August 14th

Played tennis with the girls this morning before Ian arrived. They are hitting the net more often than not! When Ian arrived we went over last weeks activities with Ian and discussed the programme for the week. We are going to have to spend quite a bit of time preparing for our prayer event but we will be involved in all the same things as the last few weeks as well.This afternoon we had to go food shopping again. I shall be so glad when I am not having to live week by week as it is challenging to manage meals and budgets! I had not thought that this would be quite as tricky as it has been.

This evening I went along to sit in on the deacons' meeting. I have only been to one meeting before quite a while ago and I found it a worthwhile experience.

I forgot to say yesterday that a lady at church gave us a crucifix orchid to look at. She said they are quite prolific over here and she has loads in her garden. It is a shame we can't bring any back as they are truly beautiful. She also gave us a custard apple to try - not so beautiful. Still, shouldn't judge a book by its cover. We are going to all try it and see what it tastes like!
P.S. - Custard Apples have a very intense sweet, melon-y flavour, but have a more gooey, sticky texture.

July 24th

I worked on my sermon this morning while Jon took the girls to the park. Ian then came over and we discussed the proposed plan for the week. He seems to think there may not be enough to keep us busy – but I think there will be, as there are several things to prepare for this week. Proposed activities include: conversational English, visiting people, Home Group leading, University Student Ministry, Bridges Group, Garage Sale, event advertising and all that Sunday will bring with Ali preaching and an event called 'The Living Room' in the evening.

This afternoon we went along to the Museum of Queensland which was really interesting. They had so much to look at we didn't finish so we are planning a return visit next week sometime. There were exhibits of stuffed animals (never seen a polar bear so close) and lots of information about animals under threat of extinction. The girls really liked it too, especially Beth - who loves polar bears.

This evening Jon went along to a deacons' meeting while I carried on working on my sermon.

Tomorrow is our official day off, but as we have already planned to go out on Thursday to celebrate Rebekah's birthday, we are hoping to get some planning done for events later in the week that we will be involved in.