Video Tour - NZ Home

Ok, as promised, here is the video tour of our new Kiwi style home here in Lower Hutt / Wellington. Enjoy the short vid. Oh, by the way, the rustling and whistling you hear in the background isn't because of the video. It was really windy outside - normal for this area. They compare Wellington to Chicago as the windy city. Notice the trees wavin' in the wind. ;-)

Fotos: Arrival in NZ

As promised here are some fotos from the last 2 weeks. Enjoy...






Last day in SoCal - monkeys on a fence.










Landing in Fiji at 5 AM.
Huge answer to prayer - we had seats on the upper deck and could spread out. The upper level seats about 60 and there were only 20 of us!









Soooo happy to be off the plane!















Also happy to be home, in NZ.













Home, Sweet, Home (Kiwi-style).
We'll give ya a tour of the house in the next post...

Back Online Again...

Hi all, we're finally back online again at home. YEAH! But we pay by how much we use so it's not flatrate usage like in USA or Germany. But we'll get used to it again. So DON'T send those huge files through email!! ;-)

We'll upload some pictures of the house, the kids' school, the church, the area, etc. when we get a little bit of a breather. We had a good 1st Sun and Wed and are really looking forward to getting to know the fellowship better. So thanks again for all your prayers and support - we truly can't do it without you all behind us. And keep praying for that car / minivan that God is preparing for us even now! ;-)

Speaking of cars - we are all getting used to cars being on the LEFT side of the road. We have to teach the kids (and ourselves!) all over again how to cross streets - they keep looking the wrong way. I was told that a tourist was killed last year when he/she walked in front of a car! And we have to remember that here cars have the right of way (or is that LEFT of way - hehe), not pedestrians (at least that was what I was told). That means cars don't stop for you - I have gotten some dirty looks already for forgetting this! Only in crosswalks do pedestrians have right of way. Even then, there are signs painted on the ground at crosswalks that say 'STOP LOOK LIVE' - very good advice!

Any ways, the next adventure will be DRIVING on the left side of the street! Oh, boy, I can foresee many interesting stories already!

Back Online Again...

Hi all, we're finally back online again at home. YEAH! But we pay by how much we use so it's not flatrate usage like in USA or Germany. But we'll get used to it again. So DON'T send those huge files through email!! ;-)

We'll upload some pictures of the house, the kids' school, the church, the area, etc. when we get a little bit of a breather. We had a good 1st Sun and Wed and are really looking forward to getting to know the fellowship better. So thanks again for all your prayers and support - we truly can't do it without you all behind us. And keep praying for that car / minivan that God is preparing for us even now! ;-)

Speaking of cars - we are all getting used to cars being on the LEFT side of the road. We have to teach the kids (and ourselves!) all over again how to cross streets - they keep looking the wrong way. I was told that a tourist was killed last year when he/she walked in front of a car! And we have to remember that here cars have the right of way (or is that LEFT of way - hehe), not pedestrians (at least that was what I was told). That means cars don't stop for you - I have gotten some dirty looks already for forgetting this! Only in crosswalks do pedestrians have right of way. Even then, there are signs painted on the ground at crosswalks that say 'STOP LOOK LIVE' - very good advice!

Any ways, the next adventure will be DRIVING on the left side of the street! Oh, boy, I can foresee many interesting stories already!

Thanks for Praying! Please Continue...

Thank you all for praying for us! We have a couple answers to prayer - the kids started school today. Jesaiah is in the 5th level, Taliah is in the 4th level and Zachy is in the 2nd level. They all loved the first day of school. So that is a huge relief for us that they love their school. But keep praying - let's see how it goes the rest of the week. ;-)

Thanks also for praying for the washing machine - that was a huge request and God answered mightily. A neighbor of a couple from the church gave us a used washing machine! For free! Whoohoo! Now we just need to get the right hoses to get it hooked up and going! That was another huge prayer request because our laundry will be piling up pretty soon here!

Lastly, pray for a car. We are still in the search. We kind of have to wait until all our finances comes thru from the USA and Germany, but we are already looking around. A couple people from church are helping us search, so that is already a blessing. So keep on praying! Maybe someone will GIVE us a mini-van out of the blue!!! ;-) Wouldn't that be something! With God all things are possible!

