Special friends near and far

It was a day filled with mixed emotions. Today our dear friends from home, the Spears, would have arrived in Brisbane for a couple of fun-filled weeks. But God, in His wisdom, had different plans. Sweet Simona, their eldest daughter, had an unfortunate accident 6 weeks ago when she fell from a tree swing and broke her leg. Because of the seriousness and location of the injury she had to undergo surgery. Her doctor recommended that she not travel until more healing has occurred. Fortunately, they were able to reschedule their trip for February, which we are looking forward to with much anticipation! We miss having them with us.

In spite of our sadness, we did manage to enjoy a wonderful afternoon of feasting and fellowship with a few families we invited over after church--as a matter of fact, they are all from America! We have grown close to the Alexanders, a very special family who has been here for 18 months. We recently learned they will be transferred to Jakarta, Indonesia within 1-2 months. Our church body has been in earnest prayer they would be able to remain in Brisbane, but the Lord seems to be closing doors for them here and opening new ones in Jakarta. We are excited for their new adventures, but saddened by the loss. They joined us, along with their delightful parents who are visiting from Florida. Gene and Gini, a lovely couple from South Carolina, who are here for a couple of months (and due back in January for another couple months) joined us, as well. We had a great time. And all the young girls even had the courage to go for a swim in our pool--brrr! It was the first time they've used it this season. Well actually, they spent most of their time in the spa warming up--so maybe they weren't all that brave after all!

Later that evening, Marc and the older girls spent the evening relaxing in the spa while they did a bit of stargazing--a lovely way to end the day!

Marce