Lady in the Water

I went and saw a really unusual film last night called Lady in the Water. It's the story of how the beings from the Blue World need to get in contact with the humans on the land. Kind of a mythical/fantasy children's story brought into life. It's all set in a block of apartments and their surrounds. The main guy, Cleveland, is so odd but likeable and he really makes the movie.

It's made by the same guy that made Signs which I didn't see because I thought it would freak me out. Anyway, this was only PG so I thought it must be harmless. But it had so much suspense and parts of it kept me guessing right till the end. Intriguing, the kind you don't want to take your eyes off. It has some really biblical themes in it which was interesting. The main girl, Bryce Dallas Howard, was so strange looking as she is a being from another place. The side characters were all really quirky types.. ahh it was just hilariously strange!

I think it's worth recommending, but I'm not sure. Don't go in expecting a particular genre of movie as I'm not sure if it really fits into one.. but good anyway (I think!).

grr

I planned to get up this morning to go for a ride with Em at 7am and someone has stolen my bike. I'm rather annoyed as I really loved that bike. They would've had to have gotten through either 1 or 2 gates to get it and it was 1/3 metre away from Em's room. Who does that? :(

Go Savannah! Congrats Dave & Andrea!

Yay, finally a post with some pictures!

Concentration..

Noice Savvy!

You're a winner!

Straight arms!

Balanced.. atta girl!


This is my oldest niece (she was 7 last Sunday!) at the recent State Gymnastics Comp. She trained really hard and did really well. And doesn't she just look so cute?! Ok, I know these photos are flogged off a website.. but you can get the idea.

Things are good. Had Mum's 60th on Saturday and it seemed to go on without any hiccups. I used to think 60 was old but I've realised it's not really. I think 60 is a lot younger than it used to be..(?). I managed to get my Nana out of hospital for the morning as well which was great. She was annoyed at the thought that she might miss out so along she came. Poor love was dozing on the way home though.. it was a big outing after being in bed for 2 weeks! It was great to see my aunties and uncles and cousins after 6 months and catch up on the latest with them. Well done to the crew at the Oyster Bar South Perth, they were fantastic! Speaking of cousins.. I can't wait for Natty's wedding this Monday! Woohoo.. I really like her guy Steve - well done to you both! Photos to come post-wedding.

My beautiful friend Andrea and her man Dave got engaged last weekend as well.. most exciting! Congratulations to you both. I'm SO happy that she's so happy and really look forward to the big day!

Sorry for the mega-old photo.. they've just gotten hotter with age.

Ok, that's about as exciting a post as I can do right now.

Bye!

xx

Hebron Children's Home

Just letting anyone who's interested know that they've worked hard and done a new website for the Hebron Children's Home. There's lots of info on there and also a lot of beautiful photography. Please feel free to check it out, see what's happening in another part of the world and if there is some way you can help or be inspired..
Go here.

Some of the beautiful girls

That's all for now!

xx

Girly crap

Hey,

Haven't really been interested in my blog of late I'm afraid. It's become a bit of a chore this week or 2 or 3!

So, I've pretty much been living in the old-timers ward at RPH for the past (almost) week with my Nan. She had a stroke and as I have been away when she's had 2 others, I have really latched onto this time. I let myself get really anxious and distressed (before turning to God and being flooded with this overwhelming peace) while I was away and she had a stroke (2) and I heard the progress which sounded really awful. I know, old people tend to get sick then die. But I wasn't ready for that! And nor was/IS Nana. I so wanted to be here, visit her and just be a part of what was happening. So anyway, I've been so grateful to God that he cares and kept her healthy and that I can spend time with her now. I've never had anyone in my family or anyone close to me (just people that are close to people I am close to.. yeah?) pass away or anything so the thought of it freaks me out in an incredible way. It's so good to have been able to help the family out after they did so much with the last ones. Nana is so cute! She comes out with the funniest things in an effort to be insanely polite.. it's really funny.

