We’ve been living in Australia for just over a month now and the question I get asked most often is ‘how are you settling in?’ As more and more people ask that I figured it was time to start implementing my resolution to try and keep this blog reasonably up to date. Overall living in Australia isn’t dramatically different to the UK although there are lots of little differences (Cadburys chocolate doesn’t taste as good but there are more flavours and Woolworths is a supermarket) There are many aspects of settling in to a place that won’t happen for us for quite some time; until we have jobs and our own place to live we can’t really get a grasp on shopping, commuting etc. Continue reading Living down under
Category Archives: Personal
On the road
We’ve been on the road now for 3 weeks visiting the places and the people who mean something to Ruth. We’re in between our home in Carlisle that we’ve given up and our future home in Australia. We’re living out of suitcases in other people’s homes. We count ourselves blessed to have so many people we call friends and we’ve been enjoying their hospitality this lady coupe of weeks. I don’t think I’ve had this many meals out in two weeks in my whole life! Gosh I love pizza. Continue reading On the road
Last thoughts of a Twenty-something
In my homeland Australia right now it is my birthday – but thanks to moving to the UK for a time, I conveniently have an extra 10 hours of being twenty something, rather than thirty. So, what do I have to say for myself?
The last few weeks leading up to my birthday have been difficult at times because I feel sad that I am so far from my family and from the friends that I’ve known for the longest – that whilst I know that I’ll have a good celebration here, I’ll be missing people who would need to sell all their earthly things twice over to attend. But is there something more than that? Do I fear the big 3-0? Continue reading Last thoughts of a Twenty-something
Family time
This past week we’ve been blessed to have my parents come to stay with us. Mum and Dad have been to the UK before – the last time they came for our wedding. This time was special because we got to host them and show them our little house and where we work – and the surrounding area that we now call home. Continue reading Family time
In the garden
“What are we getting ourselves into this time?” I thought to myself as I pulled up at the address I was given. Ruth and I felt like we had nothing to offer, and this was way out of our comfort zones – but God often does that to us and it works out well. Continue reading In the garden
A beautiful setting
Sometimes God has surprises in store. Last Thursday I travelled with one other OMNIvision volunteer to a corporate event for the National Trust. It was a simple event, looked to be rather dull, and whilst it didn’t conflict with our values – it wasn’t a Christian event but the wise leaders of OMNIvision know Continue reading A beautiful setting
A walk in the woods
Yesterday Ruth and I had the pleasure of exploring Aira Force – a truly beautiful part of the Lake District – just 20 miles south of where we live. Even in the dead of winter with all the trees bare, this was a stunning expose of the beauty of England. Continue reading A walk in the woods
Australia 2014
After much prayer and consideration, we have decided not to remain in the UK after March 2014. Whilst the challenges surrounding applying for a spousal visa for Chris started us thinking – ultimately we decided that we don’t want to (or feel led to) remain here long term. Whilst we may have hoped to stay until later in 2014 or even on into 2015 – it would seem the only way to do that would be to leave OM early and find secular work – something we’re fairly sure isn’t on God’s agenda for us. Continue reading Australia 2014
Praying in the new year
In my life I have often celebrated New Years Eve with close friends and this year I was blessed to do the same – but differently. Ruth and I joined our good friend Paul and the Ingham family, who have become like a third family for us in Carlisle. In the late hours of 2012 we discussed what God had been saying to us, and came to Him in prayer for the year ahead. It was so nice to take time out to seek God on such an occasion. We were also delighted to listen to Big Ben chime on the radio and see fireworks right out the window!
A family Christmas
Our first Christmas together as a married couple was also our first opportunity (and perhaps the last for a while) to share Christmas with Ruth’s family. We are really blessed to be able to drive down to Norwich to share in the celebrations. We were able to spend time with Ruth’s Parents, Gran and Uncle and partner (pictured).
We were also fortunate to visit Ruth’s sending church NBC for their Nativity and Carols services and see some old friends over the pre-Christmas weekend. It was a great time of refreshment for both of us.