The kids were very sad to leave all their new found friends and we all shed tears at the quayside. There was much to rejoice about having experienced a wonderfully exciting dimension of the ministry. On the last Sunday Keith preached at the on board service and was able to share something of his heart. In the afternoon we went on deck to look out over the thousands of folk who were waiting on the quayside to get on board. It is amazing to see so many folk drawn to what God is doing on the ship.
We stayed for a couple of days on an island which we reached by ferry from Hong Kong Island. It was a chance to concentrate on one another – ship life is hectic and it is possible to live in close proximity but never connect as a family so we all had a lot to process. It was fun hanging out together. Ruth managed to revert to long lie ins very skilfully and we took a day out to visit some of the amazing sights of the frenetic former colony.
Hong Kong delicacies
We also met up with Al French who Keith did some Alpha training with in Bihar India - they are about to run an Alpha training course for Chinese pastors with 1500 booked in which is really exciting
The kids also needed to do some study! These pictures are evidence...
Next port of call was Sydney so we took off to fly to the Southern hemisphere! Initially Keith was meeting up with Shane who he is taking over responsibilities from in OM. Shane and Sarah and family live north of Sydney in a terrific suburb. They welcomed us into their home and we were blessed to join their family for a few days. Their church is amazing with a real heart for mission in their Sunday service we found out they have loads of missionaries supported all round the world.
We had a trip out to the Blue Mountains famous for the blue haze caused by the Eucalyptus trees.
The 3 sisters - apparently the Queen regularly visits this site!
Thereafter we have just joined up with our old friends the Butlers in Wollongong. We have missed them so much since they emigrated some 9 months ago and we are pinching ourselves as we sit round the same old table they had in Sheffield. The sun shines outside and the kids are all chattering and we realise that relationships can endure beyond anything we imagine. It is lovely just to enjoy one another’s company. Their home is lovely and the banter familiar. Last night we met Peter’s girlfriend and family – makes you shudder – I wonder how long we can avoid such a predicament!
Old friends new context
Only a few more weeks and we will be back in the UK and starting the next phase of life. First we are en route to see Keith’s family in the USA which is a real blessing. Meanwhile our house purchase in Carlisle seems to have faltered and we are starting to feel rootless. Please pray as we try to work out how to sort accommodation issues out!