Church had a "Her Time Occasion" tonight called Energy. Very timely! I've always avoided such things thinking they'd be all fluffy and Oprah-ish and nancy. But Cath did a post about how good they were from the last one and I thought I can't really lose anything from going. So I swung by after hospital to see if I could get a ticket (I could). It was actually really good (I know.. everyone else probably already knew..) and even though a lot of it was about kids and married life related to 40+ year olds, a heap of it is just about being women and I could totally relate. Kristy from The Biggest Loser (I think that was on while I was away as I hadn't seen it) was there and seemed like a genuine kind of woman with some great advice. Kelley Chisholm spoke about some stuff that was really good. A lot of it was about realising what depletes you of energy and how to set your life up to deal with those things so you can get on with everything you've got to do. I can't remember most of it cos I was tired (which I didn't feel so bad about cos it seemed a lot of people there were lacking energy from the sounds of the crowd) but there was some really good stuff. A funny point is when you swing towards matyrdom with your daily life - I could totally relate! Terrible! Anyway, the whole feel of the night was really warm, professional and fun. Good job I say! Next time I might drag my mum and sister in law's along: I think they'd really enjoy it.

As mentioned, tiredness has set in. Looking forward to seeing The Red Shoes ballet this weekend with 3 girlfriends. Should be a hoot I reckon. Anyone seen it?

I promise I will write something really exciting next time!

Kel

xxx

P.S. They asked an interesting question tonight and I would love to know.. how many hours a night do you sleep on average??

A modern-day miracle

FORMER APARTHEID POLICE MINISTER REPENTS AND APOLOGISES TO BLACK SOUTH AFRICANS

Adriaan Vlok, the former apartheid regime's law and order police minister, recently went to church in Soweto and during the service washed the feet of Reverend Frank Chikane, a person he had sought to kill during the years of struggle in South Africa. The pair took turns to describe Vlok's apology as a miracle. It emerged that it took Vlok two months to convince Chikane to meet him and hear his apology.

This is how Vlok described their first encounter on August 3: "I was so grateful, I cried. There were tears in his eyes too. I looked into his eyes and I saw love. Then he prayed for me." Speaking at the church, Vlok - described by some sources as "one of the most evil men that apartheid created" - called Chikane's congregation his "brothers and sisters". "I feel your pain," he said. "I am sorry for what you had to suffer. We were fighting here in Soweto. It was a war. But today we're coming here to pray."

Vlok admitted that he used to "hate your pastor (Chikane)". "We were fighting each other with guns, hand grenades and poison," Vlok said. "I thank God for letting me not succeed in killing you."

Vlok described his wife's suicide in 1994 as the defining point in his life. "It took me 12 years, after the government changed, to come to this point. I had to rid myself of my own pride, my egotism and selfishness," he said. "I don't represent anyone else because I stand before the Lord alone."

Vlok sat in the front row in the packed church next to Chikane's wife. At one point he stood and clapped along to a gospel song. He also joked when being introduced, saying: "You can't give a microphone to an old politician and expect him to speak for only a minute. It's not possible."

Chikane maintained that the apology was sincere and that more were likely to follow. "The fact that Mr Vlok has come to make a confession to me and is here with us today is a miracle," he said. "Some people have told me it's profoundly historical." He said that, despite being angry, people should be prepared to "pick ourselves up and move on". "We must not let the past we've defeated dictate our future."

Source: Pretoria News (c-/ The Australian Prayer Network Newsletter)

The days roll on

Well, time is flying by. It's been a month tomorrow since I landed in Australia, although in Melbourne. Crazy. I haven't blogged properly for a while.. so this is a bit of a whopper.

Had a family thing tonight to see my auntie, uncle and cousins who are visiting from Karratha for a doctors visit. The last time I saw my uncle was the morning I flew out to Singapore back in March. He was in a hospital bed, limited movement to his body, not very reactive, not speaking, being tube-fed, fresh from 4x neuro ops that almost took his life. I remember so clearly how I was so distraught about leaving in the midst of the trauma. But I knew God was going to do something with his life.