Thanks for Praying! Please Continue...

Thank you all for praying for us! We have a couple answers to prayer - the kids started school today. Jesaiah is in the 5th level, Taliah is in the 4th level and Zachy is in the 2nd level. They all loved the first day of school. So that is a huge relief for us that they love their school. But keep praying - let's see how it goes the rest of the week. ;-)

Thanks also for praying for the washing machine - that was a huge request and God answered mightily. A neighbor of a couple from the church gave us a used washing machine! For free! Whoohoo! Now we just need to get the right hoses to get it hooked up and going! That was another huge prayer request because our laundry will be piling up pretty soon here!

Lastly, pray for a car. We are still in the search. We kind of have to wait until all our finances comes thru from the USA and Germany, but we are already looking around. A couple people from church are helping us search, so that is already a blessing. So keep on praying! Maybe someone will GIVE us a mini-van out of the blue!!! ;-) Wouldn't that be something! With God all things are possible!

Please Pray...

Hi all, just another quick post. Thanks for all your prayers so far. But continue to pray as we get settled in and get all the household stuff we need. We have mattresses for us all, and a fridge (awesome!). Now we need a washer, won't get a dryer yet - might not need one. Another big prayer request is a car/van. Pray that we can find an inexpensive one that will fit all of us.

We found a school and need to get the kids registered. Oh, please pray for Becks and Jesaiah - they both have allergies to something here and can't breathe properly. It could be the mold and dust in the house or it could be the different pollen in the air, or all of it! Please please pray for them. Pray for us as we meet the fellowship this Sun. Can't wait!

Please Pray...

Hi all, just another quick post. Thanks for all your prayers so far. But continue to pray as we get settled in and get all the household stuff we need. We have mattresses for us all, and a fridge (awesome!). Now we need a washer, won't get a dryer yet - might not need one. Another big prayer request is a car/van. Pray that we can find an inexpensive one that will fit all of us.

We found a school and need to get the kids registered. Oh, please pray for Becks and Jesaiah - they both have allergies to something here and can't breathe properly. It could be the mold and dust in the house or it could be the different pollen in the air, or all of it! Please please pray for them. Pray for us as we meet the fellowship this Sun. Can't wait!

Finally Arrived in NZ

Hi all, we just wanted to post really quickly that we made it to NZ in one piece. Actually had an awesome trip. Everything went super. We are getting settled in now, with much much help from our Kiwi friends who have been super nice. We will post more when we get internet at home. For now, just spread the word to all we know that we are safe and sound in NZ.

Finally Arrived in NZ

Hi all, we just wanted to post really quickly that we made it to NZ in one piece. Actually had an awesome trip. Everything went super. We are getting settled in now, with much much help from our Kiwi friends who have been super nice. We will post more when we get internet at home. For now, just spread the word to all we know that we are safe and sound in NZ.

Ciao!

Well, this will be the last post from SoCal for a while. We leave for the airport in a little bit. And won't get into NZ until 2 days later. Thanks everyone for all you've done for us. We'll keep you posted about Kiwi life once we get set up with Internet access. Love you all.

Ciao!

Well, this will be the last post from SoCal for a while. We leave for the airport in a little bit. And won't get into NZ until 2 days later. Thanks everyone for all you've done for us. We'll keep you posted about Kiwi life once we get set up with Internet access. Love you all.

Dancin' Fools!

Here's a final farewell dance for you all. In honor of the Winter Olympics. Bet you didn't know we were so talented. ;-)

How does Becks' crown stay on?!? And you like my hair?

A Day and a Half and Counting...

We are down to the last phase of our move to New Zealand. Just a another day or so. Thank you all so much for your support (spiritually, emotionally, practically, financially) during this transition. We are so very blessed by you all - everyone, from the USA, Europe and New Zealand. We couldn't have done this without you all. God has used and is using you all in many ways.

We are looking forward to the next adventure that God has for us as a Phamily! Thanks again for joining us on this adventure! We'll post again after we get settled in and set up Internet access at home. Love you all!

Dancin' Fools!

