Nashville, 24 July, 7.11am

Well it is a beautiful summer morning here in Nashville. Here is the view from Matt and Marys back veranda. We can't get over how green it is everywhere.

Everyone is still asleep, I think Jetlag finally has won with the boys! Ha, I was beginning to wonder if they were actually human.

Arrived in Nashville TN!

Well this 1.30 this afternoon (US time) we arrived in Nashville TN after a mammoth haul across the Pacific Ocean to LAX and then on to Matt and Marys house. We are so thankful that the trip went smoothly, the 3 boys are fine and are actually going hyperactive from too much sleeping on the plane... No I don't get it either. Anyway gotta crash and before that threaten the boys if they don't go to sleep there'll be some action!! G'night.
PS here's a photo of the boys playing with some crazy dogs while Dad takes his first driving lesson with Michael Smallbone, yes thats right, you heard it Will is now driving in Nashville!!

Arrived in LAX!

Having arrived at Los Angeles Airport city we actually made it out with all our seven bags and five carry on. Fergus insisted we have Hotdogs, so we did!!
We then got a bus over to the Traveloge and crashed into bed. The boys were so tired but none of them complained. You can see how they were when we tried to get them up at five this morning for breaky before heading back to LAX to catch the 8.50am flight to Nashville. We had a good laugh when we headed down to the free continental breakfast, we could have eaten donuts, bagels, sugary cinamon scrolls and cold boiled eggs. We are so hopless at fitting in - we all opted for toast and jam... sorry jelly.
Here's a photo of the boys this morning, we're to ashamed to post how Nerida and I felt.

Flying to the USA!

Here we are flying to Los Angeles. Somewhere over the Pacific Ocean.

A day of goodbyes

Today was sad. We had lunch and catch up time with family and friends. I never thought I would feel so weird, kinda homesick before we even leave, and it's even worse when Nerida's Mum and sisters start crying everywhere. Anyway I managed to get the kids in the car after they had drank enough red fizzy drink to send an army nuts. We got to my parents place to say more goodbyes and it started all over again, the tears I mean. I'll be glad when the goodbyes are over, it's tough on us.

My Dad (and Mum) is AWESOME!

Now I know that most boys idolise their Dads. But I have to admit that more I live the more I love my Dad and want to be like him.
He is a simple humble man of God, not perfect but willing to admit it... Pastors need to be like that, I want to be like that.
He is generous, kind and slow to speak, but when he does speak everyone who knows him listens. I want to be a man like that.
He is hard working and loves building things. He always does his best and once he starts something he finishes it. I want to be like that.
He loves his family and his family love and adore him. I want my wife and boys to always do the same.
My Dad is 65+ but get this... he's still up for shifting my wife's piano... and for that he takes the cake when it comes to being the most amazing Dad I know. I don't know of any Pastors his age still willing to get their hands dirty shifting pianos. I want to be that Pastor.
Dad I love you, you and Mum you are the best.

Big Days

Yesterday was our last day at Newlife. It was a day of mixed emotions but it was the perfect send-off. The boys had a last visit to our house. They were so excited to see it all painted and clean!!
Today we jumped right into a Ridley church planting assessment with Steve Addison. It was a big weekend... I haven't really slept well for the last few days, but it is transition time.