AUSTRALIA....so far (this was written 3 weeks ago)

So here we are, embarking on a new journey. As I have told others, we are moving; to a new country, continent and hemisphere. For Luke, this is a big change as well, since coming back to Australia was not something that he had expected. As he has told others, "When I left Australia for Canada in 2006, I didn't think I was coming back."

We have now been here for two weeks, and have visited an ocean area once. It is winter, but in the 20's (upper 70's). I (danielle) have not had multiple moments basking in the sunshine, loving everything, absolutely everything. What I have had are conversations with a loving family that have welcomed me here as a daughter, some theological conversations, and a few driving lessons. I think those kind of moments (with the family that is), are of more weighted value that when Luke and I went driving and I saw some kangaroos, a koala in the next-door neighbors house, and a variety of parrots in our backyard. I think it is easy to underestimate the difficulty in a move, no matter how lovely a place is. People are still people, you are still you, and the realities of job-searching and cultural barriers can be frustrating no matter what part of the globe you touch. Finding any moment of understanding is like a touch of grace given directly from God. That you are not alone, that He sees you and will carry You through the times where something as simple as new slang and shopping in a supermarket can be overwhelming.

Thankfully, with the assistance of the loving Williams family, I am able to ask questions when something like "Your not in my road," or "Go for your life," are said. If I were to make a comparison to an American about this learning process, I would compare it to someone who has not seen text/computer acronyms and then suddenly seeing, LOL, BRB, and the like.

What the true test has been is learning to drive a stick shift. I have had a few moments of screaming, and yes, crying in the car. When something intuitive and once simple becomes a tasking chore, frustration is an automatic response. Luke is a patient teacher, taking me out even when he is tired.

Luke has, for the past couple weeks, been taking the role of his father's job, delivering papers starting between 3:30-4:00am. This has been a challenge for him as well, since jet lag and a general lack of sleep has not allowed him to catch up.

I have been taking it easy, something foreign to me. I am used to taking the reigns, hurrying up and getting to whatever the next step is. Except, as most of you know, Luke and I did not plan or anticipate what it would look like here, we stepped out in obedience to what we felt God was leading us into. Now, this could be some "big" thing, which is what the Christian mind automatically brings us to whenever there is a statement of him leading anything. But at present there is the mystery of just following, and being here is Brisbane could be the simplicity of working and saving, and praying for what life here means. I am seeking a job as a teacher aid, or something related to administrative work (I have a much larger preference for the first thing). The odd thing is, well, for North Americans, is that the school year runs from about March to December, not September to June. So most positions are taken for the 2009 school year, and people might be hiring for 2010. So any positions open are for people who quit mid-year. Please be praying that we can rest that as we seek He is in control.

Thanks for reading, we LOVE when you leave comments (well, I do : )

Be praying for adjustment to life here, to have time for each other, and that we would rest and seek out the Lord for what this initial time is for.

Goodbyes to North America, Road trip.....

Luke and I have been on the road for the past month. We arrived in Nashville, Tennessee last month to hot weather, no trolleys for our baggage, and complete exhaustion. A man came by a offered Luke to help us with our luggage while I left to look for my stepmother, who was waiting for us. Now, if this had happened in Australia, it would have been a sign of helpfulness, as the man offering help would have done it out of generosity and not any expectancy for a tip. So, knowing this, I walked up to Luke, and rubbed my fingertips along my thumb, inciting a wide eyed "Oh!" response. We ended up having to ask Sally for the tip, which ended up being her only bill that happened to be a $20. Her response? "It will be a good day for him."



There were no other mishaps in the American chapter of our experience, I just wonder how many moments there will be like that on my end with coming here.



Being in Tennessee was relaxing, and Luke and I needed that. After moving everything, spending a week visiting friends in neighboring cities, and everything else that comes with moving countries, a time where we could sleep and vegetate was good.



But after that week of relaxation, we went on the road again-this time to Washington D.C. I could give you all the boring details regarding every site we visited, but I will spare you. The only details I will give is that my (danielle) personal favorite museum was the National Portrait Gallery, as well that we had the privilege of seeing someone from our DTS, Jessica Liddle. Luke had not seen her for 5 years (since the school), and I had not seen her for over 2 years. So this was a gift in addition to everything we had the chance to see and experience.

Tennessee and the trip to Washington D.C. was relaxing and hectic, but mainly great to hang out with my Dad and stepmother Sally.

While Tennessee consisted of seeing two people (though we saw some cousins as well), California included seeing friends and family. We had the question asked of us several times "Where do you want to go on this trip?" And our answer was "Well, no where." After living in California for 20 years, I had experienced the myriad of tourist spots- and with Luke's past visitations and a treck across D.C. within the past week, sitting at home with family and hanging out with friends was all we wanted and needed. The real adventure was surviving my sister's kitten, who would mislead you by purring and then going onto to bite your hand within a 10 second period of time.

