Celebrations Galore

Our visit 'home' to NZ is now over and we are back 'home' in Vancouver. The last two months of our stay seemed to fly past, yet so much happened.

June saw us continue working (Nathan at Treasury and Bronwyn relieving at various schools in the Tawa area). That filled in most of our time, but we managed to squeeze in some TV (which we don't have in Vancouver - too distracting!), some quilting, some visiting of friends, and visiting of churches (in Tawa, Johnsonville, Feilding, Palmerston North, and Linton).

We also had the chance to meet with two lovely couples to talk about Regent College. Lex & Barb have done summer courses before, and are thinking about bringing their family over to Vancouver for fulltime study. John & Jenny were just 'testing the water' before John headed over for a summer course in July. We hope both John & Lex were blessed in their recent courses.

The highlight of the month was the engagement of Nathan's brother, Alastair, to Kim. We were staying with them at the time, and got to vicariously relive the excitement of being newly-engaged. We'd forgotten how much happens in those first few weeks! The engagement party in July was a time for the McLellans and Beauchamps to celebrate together. We trust all the wedding preparations are continuing smoothly, Al & Kim.

We finished working at the end of June, and spent July with our parents. This involved a lot of lovingly 'mum-cooked' food, cups of tea, and conversation, with a small sprinkle of exercise (walking with Nath's parents, and digging out the carport base with Bron's parents). Needless to say, our clothes fit a little more snugly now, and our regular walks to the local beach are far more necessary!

Bronwyn also celebrated her birthday in July with more food (dinner and afternoon tea) and various family members. Her Vancouver friends even sent her a birthday card with lots of lovely messages. Now birthday blessings reach around the world!

Nathan preached at two services at St Columba's, Linton. His messages, based on the 'River of Life' (Ezek 47 & Rev 22), gave him a chance to put some of his recent learning into practice, and both were well-received by the congregation.

One reason behind our stay in NZ was Nath's dad's health. While we were there, Ian received a report saying his cancer had been cleared. There was much rejoicing in the McLellan clan again! This culminated in a thanksgiving service on the last weekend of July. Friends and family from all around the country descended upon St Columba's (where extra chairs were needed to seat everyone) to join Ian in offering God thanks for his healing, the many answered prayers, and the comfort of many who shared the journey. It was a very special time, and an opportunity for Christian witness that Ian did not pass up!

We left NZ on August 1st, with the maximum baggage limit once again. How we'll ever get all this stuff back to NZ at the end of our time here is still a mystery! No doubt the suitcase of Kiwi consumables (pineapple lumps, biscuits, honey, NZ keepsakes to give away, etc.) will lighten the eventual load a little. We're well-stocked until the next trip anyway.