these are our moments...

the chronicles of Murry.


we camped on the Victoria side of the Murry river. but the moment we stepped into the water for canoeing, swimming or floating we were on the New South Wales side of the Murry.

"there is nothing that could make this day better: it is perfect. There is nothing that could ruin my day. it is that perfect." these are the words that wandered in and out and through my head as i leisurely paddled down the Murry river in new south wales, Australia. ah, what a wonderful day. I sit over looking the Murry the second morning of the trip. there is a still silence that was desperately missing from the bustle of the Sydney streets. the boys are still asleep and there is a quiet peace. creation. oh how marvelous. the warm breeze and the redundant dip, turn, fan of the paddle are my constant companions: my dear friends.

it is in these moments of still, silence, and solitude in and out of the water; with, around, among the boys i am confronted by the majesty and unconditional favor of the Lord. i feel at rest. i feel at peace with myself and those around me. i have no worries. i have no pain, no shame and no regret. the river has been redeemed back to myself, bought and given back to me by a gracious LORD who loves and lives and breaths life into me and the river.

while on this journey, i have been filled with the wonder and awe seen in the eyes of the children in Narnia the movie. i have savored the moments, and the memories. it was on the first day that i was found to have mused, "it is not so much the destination as the journey.... the getting there."

i started the trip stating that i had the best group. and how i had the awesomest boys. in the power of expectation they lived up to my expressed appreciation and surpassed even what they thought they could do. i was always speaking out how much enjoyment and fun i was having. and as i sought to get to know my traveling companions i took time each day to specifically notice their kind and valiant actions in preparation to share and encouragement them on the last night. as well, i sought moments. with my trusty little camera i sought the moments that captured a special memory for each young man.

i have written each article to include a photo, appreciated action, a memory and a Scripture reference to each of the young men who journeyed with me. i have formatted this blog so that these tributes will appear after this entry. please be patient. it will take some time to get them all up.

these are our moments...

and i really am here

so we have are in the middle of our third day here in Australia when i am compelled to manifest this proof that i promised. i have to quite half way through to go to Hillsong Church so i am finishing early Monday. In Saskatchewan it will be midafternoon on Sunday... as i finish this blog. today, at home, it is just short of the one week mark of the first time Wanda Marie and i hear of the opportunity to come! i feel like i have done the touristy thing for long enough and i am looking forward to heading off to the camp to prepare for the canoe trip.

we will be traveling the Murry River. Interesting thing about it is that the surrounding area produces 40% of Austrailia's agricultural produce. when i read that i said in my head, "We are going home." We are going where we are familiar. i have been saying, while here, "Not only are we Canadian but we are RURAL Canadian." here are some picks and descriptions of the places we have been:

1. layover in Hawaii

2. the Darling harbour in Sydney

3. Didjeridoo

we saw a live didjeridoo performance our first day in Sydney. it was very great. the guy was really good. it was interesting to listen to the explaination of the song. the last song whihc he played was described as his ancerstal families' story of creation. so here is a pick of me and the didjeridoo:

4. Sydney Opera House at night

5. Sydney Harbour Bridge

The bridge at night from the vantage point of the top of the ferry on our way across the harbour. The brisk, warm constant gusting of the wind as we moved at full speed over the water reminded me of the warm Saskatchewan harvest dusk winds.

this blog is dedicated to April. I love you April and i really am and here.

so here is your proof ...

6. Sydney Wildlife Sanctuary:

this is not a bear...



i see you... little big poisonous deadly snake... and i pray i don't see you again in the wilderness...

Kangaroos lick their fur to cool down when they are too hot.

Reptile Thingy:

7. Sydney Aquarium:

the seal has found the sunny spot for sunning.

the under bellies of some random Astrailian sea creature:

Platupus: native to Australia and New Zeland. i leart many interesting facts about the platupus. for example they are the only animal known to use elecromagnetic feilds to locate food. interesting eh?

The camera could not capture the brightness of this magnificant Coral:

Jaws!!! here i am in frount of a shark!

if the fall doesn't kill you the crocodile will... more on this later...

so here is your proof...

with love, from australia

so here is an update for all you dedicated blog readers. i wanted to put a picture on for proof but i can't right now...

but wanda marie and i are in australia right now! we left on wednesday ot 2:30 from stoon and arrived this morning at 7:30 friday their time. i faound out that i was coming on tuesday morning of this week. we first heard about it from steve maier on sunday evening. well talk to you all later.

we are leading some grade 10 students on a canoe trip. so talk to you later. bye.

with love, from australia