Optomistic in October

We did enjoy the later start yesterday - who would have thought half an hour would make a difference! I even had time to make muffins for Kidzone!
We have Trev from Lower Hutt staying with us this week, which has already been a bonus as he was able to look after the younger ones while I took communion at the "Going Somewhere" Yay for you service. This is a youth leadership training course for 18-22 years olds.
Hannah is enjoying her new class although they must be working her, as she was pretty tired by the end of the week. Zachary has just fitted in as if there never were holidays!
Janine and Katarina have had a very social weekend with Leith Youth group fundraisers, picnic parties, and a meal to celebrate a friend's baptism. Katarina is developing better skills at fitting in her homework around all her "extra curricular" activities.
And as it is my birthday today, I've had breakfast in bed, a phone call from Hamilton, lots of presents (from shopping with the two younger children on Friday night in town!) and we are just about to go out for coffee.
This will be a big week as I have to preach at Alofa's induction on Thursday night - her husband Ni preached when Chris and I were ordained earlier this year. I have been on the receiving end of a number of rants about the poor quality of preaching in the modern age recently, so the pressure is on!!!