Friday we packed up the bags, the bed linens, the towels and toothbrushes, Elise's pacifiers, clothing for the hot, clothing for the cold, clothing for the rain, the sun block, and three road maps; stuffed all of it and the kids into the rental car; and after a come-to-Jesus drive through downtown Friday five o'clock traffic in Sydney we finally headed down the coast out to Stanwell park for camp. Church camp.
It was great!
This particular camp was organized by a group from the church and it focused on spiritual direction. The group brought in Sister Anne (I don't remember her last name) from the Paramatta Catholic Diocese to lead us in the sessions. Let me just say that I've been looking forward to camp since I'd first heard about it. They offered childcare during the sessions. Frankly, they could have also told us that camp was also the time of the annual live chicken sacrifices, and as I chased down the unlucky hen with a sharpened ax, I'd have probably thought it a refreshing break from the kids. So, suffice to say, I was a great candidate for spiritual direction training, but it is getting late and I'll have to save the spiritual directions stuff for another time.
But there is so much I could write about. This small church has really opened its arms to Eric and I and our children and we are so grateful. Caleb found playmates and it was fun to hear the unbridled laughter of children at play. And when Caleb, following his new friends lead, shouted, "Yea! It's morning Tea!" I felt a little more a part of our surroundings. Eric and I found a group of people that really seek after Christ and endeavor to put Him on display to the world at large. And wow! The means God has at his disposal in this church--Eric and I have wandered into a very talented group of people. Nadia, for example, who leads a wonderful playgroup that meets three times a week at the church, has brought some of her work for display in the sanctuary. And Eric and I were blown away by one of the members who had written, composed, and recored a beautiful song that she shared in the service. These are just two examples among many. More than their talent we have been impressed by their warmth. A couple has offered to babysit our kids. When I expressed a need for a more manageable stroller, one was offered. They have taken us in and we are humbled and grateful.
On the way back from camp we stopped off at Bald Hill. We had hoped to either see hang gliders or whales but all we saw was this.
Hi Leslie
I just followed your link from the comments on Amy's blog and wanted to say welcome to Australia.I hope you enjoy your stay here.
Bye
Tracy
Posted by: Tracy | July 19, 2006 at 07:10 PM
Leslie, I'm so glad things are starting to feel a little more friendly and familiar. I, selfishly, wish you were still here, but I'm also really loving reading about your experiences in your new (and amazingly gorgeous!) home!
Posted by: Sarah | July 17, 2006 at 12:53 PM
Nothing makes a new home feel like home as much as a church that opens its arms and welcomes you.
Breathtaking photo.
Posted by: Barb | July 17, 2006 at 03:43 AM