Here's a final farewell dance for you all. In honor of the Winter Olympics. Bet you didn't know we were so talented. ;-)

How does Becks' crown stay on?!? And you like my hair?

A Day and a Half and Counting...

We are down to the last phase of our move to New Zealand. Just a another day or so. Thank you all so much for your support (spiritually, emotionally, practically, financially) during this transition. We are so very blessed by you all - everyone, from the USA, Europe and New Zealand. We couldn't have done this without you all. God has used and is using you all in many ways.

We are looking forward to the next adventure that God has for us as a Phamily! Thanks again for joining us on this adventure! We'll post again after we get settled in and set up Internet access at home. Love you all!

Oh Ye of Little Faith...

Well, once again I am humbled. I had written the previous post last Friday morning, just sharing a little of my thought process. I knew that deep down in my heart we are called to NZ and that had God shown us that clearly. But in the midst of waiting and the not knowing I allowed my flesh and the enemy to sow seeds of doubt and worry. But God is greater than that and has once again showed Himself strong on our behalf.

That very same Friday afternoon, I get a call from the NZ consulate in Santa Monica / Los Angeles, saying that our visas are approved and ready for pickup! At first I wasn't sure that I heard correctly, so I asked the lady to repeat it. And then I still didn't believe it and asked her if that was what she really meant - that our visas are approved and ready. 'Yes', she said, 'you can pick them up.' 'Still not believing, I asked a fourth time - 'were there any problems with the applications? Do you have any other questions for us?' Again the same answer, 'no, your visas are approved. You can pick them up next week.' (You have to remember that this is about 2-3 weeks earlier than we had expected. In fact, this same lady had said back in December that it was very unlikely that we would get the visas before the middle to the end of Jan.) So I thanked her and hung up the phone, feeling excited but at the same time truly humbled.

The Lord had seen my lack of faith and had mildly rebuked me. Twice. Once as I wrote in the previous post. And now with this. It was as if He were saying to me - don't you know that I can get your visas approved with just a single word from My mouth? Don't you think I can provide for you with just a simple wave of My almighty hand?

Well, I was reading this morning in Matt 8 and in v23-27 is the account of the disciples in a boat crossing the lake and the storm hits them and how afraid they were. During this, Jesus is sleeping peacefully. So they wake him up, fearful that they were sinking. He wakes up, says to them, 'Why are you fearful, oh you of little faith?' Then He shows His power and sovereignty and rebukes the wind and waves and the storm subsides.

Boy I am sure the disciples were not only amazed as we read in v27, but also humbled. Well maybe all except Peter. ;-) They had doubted, had worried, had feared - but the Lord showed Himself strong on their behalf. And that is how I felt also after hanging up the phone. Amazed but also humbled. Yes, active faith is still a learning process...

Oh Ye of Little Faith...

Well, once again I am humbled. I had written the previous post last Friday morning, just sharing a little of my thought process. I knew that deep down in my heart we are called to NZ and that had God shown us that clearly. But in the midst of waiting and the not knowing I allowed my flesh and the enemy to sow seeds of doubt and worry. But God is greater than that and has once again showed Himself strong on our behalf.

That very same Friday afternoon, I get a call from the NZ consulate in Santa Monica / Los Angeles, saying that our visas are approved and ready for pickup! At first I wasn't sure that I heard correctly, so I asked the lady to repeat it. And then I still didn't believe it and asked her if that was what she really meant - that our visas are approved and ready. 'Yes', she said, 'you can pick them up.' 'Still not believing, I asked a fourth time - 'were there any problems with the applications? Do you have any other questions for us?' Again the same answer, 'no, your visas are approved. You can pick them up next week.' (You have to remember that this is about 2-3 weeks earlier than we had expected. In fact, this same lady had said back in December that it was very unlikely that we would get the visas before the middle to the end of Jan.) So I thanked her and hung up the phone, feeling excited but at the same time truly humbled.

The Lord had seen my lack of faith and had mildly rebuked me. Twice. Once as I wrote in the previous post. And now with this. It was as if He were saying to me - don't you know that I can get your visas approved with just a single word from My mouth? Don't you think I can provide for you with just a simple wave of My almighty hand?

