Miller Adventures

2010-10-06T04:44:00.000-07:00

WOW - two and a bit years later and we decided to reinvigorate a blog...
So since the last write up, not one BUT two kids.... someone said that one kid is a pet and two is a zoo, well they were right. Two kids are incredible and so much fun - what a joy to share life with such exceptional gifts from God!

Today I was reading that your digital footprint will outlast you as a person... a kind of online history tag... that is scary to think that future generations can look at your digital path of life and you better hope that you are looking at the right things and leaving the right legacy!

39 weeks

2008-03-04T04:49:00.000-08:00

Hello all -

Katie is now 39 weeks on and looking absolutely sensational. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we get ready to welcome Miller Junior to the family.

36 and a bit weeks

2008-02-12T10:20:00.000-08:00

So we are back home, settling in and getting ready for baby Miller to make a grand entrance... Katie is looking absolutely fabulous.

Since we have returned home we have celebrated weddings together, plenty of birthdays and even Katie's very own baby shower where we were once again blessed beyond description.

Germany and Switzerland

2007-12-12T06:12:00.000-08:00

Well the year is very almost over and our travels are coming to an end, which is both an exciting and daunting prospect.

Our last week in Europe was spent with family, Andrew, Ellen and Timothy Antizovich. They were the most wonderful hosts and we were able to explore so many beautiful places in and around the German Black Forrest and Switzerland. They live in a beautiful German town on the Swiss border and from there we ventured out to discover the Rhein Falls, beautiful alpine villages tucked away in the mountains and even Zurich - what a sensational week for us!

We were also fortunate enough to see Pete's cousin Chris and his beautiful family who live in Switzerland. They treated us to a great night with their girls and we were able to share in the immense joys of growing families together - thank you all so much!

Our New Nephew

2007-12-12T06:07:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the world Micah Anthony John Miller!

Yes, before we are to be parents, we have the pleasure of being uncle and aunt again to my brothers first child - Micah!

Taryn and Jono are both so excited and thrilled to welcome the little man into the world and I hear he is already laid back like his dad and on time like his mother (arriving on due day). Children truly are a blessing from God!

Assisi

2007-11-22T06:32:00.000-08:00

So we left the beauty of the Alps and headed south in search of heat - but alas it seems the whole of Europe is cold at this time of year! We are going to come back very pale!

Anyhow, we are now is Assisi at our final week of timeshare, thanks again Mom and Dad. Assisi is a quaint although touristy village on the slopes of the mountain. An amazing place, old and rustic with city walls and gates and packed with churches and monasteries. It has been remarkable to see history first-hand and the work of St Francis of Assisi - very challenging for us today.

We have spent lots of time walking, playing tennis and chatting (yes there still are things to talk about)

Looking forward to seeing the team in SA in a month!

Growing and Shrinking

2007-11-18T05:33:00.001-08:00

The Italian Alps

2007-11-12T11:36:00.000-08:00

So we made it over the alps after a few challenging days on the roads- racing Germans on the autobahn and discovering the challenges of white powdery snow and how slippery it is... but we made it to Italy and wow this is really beautiful.

We are staying on the banks of the mountains and there is snow all around us but each day has had great sunshine if not a little cold! We have been on beautiful walks, the first through the vineyards on the mountains and the second in the snow at the base of the breathtaking Dolomite mountains. So all in all, absolutely fantastic.

Thank you everyone for your thoughts and please keep the Heyes family in your prayers.

Stam Stam

2007-11-11T11:23:00.000-08:00

So we went back to our roots in search of the mysterious milk man and surprisingly there were many Dutch men who looked tall blonde and curly haired.... but none quite like me and so I am 100% Miller! This is the place where I was born and it was symbolic being back there as we are about to be parents!

We had three great days in Holland with our friends Ramses and Sanne who took us around Delft, Den Haag and finally on a day cycling through Amsterdam. All in all an excellent few days in a beautiful country with very warm and friendly people. Thank you to Sanne and Ramses and your families for you amazing hospitality!

Its Miller Time!

2007-10-31T05:53:00.000-07:00

Katie and I have just spent the most wonderful week in Devon with our great family. We stayed with our Uncle Adrian and Julia in their beautiful home in Kennerleigh - a real haven in the countryside where we got busy picking apples, chopping wood and catching fish - brilliant fun! We also got to spend good quality time with the Miller Sproglets. Two of our cousins have had children in the past 2 years and we got glorious time getting to know the little personalities and lots of advice - thank you everyone for such an excellent week - we absolutely loved it!

Big Brother Bonus

2007-10-31T05:13:00.000-07:00

So we are in the UK and have enjoyed seeing so many friends and family. We headed to Braford on Avon to spend time with Granny for her 82nd birthday and one of the great presents was that Jono joined in on the fun! Jono was over on business with the Louis Group and so we had three fabulous days with him at Granny's house as well as with the Miller clan in Devon where we shared a great afternoon with our cousins and their kids - thank you Jono!

