Update from the Bay

Hi Everyone,

We're enjoying a crisp winter here in Hawkes Bay and are finding ourselves warm and very thankful for the seven months we've had here so far.

The Lord's provisions have been plentiful.  We love living in our cozy 1 bdrm home in Havelock North, it is exactly what we need and we've been so blessed to come to know Patty Obsorne - our dear friend (and landlord).  Patty lives in her home on the same property with a couple of other part-time students, and she has just been wonderful to us all year.

Reuben has just completed two of the four terms of the Diploma of Biblical Studies at The Shepherd's Bible College.  He is studying hard and doing very well.  His weeks consist of about 12-15 hours of lecture time and the rest is reading and assignments.  On Monday mornings he works four hours doing gardening and the lawns at the Major's home which is a nice change from the books!  The Majors are a wonderful family at church who have unofficially adopted us to be part of their family - they have a lovely home and garden, and we are blessed to be able to work for them.  Early in the year Reuben was invited to join the Cornerstone fellowship group leadership team at Riverbend Bible Church (where we go to church); he meets with the other leaders at 6:00am most Tuesday mornings.  Reuben had the opportunity to preach at a church in Tauranga recently, and it confirmed again his desire to communicate God's Word to others.  Both of us have also enjoyed singing in the choir at Riverbend, and serving there however we can.  It is a wonderful church to be a part of, and we are so thankful that our studying time is so closely linked with the family at RBC. 

Verity has adjusted to a bread-winning role this year amazingly well.  She started off with a couple of little part-time jobs and now juggles five jobs throughout the week, adding up to almost 40 hours.  On Monday mornings Verity does housework at the Major's home, and then works in the church office at Riverbend Bible Church. Verity shares the Receptionist position there with another lady.  Tuesday is spent all day at the church office and then she teaches Irish Dance lessons at a local primary school.  On Wednesday Verity teachers four piano students which she is thoroughly enjoying.  Thursday she works at a linen shop in town called 'Bedside Manor' and then works in the church office in the afternoon.  Thursday evening she teaches an adults class of Irish Dance - also lots of fun!  And Friday is also split between Bedside Manor and the church office job.

So it's full on for both of us!  Reuben has been flourishing in the "home-ec" department of the Pickering cottage: cooking and cleaning and washing have turned out to be his forte!

We are in a unique season of our lives where we know the Lord is preparing us for exactly the work He wants us to do in the future.

This is just a short update, as we have much more to say, no doubt.  We have been wanting to start a blog for quite some time, and are excited about this way to keep in touch.  So be sure to keep checking for fun updates!  Love to you all.

Study Life

This year has caused Reuben to become more organized and diligent with his studies.  Because he is studying God's Word, there is huge motivation to dig into the books each day.  But sometimes the tasks pile up, and he can feel a bit overwhelmed - see photo!  He enjoys playing the piano and singing hymns as a refreshing interlude between studies.  It's a great way to reflect on the truths he is learning.  We are so incredibly thankful to have a piano in our home - Thanks to Mum and Dad.