On to Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast!
After NZ, we had a 10 day layover in Brisbane. We stayed at the YWAM Brisbane base and had the opportunity to reconnect with several people that we had met at other YWAM events. Big B and I gave a class one day on "Business and Finance" - we also did one-on-one consultations with those who were interested in having their own side business to supplement their income (all YWAM staff live off of support from churches, friends, family, etc. and with the economy the way it is, they are looking for other ways to earn money).

We also had the privelage of catering SUSHI for our good friends' engagement party...congratulations Juan Woo!



















And we visited the Sunshine Coast...three times, but unfortunately it was either rainy or chilly each time so we didn't swim at all there. But it did have long, sandy beaches and big waves! We also saw a bunch of kite surfers and wind surfers on one beach - I think we counted 25 at one time! It was really fun to watch them - it's Big B's dream to kite surf!

Here's my precious friend, Rhoda...she's from Canada but married an Irishman and they will be moving to Ireland to start a YWAM base in Dublin next year! We can't wait to visit them there...

I know, I know...you probably think we fell off the face of the earth as it's been so long since we've updated. Guess we have really been taking it easy! Actually, it's been a bit busy lately, believe it or not. So, there are several things to update you on:

Our visit to New Zealand...all I can say is WOW! If you ever have a chance to visit NZ, do it! This was a beautiful country - we only wished we could have stayed longer. It was just what I imagined and more...beautiful rolling green hills with sheep speckling the pastures, mountains with snow tips falling into the ocean...oh, so amazing. We spent our time on the South Island. The weather was a bit chilly but we were ready for some cool weather! We spent two days in Christchurch which was a modern yet quaint city...the city square was filled with boardwalks of shopping and coffee shops. We also headed to Waipara Valley, which has a bunch of wineries/vineyards, and on the way we stopped at a few beaches - very cool to see the mountains with snow tips touch the ocean! And we almost literally ran into sheep on the road - they were being hearded to get their hair cut! We also soaked in the hot springs at Hamner Springs. The people were very nice and we met some wonderful Christians too!