Miller Junior

2007-10-21T12:14:00.000-07:00

This week, Katie and I went for our first scan to see our beautiful child... and you know that this child is fearfully and wonderfully made! Although no exhibitionist, it was an incredible experience that was overwhelming of just what a miracle life really is.

So here is a picture of the youngest Miller!

Matt Hosack the bachelor

2007-10-16T05:24:00.000-07:00

22 boys - mostly Zimbo's two barges and three days of extreme silliness and good times. It was fantastic to see a very good friend Matthew Hosack and share his bachelors with him and his good friends. It was a superb weekend aboard the barges and we enjoyed watching the world cup semi final together!

Matt and Leigh make a sensational couple - what a delight to share a part of their lives with them.

England - land of the Saffer

2007-10-16T05:07:00.000-07:00

So to anyone who feels out of touch with old South African friends, head to London where they all seem to congregate!

What a treat on our very first day to London, Jono Mac had organised a get together for the ruggers with many great friends!

Thank you one and all for being great friends and for coming to see the three of us - what a pleasure!

Pregnant in Paris

2007-10-04T10:29:00.000-07:00

OK, so my brother in law proposed in Paris but I thought I could do one better... and I walked around Paris with my two favourite people! Katie will be 18 weeks pregnant tomorrow and is looking fantastic!

Paris is a beautiful city, so very romantic and incredibly beautiful. It is also awash with rugby flags and people donned in all black jerseys! Even Eiffel tower has a huge rugby ball in the middle of it! Anyhow, the three of us had an amazing time exploring the sights and sounds of Paris and even shared a night cycling through the city on a brilliant cycle tour - what a hoot!

17 weeks in Amalfi

2007-09-28T11:38:00.001-07:00

No, we are NOT staying in Amalfi for 17 weeks, although this place is absolutely beautiful... But Katie is officially 17 weeks pregnant and looking great! She is getting lots of exercise and plenty of Italian wine and coffee... no loads of sun, relax and good food. We have had an excellent few days on the Amalfi coast and enjoyed every minute, this coast line is rugged with each little village carved out of the cliffs making a maze of alleyways and stairwells - very quaint and intriguing and oh so Italian.

This is a picture of Katie at 17 weeks with a little Soccer T shirt for our bambino whether boy or girl they will love the beautiful game. Keep Katie and the newest Miller in your prayers! Ciao

Roma Italy

2007-09-28T11:19:00.000-07:00

OK so yes, we have had a phenomenal trip thus far and are finally on the last leg of our adventure - Europe and the UK....

Our first stop was Rome. It truly feels like a movie set where ancient warriors and gladiators do battle with poets and scholars - it is amazing to walk these ancient streets and see these phenomenal sights that smack you in the face. We explored the streets for two days revelling in the cobble street alleyways and coffee bars, looking at the amazing churches and buildings and generally being incredibly touristy!

So if anyone hasn't guessed Rome is a must see, truly a city in which it is a pleasure to lose yourself and then amble your way out reciting Italian pleasantries!

Thank you Canada

2007-09-20T17:20:00.000-07:00

So tomorrow we leave the incredible country of Canada and take with us, the sweet memories of great friendships and incredible times spent together. So we didn't see a moose, a mounty or even a bear... but we have shared so many amazing memories with such brilliant people. From frisbee golf and morning dip, to FICS sessions and sectional nights, from cottage time on the lakes to canoe trips through Temagami river... from the sky scrapers of Toronto to the cuisine of Montreal - but most of all to everyone we have had the pleasure of meeting and sharing life, moments and stories together - thank you... we are richer people because of you all...

P.s. this photo does not include all of you as we would need a wall for all the people who have crept into our hearts. Special thanks to our amazing family Sheena, Doug, Mark and Michelle for your hospitality and love.

Ottawa and Montreal

2007-09-16T11:19:00.000-07:00

So the four South Africans headed out on a Road Trip baby (www.thebassons.com)... we rented a seriously large American sedan and headed for the country capital Ottawa. We joined our good friend Michelle for her birthday and shared a great meal with her digs before wandering the streets of this beautiful city at night. The next day we headed up to Montreal - a European city in the wrong continent... an we then went and had a phenomenal experience at a restaurant called Onoir (in the dark) www.onoir.com It is a restaurant created by the blind society and the entire dining experience is done in complete darkness - a really interesting and unique experience. What a great couple of days in Ottawa and Montreal!

Cottage time

2007-09-16T11:16:00.000-07:00

After a long and rewarding summer at camp, Katie and I were so fortunate to have a week at our Uncle and Aunt's cottage on Lake Simcoe - we enjoyed a week of walking, eating, sunsets and quality time together. Our family have been amazingly generous with their time and care that they have shown and we so enjoyed our week at the cottage as well as a few days in their beautiful home in Oakville - Doug even got me to play in a South African business association golf day...

