Update - August 16, 2010

Hi everyone,
We’ve been in Australia nearly two weeks and are settling into life here. I figured its time to give an update and share how things have developed. As you’re aware its winter here and quite cold, but we’re acclimating and it doesn’t seem as cold as it was. Plus, after visiting Kmart and the local mall we picked up some cold weather gear, which has been a blessing.

We bought a car a week ago, registered it with RTA (our DMV), got it insured, and now Christy and I are driving around, exploring the land. We got a great deal on a 2000 Toyota Avalon, with about 58,000 miles on it. It’s a deluxe model and has all the bells and whistles, including a sun roof (and it all works!). Best of all we got the car at a price well under its value. Praise the Lord!

I’ve picked up a wetsuit (fullsuit), booties, and am borrowing a surfboard so I’ve been able to get in the water and surf a few times. Its cold but a blessing and good fun. We had a huge south swell a few days ago but it was closing out everywhere.

We visited an Anglican church last Sunday just to get a feel for the traditional style of ministry here in the Northern Beaches. We met some wonderful people and had a great time. The service was different than what we’re used to but it was a blessing nonetheless. We visited Calvary Chapel Sydney yesterday for their Sunday service and again met a bunch of great people. It was neat to find out they’d been praying for us and knew us by name. After the service we were surprised to find it hailing. Jesse and Nina, along with a bunch of other kids were all outside running around in the hail. Fortunately the hail stones weren’t too big, so it didn’t hurt.

Last night we went to Greg and Simon’s for dinner and bible study. We had our first bible study here in the Northern Beaches, just the four of us and our kids. One thing that was so cool was Malena (15yr old daughter) took all the kids out to the lanai and taught a bible study to them. It was totally spontaneous and unplanned. And the Lord really touched the boys through what she shared! I was more stoked about this than what we were doing, maybe that’s just the proud papa in me.

Today the kids started school (A Beka homeschool), its been a long day for them. Our internet connection isn’t that great here so their video feeds have had delays, pauses and glitches. If anyone happens to have the DVD’s for the A Beka coursework they’re not using, we sure could use it. We need it for grades 10, 8, and 5.

Also today I had a meeting with a man named Greg Clarke of Camp Kidron. It’s a Christian camp that runs camps year round, from a weekend retreat to 3wk events. It’s a beautiful facility and I really enjoyed talking with Greg. He’s a great humble guy who loves the Lord. We met to explore employment and visa options for me. Not sure it will transpire to any kind of long term visa, but we had a great talk and I look forward to working together camp kidron in the future.

We met a really neat family, Scott and Kathy Mclean and had lunch with them last week. Scott’s got his feelers out for us regarding a job and visas. We’ve also been spending a lot of time with Greg and Simone Anderson. Between these two families and others we’ve really been made to feel welcome. We’re excited to see how things unfold with them as it relates to ministry and fellowship.

Prayer needs:
1. The kids get into a smooth routine with home schooling and the internet problems are solved. Perhaps the Lord would provide DVD’s of their classes?
2. Long term visas.
3. A job that would provide a sponsorship visa
4. We have accommodations till the end of September then we’ll have to find something else. God’s direction and provision for this.

That’s all for now, blessings to you all. Thanks for your prayers.
Brad, Christy, Malena, Jesse, & Nina Hall