Snow in February? Even for Redding it was a rare and special occurrence. To have snow covering your backyard and street was quite a novelty. We enjoyed a day or two playing in the snow. Bit hard to believe now that we are in 40 degree heat!
Dave's second year of school ended in May - with quite the surprise! Dave was awarded the M.Earl Johnson award. This award is for the person who has the lifestyle of a revivalist. It's considered (probably cause it's really the only award) the highest award of the class. There were many people in Dave's class that could have received this award, so it was a real honour (and surprise) for him to have been chosen.
June saw us traveling north once again to cross the border (and take a little vacation) on Vancouver Island, Canada. Thankfully, due to being given 5 years visas last year, we didn't have to make a visit to the consulate :). It was just a matter of crossing and re-entering. We travelled with our good friends, and fellow Aussie family, the van Tinterens, and stayed on Vancouver Island for about 5 days. The kids explored the rock pools along the coast, catching crabs and other sea creatures! As for the adults - we spent as much time as possible reading and relaxing by the fire, taking shifts for arvo naps! We toured around the island a bit, and ventured into the city of Victoria. Beautiful place, but glad to have only spent 2 nights there. On our journey home we travelled along the Oregon border. It reminded me a bit of the Great Ocean Road. Not as windy or famous, but still very beautiful. We stayed a night right on the beach before landing back in Redding. After sleeping 4 of us in small hotel rooms, it was quite relaxing to return home where we had lots of space! Our housemate at the time had also cleaned my house for me! What a bonus!
Unfortunately during our time away (and for a few weeks after) Dave was suffering from shingles, and I had slight morning sickness! Thankfully we both weren't sick for long, so we have been able to enjoy the hot dry summer here. The weather is very similar to Bendigo - perhaps a little hotter! Again we've spent the summer in our gracious neighbours pool, and ventured out to the beautiful Whiskeytown Lake a few times also. Our wonderful neighbours also bought a pontoon boat and have taken us out a couple of times - once for my birthday dinner. So amazing! I've never seen so many stars! We still continually brag about and thank God for our amazing neighbours. They have been such a blessing to us and become great friends of ours.
Dave has been picking up the pace a bit with his internship. He is privileged to be interning with Steve Thompson. Some of you will know him from Morning Star church (Rick Joiner) and some may even know his book, 'You All May Prophecy'. They are developing some new things with Steve - but I'm going to have to get Dave to expand on this himself. He'll be able to tell you what it is they are doing! I can tell you that this past weekend he has been in Portland, Oregon, ministering with Steve at a local church. The church treated them like kings! Even though Dave had to give out, I think he'll be returning quite refreshed. :)
Recently we found out that our little baby is another little boy! He will be born in January - and yes, he'll be born in the USA and be an American citizen. We will have to pay to register him as a dual citizen with Australia. Lots of advantages for this little man to have dual citizenship! We are very excited and feel very honoured to be given the privilege of raising 3 godly men! When I think of all boy families I think of the Harvey's (of course), the Geerlings, the Bergins, and the Chuds (I'm sure there are others but just the ones that come to mind now). I think of the men in these families and pray that we too can raise our boys to be just as amazing for the Kingdom as these men are.
Our other exciting news is that in just 30 days we'll be leaving to visit Australia!!! I am totally excited about seeing everyone - especially our family. Two years is a long time between hugs with your dad :). We are counting down the days til we leave (gotta love calendars and stickers!) and planning for some quality time with people we love and miss. We're still finalizing our plans as we have to work around Dave's ministry time with Steve Thompson while we are there.
So Australia - we'll see you soon!!!
