Coming back to the States

Well we fly back out tomorrow... can't believe the time is here. We are happy yet saddened at the same time... we will really miss this beautiful country!!

We fly out of Auckland at 6pm, and will arrive in Denver at 7:10pm (Friday). We will spend a few days in denver doing "YFC Exit" stuff, visiting some friends/family, then continuing on back to Charlotte. We'll be arriving in Charlotte June 11th at 1:25pm. Thank you all for your prayers for our journey and safe travels!!! 

Can't wait to catch up with you all.

We need your help!

Hey Guys

We are in the process of making a video for churches/supporters about our time in New Zealand. We wanted to know what hot topics there are you would want to hear about, or what mosts interests you about our trip here. What questions you would ask you??

Thanks so much for helping us with our informational video!! 

Cheers :)

Seasons Change

Well the seasons are once again changing. As we experience a drop in temperatures and head back into winter time, others are starting to experience the warmth of summer. With the season of temperature change also comes the season of ministry change. We're heading into our last round of club nights with the Rock Solid students and preparing ourselves for wrapping up any loose ends in NZ, moving out, and getting back into life in the states. 

There is a lot going on in our neck of the woods, many decisions about our futures to me made, and new paths of life that lay ahead. In addition, we will soon find out the sex of our baby and begin packing our bags. All this will happen before we know it. 

Time seems to have flown by so fast. We feel like just yesterday it was Christmas time and we were celebrating the holidays. The pregnancy has also flown by - we're not 18 weeks along and feel our little one move and squirm. Where did time ever go?

We are certain that with the time we have had to serve here in Whangarei, we have made a huge difference. Thank you all for your love and support for us as we faithfully follow God's call on our lives to serve in New Zealand. 

No real reason, but this song has been a huge favorite of mine (Preston) lately. It just talks about basically that you are not the only one who struggles and you have to continue to move along no matter what. No real deep lyrics but it just helps to keep me going. It is written by the All-American Rejects. You can hear it on YouTube if you feel like it...

"Move Along"

Go ahead as you waste your days with thinking
When you fall everyone stands
Another day and you've had your fill of sinking
With the life held in your
Hands are shaking cold
These hands are meant to hold

Speak to me, when all you got to keep is strong
Move along, move along like I know you do
And even when your hope is gone
Move along, move along just to make it through
Move along
Move along

So a day when you've lost yourself completely
Could be a night when your life ends
Such a heart that will lead you to deceiving
All the pain held in your
Hands are shaking cold
Your hands are mine to hold

Speak to me, when all you got to keep is strong
Move along, move along like I know you do
And even when your hope is gone
Move along, move along just to make it through
Move along
(Go on, go on, go on, go on)

When everything is wrong we move along
(Go on, go on, go on, go on)
When everything is wrong, we move along
Along, along, along

When all you got to keep is strong
Move along, move along like I know you do
And even when your hope is gone
Move along, move along just to make it through
[x3]

Pregnancy Brain

So we went to the grocery store the other day and bought a few things. We of course proceeded to put them away and move on about our day. After a few hours, lunch time rolled around and I went into the refrigerator to get something and I found something that didn't belong. I went to take out this misplaced item to place it where it belonged and found something in its place. Can you spot the items? I guess pregnancy brain is kicking in full swing...

We Came, We Saw, We Helped

We pulled off a great Surge weekend and just got home for some much needed rest. We worked on about 14 or 15 projects all around Whangarei and were able to finish each and everyone of them. All of the teams were extremely happy and felt great about the work they were able to complete. The organizations and individuals we worked for were blown away to see the young people (as well as the not so young people) working with such diligence and care. Thanks for all of the support and prayers. We are going to be around the office and home today trying to get ready for our week long camp with 40 middle school aged kids. With only a day to "rest", we have our hands full to get ready to go on the road. We are extremely excited about camp and ask that you continue to pray for us. Thank you guys!!

Surge 2009

This is what we have been up to and what we are planning.... check out below for a little more information.

SURGE 2009

April 16-19 (Thurs-Sun)

Whangarei

Surge Event Overview

Who: The Whangarei Community in partnership with Incedo New Zealand (anticipating 50 staff and 100-150 youth from all over the country)

What: Three days of community service projects around Whangarei. We will be working with local organizations and individuals to help complete projects and clean up around the community. We will be doing everything from painting, to clean up, to trail repair, to helping old ladies cross the street and everything in between…

When: Thursday 16^th April- Sunday 19^th April 2009

Where: Out of town volunteers accommodated at local maraes, schools, churches, etc.

Why: To demonstrate, and inspire the increased impact of partnering together to work for the good of others. Also to give young people and example of what it means to help others and show them something else to do with their weekends.

Surge is an annual project run by Incedo New Zealand (www.incedo.org.nz)

“Preach the gospel at all times and when necessary use words”

- St. Frances Assissi