Tonight was a totally different picture - they had a big german dinner party before I got there and he was the life of the party. Talking, laughing, enjoying some wine with friends and family. It was weird. He pretty much got the all-clear from the doctors today which is great. It's a true miracle. Go God.

I've got the day off tomorrow. Doing a taxi run for my auntie so we can both go see my Nana in hospital. She had another stroke today. She can still speak this time, but her left side is limited. She's going to be fine though. My mind is racing with different things I could do.. I've been thinking of how I might be able to rent a place and take care of her somehow. Not sure it could work as she'd be home a lot on her own if I'm working. The place that's she's staying is nice but she doesn't like it. I don't think I can offer the best option though.

Work is going well. The place I'm at for the next 3-4 weeks is great. I'm with mostly middle-aged ladies and they're really cool. I love their humour, sensitivity and their zest for life. It's a great place to work. This week I got sent some gift vouchers from my contact person at the agency as a thank you for being flexible with my jobs last week. Crazy, I thought that was what temping was about: flexibility..?! It was so sweet though and it's great to feel as though you're not just a piece of meat being shoved around where ever required.

It's the Mercy Ministries fundraiser walk this saturday. I've organised some girlfriends to go together and it should be great fun. If you wanted more info you can go to www.mercyministries.com.au. If you wanted to go I'm sure you could still register. Just pray that it doesn't rain..

Speaking of which (what?!). If there's any non-freakish, NORMAL people - actually just girls - out there that are looking at sharing in Perth for some (?) period of time, please let me know. I'm not looking forward to the possibility sharing with strangers that could be absolute weirdos. I just want normal people! Do you think it will be too hard to find??

Last night I spent some time going through my India photos. I haven't printed them yet but I flicked through on my laptop.. reminiscing.. having a laugh at some of the memories. I look forward to having some walls of my own one day to stick lots of photos on. I've got some absolutely fantastic shots that my friend Chinni has taken. Blogger's not letting me add photos today. Temperamental bugger. Wouldn't it be great to just teleport yourself to somewhere else just for a while.. not have to tell anyone you were going or coming. Just fly.

Go for an afternoon walk at 5 with Suneeta to the bridge. Laugh with the children that are riding along from school. Say hello and goodbye over and over. Get to the bridge. Watch the sun setting as you stand over the bridge seeing the occasional snake wriggle through the water below. Throw some rocks to try to improve your aim at the snakes. The same boy rides past you on a bicycle everyday. Stops to say hello, again. Walk back down the dusty track. See the same houses, the same people sitting out the front. The old man that smokes home-made cigarettes while sitting near the buffalos out the front of his place. Everyday the same. Not much sound. The occasional motorbike that whizzes by with a guy driving, his wife and shopping (or a kid) on board. The "men in white": a group of eldery men that wear white shirts and trousers that walk the same time as us everyday, but along the railway line instead. Remembering not to stare at people. Picking up flowers from the side of the road to put in Suneeta's hair. Then she would do the same for me. Stopping in at BB's mother's house on the way home. Holding hands with Epsi or Lily. Practising some newly learnt Telugu on them (something really charming like "what curry for lunch?" or "your sari is beautiful") and watching them laugh. Trying to get away gracefully before the sun goes down. They always walk with us up the road, chatting, for at least another 10 minutes before we say goodbye for the fifth time. Shiny comes riding down the road on the front of the scooter with Surya driving. Normally Deena or Prema on the back seat. Play chicken with the scooter to get a laugh from Shiny. Wave frantically as they zoom by, tooting. They stop at BB's mothers, say hello, then back on the scooter to go home. Watching Rebekah (one of the cooks) come down the road, dodging the puddles, on her way home from work so she can cook for her family. Stopping for a brief chat before continuing on. Passing the leper colony with the kids that run around out the front. Chickens are always scuttling around the front. Keep walking around the bend in the road. Using our scarves to cover our noses as we passed where the local pigs are fed rotten scraps of food. The stench is so bad you feel as though your eyes may get a coating on them just from being kept open to the exposed air. Smiling with my eyes at the girls that worked feeding the pigs and hoping they could see I was trying to smile. The relief as you took a deep breath of non-swine air. Ahhh. Back past the rice mill. The aroma of rice cooking. The busy trucks and cars over the road, going into town. Just in time for evening prayer with the girls before dinner. Going with Suneeta to wash our feet of all the dust and mud from the walk.

