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| Five Year Anniversary Holiday to the Hunter Valley |
Hello Dear Ones!
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| Sydney ferry ride on the harbour. |
It is a blustering day here in Sydney, with sun shining and winds between 60-80kph billowing through our yard.
I madly chose to walk the kids up the hill to our local coffee joint, and typically got wind blasted on our walk back. Poor Izzy has a love hate relationship with the elements these days. To the point, where I look back on the path to find her swatting at her face, exclaiming "Get off me wind!!" Bless her heart!
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| Baby baller in blue. |
To think, our precious son, Judah is 10 months old as of this week! Nearly a year! He's by no means slowing down from his 90th percentile size - he must be Texan - Go big or go home, as they say. Just more of him to love....
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| Our keen artist painting. |
We have been feeling more and more the peace of knowing that we are exactly where God wants us to be. It's taken a good year, but The Friesen's have made a home here in Sydney, Australia. Its a nice feeling, regardless of the future and what and where it holds for us, being committed to the present and going deeper in our community is where its at for us and is an incredible blessing.
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| Birthday Boy |
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| The Big 40! |
On of the things that's really burning on our hearts lately is relationship with others. Whether it's your two and a half year old, your husband, a girlfriend from church or the barista at your local coffee shop, God sees it as all very significant and valuable. And it seems that we've caught on to this.
Some of the best stories I love hearing from Kevin are when he has an encounter with someone he just met or has bumped into, and the comedy and sentiment that follows. We both get so excited to have opportunities to encourage people no matter where they're at in life or to just sit and take a bit of time to listen to their story.
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| Staring at the Opera House |
Two people whom have no connection to us other than they worked at the cafe that we often go to as a family or just Mum and the kids, is Alessia and Jake. Both took an interest in Izzy and for months would say hello and try and play or have a conversation with her. A cautious social engager, Izzy loved the attention but would not converse or play for quite some time. Finally after months of persevering, Alessia was the first to get a smile and some interaction. They would hang out in different parts of the cafe (which is alfresco) checking out the birds, drawing on the chalk board etc Soon Alessia was on Izzy's radar and a friend. However, Jake, being a bigger male figure, was still on the outer ring with Izzy, until one day, Kevin and I got to witness our little girl finally take a leap of trust and say "Hello" to Jake. Hearts were melted and a friend was made. Today Izzy and Jake are just two noisy buds drawing on the chalk board and talking about giraffe's. Sadly our cafe friends are moving onto other places, but because of the relationship we as a family have built, are choosing to remain in contact. This is the gospel in action! Its so simple a two year can get it.
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| Some of our wonderful community |
Kevin is also reaping the benefits of good customer relations through his business and is off to a game tonight of AFL - Aussie Rules Football as we call it here. It's not Rugby (unfortunately) but it still holds a quick and more nimble approach to footy - and if you like men in tight shorts, well then this is the game for you. I personally am a Rugby fan, but hey, can't knock it till you've seen the game and Kevin is getting a first hand opportunity with one of his business clients, Brian, a Sydney Swans fan! I will thoroughly enjoy my Canadian hubby's view of this mad sporting event, later this evening.
And last but not least - CTF Sydney has just recently celebrated their one year birthday! Check out the video link to see our past year of fun!
Well, the children are sleeping and Bread and Butter Pudding bakes in the oven....the only thing left to do is curl up on the couch and watch an episode of Downton Abbey - for all you BBC fans out there you will hopefully know what I mean!
Sending love and loads of sticky baby and toddler hugs your way,
Be blessed,
Kevin, Amy, Israel and Judah
