals this year for our church family are all expressions of 'being a
family that loves...' ...to pray ...to share the gospel ...to grow in godliness.
Family wise, Rosie has started school and loves it... really loves it! Alys is now in grade 1 but is in a mixed class with grade 2 pupils. This has been a big step for her but she seems to be taking it in her stride. Nathan is starting to express himself a little more these days... but he continues to be very chilled out... just biding his time until he can turn the tables on his sisters!
Alys has taken a fancy to tennis, and is very proud of her pink racquet. This matches her pink ukelele and her pink guitar, and pink bike, roller skates etc etc.
Ali has taken steps to get back into nursing. Despite a squeeze on resources in the health system over here there has been so much support given to her including a team of nurse educators who will work alongside her to help her get up to speed.

Anyway, more to follow!