Family.......

IN the 1970's overseas students were arriving in Melbourne to study at university. We opened out home and our hearts to some of the greatest young people and friendships were formed for eternity. Pictured here are the children my "adopted" brothers Joe and David: Jonathan, Sarah, Thomas. In the top picture Jonathan is with his younger sister, Jaymie. These young people have been such a joy to me - I first held Jonathan when he was just a few hours old! Now the three older kids are at university themselves, and Jaymie is a delight as she goes into Grade 2 next year. Their parents are amazing also: Joe and Shof lead a Life Group and Joe is on pastoral staff at my home church (CityLife). In fact he is the pastoral oversight on the CCM board and I so appreciate his input in my life. David and Mei are dynamos, leading a Life Group and ministering in so many areas. David is one of the Children's Pastors at CityLife and Mei ministers to the young mothers in the church and among her patients. (She is a midwife). I feel so privileged to be a part of their families.

Family.....

Family......
I get asked about my family when I travel and so thought it time to introduce some of them to "Cub's Place". While I have not been blessed with "biological kids" I have some great family! Pictured are my nieces, Simona and Kelly with some of their offspring. Kelly is holding her younger daughter Marissa and Simona's youngest daughter Sarah, while Simona is with her eldest daughter, Hannah. There are three other kids not in the photos - Ella (Kel's eldest) and Tori (Sim's second daughter) are in swimming lessons, and Cody (Simona's eldest) is at school. They are great kids - always on the go! I love them heaps....just don't get to spend too much time with them.

The Hi's and Lo's of JET LAG

Arrived back home (Melbourne) after being awake for around 38 hours (most of them in the air). In bed by 10 and asleep moments later...only to wake three hours later...and that was it! Day Two: asleep early evening (with assistance of over-the counter stuff) and made it through to 3 something. Not bad! The Lo's of jet-lag? Having to turn down a call for an Emergency Teacher for a day (couldn't see myself functioning well enough!) Concentration problems mid-day due to an incredible desire to sleep....being woken not long after getting to sleep by two phone calls, from people who had NO IDEA that ANYONE would be in bed by 7.30 let alone asleep (I was!). What about the Hi's? Are there any? Surprisingly YES! Getting to view and hear some great messages from some of the Christian speakers that go to air in the wee small hours. Joyce Meyer and her guest J. John discussing the relevant of the Ten Commandments in our society was today's example. Seeing the first rays of dawn creep across the sky... heralded by some amazing bird-song....sitting up in bed and logging on to check email....fill in the blog....all with a great lack of pressure. No likelihood of a phone call or interruption at 4 a.m.! Seeing my favorite weather man Al Roker on the U.S. Today Show...and getting to see the opening hour of SUNRISE (a rare event!)and mulling over the news of the day. Hmmm....today it was global reactions to North Korea's nuclear test AND the big breaking stuff - why toast that is buttered or vegemited when dropped, falls buttered side down. Captivating viewing! It's good to be home!

The Future of the Czech Republic...

The children in Brno crept into our hearts and remain there. We journeyed by bus (complete with attendant who plied us with drinks every few minutes so it seemed) and were met by Katka and her husband Marek who hosted us for the weekend. Katka heads up the children's ministry at Word of Life Church. We had a great time with them, and enjoyed meeting and ministering to children's workers from several churches. The final sessions on the Saturday were for parents and we looked at some basic foundations that children need today. Sunday was full-on with two services happening and we ministered with Katka and Marek and two great groups of kids. Katka has the same vision that we have - that children can know the reality of a living God, can hear His voice and share His love with others, and appropriate the message for living that is found in the Word of God for their own lives. Christian children are in the vast minority - pray for them to grow strong and stand as an example of good choices in action!