After an epic journey we are waking up this morning on the other side of the world (although it feels like I shouldn’t call it that if we are moving here).  The travel was great.  Just a few moments of turbulence but nothing to stress inducing.  Shay was an awesome traveler for someone that was nervous about flying this far.  She did great (probably because she sleep most of the 16 hour flight).  wish I could say the same.  I sleep about 5 hours on the flight. 

Steve and B met us as we came of the plane and we headed straight to their lovely house to unpack and get settled.  It was great to have a quick catch up with them.  We got settled and then took our first expedition to Little Creatures (a Fremantle brewery and restaurant).  It was great to hang out and watch people.  B pointed out that the four of us and only a few more of the patrons there had any connection with church or knew Christ.  This can give you a sense of hopelessness and hopeful excitement at the same time (and as believers in a sovereign God we can hold both those seemingly contradictory terms).  The fields are white to harvest.  We also put are feet in the Indian Ocean.  It is beautiful and i can’t wait to spend more time there.

Things to pray about for those of you that are praying:

1. our children and Megan and Lydia.  They are doing great (just Skype with them) but your prayers are an important reason for that (and the meals many of you are bringing.)

2. for us that we will rest in God and take all this in.  It is hard for me to not rush into strategy and planning.  Our hearts continue to turn towards Oz and her people.

3. for Australia.  As we drove around the town I spotted only 3 church buildings; I know that this does not equate to the number of believers and that many churches does not mean true relationship with God; but it is an external sign of an internal reality of the hearts of the australian people.

4. for Perth. 1500 people new people move to Perth each week.  It is growing and this causes stress on infrastructure and relationships.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support.  Thank you for being our partners and family.

Side note:  Kangaroo meat is really good. (not sure why Jack in the Box got in trouble in the states in the late 80’s for serving it)

Side note 2: We arrived on the first day of summer here in Perth.  Pretty great!