Every afternoon was the same. It wasn't monotonous. Sure, it was simple. It was peaceful. No rushing. I could keep going on with the rest of the evening's routine but I won't. I'm sure it's boring. It's good for me to think back. Remember what life was like for such a different time in my life. When you knew exactly what was going to be happening for a large proportion of the following day/days.

Oh, I miss you Hebron. Suneeta, Sagar, Pandu, Chinni, Amma, all the children. BB, Ramah, Ramya, Akka-babu.

But life goes on hey? There's more things to happen that you can then think back on. Some memories will last longer than others though. There's so much about my life over there that I've never shared with people. Because I thought I would bore them. Because I felt people weren't interested. That it was my cup-of-tea but not everyone elses. I think I missed out on something by not sharing. It's releasing. It brings closure. It's healthy. I kept a diary over there. Pretty much just prayers. Or things about life in Australia that I missed. Not about life there. Not the routine and the exciting things to experience or learn. It's hard to write about that stuff when you're immersed in it and it's become "normal". I think I might write a book. Even if it's just for me to look back on in 50 years. It might be a really benefitial thing to do methinks.

Enough blabber. G'night anyone who might still read this blog!

xx

Happy Birthday dear Suneeta!

I'd like to wish a very happy birthday to one of my dearest friends.. Suneeta!

This lady is a gem. She had me as a guest in her home for 5 months and really showed me what hospitality means. She is the wife of Sagar and mother of Shiny. She's a brilliant cook (which is rather important in India) and is really clever with stitching, embroidery and beading. She's crafted some beautiful saris and a gorgeous dress for Shiny's last birthday. She is my Indian sister and I really wish I could be there to celebrate (although you don't celebrate birthdays).. or to make you feel as special as you are! Happy Birthday!

Love Kellie

xx

Some information that could change your life

Did you know that Special K that you buy in Australia isn't the same as Special K that you buy in the US or Europe?

I kid you not. I know, I am also appalled to find this out too.

Has anyone else noticed this?

Work work work

Well, I've been back at work this week (new job) and I've been really enjoying it. I love working hard, organising things, setting goals and achieving them. I get so much satisfaction from it. Although I think there are areas of my life that I'd rather avoid so I put my heart and soul into doing a good job so I can feel successful/normal in one area. I think I've been on this train a while - it's not really a good thing. But it's good to be doing some work anyway :) I'm starting to feel a bit better about being in Perth again. Not hating it so much which is always good!

Caught up with an old friend tonight and had a lovely dinner. Went across the road to this funky place (I can't remember the name.. it's on Murray St, called F'uche or something like that) for dessert. There were these brilliant musicians playing out the front on the sidewalk, kinda funk style. We went in and I said we were just there for coffee and dessert and the guy proceeded to give us free stuff! This beautiful entree stuff and champagne! (it wasn't just us, the table next to us too) And I worked out that it cost them more for what they gifted us with than what we actually bought. Not bad! It is a really fresh new place (I heard it's been open 6 months) - well worth a visit! It's opposite Tiger Lils if that helps.