FUEL week

2007-09-16T11:05:00.000-07:00

Ok - so it was the last week of Summer here in Canada and we were working at the camp to celebrate a youth week of fun and festivities... the week was for youth between the age of 14 and 17 and both Katie and I were chalet leaders - living in the chalets with 5 campers what a hoot! The whole week was based on a New York theme and we played team games and had live concerts, fete evenings and many more incredible memories... all in all a fantastic week with all the kids celebrating to the max!

11 Weeks and growing

2007-08-12T09:24:00.000-07:00

So here we are in the land of the moose and the mounty - in a place where the lakes and forrests collide!

This is a great place to be with my lady and the bump! Katie is doing really well and this week the bump started to appear! Although camp is tiring and fairly busy, it is good to be able to have this time together to connect.

On that note, camp is going well and we are enjoying time with all the kids and the amazing staff team here.

So watch this blog to see her grow... go you good thing go!

Miller Announcement

2007-07-29T11:01:00.000-07:00

Our God truly has a sense of humour! It is true - a once off waterfall experience in Yosemite National Park with photos to prove it and we are pregnant! Definitely unplanned but definitely wanted! It has taken us two weeks to process this news but we feel as though we are at a place where we can share this news and are delighted. The next time many of you see us Katie will be six months preggie – hectic. Please keep us in your prayers as everything is a little uncertain in a foreign country. We love you guys and trust that you will be part of the new generation of Millers.

Canadian adventures

2007-07-19T12:50:00.000-07:00

Canoeing and camping, campfires and sunsets....
Supposedly we are helping train the next generation of camp leaders but boy is this fun... although 16 year old never ever run out of energy! Our days begin at 7 with prayer and continue until 11pm with room groups and discussions and what is packed in is leadership courses, bible study and plenty of fun.

Needless to say that we are absolutely loving it! The staff team here are also absolutely fantastic and have really become a close knit family for us... they are an extraordinary blend of people from so many amazing places and we have such a good time together.

As you can see from the picture above, we have a great small group of 16 and 17 year olds who are being trained to lead at camp. Both Katie and I were so blessed by people who are passionate to lead.

I am still on the lookout for the `Canadian moose and mounty...what a fabulous place!

Canadian Adventure

2007-07-14T13:58:00.000-07:00

Hello gang -

So sorry that we haven't been in contact of late!
We are currently in the wilds of Canada at the most incredible summer
camp - Ontario Pioneer camp. Our days are jammed full of adventures
with teenagers who are aiming to be leaders at the camps. That said, we
have just returned from a 4 day canoe trip in the wild which was
incredible. We camped in the rain and shot a few rapids as well as
enjoyed so many amazing sites, campfires and millions ofmozzies together! (Yes Canada has Mozzies and loads of them)

Anyhow,
as the camp is in the boondocks, we have been out of contact with
everyone - SORRY. We have one day off a week and so will try and get in
touch via email on those days.

BUT look forward to hearing from you all and yes we are still here and are loving life together!!!!!!

Rocking Rchmond

2007-06-27T13:04:00.000-07:00

From San Francisco we headed through to Richmond Virginian to see some of the most fabulous people in the world! We flew through to Washington DC only to miss the connecting train and so decided to rent a car and head for Richmond... only to end up in a dubious motel at 1:45am... but the following day we hunted down Lee Ann and Dan Timms and proceeded to have 2 absolutely fabulous days together!

They are here in the states with their awesome band - SACRED STAND! (www.sacredstand.com) We were able to hang out with the band and spend genuine quality time with the great couple who are officially pregnant.

What a great few days with special friends and an awesome band!

Yosemite

2007-06-19T15:04:00.001-07:00

Yosemite national park - the jewel of the States!

Where does one even begin to explain a place where waterfalls cascade down 5000 foot granite walls, where these massive granite mountains rise to 12000 feet with beautiful rolling meadows, stunning streams and dollops of snow all around. How do you explain that climbing half dome is awesome and exilarating as you have to scramble and pull yourself up chains to reach the summit!

Our first few nights in the park were spent in Tuolomne Meadows high up in the mountains on the banks of a river. Did you know that if you put Katie near a stream at night she has to wake up to Pee often! But hiking in the upper reaches of the park is stunning and we were priveleged enough to see so many amazing natural wonders. There are also these awesome contraptions called bear boxes - as the bear problem is much like the baboon problem in the cape. So all food, liquid and smellies have to go in the bear box at all times - this is one way to freak out my wife who know has a bear phobia as well as a baboon phobia!

So 6 days in Yosemite and plenty of hiking, climbing and swimming in the alpine lakes, waterfalls and streams must go down as a true highlights. We even had to have a few 'illegal' showers in the waterfalls as we started to stink - I mean how can you go to church dirty on a sunday?

Thanks again to the Potters for making this all possible.

