Friday night Ken began a new Bible study series with the youth called "Identity." He is focusing on what our purpose is in life, who we are, etc. Some of the youth seem lost, but others are really getting into it. He's been splitting them into smaller groups and I lead one of those cell groups. I think that although it might be challenging some, that through the cell groups they will be able to understand that our identity is in Christ. It's interesting to work with them since a lot of them have not really had any strong Bible study in their life and so don't really know anything about their faith. There is a lot of room for growth, but that's the exciting part, especially since they want to grow.
After youth night, we met up with Jennifer and Sam at The Brewer's Apprentice for a few drinks. We huddled around the fire outside until midnight having a great time. Ken and I are excited to hang out again with some younger people from outside the church. It is a great way to relax, and get away from the "work" scene.
Saturday we took it easy and began to finish our wedding photo album. It's been a lot of work, picking out just the right pictures, but we're just about done! We've enjoyed re-living June 9th through the photos...
Monday we decided to hike the Manawatu Gorge, which is only 15 minutes away from our house. Enjoy the pictures and awesome views of the Turbines (windmills).
Turbines in the fog
See the arms peaking over the trees?
Serious mudpits going on here!...as well as a few monkies swinging in the trees.
We ended the day in Woodville to enjoy some of their famous cheesecake, but the store was closed! So we did the next best thing, and went to the Tui brewery. It was really fun munching on trail mix and tasting their different beers. Yes, we're true Lutherans.
Monday evening was the Palmerston North Choral Society's choir practice for the Bach Christmas Oratorio. I attended and think I will join to continue voice training through choral experience. The concert will be December 8th.
Overall, we are finally starting to feel like this is home. Ken is busy with the youth programs as well as starting to rethink the children's minsitry here. I am getting ready to start the next issue of The Olive Tree as editor, am creating lesson plans to teach my students theory in easy-to-understand ways, and am brainstorming new ideas for incorporating music into the pre-school program (Little Doves) that St. Luke's is running. At the moment, it is not reaching out to the community because it is in dire need of organization. However, having a cuppa with one of the women who is involved with it, we created a vision for it, using music and dance (where I come in)! Lots of exciting things going on!
Thank you for your prayers and thoughts. We really feel blessed and thankful for your support. Please continue to keep us in your prayers that we use our blessings to be a blessing to others (Gen 12:2), for that is our purpose - to use the blessings He gives, to bless others.
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