I'm seeing my cousin tomorrow who is getting married in a month. It's all very exciting. I wasn't around for the engagement and everything so it's a good a time as any to get into wedding mode and be really excited for them. They make a really nice couple. Natty and I went through Grade 3-12 together so we've been "around" each other a lot for a while. It feels weird to have to catch up with people like Nat now after it being so normal for so many years to just see her around. We grow up, life changes things. So, it''ll be nice to see her tomorrow anyway :)

It's a bit of a nothing post. I don't really want to write much on here lately. Don't know why. Just don't! I need to start taking some photos and chucking them on here. That'll brighten the place up!

Things to look forward to:

• Kate coming home in a month from more overseas travels (contracting lovely parasites on the way!)
• Savannah's state gym comp
• Mum's 60th do
• Starting my new savings plan
• Doing some research/planning about some future dreams
• Natalie and Steve's wedding.. yay!
• A date with my friend to see The Red Shoes (ballet)
• Seeing my cousin Kristy in October.. hanging out for that
• Buying a new kettle for Sharon (man, I love kettles..)

That's about it for the next little bit. Blog again soonish.

Kel

xx

Run Baby Run

I've been a bit self-indulgent this week and have been doing some reading. I wanted to let you know about an old classic (if you haven't already read it) called Run Baby Run by Nicky Cruz.

What an amazing story. It's about a bad-ass teenager from Puerto Rico living in New York and how he gets involved in gangs and stuff. Great description.. He's living a dark, blood-thirsty life on the run until he encounters God through a preacher coming to the ghetto he lived in. The way his life is transformed and years of hatred, nightmares and bloodshed are stripped away from his heart to reveal such a beautiful heart: so passionate for God. He's such an amazing man - but the testimony is really just to God and at His love and the immense power behind it. To transform even the toughest life and then use it to reach people with love and compassion (kinda like Saul/Paul). Such a great read: Kel recommends!

It's my baby boy's birthday party today. My nephew Caleb is turning 9! Wowsers.. I remember how much time I've spent with him as a newborn, toddler, kid. He's such a caring, sweet boy. But so freakin tall! When I got back this time he was up to my nose, the crazy critter. But he's still not old enough to not want hugs and time with his aunty Kel :) Yay! He has such a sensitivity combined with a really easy going and joyful disposition that I know he's going to make a great man of God. Go Cabes! I love you a WHOLE lot!

OK, better get the day going. Have woken up at 5 or 5:30 every morning this week. For no good reason - it sucks!

Love Kel

xx

Chop chop chop

Well, I thought I would do a little post about some old friends that I haven't spent time with in a while:

Chef Martin Yan (of Yan Can Cook - a favourite with everyone in high school)

Iron Chef (re-runs used to be on SBS, not sure now)


I love these 2 shows. Sure, they're very different to standard aussie cooking shows, but they are so energetic and fun.. and I would love to be as good as them (although maybe not as accentric as some of the iron chefs).

What about you? Do you have any thoughts, memories of these two? Or are you a fan of any other cooking shows?

:)

jipped

Herro,

Well, I haven't really thought of anything much to post about lately. I've been in a non-blogging state of late. Have been catching up with some friends (plus moving house) and hearing what's been happening for them over the past 6 months or 13 months, depending on when I last saw them. There is something delightful about being in the company of a friend that knows you longer than a day (!) that I am realising I've missed out on! Duh.. big surprise! I've spent so much time over the last year with people I know nothing about and who know nothing about me that it's been a heckuva lot of chitchat. I know chitchat has it's place but I tire of it really quickly if that is the substance of the friendship.. know what I mean? I hope I'm not sounding like a broken record.

Hmm, went to an interesting thing tonight with a friend. A multi-level-marketing/direct-buying business thing. I don't want to offend anyone who might be a die-hard fan of these types of businesses with what I say. I just have such a thing about them that rings warning bells. I know that there are people that make a lot of money out of them and swear by them (with the addition of hard work!).. but it's just not me. It was a different kind of one, anyway, where they sell aussie opals. Interesting. Good thing I don't love opals!

