Let's back track a little to fill y'all in on the details of the last 4 months. I'd like to take the time to make sure this is well written and witty but I simply don't have the time. Sorry if this ends up feeling a little abrupt! Hopefully by the end of this post, my conscience will be clear about not blogging for so long.
May 14th was Hannah's 2nd birthday and Ben's graduation ceremony. It was a big day. Hannah was very grumpy and spent her present opening session throwing a tantrum. Unfortunately, her mood continued into the cake eating. More screams ensued after being informed that not all the cupcakes were for her to eat. I don't blame her though. I get a bit cranky if people try and take cake away from me.
Our celebrations were rather hasty as Ben and I were trying to get ready for the graduation ceremony. I wore chose to wear a dress that I bought on sale months before and hadn't actually ever worn in public. It was lovely to dress up and Ben looked dashing. It only took 5 goes of tying his tie before he was happy with it. Nerves were making him a little jumpy. The ceremony was going to be streamed live through ibethel tv and he didn't want his few seconds of limelight to be tainted by a ridiculously short tie.
Ben had also been nominated for the M.Earl Johnson award. This award is the highest honour a student can receive. It is named after Bill Johnson's father, Earl Johnson, who established the culture of revival in Bethel Church many years ago. Nominees are selected by the student body and then interviewed by the leadership of BSSM. The award is given to the man and woman who best personify the ideals of the school. Anyway, Ben knew he was in the running and had been told to get a few thoughts together in case he won. He was stressing out about having to make a speech should he win. Needless to say, he was more than a bit jittery when he left for the ceremony.
I made my way there after getting the kids settled with our amazing babysitter, Bec. As I was walking into the Civic centre, I managed to catch a glimpse of my reflection in a large window. It was then that I realised my dress was a lot shorter than I thought. Oh gosh. In reality, it was not that short. I am just not used to wearing such items. Give me a pair of jeans any day. I felt very lady like, although a little wobbly on the heels I was wearing.
The ceremony was long but wonderful to clap and cheer for all the students as they graduated. My guts were churning thinking about the possibility of Ben winning the award. It came time to announce the winner and after a long and drawn out prelude, Ben's name was called. HOORAY!!!!!
It was amazing. In that moment I was so proud of him. I was so happy and nervous, I almost vomited all over my lovely green shoes. I was able to meet Ben at the side of the stage and give him a quick cuddle before he went up to receive the award. Bill met Ben on stage and motioned for me to join them. Uhoh, I wasn't expecting to be doing that! It was really special to be up there with him as he accepted the award. I was given a seat on stage alongside Bill and and the rest of the leadership of BSSM. Lights were in my eyes and all I could think about was how short my dress was and how I needed to glue my knees together at all times. Oh dear! Ben's speech was great and he delivered it very well. I was even more proud of him, if that was even possible.
After the ceremony, we were swamped by people congratulating Ben and it was incredible to have people come and tell me how Ben had impacted their lives at BSSM. It was like I was seeing him in a new light. Although on the other hand I've always known Ben is an exceptional man. Such a wonderful night. A definite life changing moment, but just the beginning.
We left Redding on the 8th of June, driving down to San Francisco in a very large, very sexy Ford F250 truck. The boys were pumped and I have to admit, so was Mummy. I have become quite appreciative of a big shiny truck since living in Redding. Makes a change from the mini-van.
Our plane trip was wonderfully uneventful. The kids were great. All the waiting around in queues at various airports was hard but we made it though by the Grace of God. Thankyou Jesus!
We have spent our 8 weeks here in Milang catching up with family and friends as well as packing up our house. Ben did some work on the farm while his parents were overseas on holiday and also played a few games of footy. He had a lot of fun and was given a variety of religion-based nicknames by his teammates. Ahhh, Aussie culture is a funny thing. Love it.
Last Monday we completely moved out of our house, with much help from our wonderful family and we are currently living out of our suitcases at Ben's parent's house until Sunday, when we fly out again.
The weeks in Australia have passed quickly and I am finding it harder to leave this time as I am more aware of the pressure it puts on my close relationships. Being across the other side of the world makes things just that little bit harder. I know, however, that we are called to Redding at this time so we go with excitement about what the Lord has for us this year.
