Jul. 29, 2006
Friends and Family
Oops! It's been almost 2 weeks since I posted. I have been feeling a bit better emotionally/ spiritually. It's interesting how friends play such an important part of life. We had friends from Whangarei (3 hrs north) down for the weekend (last weekend). We celebrated Christmas-in-July together without gifts. It was such a fun time, cooking a turkey with all the trimmings. We even put up a bough at the front door and the fake Christmas tree with lights. The children played Christmas carol on their instruments. The weekend was sunny and warm (about 17 deg) so we had breakfast out on the patio. The idea was to have something to look forward to in the middle of winter. It worked! The children loved it and the boys/men went fishing while Abigail and I went shopping. It's amazing how much more fun shopping is with a girlfriend (and without two little boys to stand in the way of Crabtree and Evelyn). We have several malls here in Auckland, but none of them are anything like Guildford in Surrey. Our friends are pregnant with their first child. So exciting!! We planned a baby quilt and went maternity shopping as Abigail is anticipating a hot summer in her 3rd trimester.
This week has been encouraging as 2 women have reached out to me. I realized that to gain a friend, that person must first need a friend. And if one is too busy to be available for a new friend, one may miss out on the gift of that friendship. Both these women sent me a simple email which told me that they were thinking of me. It meant so much. The Lord knows how much I need relationships to keep me going. I met Karen for breakfast at the farmer's market before church this morning. It was a lovely way to get to know each other without children around to pull on me, pointing at their watches. We talked about getting to know our husbands, moving to NZ (she's American) and living life in NZ. It's nice to know I'm not the only one who thinks this country is a little behind the times. (Propane heaters in the living room is just not healthy!)
Tomorrow, I'm planning to take the boys back to Omokoroa to see friends (a 2 hr drive south). We'll stay the night and visit with all our buddies. Can't wait.
Other good news: My mom has booked her ticket to visit my sister and I. She is coming for a month in total, split between here and Australia. October 23 -November 23! Yay!!!! Praise the Lord!
This week has been encouraging as 2 women have reached out to me. I realized that to gain a friend, that person must first need a friend. And if one is too busy to be available for a new friend, one may miss out on the gift of that friendship. Both these women sent me a simple email which told me that they were thinking of me. It meant so much. The Lord knows how much I need relationships to keep me going. I met Karen for breakfast at the farmer's market before church this morning. It was a lovely way to get to know each other without children around to pull on me, pointing at their watches. We talked about getting to know our husbands, moving to NZ (she's American) and living life in NZ. It's nice to know I'm not the only one who thinks this country is a little behind the times. (Propane heaters in the living room is just not healthy!)
Tomorrow, I'm planning to take the boys back to Omokoroa to see friends (a 2 hr drive south). We'll stay the night and visit with all our buddies. Can't wait.
Other good news: My mom has booked her ticket to visit my sister and I. She is coming for a month in total, split between here and Australia. October 23 -November 23! Yay!!!! Praise the Lord!
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Posted by joyismystrength
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Jul. 30, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by joyismystrength First of all, thank you for your encouraging comments on my blog. And, IT'S SO NICE TO HEAR FROM YOU. I think about you every day. Did you know that? And, your family is included in our sweep around the world as I pray with the children in the evening for missionaries and friends that live far away.
Your friendship issue was on my heart. I am blessed and excited to hear that once again God has shown Himself to be faithful to those who love Him, even in this little but oh-so-important issue. Good friendships are vital to us (women), who grow and feel connected when we are able to have intimate conversations with each other. How thankful I am, and happy for you, that you are finding some friends in your new community.
Also, I'm rejoicing with you that you're going to have the opportunity to spend time with your Mom. I pray you will be refreshed and uplifted by her company, and her likewise.
P.S. I like the new template. Very cheery. I'm sure you must be needing that during the long dreary winter months.
Blessings! Jan
Your friendship issue was on my heart. I am blessed and excited to hear that once again God has shown Himself to be faithful to those who love Him, even in this little but oh-so-important issue. Good friendships are vital to us (women), who grow and feel connected when we are able to have intimate conversations with each other. How thankful I am, and happy for you, that you are finding some friends in your new community.
Also, I'm rejoicing with you that you're going to have the opportunity to spend time with your Mom. I pray you will be refreshed and uplifted by her company, and her likewise.
P.S. I like the new template. Very cheery. I'm sure you must be needing that during the long dreary winter months.
Blessings! Jan