Greener

REFLECTIONS
I changed the look of the blog again. I like this one better. It makes me think of one of Jen's famous sayings. It might be the only saying, but if it isn't, then certainly it is the best one. "The grass is greener where you water it."

When we decided to move to New Zealand, I think I was operating out of the age old "the grass is greener on the other side" ethos. I wanted to change. I wanted a new start. Yes, I was running away and not. We moved cause I felt stuck. I thought maybe moving would punt us forward or somewhere. I could not tell you if that is true or not today, but I can say we are right where we should be. We have a strong peace about being here, at least for now.

We are going on 1 year 3 months in New Zealand. Dillon just had his second birthday here and Corban is approaching his this Tuesday. I'm thinking time flies fast. Corban is nearly seven. It is amazing to think that he was just a gummy bear when we first drove through Waikanae. We went through so fast and the town is so small, I doubt we even noticed it. Now we are here.  

Looking over the last year, I think we have all grown. We are progressing in life, vocation and tummy size. I will reflect on those more specifically sometime. We aren't growing cause moving here fixed us, gave us a second chance at life or even a new beginning. It is neither better nor worse in New Zealand. It is just different. Nevertheless, we are getting greener. I guess it is happening cause we are being watered. Our life is richly satisfying and I am proud of so many things over the last year.  

DAILY DETAILS

Today we had coffee with some new friends from England. They are local pastors who just moved here. Jen has connected well with Kay and I with Tim. We went to the windy beach and collected shells, threw the frisbee and talked of life.

Later, the boys and I filled the wood box. We ate lollies and changed the bunks around again. Dillon and Eliot have decided they want to sleep in the same room, on the same bed, but with two beds (just in case). I did man things: cleaned the gutters, pulled giant weeds, used my drill. Jen was out shopping for some gifts for our new program director and his family arriving tomorrow. We are excited for them to arrive. They are on the mission of Jesus like us. They are Americans. Somehow, it is comforting to have someone else from home to whom we can relate more. This evening, I had a spa; Eliot spilled my wine on the floor, my macbook and me. I got very angry. I got over it and we forgave each other. Jen and I will end our Sabbath with a movie- My Sister's Keeper. It was a good day.

Almost a year since Jen posted

Hi friends,

Jen has given up on posting on this. Frankly, I forgot we had it. So, I am writing a short update on our life.

We are entering our second winter in New Zealand. I can now say with confidence, Santa Cruz had nicer weather. (Boooooo). Weather here is inclement and changes often daily. I guess I shouldn't be surprised--it is an island after all.

The boys are getting big. I am constantly blown away at how fast they are growing and how adaptable they are. I'm proud of them and they teach me so much about life. Jen is a superstar who does so much it seems thanks is simply an insult. I feel quite lucky to be here, with my family, doing something I love doing.

Oh, yeah, how's the job? I love it. It is crazy, challenging and never ceases to surprise me, but I am daily convinced this is what I'm meant to do and feel God's pleasure when I do it. El Rancho is a special place and I know in time it will become so much a part of our story. Now it still seems new. I have completed a year and a few months here and I still feel a bit like I'm on vacation. I wonder when we will go home back to Capitola and go back to life as usual, but am quickly reminded that this is home and we are living life as usual (which is unusual mostly). I fed Alpacas and Emus today. I spilled feed on my head. (Don't ask me how). I tried to stay home from work today, but went in for a couple meetings and didn't actually get done what I hoped. That's ok since I have tomorrow. I'm mostly content and happy with work, but need to get away more for reflection and prayer. I am better after I have had time alone and need to do it regularly.

I'm spending a lot of time lately wondering what I like to do besides work. I really like to work. I always have. I remember beginning as a volunteer when I was 12 or something. I loved going to work and doing something significant. I'm still the same. That life has left me wondering though, what do I like to do for a hobby? I don't know. I know I like to be on the water, but never surf. The surf here sucks anyway. I can't afford a sailboat and certainly don't have time for it. I would love a beagle, but then I would sacrifice a wife. no go there. I like working out, but don't. I love to dance, but am scared to get my groove on. I could rollerskate, but there isnt a rink. I love to eat, but it makes me fat. I love TV, but that makes me fat and lazy. I love reading, but that is harder to do with kids this age. It's hard to find a new thing.

I think I will begin to dance and workout or buy a kayak or something. I want to spend time on things I say, "I love this!"

That's life for me. Hope you got a glimpse. Perhaps I will write more and update our blog. I love to write. :)