It’s been pretty busy in our world, but all for happy things!
After a heap of packing, cleaning, moving – we’ve finallly moved in! Christmas is always so hot and Brisbane is no exception! Poor guys on moving day worked so hard in the 39 degree heat! It’s been pretty surreal being able to purchase our own home – it’s just amazing. We’ve been surprised at God’s providence in these things as we absolutely did not expect to EVER own a place, thanks to our generous parents and the good situation here in Brisbane right now. Anyways, yay mortgage debt 🙂
In the midst of all this, Chris has been trying to prepare sermons for the Christmas period. I think its the 3rd time EVER I’ve seen him stressed (even though he won’t really admit it). I think its because when I’m stressed, I’m also panicked. Thankfully, he doesn’t panic.
It has been a little difficult over this period being away from our family. We were unable to Skype our family as we had problems with our net connection. Thankfully God has been gracious again in providing our church family to spend time with. We had a big outdoor church luncheon in the Brissy heat! On Christmas night, we were joined by other ‘orphans’ who didn’t have family around for a simple Christmas dinner, admist our half unpacked house! Hopefully we’ll get to see our biological family soon but it’ll be well into 2013.
It has been a great first year of ministry here in Brisbane. We’ve felt so well looked after by various people and means provided by God. It has tested heaps of things I’ve learnt from ministry and college and challenged me to think through them more as I see how it works or doesn’t work practically or in our particular context. My studies on pastoral care and preaching were immediately applicable. It has also helped me to see how completely dependant I am on God and drive me to pray.
Thanks for reading this year! Chris and I are heading to Israel for the next couple of weeks so will update you on that when we get back! Happy New Year to all! 🙂
Grace Lung 