Shameless name dropping

A break from tradition this week - this is what I've been doing! On Friday, I was part of a group working with Rev. Dr. Lynne Baab, who is writing a murder mystery set in Dunedin for the North American market (very exciting). We talked about possums, and accents, and other odd things that newcomers to New Zealand take note of. On Saturday, Chris and I enjoyed celebrating with the gorgeous and very talented Tania Roxborogh, who teaches Katarina English, and takes our girls to school as well, and also manages to be a prolific author across a range of genres. One of Tania's other guests was Vanda Symon, the author of 'Overkill', a murder mystery set in Dunedin. No, wait, didn't I just say that? Yes, and oddly enough, the two books will be completely different! Both worth reading - Overkill is out now, the German translation available later this year!

Zach and Hannah finished soccer on Saturday, he was the top scorer for his team and she didn't score once, which means she wants to play again next year so she can score a goal! Zach went to his friend Anton's birthday party on Sunday, Anton's dad is Glen Standring, the director of 'Perfect Creature'.

OK, enough showing off, to more mundane matters; I preached at North Taieri again on Sunday, Janine came home safe and sound and Very Tired from her school ski camp, Katarina is still struggling to get up in the mornings and Chris is busy catching up on all the jobs he has planned for ages but never had time to put into action. So far he has installed a new blind in the kitchen, and a rangehood. It is always exciting going home to see what else has happened!

Last Post in August

Chris has been in Hamilton since Wednesday, catching up with his parents, and also to celebrate with Garry and Kif. Janine is off to ski camp with Columba this week, and there were dramas as she left - 'Where's my cell phone?'. It was raining at the time, but she didn't think she needed to take another jacket as she had packed one! However, I am sure they will have a lovely time, Katarina enjoyed her camp last year.
The weekend was a bit of a rush with only one driver, three sports games, two lots of music and a ballet lesson to get to. However, we managed with only a little help from one of the other soccer dad's, who also took on the coaching role while Chris was away. I preached at North Taieri on Sunday and the children went back to visit at Mosgiel.
Zach and Hannah have had their school sports day canceled twice now due to the rain, Zach in particular is excited about participating in the cross country, to the point of actually doing some training!

Middle of August

The production last week was a triumph; this year the children had a huge input into the costumes, the dialogue and the dance, so they really owned the story they were telling. It was funny, and had a great conservation theme, just fantastic. Zach was a guest in a French restaurant, and Hannah was a frog.
We went to Leith Valley on Sunday for the first tie in 18 months. They have shifted into George Street school as they are continuing to grow.
I spent two days in Auckland last week, working on a project for studentsoul.

More August tidings

The week that is ? Chris celebrates his birthday today, Hannah and Zach have their school production tonight and the girls have teacher interviews this afternoon after school. MJ is heading for Auckland for two days on Wednesday and Thursday, we had people over for tea last night, out for tea last Saturday and a twenty-first on the Friday. Does it sound busy? It sure feels that way!!!

But that's OK, they are all good things to be a part of. Katarina and Janine have both been putting speeches together for school, which has been an interesting challenge for them both, especially when the cue cards get left behind!!!

And Chris and I had a day in Timaru on Monday, talking to churches about a possible job there.
More news later...

August beginnings

I am sorry this post is a day late - I spent yesterday in Auckland, with meetings for studentsoul. This is a very exciting project but there is lots of work for me to do in the upcoming months - we are going to be busy!!!
Hannah and Zachary are very excited about their school production. They are singing the songs, and talking about it all the time. The performance will be August 12, Chris' birthday, so we are looking forward to going out to the theatre!
Janine and Katarina have brought their reports home, and they are both very positive, as you would expect. We are very proud of them both.