And the month of visiting ended. It will most likely be several years before we see most of the people we visited in Canada and the United States, though we do know some of the adventurous type whom we hope will come down and explore a bit. We will keep you posted on any recent news coming out of Oz, and any funky or quirky news to come out of here.

Things so far:

1). danielle is learning how to drive a stick shift as well as dealing with learning to drive on the left side of the road.

2). We have already had multiple kangaroo sightings, as well as a koala sighting today.

3).Danielle has already felt a sense of guilt over not tipping a waiter.

4)Luke played a game of soccer this past week.

More to come-If you have any questions let us know.


Please pray for our adjustment, moving to a new place includes culture shock, which can be difficult emotionally.

Good night everyone.

Thanks

Through the travels of the past three weeks, I (Danielle), have come to realize that there is a group of people that regularly check this blog. The past month and a half has been pretty hectic with finishing work, moving, being in Tennessee (with minds completely checked out), driving to Washington D.C., and now being in California. We are presently leaving for Australia this Friday, and there is a feeling of excitement, nervousness and anticipation. We are still unsure of what God has for us there, and we are not assuming anything till He tells us.

I am hoping that this coming season will not be one where I apologize at the beginning of every blog entry for the late update.

I would love to write a full blog now, alas, it shall be unleashed when we have full internet access and are settled in Australia. For now, this is a thank you to those of you that do read this blog, who get annoyed that we are not updating it, and then go ahead and check it again a week later (only to experience the same cycle). We are blessed by you.

On my birthday

at lake louise

Okay, so this is kind of sad.

Not really that anything sad has happened, just that it has been literal ages since we have added on to this slice of life commentary.


So, since it has been a few months, there are some pieces of news to be shared. No, I am not pregnant, so don't ask ; )


We headed over to Calgary after both camps, where we stayed with a friend in the Southeast part of the city (way out in the boonies, for the Aussies, way out of the suburbs (much less interesting way of saying it, but oh well)). We were there for a couple of weeks, and in that time found a home right outside of the downtown core in a basement suite. For you non-Canadians reading this, every home here has a basement, it is a unsaid expectation. In fact, I would go so far to say that if there was not one, it would be a bit of a shock. Anyway, so we are yes, underground. Yes, we have our own entrance. No, we cannot see the outside world. So no, we cannot see if it snows unless we open the front door, which has happened on a few occasions. We love it though, it is small but has all the space we need. We feel very blessed, and when we moved in were moved by the extreme generosity shown to us by professors and students at Luke's school who gave money, groceries and furniture to us. We lacked none of our needs.


So we have been here a few months already! Luke is going to school, taking 3 classes at the moment (Contemporary Spirituality, Leadership Principles and Journeys of Women in the Christian Tradition). It took him a bit to get back into things (you know after taking a break it takes a while), but he is enjoying it. Currently he is reading "The Sacrament of the Present Moment," and is quite enjoying it.


I am working at a non-profit organization with a long, long name. The Developmental Disabilities Resource Centre of Calgary. See? Long name. I have now been there for almost 2 months. I work with adults aged 18-26 about who have developmental disabilities, helping them get job skills, jobs, and helping with educational opportunities. Currently I am supporting a woman who is taking a Word Level I course. The job can be fun, and amazing, and on certain days, probably like every job, boring. But, I am learning and growing in a role and job I have never had before. Currently I am reading "How to be a Canadian: (Even if you already are one)" and find it very funny.

Luke and I are enjoying marriage, and are learning and growing in it. We have been meeting with a couple about every other weekend, and they ask us questions that we do not really think about in the daily grind of life.

We like the city, and it has been refreshing for us being here. We both like being surrounded by people. Sorry prairie peoples, we love you, just not the land.

A few random facts:
1). Luke and I share the cooking, that is a common question for some reason.
2). And the dishes, for that matter. But Luke does the laundry.
3). We will be posting photos soon, sorry for the delay!
4). My dad came to visit with his lively wife Sally. We went to Canmore and Banff, my first stay there ever! Even though I have driven through 4 times!
5). I have officially "nested." From furniture given to us, to Goodwill, dumpster diving and discount stores! It has been good.

Prayer points:
1). That we find a church. We have only been to a few in the city, and searching grew tiring quick.
2). That we will grow as a couple closer to the Lord, and walk in Him with joy.
3). That we will be further connected to a community that will challenge us.

Love,
danielle and luke

Cal - Gary (written as the Canadians would say it).

Hello Everyone,

Currently I (Danielle) am sitting on a couch after many hours of sitting in front of my laptop searching for jobs. The past couple of weeks have been interesting and challenging for Luke and I.

