It's been five weeks already...

It’s hard to believe it’s already been five weeks since we left Scotland. A lot has happened in that time. Thankful to all of you who have been praying for us on this new adventure - we appreciate you all.

Many of you knew that our plan to go to the States was so I could complete security training for PNG and Simon was to be part of the MAF Disaster Response conference.  Unfortunately, the conference was cancelled for various reasons but I was able to complete security training.  It was intense at times with different scenarios played out which felt very real - car jacking, shoot outs to name a few.  Thankful for those who invest in offering this training and preparing people for going into countries where security can be an issue.

We were also able to catch up supporters, friends, and those who feel like family. After such a long time apart, it was really good to reconnect face-to-face. There were lots of meaningful conversations, shared meals, and moments that reminded us just how valuable those relationships are. We are thankful for the many who have walked with us on our MAF journey over the past 24 years. 

See below a few photos of the folks we bumped into along the way - some planned and some surprises. 

On June 3rd, we arrived in Australia after quite the journey—Dallas to Los Angeles, then Fiji, and finally Brisbane. It was a relief to unpack and settle in for a bit.

Just two days after landing, Joshua headed off to New Zealand with some friends. It was a last-minute opportunity that was too good to miss, but he’s due back tomorrow.

Since arriving in Australia, we’ve spent the past ten days settling into our new place and getting our bearings in the area. Slowly but surely, things are coming together. We were able to find a car for Zara, which has made a big difference. For now, we’re sharing between J’s motorbike and Zara’s car—oh, how things have changed! 😄

Zara’s been connecting with a few of Joshua’s church friends, which has helped her feel a bit more at home. We also had a few of the young folks over for dinner the other night—a fun evening full of laughter and good chats.

Zara has applied for her course in Veterinary Nursing and we’re hoping to hear back this week if she has been accepted. If she is, she’ll be starting in July. Meanwhile, J is on Uni break, so it’ll be nice to have some time with him without the usual assignment deadlines hanging over his head.

For Simon and I we are beginning to think more about our move to PNG. Simon has some medical checks to complete amongst other things. We are also planning to spend time studying Tok Pisin. Simon has a head start from growing up in PNG, so I’ve got a bit of catching up to do. 🙂

We would value your prayers for the coming months that it would be good preparation time for our move to PNG and that Zara, particularly, will find her feet here in Australia again.

Joshua is also coming to the end of his studies and so pray that he finishes well and that God would clearly guide the next steps for him. 

 

The view from the 95th Floor John Hancock Building in Chicago

View from MBI of John Hancock

Where our journey started....

Can't stop in Chicago without a wee visit to the Cheesecake Factory

Beautiful city and amazing to think that we lived there for a few years

A wonderful surprise to catch up with Denise (MBI roommate) and Chris in Chicago - so glad it worked out and to meet some of their children.

Excuse my face in this photo - a fly flew into me just as the photo was taken.:)..Cydil and Nathan have been friends from way back.  The number plate is significant as it belonged to the van that Simon and I drove into Albania from Switzerland for their mission, almost 25 years ago.  Thank you for your hospitality - Waggoner's and VanOrman's.

Catching up with Mark and Amy in Washington State.  We were all at MBI together.  Simon and Mark were housemates for a while in Tennessee - thank you for your warm welcome.

On a hike in Idaho and we bumped into another MAFer on the trail - Thanks to the Gorenflo's for their hospitality.

Mike and Sharol Shutts were with us in Uganda.  Fun to catch up with them in Boise, Idaho before security training started.

We definitely feel old - Lukas and Dara were at school with Joshua and Zara in Uganda.  Now they are married, living in Dallas and have a wee girl, Charlotte - such a cutie! So good to catch up with them.

In Dallas visiting more friends and getting a historical tour of the Alamo - fun times together and more memories made.

Zara's first car - woohoo!

Living near the beach!

Where Joshua and Zara are living and where we will be for the next 2.5 months before heading to PNG. Thank you Thomson family!