Lake Tahoe

2007-06-19T14:56:00.000-07:00

Ok, so we are getting a few jealous comments from working friends who are getting a little bitter and twisted that we are having so much fun!

So I would like to tell you that our trip has slowed down but that would be a lie... we have just been given an amazing car to cruise through the states from the awesome Potters! They even donated a few basic camping necessities like a stove and a tent, we made up the rest with plastic knives and forks etc. We then hit the camping world for 8 days and these americans don't believe in showers - so we are officially the mountain couple...

Anyhow, Lake Tahoe is the 2nd largest alpine lake in the world with unbelievable mountains and forests that surround the lake. We enjoyed every aspect of this lake by first mountain biking through some of the awesome scenery and then the next day climbing mount Tallac - the second highest mountain in Lake area - with views that were 360 spectacular!!!!

Lake Tahoe truly is an amazing place.... and if the travelling isn't enough to make you sick - well our relationship is also getting better... we have learnt to laugh more, fight better and just chill out together and not take life to seriously - at all times maintain a sense of humour, even when we smell!

P.s. we have been playing in the snow which is absurd because it is super hot. Snow and a sun tan - what a combination! We have built snow men and slid through the snow like 5 year olds - awesome!

San Fran Cisco

2007-06-08T17:14:00.000-07:00

Now we're going to San Fran Cisco... don't forget to have a mullet in your hair!

This is a hippy hilarious city full of awesome sights, great chow and some really fabulous people. We have been staying with the Potter family who are not only incredibly hospitable and caring but also a distinct reminder of home! They have shown us some great sights and outdoors, we have eaten some amazing food and shared some quality moments.

Auckland and out

2007-06-08T17:09:00.000-07:00

Family is a funny thing - it is always there for you and so often is full of fabulous surprises. We have been fortunate enough to stay with Pastor Ken Dew and his fabulous family who really have a great thing going in NZ. He is also a great friend of my Dad's and together they are reshaping the australasian landscape for good.

Anyhow, Auckland was a time of Wedding showers, basketball matches, touring, church services and hang time with quality new friends - Alana and Jordan! What a special way to finish off our splendid trip to New Zealand and thank you one and all for your hospitality and love.

We have absolutely loved New Zealand and will be back!

New Zealand North Island

2007-06-08T17:05:00.001-07:00

WOW -

OK so my Dad has a secret sister that he hid from us for all these years - she is fabulous and is married to a quality New Zealand farmer and together they make an awesome team who happen to live in one of the most beautiful parts of the country. Fizz and Selby are as close to Millers as you are likely to find and are just extraordinary hosts and now friends - thank you for showing us the sheep farming, cheese making and fashion capitals of New Zealand - Havelock North.

Katie and I also thoroughly enjoyed Mountain biking Lake Taupo on some awesome single track and then spent a night in the wickedly stinky Rotarua - the land of eggy backleashing breezes. We sure have enjoyed our time in the North island... next stop Auckland.

Jonathan Nicholas Reynders

2007-06-08T17:02:00.000-07:00

The family sure is growing!

A massive congratulations to Fee, Dave and Timothy on the arrival of Jonathan! We sure are proud aunts and uncles and are excited to see Jono at Christmas time.

I think this has to have been the hardest day to be away from home, but we are holding everyone in our thoughts and prayers at this exciting time...

Well done team!

Down the river without a paddle

2007-06-04T18:36:00.000-07:00

ABEL TASMAN

Right picture this, a national park along a magnificent coastline with pristine beaches, seals frolicking in the surf and amazing islands dotted up the shoreline... now think the only way to get there is either by kayak or on foot... So we rented a kayak and headed along the coast visiting remote beaches and exploring the sea with some rather intriguing swell at times that made you respect the sea and its power! So after a day of paddling and working through the swell - well done GI Katie - we made it to the hut in the forest where we were to spend the night with our fellow travellers and a few local mice! In the morning we left early to hunt the sun rise and found an awesome beach that faced the oncoming glory and watched the sun rise in all its splendour - it is in these moments where you know there must be a creator!

So anyhow, the paddle in was fabulous and the 11km walk out was also spectacular as you walk home along the coastal track and admire the view from the top on your way back to civilization.... all in all a truly memorable experience and a real highlight of our New Zealand exploration.

Hamner springs

2007-05-23T02:53:00.000-07:00

We arrived in Christchurch on Saturday and were hosted by the awesome Paul and Tanya Jack who are such a fabulous couple. We were treated to roast lamb before the Bulls won the super 14.... Then on Sunday Pete preached in Every Nation Christchurch and God is faithful to bring a word in season!

On Monday we were fortunate to be taken to a great spot called Hamner Springs with Volcanic sulphur hot pools and beautiful views and sights - it was an excellent day with awesome people.

We have also thoroughly enjoyed staying with the Wewege family - an absolutely awesome team and although Pastor Bernard has not been well - they still exude such warmth and love. Thank you all!

