Kindergarten fun, youth mexican night and visit from Trudy

Hey there, here's a little insight into what we've been getting up to recently over here. 

1) Volunteering at a local kindergarten

Lots of fun and a great way for us to get involved in the community. 

Abbie helping the 6 year old girls in their cooking class.

 How cute are those chef hats and aprons.

Tim making sure those boys stay on task.

The whole kindergarten (and it's big!) went on a one 

day excursion to a big park. We joined them:)  

Gotta love the matching kindy bags and orange hats 

(each class has a different coloured hat)

 that they get to make their own with a snazzy patch sewn on. 

Can you spot Tim....?

he's the big kid in the middle just started 

the massive leaf fight which is to follow.

The attack of the pink hats...

Man, autumn is fun! 

One of the sweet young girls picks the leaves from

 Abbie's hair. 

The kids just chilling out in their leaf 

swimming pool they made. 

I can't spot any kids around, can you?

Oh, there they are! They were hiding. 

'

The kids just love Tim.

 He's such a natural with them.

Shoulder rides with Tim. They were lining up for them. 

2) Second youth event at our place

Plenty of mexican food, chatter and games resulted in an awesome evening. 

The girls suss out this slightly strange cuisine. 

The smile says it all!

The array of food

Tim and Taechan

3) A visit from a very good friend - Trudy

Trudy and her family were travelling around Japan and so we were lucky enough

 to spend some quality time with her over 3 days! We lapped it up. 

P.S. Random other bonus pics

The biggest Nashi pear I have ever seen! 

Reflections - What relationships are really about!

"For now I only know in part...

We all have relationships of some sort in our lives. We have family members, work-mates, bosses, friends....and each relationship is a bit different. At times, these connections are what hold us together, what encourage us and what brings us much joy. Other times, they can cause great frustration, hurt and confusion. 

But there's one thing for sure about relationships. They are an opportunity to give to others, not to get from others. To give our hearts and worship to Jesus is the greatest place to start. And then to be continuous and extravagant in the way we give of ourselves to others. And I believe that it tests and strengthens our hearts, and the love we have, when we are able to continue to give  like this when we really don't feel like it. Maybe we feel spent, or we feel like others don't deserve it, or it's not appreciated. But it's very important.   

There's two things in life at the moment that God is sharing with me. First of all is my attitude of thankfulness. Am I appreciating all that I have and what's around me? In fact, I get to do this crazy adventure called life only because of grace in the first place. God's grace. And it's enough to be thankful for every day! 

Second, is this stirring in me of what it means to be a good friend, a great friend. So recently  I've discovered this awesome friendship between David and Jonathon in the book of 1 Samuel. They weren't always in the same location but Jonathon was dedicated and loyal, without fail, to his friend David. In chapter 23 verse 16 Jonathon shows up again and helps David "find strength in God". I'm thinking, do I show up when others are in need and help them to find strength in God? Am I even able to recognise when my friends are in a place where they could do with some extra support? You know, it seems that David didn't have to FB or text Jonathon and ask for some man love. Nope, Jonathon just knew when to turn up. I wanna be that kind of friend (except not so much man love from me I'm afraid). One that is there at the right time, and one that leads others to the strength that only God can give.  

... but then I shall know fully."

(1 Cor 13:12)