Beachs, beachs, beachs

We've had such a great run of good weather and we are gradually getting to know more of Dunedin's beaches. Zach and Janine are enjoying boogie boarding and this morning we explored some rock pools and the large underwater stream welling up from underneath the sand, near Tomahawk Beach.
Yesterday Chris preached at St Andrews, Balclutha. We took the long way home via Stirling, the coast road and a swim at Taeri Mouth.
This is the last week of holiday for the children. This weekend Chris and I head for Wellington and Wanganui for a wedding and preaching at Knox.

Summer in Dunedin

Beach yesterday, before it got too hot.
Lawns mowed, Christmas decorations packed away, people over for BBQ tea yesterday. Yes, summer has arrived in Dunedin.
We are all glad to be back home, the bikes and tramp are back in use and one of these days I am going to get to all those assignments... There is lots to think about as Charry takes quite a different slant on some early theologians, interpreting them is a far more pastoral sense than usual. The simplest way of saying that is - what happens if you start with the assumption that God is love? Most people start with the assumption that God is angy at them. Hmmmm

Chris is on an organising binge - when he isn't playing with the new webcam. If you get Skype and ring us, you can see us too!!! Excellent!
We are looking fowards to the Finlays arriving today and hopefully more swimming while the weather holds.

Back in Dunedin

Chris and I are back in Dunedin for our block course; I am feeling slightly surreal as we did 3 services yesterday, Enfield, Weston and the holiday program celebration out at Kakanui. The holiday program was a big success and we have enjoyed working with the team from Maheno-Otepoto.
Janine and Katarina are off to a drama, dance and singing course in Oamaru for this week. Hannah and Zach are full time with Nanny and Grandad; off to the beach this morning. Zach is getting the hang of body surfing and is having a wonderful time!
We have Nancy Parker staying with us this week as well, so should be a lovely time. And now I have to go and do some reading...

Holiday Programmed

The Hampden program went really well, 28 children which is fantastic for a little country place. The parish has provided excellent support and I think their confidence may well have improved. I just wish something could happen every week for the children who were really open to the good news.
Hannah was very ill with a tummy bug over the weekend; we could not have led worhsip on Sunday without the support of mum and dad staying home to watch her.
She is just about right today although still not eating much.
The first day of the Kakanui program went brilliantly today, 34 children!
And Zach has got the hang of body surfing and is just loving the beach at Kakanui; we've been down two days in a row now and yes, we bought him a wetsuit. Might have to kit everyone else out too if we keep this up!
Blessings to you all.