Hansel

2007-05-23T02:50:00.000-07:00

Right so i let a New Zealander loose on my hair and the final product... Hansel! Now all I need is a Zoolander to make this duo complete...

Fox glacier

2007-05-23T02:41:00.000-07:00

Right now this may sound absolutely bizarre to all the Saffers out there - but in New Zealand there is snow and ice and a heck of a lot of it - in fact there is a whole mountain made of ice...but before I show my complete ignorance on the reasons behind glaciers and the way in which they move and change, may I just say that we have climbed one and man it was an unbelievable experience. In short, Fox glacier is brought about because of all the hot wind that is sent over from Australia and the first really big mountain it hits, it creates rain that at a certain height equals snow, so the end result is tonnes of compressed white stuff that moves 10 times faster than any other hard ice in the world - awesome. Anyhow, we spent the day wandering about on the ice and even exploring ice caves and ravines - a moment to savor and cherish.

Indescribable

2007-05-13T22:46:00.000-07:00

Right so as one of our many spoils, Katie and I decided to have an overnight stay on Doubtful sounds, a remote Fiord off the South west coast of New Zealand. The fiord's of huge mountains which have been carved away by glaciers to form deep and very powerful alleys from the sea inland. These areas are powerful and completely awe - inspiring! So we arrived in a place that has an annual rainfall of over 7 metres and we expecting rain only to be showered with crystal clear waters, beautiful scenery and even the opportunity to Kayak amongst the sounds. This has to be one of the most memorable experiences of the trip thus far. Massive mountains that collapse through the rain forest into a deep and dark sea (approx 400 meters deep and 11 degrees all year) and just when we thought it couldn't get better the dolphins came out to play in the boats wake.
The boat on which we stayed was superbly comfortable and entertaining - we even had two 70 year old guests playing oldies tunes all night. But the only draw back was that we had to share a quad bunk and our very poodern neighbours (farmers from North Island NZ) who both had a penchant for orchestrating a loud and classical snore fest - at 2;45am wild hysteria set in and I decided that sleep just wasn't going to happen so I read and prepared my sermon on the deck. Overnight there was enough rain to transform the Fiordland into a waterfall carnival with some beauties 3 times higher than Niagara falls. All in all an absolutely excellent adventure - meeting great people, seeing unbelievable places and sharing incredible memories.

Our Mobile Home

2007-05-13T22:35:00.000-07:00

I am realising more and more that people judge you far before they have met you. Our mobile home has caused just a few stirs with its rather loud paint work and bold expressions. Our wicked van is a spoof on one of the largest banking institutions in Australasia and mocks their sign and logo with the catch phrase "Women are like banks, once you withdraw, you lose interest." There are a host of these 'wicked' vans around all of which have some sort of graffiti body work which all aids in their appeal. One of the best must be the one which has Psalm 23 written all around the vehicle and on the back it says "No God, No Peace, Know God, Know Peace." But this van is cheap, comfortable, warm and dry and we are loving every moment of our trip. We feel like real hippies - peace Bro!

WOW Wanaka

2007-05-11T01:09:00.000-07:00

Lake Wanaka - picture this crystal no translucent blue waters hugged on each side by amazing cliffs with a drizzle of snow on the peaks. The ground is covered in autumn leaves and the sky reflects the water so you don't know which side is up and which is down.. now imagine picking up a mountain bike and cycling along some awesome single track on the banks of the lake and along the river! Then you will understand why Wanaka is such a beautiful spot...

New Zealand is Sensational

2007-05-08T22:42:00.000-07:00

Forget Lord of the Rings - think bigger to the one who created the Land. New Zealand is so rich in natural beauty it is astounding! In one week here we have explored huge mountains, glacial lakes and rivers, we have mountain biked along sensational scenery and loved every single second!

Where to start - Christchurch was fabulous with this amazing couple - Paul and Tanya - who are the campus pastors for Christchurch. We also met up with 1am (a band from Malaysia) as they were on tour with their new CD. It was also great to have lunch with Pastor Bob Perry, Bernard and Colleen - WOW!

Then we headed down South to explore the mountains and valleys (both the Hooker and Tasman valleys) around Mount Cook (Aoraki) which was beautiful beyond description. We hiked in sublime weather up the glacier and sucked in every second. Over swing bridges and up the valleys along streams with floating ice and massive galciers on either side.

Aussie farewells

2007-04-30T01:13:00.000-07:00

3 months has come and gone so very quickly - but many of the memories and friendships made have left an indelible mark in our lives. We have come to meet such awesome people of character and the ability to share in so many stories and good times has been nothing short of fabulous. So to everyone we have met here in Melbourne and Sydney - thank you we have been so blessed by your input and involvement in our lives.