The week after we ended our season with Eagles Nest Ranch, we took a short drive to Whispering Pines, where we stayed the week. Luke had been asked by Shane to talk in the morning chapels, while Shane spoke during the evenings. I was sick (and fatigued) during the entire week, so the only time I was out of bed was for meals and chapels. Things went really well, and it was a good learning experience for Luke to speak in front of about 70 teens.
After camp, we stayed with Shane and Nicki a few days before venturing to Calgary. Since arriving, we have spent hours upon hours on the computer daily. First it was to find a place to live, and now for a job.

At this point, we are staying with a friend, but this week we move to our basement suite- which will be our home for a year. We are so excited about the location, price, everything. Thanks for those of you who were praying! We will be sure to post some photos of the inside to give you an idea of our little abode, and maybe some after I start nesting ; )

Luke has started school this past week, thanks to those who have been supporting us financially. It was such a blessing to just pay for school, and for us to pursue other things like our search for a home and job.

A lot of people have been asking me-what area are looking for a job Danielle? And typically my mind blanks. If you have met me, you know that usually I know exactly what I am doing....all the time. When I walk into a place or situation, I usually have about three steps planned ahead of me, and then another 2 steps if one of those steps don't work. So, coming to Calgary has been more than a stretch for me as someone with the total unknown before her. I have been searching a lot, and thinking and praying, and as of right now am seeking some type of administrative job. I would love to work in Christian or non-profit work, but if that is not possible I hope I can gain experience working as a temp in this type of work so I can move into an admin job in Christian or non-profit work.

So if you keep us in mind, these are things you can pray for...

1). The adjustment period! Luke and I are entering what is considered a more "normal" schedule for married couples, but for us it is new. We know it is going to be stretch at first, especially with all changes taking place.

2). For me to find a job where I can learn and grow, and bless others.

3). For Luke and I to find a church or community of believers where we can journey with others; where we can be challenged and challenge others.

Love you all, again thanks for reading,
Danielle

tooooooo long

Hey Everyone,
It has been far too long since Luke and I have posted something new on here. The internet at the Ranch I am afraid could not handle much, and sometimes would shut down if there was too much going on too many computers-so we decided to just give it a rest, and when camp started, we were so busy we completely lost track of....anything really.
We are actually finished with the SOS program, and are back from Vancouver safe and sound. The program went really well, and we received a lot of encouragement from people who have been around the Ranch for years and actually knew what was going on. For us it was all new, so there were many questions and exhaustion after the first week with a schedule that went from 7am to 10pm Sunday through Friday. Not surprisingly, we slept 14-17 hours each Saturday. Thankfully things did get easier each week once we got used to the schedule of teaching, chapel, cleanup, etc etc.
We were very blessed with 10 people to start, 7 girls and 3 guys. After two weeks, two of the girls had to step out for personal reasons (nothing bad), and so the last week there were 8 SOS and 3 of us leaders. It was definitely different teaching, and it was stretching for Luke and I, as well as our wonderful other leader Lauren-whom we could not have done it all without! Our main time with the team was in the morning, when we had teaching, and helping to do dishes for 300 people after dinner time. Other than that, we organized what jobs the SOS kids would do around the camp each afternoon, see how they were doing, and prepare for outreach. We really felt like the bunch of students that we had were God's grace on us (for doing this the first time!), they were great and nothing major really came up.

VANCOUVER

On July 26th, Luke and I drove a 15 passenger van to Vancouver, which was about an 18 hour drive between us. Our main activities while we were there related to giving out food to the poor and homeless, helping the ministries clean up and organize their buildings, and help lead several worship services at a church off East Hastings. It was challenging, but so good in so many ways. We know the SOSers were really challenged in ways of reaching out to all people, by praying for them, talking with them, and giving them some food.
Now I haven't said this to Luke, but in many ways I feel like the trip was for the teens we took rather than for the people they met. Sure we helped, and we blessed people, but I think the attitudes towards people really changed from when we left to Vancouver than when we left back to the Ranch. I think God really opened up the hearts of the SOSers to have compassion on people, and journey a little with people they never thought they would.

THE PRESENT....FUTURE.....

Luke and I will be returning to Eagles Nest Ranch next week, where I will be helping out on the program team for the week, and Luke will be preparing to help speak at another camp with Shane Fox called Whispering Pines for their Senior High week. We are currently in Calgary, where we are trying to take it easy but also really pray for some things regarding our step out here in September. I have gotten a work visa that lasts till 2010 (thank you Lord!), so I will be praying/looking for a job. Luke and I also need a place to live.

PRAY FOR US FOR CALGARY....

So if you think of us-
1)Pray that we find a place to live, that the Lord will open the doors for somewhere cheap or free.
2) For direction for me (Danielle), where to work and what I should be doing in this stage.
3)For peace and to rest in the Lord in the midst of all the changes.

Love you guys, thanks for reading and praying,

Danielle and Luke