Wow, let’s see how to catch you up on the last few days. I had my first crack at the wheel on 
Saturday evening when Dennis took me out, first to his office complex where there were no cars. I got another shot on Sunday when I dropped he and Na off for a rugby match and then I went exp0loring a little on my own. It’s not so bad when there’s no traffic. Dennis’ company signed me up for a driving class the middle of September so I can learn all of the road signs and practice more over here. The kids want me to get a big red L which learners display on their car to warn the other motorists. They say it’s for 
Looser not for Learner. Oh well. Dennis seems smooth with the car now – he took us on this fell road (mountain road) it made me nervous but the kids loved it because the sheep roamed right up to the road or rather one paved lane with no shoulder. It had a gorgeous view – sea to the right, green fields and mountains to the left.
Yesterday we explored New Life Christian Church. The kids were real troopers, participating and meeting kids. There were about 8 secondary age kids and 7 primary age kids. They have a little worship band leading the congregation of fifty or so – a mixed crowd in age and profession. Julieanne was impressed with the secondary room that was decorated cool with bean bags for chairs. Na’s class had foosball, darts and xbox for later use. Apparently Na was very eager in his class because he kept raising his hand to answer the questions on Saul’s conversion. Meanwhile D, AC and I were enjoying the great sermon from Zachariah. The kids said they want to go back next week.
So far, we’ve had mostly clear days while we’ve explored. We’ve had to do a lot of shopping for school shoes, and pants, and tennis shoes and hockey sticks. Today we had to drive back over to Manchester to shop at the IKEA and let Dennis meet with the main office people. So far he’s only been discussing finances, and details for the move. He’s eager to get cracking on the transition stuff that they brought him here to do. The IKEA gave new meaning to shop til you drop! I’ve never been in a store so big – it had two restaurants in it. We’re having to look for lots of stuff to organize and furnish the house. We were there for hours! Na and Julieanne played on the playground and with the Playstation. I made the mistake of wearing a new pair shoes ( a no-no for my feet) by the end I was walking barefoot through the store.
Tomorrow, the kids start school uniforms and all. The girls have been able to walk around their school while Na has only seen his through a gate. We will drive the girls to their “house” at school – Bega House at 8:20 and then go meet Na’s principle, Mr. Monahan at 8:45.
Many of you joined us in praying that God would clarify things for us in terms of houses and schools. Since there was only one house with four bedrooms to rent at the time we took that as narrowing the choice. The school we wanted Na in is really outside of our area or what they call catchment area and it is oversubscribed which means classes are full and you have to appeal to try to get an overload or override on the class size. However, when we called there was one spot left in year four (what they call 3rd grade, they don’t say kindergarten, they just say year 1) So as we go into a school we’ve only read about and heard about from others never having met Nathan’s teacher, I keep reminding myself that God has gone before them and He will go with them into their new classes. We are very pleased with Nathan’s courage and good attitude. (He did break down last night in tears, missing his buddy Luke, saying he just had to see him, he couldn’t go a year without seeing him.)
We’re almost home now, I’ve been typing while Dennis has been driving. Our car (an Audi A4) has this very cool GPS system that takes all the irritation out of navigating. I was forever lagging behind in the anticipation of the next turn. With this thing the lady alerts you to what’s coming, how far, etc. Quite nifty. Dennis is impressed how she quickly modifies her route ef you don't heed her instructions. And she never gets irritated!
Saturday evening when Dennis took me out, first to his office complex where there were no cars. I got another shot on Sunday when I dropped he and Na off for a rugby match and then I went exp0loring a little on my own. It’s not so bad when there’s no traffic. Dennis’ company signed me up for a driving class the middle of September so I can learn all of the road signs and practice more over here. The kids want me to get a big red L which learners display on their car to warn the other motorists. They say it’s for 
Looser not for Learner. Oh well. Dennis seems smooth with the car now – he took us on this fell road (mountain road) it made me nervous but the kids loved it because the sheep roamed right up to the road or rather one paved lane with no shoulder. It had a gorgeous view – sea to the right, green fields and mountains to the left.Yesterday we explored New Life Christian Church. The kids were real troopers, participating and meeting kids. There were about 8 secondary age kids and 7 primary age kids. They have a little worship band leading the congregation of fifty or so – a mixed crowd in age and profession. Julieanne was impressed with the secondary room that was decorated cool with bean bags for chairs. Na’s class had foosball, darts and xbox for later use. Apparently Na was very eager in his class because he kept raising his hand to answer the questions on Saul’s conversion. Meanwhile D, AC and I were enjoying the great sermon from Zachariah. The kids said they want to go back next week.
So far, we’ve had mostly clear days while we’ve explored. We’ve had to do a lot of shopping for school shoes, and pants, and tennis shoes and hockey sticks. Today we had to drive back over to Manchester to shop at the IKEA and let Dennis meet with the main office people. So far he’s only been discussing finances, and details for the move. He’s eager to get cracking on the transition stuff that they brought him here to do. The IKEA gave new meaning to shop til you drop! I’ve never been in a store so big – it had two restaurants in it. We’re having to look for lots of stuff to organize and furnish the house. We were there for hours! Na and Julieanne played on the playground and with the Playstation. I made the mistake of wearing a new pair shoes ( a no-no for my feet) by the end I was walking barefoot through the store.
Tomorrow, the kids start school uniforms and all. The girls have been able to walk around their school while Na has only seen his through a gate. We will drive the girls to their “house” at school – Bega House at 8:20 and then go meet Na’s principle, Mr. Monahan at 8:45.
Many of you joined us in praying that God would clarify things for us in terms of houses and schools. Since there was only one house with four bedrooms to rent at the time we took that as narrowing the choice. The school we wanted Na in is really outside of our area or what they call catchment area and it is oversubscribed which means classes are full and you have to appeal to try to get an overload or override on the class size. However, when we called there was one spot left in year four (what they call 3rd grade, they don’t say kindergarten, they just say year 1) So as we go into a school we’ve only read about and heard about from others never having met Nathan’s teacher, I keep reminding myself that God has gone before them and He will go with them into their new classes. We are very pleased with Nathan’s courage and good attitude. (He did break down last night in tears, missing his buddy Luke, saying he just had to see him, he couldn’t go a year without seeing him.)
We’re almost home now, I’ve been typing while Dennis has been driving. Our car (an Audi A4) has this very cool GPS system that takes all the irritation out of navigating. I was forever lagging behind in the anticipation of the next turn. With this thing the lady alerts you to what’s coming, how far, etc. Quite nifty. Dennis is impressed how she quickly modifies her route ef you don't heed her instructions. And she never gets irritated!
We missed being at the lake with all of you from church. Julian, we would have loved to have joined you too in your first home improvement moment.
Love to you all!
Julie
Love to you all!
Julie
1 comment:
Jonathan showed me your blog, and I love it! So glad the decisions about housing and schooling are wrapping up for you. Been praying, especially for Nathan.
P.S. I loved your description of your first time in IKEA. Isn't it great? When we got one in Atlanta, I walked through every floor with wide eyes. Everything's so cheap!
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