What Occupies Our Time

Our week, like yours, is basically divided into 3 main categories: Work, Weekends, and Whatever.....

Work

Erick and Hilko are honing their construction skills in building the addition to a house belonging to our host family, Andrew and Julie Bruce. Previous to our arrival Andrew injured his back and, consequently, this project came to an abrupt stop. Since our arrival two and a half weeks ago, the guys have made impressive progress securing and cementing all 48 stakes, builing the flooring frame work, laying the floor boards, and are currently constructing the walls.

Annette and I on the other hand, are training for motherhood. We are assisting Julie in the home education of their 4 boys: Joshua (9), Samuel (7), Toby (6), and Rueben (2). Baby # 5 is on the way and is due to arrive in about 3 weeks. In addition to home-schooling we also help with cleaning, cooking, and the general maintenance of the home. We both agree that it has grown our appreciation for mothers and also our freedom! ::smile::
Seriously, if all children were as well-disciplined and easy to please as the Bruce's, the future would be bright.

We are simply amazed at the absolute perfection of God's timing in sending us here for these 10 weeks. Many thanks to the Ellis family (Brian, in particular) for assisting in orchestrating such a winning combination. Seeing God's guidance in such a tangible way has fueled our faith and we are enjoying the benefits of following His plan. We could not have asked for a better scenario~*

Weekends

Our weekends are comprised of encountering authentic Australiana flavor in various forms. Last weekend we enjoyed live music provided by a local Victorian band called The Sons of Korah. This weekend found us in the midst of the majestic Grampians, a series of mountains, unusual rock formations and cascading fountains. Erick was elated to spend his 25th birthday camping in the midst of it all.

Whatever

There are times when you simply need to get out and do your "own thing".

Hilko, our videographer, naturally spends his spare time surfing. For those of you who know Hilko well, this comes as no surprise. Since we are a 3 minute drive from the beach, he grabs his gear (surfboard and wetsuit provided by Julie's cousin) and heads out to his second home: The ocean. He has not caught a wave yet and describes the Australian waves as "fat". (A.J---can you explain this to me? ::smile::) He also enjoys editing footage of our trip. He plans to have a video prepared by the end to show you all our adventures abroad.

Erick, our logistics manager, spends his "chill" time reading and writing. His current book is Lord of the Flies. It has been interesting to see our personalities emerge with the stress and strain of logistical resolutions. Erick has aced his role as manager and I think his ethics are -slowly- beginning to change the way we all view money. Cheers to him for being strong-willed and tight-fisted....

Annette, our intern, has graciously allowed us to chip and break away the rough edges of her "baby" mentality. This trip has forced her to leave the role as youngest sibling and embrace the idea of equal responsibilty. Since she is now seen as an adult, and expected to act like one, it has made her more aware of the vital role she plays in the success of the trip. She enjoys working in the garden and spending time doing extra curricular activites with the boys Her maturity with the boys impresses me and I know that one day she will make a great mom!

I, the social director, spend my free time journaling. Being away from life, as I know it, has given me time to process my way of thinking and its many inconsistencies. There is something freeing about embracing life away from the norm. I think it's easy to view life from a jaded perspective when you are in the midst of comfort. Once the barriers of normalcy are shaken, your true character emerges and that is a rare encounter. I am taking strides to accept this new challenge and glean vital lessons from it.

Someone wise once said, "If you can learn to get along with your siblings, you can learn to get along with anyone." This trip has proven that to me. Your family knows the real you. The you with no make-up or pretense. The you who is not always gracious and kind. Your family rallies around you in your successes and cries with you in your failure. They tell you, in no uncertain terms, what is lacking and areas that need desperate improvement. They tell you the truth because you need it. And through it all, at the end of the day, they are the ones that love the real you.