Aussie Footy

2007-04-30T01:10:00.000-07:00

Right picture this all you sports fans... a packed out MCG 90 550 people at the largest AFL football game of the season - the ANZAC day showdown. The day is to remember the soldiers who fought in the two world wars and is a massive day of remembrance for most of Australia. The footy game is thus a yearly event on this day and is between two old standing rivals - Collingwood and Essendon. An epically close match won in teh final minutes. But wow what a stadium and what a vibe!

Someone say Uncle and Aunty

2007-04-22T18:29:00.000-07:00

The Miller family is expanding and what extreme Joy we have! Jono and Taryn are pregnant and will be filling their Pinelands home with increased laughter and gargles. The entire family is overjoyed and know that this is a huge blessing from Heaven! So please watch this bump grow and grow over the next few months. If you would like to contact Jono or Taz: Jonathan@louisgroupint.com

Go you great things go... we had our own little celebration in Australia with a great meal joined by a photo of you two and "Granny and Grampa" got their own gifts - we really do feel 'part' of this process. Jono and Taz + 1 - we love you guys hugely!!!!

Windy Wellington and the Word of God

2007-04-22T18:19:00.000-07:00

Bump bounce and out come the Bunny Bags.... so the flight into Wellington was pretty rough and scary but wow what a place. It has a wind that make Cape Town seem like a breeze and the rain can come in sideways but when the sun shines it is simply spectacular! We had an amazing week in Wellington attending the South Pacific leaders summit - it was great to spend time with our church leaders and get to meet the senior pastors of our church and spend time with amazing men and women of God! There were words of prophecy over our lives and to see Mom and Dad in action shepherding the team and rasing up younger men and women!

We stayed with amazing hosts (Jonathan and Janine, as well as Roly and Sandra) and sucked in not only all that God was teaching us but the amazing place that He created in New Zealand! Our accomodation was complete with its very own cable car! What an incredible week - a real gem in the midst of the Aussie adventure. Thank you everyone in Wellington!

Aussie countryfolk

2007-04-22T18:12:00.000-07:00

Yarrawonga, Aubrey Wadonga.... no not profane words or phrases but actual places in the countryside of Australia - also home to some fabulous people and the place of the latest Every Nation Church plant! We were fortunate enough to head up to the country sticks for a few days with the awesome Leeworthy family (Rick, Fee, Jess, Matt, Dan and Hannah). It was great to meet such incredible people and to be part of chilled out country living! We also went to our first Aussie wedding of Neville and Kath which was on a beautiful Aussie wine farm with a great dinkum Aussie minister! What an exciting place with huge potential.

God thinks you are wonderful

2007-04-22T18:06:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter everyone! Well to say that Easter is an incredible time would be a massive understatement - it is special as we remember and celebrate an empty tomb and a living God. This year, Easter was made even more special as we celebrated it in our folks church with everyone playing a huge part in the festivities. I suppose the highlight must have been Katie and the kids reciting the poem "God thinks you are wonderful". It is so true that children can convey a message with so much more power than adults and their portrayal of Easter was absolutely spot on! So all in all Easter was special for many reasons but most of all as we celebrate Jesus together - Happy Easter everyone!

Run for the Kids

2007-04-01T21:35:00.000-07:00

AWESOME - Yes so this was it... Katie ran her very first 15.2km race and what a great race it was. There were 26 000 entrants who entered this awesome charity event through the streets of Melbourne. The run took you through many parts of the city that are usually closed to runners and so it was absolutely brilliant to be part of this great event. What made it even more special was to run wearing our Uncle Charlie T-shirts! My pony tails raised a few giggles and stirs but it was Katie who stole the show cruising in at 1hr 30min with little to no sweat!

We ran with the running group and everyone did superbly well - Katie, Fi, Daniella, Brett, Ray and I all running and enjoying it!

Aussie Chic

2007-04-01T00:40:00.000-07:00

Let me recall a sensational moment last weekend.... it all started with Katie heading off to the shops with a fabulous Aussie lass - Kelly - to go shopping. I left the ladies for the day to go cycling - with the orders of picking her up at 6:45m for a hot date! I arrived to a lady who looked 10 years older and distinctly Aussie.... Ok so I can say it, she looked HOT! What a pleasure to still think my wife looks incredible.... needless to say we had an excellent dinner at a fabulous vegetarian restuarant on the beach front...

Wonderful surprises in Sydney

2007-03-20T21:18:00.000-07:00

It is amazing how everything works together for the good of those that love the Lord. Pete had the honour of doing a bible study with some of the Stormers guys. A great group of men. We then managed to watch them play live in the Aussie stadium where they WON. How cool is that?! I on the other hand was able to attend the Hillsong's womans conference called colour your world. A real inspiring, challenging and enriching conference. It was really profound as they spoke so much about Africa. I found it amazing how God took me to Sydney to hear about my home land. God is doing something significant with woman, we just need to believe that we are His daughters and take hold our responsibility that comes with this honour.

Sydney-here we come.