Well, I was reading this morning in Matt 8 and in v23-27 is the account of the disciples in a boat crossing the lake and the storm hits them and how afraid they were. During this, Jesus is sleeping peacefully. So they wake him up, fearful that they were sinking. He wakes up, says to them, 'Why are you fearful, oh you of little faith?' Then He shows His power and sovereignty and rebukes the wind and waves and the storm subsides.

Boy I am sure the disciples were not only amazed as we read in v27, but also humbled. Well maybe all except Peter. ;-) They had doubted, had worried, had feared - but the Lord showed Himself strong on their behalf. And that is how I felt also after hanging up the phone. Amazed but also humbled. Yes, active faith is still a learning process...

Learning Process...

You would think that after having been on the mission field for almost 12 years, we (well, I) would have learned to trust God by now. But alas, it is a never-ending learning process. Over the last month or so, I have been having second thoughts, doubts, worries about moving to New Zealand. We were hoping to be there by the end of 2009, but as you know that didn't happen. The whole visa process is taking longer than we (I) expected (and hoped for). And so the thoughts keep running through my head - did I hear God correctly? Am I not spiritual enough? Did I sin against God in anyway? Am I our of His will? Is this really our calling? Did the Waltons really take too long to say goodnight (ok, that was just thrown in there to see if you were keeping up)?

Not only the whole visa thing got me thinking, but also our support is not up to where we need it to be. In the last 3 months, we only have been able to reach about 40% of our monthly budget through support. So when it is said that 'where God guides He provides' does that mean He is not guiding us to NZ??? So that caused more worries. And doubts. And questions.

But this morning I was doing my daily reading and in Genesis 21 God spoke to me. In v2 it states that 'Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him' (my emphasis). This spoke to me because God had a set time for the fulfillment of his promise to them. He is not early nor late. They had to wait 25 years to see the promise fulfilled, never knowing when exactly, but just continuing to go forward and trust that God will do it in His time and way. Hmm, I guess I can learn from father Abe.

And to rub it in (thanks Lord), I was also reading in Matt 6 this morning and He spoke again through v25-34 where Jesus teaches not to 'worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing...therefore do not worry....but seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble' (my emphasis). Need I say more?!?

Ok, so I guess I need to learn all over again how to trust God, that He will keep His promises according to His plan. And that He will provide according to His ways. Thanks Lord, for the reminder. Are you allowing God to teach you today what it means to trust Him? In and for everything? Hard isn't it?

Learning Process...

You would think that after having been on the mission field for almost 12 years, we (well, I) would have learned to trust God by now. But alas, it is a never-ending learning process. Over the last month or so, I have been having second thoughts, doubts, worries about moving to New Zealand. We were hoping to be there by the end of 2009, but as you know that didn't happen. The whole visa process is taking longer than we (I) expected (and hoped for). And so the thoughts keep running through my head - did I hear God correctly? Am I not spiritual enough? Did I sin against God in anyway? Am I our of His will? Is this really our calling? Did the Waltons really take too long to say goodnight (ok, that was just thrown in there to see if you were keeping up)?

Not only the whole visa thing got me thinking, but also our support is not up to where we need it to be. In the last 3 months, we only have been able to reach about 40% of our monthly budget through support. So when it is said that 'where God guides He provides' does that mean He is not guiding us to NZ??? So that caused more worries. And doubts. And questions.

But this morning I was doing my daily reading and in Genesis 21 God spoke to me. In v2 it states that 'Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him' (my emphasis). This spoke to me because God had a set time for the fulfillment of his promise to them. He is not early nor late. They had to wait 25 years to see the promise fulfilled, never knowing when exactly, but just continuing to go forward and trust that God will do it in His time and way. Hmm, I guess I can learn from father Abe.

And to rub it in (thanks Lord), I was also reading in Matt 6 this morning and He spoke again through v25-34 where Jesus teaches not to 'worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing...therefore do not worry....but seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble' (my emphasis). Need I say more?!?

Ok, so I guess I need to learn all over again how to trust God, that He will keep His promises according to His plan. And that He will provide according to His ways. Thanks Lord, for the reminder. Are you allowing God to teach you today what it means to trust Him? In and for everything? Hard isn't it?