Thursday, February 22, 2007
Settling In A Sunburned Country
Should you ever desire a great read about life in the Land of Oz, please pick up a copy of Bill Bryson's traveling classic, In a Sunburned Country. It gives a great overview of the people and places that make up this unique and incredibly loveable country.
We are starting to understand why it is called a sunburned country. In 1981 there was a health campaign urging everone to "slip, slop, slap." Bascially to slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, and slap on a hat. Even on the days where there is not an ounce of sun to be seen, the chance of burn is extremely high. Even at school, there is a "no hat, no play" policy.
...excuse me Michael, but are you just going to ignore the fact that you are two paragraphs into the blog and you have not even mentioned the fact that you have not updated your blog in over three months?...what gives?
There is no excuse...
...that is it? that is your excuse?
Yes, that it is...there is no excuse. Lets move on...in a random order
ST. JOHNS
Speaking of school, Camden and Bailey started St. John's Luthern school at the end of January. They are getting adjusted to wearing uniforms and being in boys and girls only classes. We are so glad that Australian schools have not taken away the much beloved pastime of recess. They have about 40 minutes every day to just...well, be kids. Nude Food. Every Wednesday is nude food day at St. Johns. The goal is to help reduce product waste (wrappers, lunch bags, etc.) by bringing your lunch in a reusable container. The kids do eat lunch in a covered outdoor eating space. They have chapel every week and God is mentioned throughout the curriculum of study.
We are blessed to be able to have them at this school.
I also think it is neat that they are able to be active in some activities not available to them in Woodbridge. For instance, both Camden and Bailey's classes went to the wharf to go fishing. The Angler Club of Portland wanted to teach them water safety and fishing skills. It was fantastic.
PORTLAND BAPTIST
Portland Baptist is going well. It is exciting and extremely challanging at the same time. Some of the ministries at Portland include/being developed:
¶ 2/22/2007 08:29:00 PM
Should you ever desire a great read about life in the Land of Oz, please pick up a copy of Bill Bryson's traveling classic, In a Sunburned Country. It gives a great overview of the people and places that make up this unique and incredibly loveable country.
We are starting to understand why it is called a sunburned country. In 1981 there was a health campaign urging everone to "slip, slop, slap." Bascially to slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, and slap on a hat. Even on the days where there is not an ounce of sun to be seen, the chance of burn is extremely high. Even at school, there is a "no hat, no play" policy.
...excuse me Michael, but are you just going to ignore the fact that you are two paragraphs into the blog and you have not even mentioned the fact that you have not updated your blog in over three months?...what gives?
There is no excuse...
...that is it? that is your excuse?
Yes, that it is...there is no excuse. Lets move on...in a random order
ST. JOHNS
Speaking of school, Camden and Bailey started St. John's Luthern school at the end of January. They are getting adjusted to wearing uniforms and being in boys and girls only classes. We are so glad that Australian schools have not taken away the much beloved pastime of recess. They have about 40 minutes every day to just...well, be kids. Nude Food. Every Wednesday is nude food day at St. Johns. The goal is to help reduce product waste (wrappers, lunch bags, etc.) by bringing your lunch in a reusable container. The kids do eat lunch in a covered outdoor eating space. They have chapel every week and God is mentioned throughout the curriculum of study.
We are blessed to be able to have them at this school.
I also think it is neat that they are able to be active in some activities not available to them in Woodbridge. For instance, both Camden and Bailey's classes went to the wharf to go fishing. The Angler Club of Portland wanted to teach them water safety and fishing skills. It was fantastic.
PORTLAND BAPTIST
Portland Baptist is going well. It is exciting and extremely challanging at the same time. Some of the ministries at Portland include/being developed:
- Playgroup - This ministry is open to parents and their little ones. They gather together on Wednesday morning to hear stories, sing songs, do crafts, and learn how much Jesus loves them. This past week we had 16 little ones!
- Underwire - A new women's ministry to help give mom (mums) support. Yes, this is a little tongue and cheek.
- Knights of the Cross - this NC based ministry is a great progarm that provides for a study of God's word in a community environment. Geared for 4-6 grade boys and girls.
- C-18: This intiative is being developed to ensure those in Portland Baptist will have done the following before they turn 18. By the time they turn 18 they would: 1) accept Christ as their Savior 2) be baptized 3) be able to share their faith 4) be involved in a ministry and 5) go on a mission trip.
It has been wonderful share in the ministry of Portland with John Simpson. Please continue to pray for us as we reach out to those in Portland.
I will update more later...I promise. We are switching internet speeds...so it won't crash when I try to updoad (like it does every time!)
With Love,
Michael
¶ 2/22/2007 08:29:00 PM