2007-03-20T21:04:00.000-07:00

What an Awesome place-a real magical city at night. We were hosted by a great guy called Brenden who was a fantasic tour guide and host. We so apprecited it! These are some of the things we did in Sydney: Brenden took us out to an amazing Vietnamese restaurant, Pete and I ran along the ANZAC bridge, we walked in the Botanical garden, went to the fish market for some sushi (thought of you Jono and Taz) saw the Sydney harbour brige, we saw the opera house, went to see Mcdeath sorry Mcbeth at the opera house! Caught a ferry to Manly beach where we ate our first Hungry Jacks and walked along the beautiful beaches. We also walked from Cooggi beach to Bondi-where we swam in these AMAZING rock pools. I know Sydney holds a special place in your heart mom and I can see why....

Food for our souls...

2007-03-20T20:47:00.000-07:00

Pete and I then left the rest on the group on Saturday to start heading to Sydney. We had to drive up Tom's car to Sydney-so we were very blessed with wheels-a real GREEN MACHINE. We were so blown away by the sights we saw that we only ended up getting to Sydney by Tuesday evening. We exlpored the various coasts lines, so many 'deserted' looking beaches- we could have been in a movie set. We ended up camping in Mystery Bay and the the green patch-Jervis bay. This was real bonding time and food for our souls. We even saw a whale. God was showing off at how amazing His creation is. At three o 'clock on the Monday afternoon we decided to head to the Blue mountains! Rather spur of the moment decision, after finding that there aren't too many campsites in the "mountains" we had to settle for what we could esecially as it was already dark!! We were expecting the Drakensberg but alas it just wasn't the same. We went for a three hour work along the canyons. This really was great although again it was raining!! The weather however was not going to spoil our fun!! Oh, Chris guess what? We saw a snake YES a HUGE snake parked along the path. Rather heart pumping incident!

Camping time!!

2007-03-20T19:42:00.000-07:00

We started with a 7 hour trip to our first camping sight 40 km off road from Canne river. We went with a whole group of families including many wonderful children. (Katie was in her element) We did this amazing dune walk. The weather was rather overcast and we even had some rain, but perfect for the walk we were doing! We went down some of these dunes by foot, tried to go down on cardboard, but proved difficult because the sand was rather wet! The best way to get down turned out to be on Marty's boogie board. Boy did we have FUN!! The camping sight was rather rustic no running water and long drops, but oh SO beautiful situated right next to the sea.

Healesville Sanctuary

2007-03-04T18:51:00.000-08:00

A day out with an African American Pastor, the Miller Brady bunch and the full spectrum of Aussie wildlife.

We toured through Healesville sanctuary, a stunning animal rehab centre for Koala's that have eaten too many eucalyptus leaves, echidna's that spike themselves and Wallabies that want to run like a springbok! It was a brilliant place full of amazing animals and Chris, even a few hot Vets (now I know why you studied veterinary science). The highlight though was watching the bird of prey show with awesome eagles, owls and even Beatrice the black-breasted buzzard.

It has also been good to spend the weekend with Pastor Bill Bennot who is the apostolic oversight for Africa - so we have been inspiring Aussies to be more involved in Africa - our Home!

1000 stair challenge

2007-03-04T18:46:00.000-08:00

Ok - so Katie and I have joined a running group that meet up once a week in a different part of town to train and socialise...

This week we met at the base of the Dandenong mountain range to do what is called the 1000 stair challenge - OK so I was told it is only 760 steps or something but who cares, my butt and calves assure me that I carried Yogi bear up that mountain twice yesterday!

Anyhow, what a great group of people and full of fun and fitness...

Global Ablutions

2007-02-27T18:15:00.000-08:00

Four weeks in - eating various cultural dishes and travelling through countryside and city, the average human body must ablute at regular intervals...

I can honestly say that someone should write a book about the Toilets of the world! So far we have experienced some of the following... Singing toilets, spraying toilets, rotating toilets, toilets that talk to you, toilets you talk at, holes in the floor, seats with a view and the general white ceramic bowl. Seats with plastic, seats of steel, seats with cushions and seats you would avoid at all costs! Toilets that flush on their own, some you just stand and they get going, some you push a button, some you pull the plug and some that simply don't flush!

But the winner thus far is an operatic self cleaning loo on the beach front in Melbourne! It talks you through each step of the process and finishes by steam cleaning itself throughout - best you don't get stuck on the loo. P.s. there is a timer on the loo - so this is no library experience!

Puffing Billy

2007-02-27T18:11:00.000-08:00

This is the life!

It seems every second day we are exploring somewhere new and seeing amazing places and meeting great people - plus I am getting to spend quality time with my amazing Shiela! Life is currently being pulled out of the top draw!

Anyhow, remember when you were a kid and you read Thomas the tank engine, well this is the Aussie equivalent to Thomas. A steam train that takes you through the mountains surrounding Melbourne! A good but very chilled out day!