We had an incredible time last year and we could not have done any of it without the support of our family and friends. Thankyou all so much for loving us and releasing us to follow the call of God on our lives. We will endeavor to keep this blog better updated this time around!!
May 14th was Hannah's 2nd birthday and Ben's graduation ceremony. It was a big day. Hannah was very grumpy and spent her present opening session throwing a tantrum. Unfortunately, her mood continued into the cake eating. More screams ensued after being informed that not all the cupcakes were for her to eat. I don't blame her though. I get a bit cranky if people try and take cake away from me.
Our celebrations were rather hasty as Ben and I were trying to get ready for the graduation ceremony. I wore chose to wear a dress that I bought on sale months before and hadn't actually ever worn in public. It was lovely to dress up and Ben looked dashing. It only took 5 goes of tying his tie before he was happy with it. Nerves were making him a little jumpy. The ceremony was going to be streamed live through ibethel tv and he didn't want his few seconds of limelight to be tainted by a ridiculously short tie.
Ben had also been nominated for the M.Earl Johnson award. This award is the highest honour a student can receive. It is named after Bill Johnson's father, Earl Johnson, who established the culture of revival in Bethel Church many years ago. Nominees are selected by the student body and then interviewed by the leadership of BSSM. The award is given to the man and woman who best personify the ideals of the school. Anyway, Ben knew he was in the running and had been told to get a few thoughts together in case he won. He was stressing out about having to make a speech should he win. Needless to say, he was more than a bit jittery when he left for the ceremony.
I made my way there after getting the kids settled with our amazing babysitter, Bec. As I was walking into the Civic centre, I managed to catch a glimpse of my reflection in a large window. It was then that I realised my dress was a lot shorter than I thought. Oh gosh. In reality, it was not that short. I am just not used to wearing such items. Give me a pair of jeans any day. I felt very lady like, although a little wobbly on the heels I was wearing.
The ceremony was long but wonderful to clap and cheer for all the students as they graduated. My guts were churning thinking about the possibility of Ben winning the award. It came time to announce the winner and after a long and drawn out prelude, Ben's name was called. HOORAY!!!!!
It was amazing. In that moment I was so proud of him. I was so happy and nervous, I almost vomited all over my lovely green shoes. I was able to meet Ben at the side of the stage and give him a quick cuddle before he went up to receive the award. Bill met Ben on stage and motioned for me to join them. Uhoh, I wasn't expecting to be doing that! It was really special to be up there with him as he accepted the award. I was given a seat on stage alongside Bill and and the rest of the leadership of BSSM. Lights were in my eyes and all I could think about was how short my dress was and how I needed to glue my knees together at all times. Oh dear! Ben's speech was great and he delivered it very well. I was even more proud of him, if that was even possible.
After the ceremony, we were swamped by people congratulating Ben and it was incredible to have people come and tell me how Ben had impacted their lives at BSSM. It was like I was seeing him in a new light. Although on the other hand I've always known Ben is an exceptional man. Such a wonderful night. A definite life changing moment, but just the beginning.
We left Redding on the 8th of June, driving down to San Francisco in a very large, very sexy Ford F250 truck. The boys were pumped and I have to admit, so was Mummy. I have become quite appreciative of a big shiny truck since living in Redding. Makes a change from the mini-van.
Our plane trip was wonderfully uneventful. The kids were great. All the waiting around in queues at various airports was hard but we made it though by the Grace of God. Thankyou Jesus!
We have spent our 8 weeks here in Milang catching up with family and friends as well as packing up our house. Ben did some work on the farm while his parents were overseas on holiday and also played a few games of footy. He had a lot of fun and was given a variety of religion-based nicknames by his teammates. Ahhh, Aussie culture is a funny thing. Love it.
Last Monday we completely moved out of our house, with much help from our wonderful family and we are currently living out of our suitcases at Ben's parent's house until Sunday, when we fly out again.
The weeks in Australia have passed quickly and I am finding it harder to leave this time as I am more aware of the pressure it puts on my close relationships. Being across the other side of the world makes things just that little bit harder. I know, however, that we are called to Redding at this time so we go with excitement about what the Lord has for us this year.
We had an incredible time last year and we could not have done any of it without the support of our family and friends. Thankyou all so much for loving us and releasing us to follow the call of God on our lives. We will endeavor to keep this blog better updated this time around!!