Went dress shopping for a bit today (for Melsy) and bumped into Sky who got married while I was away. Had a coffee and catch up and it was so nice to hear how her wedding day and tour-of-Thailand went for her honeymoon. Lots of stories of elephants, monkeys and getting ripped off by pushy little street-market people. Nice.

Way off the topic if there was one but I am getting reacquainted with the old Aussie accent. It's funny!I know I don't speak with an accent, although most people who tried to guess my accent overseas thought I was English (WHAT?!?!), but it just seems a lot twangier since I've gotten back. Noice (nice) is one that I hear a lot! Gid (good) is another. It's hard to spell the pronunciation, but it's really funny! Funnier that it doesn't sound normal at first. And people sounded a lot twangier over in Victoria too which was interesting. I knew Queenslanders (where I was born.. woo) have their "kewl bananas" accent, but I didn't know Victorians had accents. Anyhoo.. not having a go at anyone here!!

Well, I think that's about all I can be bothered to type. It's the city to surf this sunday. My brother's running AGAIN so I might go watch.. but I think it's a bit hard to watch. You just stand at the finish pool and try to find someone in the field of people. Unless he comes first! hehe.. I have faith in you Donny :) I should've got into training and gone with you. Maybe next year (eww, that sounds very procrastinatorish) eh?

Sleep now. Good night! xx

P.S. Pics are still not working.. so just boring text until blogger is happy with me :)

Sprint >>> run >> jog > walk.. crawl... sit

Big sighs here.

Have decided I'm going to slow life down a bit. I crave adventure and living on the edge. I want flexibility, freedom, cultural immersion, new experiences. I feel as though it's part of my DNA now and I couldn't live without it. The thought of 9-5 jobs scare me. The thought of mortgages, interest rates causes me to want to pack my bag and head off. I don't think it's a fear of committing.. more a fear of being boring, being settled, actually I don't believe that I could find contentment in that.

Is it that I need to grow up? Is it that I have been so on-the-go that it's made a bit of turmoil in my mind of what is normal? I know being sold out for God isn't a second rate life. There's adventure, sacrifice and JOY. Joy is my favourite feeling/state of being. I crave it. But I guess there needs to be that peace, that stability, that contentment at all times before you can truly experience the adventures. Sometimes there needs to be "down" time where you just sit and be. Sit and be. It's hard, you know? Stop running.. breathe, let God's love wash over you.

Adventures can happen anywhere too. A new friend has a ministry with her nextdoor neighbours (the kids) and has her God-work cut out for her there. She doesn't need to go, she is content and finds God-adventure where she is. He sees her willing heart and uses her.

Mixed up post, I know. Just getting it out there. God is my refuge, my strength, my sustenance, my future, my hope, my all. I can't run from him. It doesn't work. I don't want to.

Better go.. being domesticated for our welcome home me family thing tomorrow.

Love x

Back on the mainland

Howdy,

Well, back in Australia. Had a week in Melb visiting Mels and Robby (and Zoe). It was so nice. Some friends just make you feel at home with who you are. They are such a fantastic couple.. it was a real treat to spend a week celebrating their relationship. We had a nice stay in G-long with Rob's family for the enragement breakfast, met his fam.. they're lovely. Lots of wedding talk, hearing what their heart is for the big day. We went wedding dress shopping which was a huge thing and I felt so honoured to be there. Twas sad to wave goodbye last night from the tarmac but I couldn't help but repeat myself over and over at just fantastic it is that they're so good for each other and can be so confident in that. I always leave some of my heart with Mels and now Robby too. I love them heaps.

Have not really felt like there's a lot left for me in Perth. It really doesn't feel like home. Not that Switzy really is as I wouldn't be there if it wasn't for work. Almost sent me into a panic fit this morning before I stopped myself and realised that "home" is only going to be where I am for the moment. It seems to be a lesson I keep getting.. don't put your security in where you are or who is around you. I've kinda had that all taken away over the past 12 months and it's just been me and God. Not that I am saying I've lived in poverty in terms of physical stuff and been hard done by.. but in terms of the things I (and quite a few people I know) would and have put my security in - friendships, church, having a home/space that is mine, a community, routine, career path, spiritual enouragement, discipleship - I just haven't lived in that. You can't put your trust or security in something that's not available. I feel like I keep getting this lesson over and over. I do get it but I don't seem to keep that mentality/mind-set for long as not long after I get back into a panic about having a seemingly helter-skelter life.