Poker!

2007-02-27T18:05:00.000-08:00

Making mates by losing money!

So we have started making some great mates here in Australia - some we explore with, some we eat with, some we work with and some we play poker with!

So far I am ashamed to say but the South Africans have yet to win a cent! In fact we keep losing money but this is a legendary game!

O what a week

2007-02-27T17:57:00.000-08:00

So yes it is February and the year is well underway but the Aussie universities are only just heading back to class to start the year!

Over the past few weeks we have been spending time on various campuses such as Deacon, Melbourne university and Monash university. I know, we both want to relive the university days!

Anyway - the church hosted an O-week camp and Katie and I volunteered to do the cooking on camp. I am proud to say that no-one has food poisoning!

It was an excellent camp held in Riddells Creek in the countryside and we had a great time with students from around the globe!

Phillip Island

2007-02-27T17:50:00.000-08:00

Phillip Island -

So Valentines day came and we decided to explore something truly Aussie... we headed up the coast to Phillip Island.

What an excellent little spot that plays host to a Koala sanctuary, the worlds largest fairy penguin colony and various other truly Aussie things and animals.

It was an excellent day but perhaps the greatest highlight was watching thousands of these little penguins march up the beach looking like the underground tube station in London at 5pm on a work day.

Culturally relevant

2007-02-27T17:31:00.000-08:00

So how does a boytjie wiff a seriously lekker accent camouflage in Australia...

Simply, grow a mullet and get a tattoo...

Gday mate!

Melbourne and me Mum

2007-02-05T20:25:00.000-08:00

Aussie, Aussie, Aussie...

Welcome to Australia, where everyone sounds like Richie Benaud and it is hot, super hot - G'day you beauty, great to see ya, its a stinker today mate, see ya lata.

The first few days here have been action packed as usual. There has been brilliant cycle rides along the Yarra river, an evening at the MCG watching the Aussie win again but what a stadium and also spending some good quality time with Mum and Dad.

We have even inadvertantly explored most of Melbourne by getting lost on the tandem, 5 hours later we finally made it home!

Keep you all posted...

Singapore Slam

2007-02-05T20:10:00.000-08:00

Singapore is an unbelievable city! It is big, busy and highly efficient! It is one of the most cosmopolitan cities that is buzzing 24/7.

We arrived and toured the city by night on the river and enjoyed great local food, beverages and ice creams. Singapore was 3 seriously busy days... we explored the whole island and took in the city shops and sounds . One of the multitude of highlights has to be the botanical gardens and the zoo, both of these places are such a contrast to the rest of the city that they capture your imagination. The gardens are like central park with a twist, because you get lost in the gardens filled with orchids and rain forests. The taxis are replaced by birds and the trendy fashion malls are completely out done by the plants. This city is one that really works - super efficient and a must see for anyone heading out to South East Asia. The zoo is a great mixture of each continent and every aspect is interactive and entertaining.

In both Malaysia and Singapore keep an eye on the culture - East meets west. There are these hectic metropolis centres that have amazing 1st world areas and the country that would remind you of driving through the back roads of Africa. The religions here vie for attention and air space and would seem to be predominantly Muslim with the Blue Mosque in KL having an attendance of 40 000 people at a time.

Malaysian Moments

2007-02-05T19:58:00.000-08:00

So we left Sunny SA after the multitude of farewells, packing and even selling our home in Parklands. We boarded the flight east bound and headed for Kuala Lumpur... KL, the city that never sleeps filled with scooters that never stop and a language I don't understand. I must admit that we were a little conspicuous - a 6ft 4 blonde haired gregarious Saffer and his pretty wife walking through China Town and not being able to stomach much of the food and beverages but thoroughly enjoyed the vibe!

From KL it was off to Pangkor island, a little island resort off the west coast of Malaysia. This was an incredible spot filled with sun, sea and sensational beaches. We shared Pete's birthday on the island and celebrated by renting scooters and touring the island - what a hoot. So there was plenty of snorkeling, trekking through the dense forests of Malaysia and even a spot of fishing, or more like casting... one day I will catch a fish! What a sensational few days on the island - a great honeymoon to start off the year! Bring it on.

The difference is done

2006-12-08T02:41:00.000-08:00

Pete's time at the wide, wild world of Woolies has come to an end - it has been an awesome time with some incredible people. There have been many stories and adventures from training to communications and one or two events!

The project team have been unbelievable and full of some great characters and people.

Mrs Miller - the teaching beauty

2006-12-07T05:46:00.000-08:00

Goodmorning and thank you Mrs Miller -

Katie's time at Elkanah House has come to an end and what an amazing difference she has made - not only has she produced an amazing Peter Pan play, taught a range of kids, shared moments and magic with kids and staff but also celebrated life and love. So if anyone anywhere around the world needs an excellent teacher who also happens to be superbly attractive let us know.