This morning was a landmark though not to let my emotions go down that road. I'm here for now.. I am never alone. God is always with me, always protecting, nurturing, providing, guiding. That term "rock" is fitting and true. Not to tie you down to something, but to support you.. to anchor who you are. Does that make sense? He's dependable when nothing else is. He's reliable when there's no one else to rely on. Not as a last resort.. I need to preach this to myself till it's sunk in.

That, of course, could just be this week as I'm tired. Maybe Perth does feel like home when I am awake. Mandy and Rich take melatonin (some vitamin you get from the sun) which helps get your body into the swing on things. If I could just remember to take it!

Had a bit of a lazy day.. spent some time with my brother and his mate tonight which was nice. Some things never change. It's strange. Not sure what the plan is for tomorrow. Catching up with a friend for lunch.. can't wait to see her. She's a gem.

Saw some of my kiddies today. It's amazing to watch them mature and develop their personalities. They soak up everything. They're so balanced and beautiful. I love them so much.

Well absolutely buggered. Eyes hurting.

Bonne nuit xx

Waahhhhhh!! You can't make me leave!

Ok, so this is the view from out the front of our apartment (we're 3rd floor.. this is on the path outside). Tell me you can feel the serenity..? Boodle hoodles, we have to go. We're all a bit sad. Except for the part where we get to see our family and friends.

Rich took this photo using a -exposure thingy. Pretty snazzy. It takes the photo over 30 seconds with a dark thing over the lens. There were actually ripples in the water, but it smoothed them out because of the setting. Don't ask. Just look. Ain't it pretty?!

So, once again, Kellie has no clue how she's going to fit everything into her bag. There's only so many beatings this poor case can take, you know? If it were just clothes and shoes it would be a sinch. But this baby carries my life: my mini-library, study books, files, office supplies, 50 bazillion gifts for my family (why couldn't you all stop at one kid? it would've been so much easier.. and cheaper), cables for each different country for each power pack, rollerblades, toiletries. I think that's it. I am even leaving behind my favourite blanky cos there's no room. Waahhh!!Shut up Kellie. Quit you're whining: be glad you're alive, you're healthy, you have a job, you've been able to see so much more of the world over the past 13 months, you have 2 eyes and a nose (not the other way around), you've got a mind that works enough to decide not to whine. Good. Glad that's over.

Tonight we had dinner while we watched RV on the projector. Oh my gosh, it's painful. Don't bother unless you're up for some groaning. Gosh.

OK folks.. I know this post is the kind where you can barely stop to take a breath in excitement of what I am going to say next (I just invisaged "someone" watching a computer screen with their eyes glued and their tongue wagging like a dogs..). I'm not on anything, I swear it. I think I'm just tired.

Love ya long time n00bs,

Kel

xxx

It's raining ropes

Bonsoir,

Well, it's been raining the last few days. I think it's just decided to be the end of summer. So instead of 30c+ everyday we've been having 16c, colder in the mornings. Ick. This is so cold. I'm taking it as God's way of prepping me for proper winter weather in Melbourne after not having winter for a while (kinda been drifting around the place skipping winters everywhere).

Très bonne (very good) week. There was the Swiss national day which was quite nice. I went and watched les feu d'artifice (fireworks) by myself at the last minute in Montreux. Gorgeous. It was so froid (cold) and windy I thought my eyes would fall out so I did the walk home alone before the grande (large) crowd dispersed. People are très happy to be Swiss it seems. It's great. Not quite as "yobbo-ish" as Australia.. dare I say it. Although Australia Day is my favourite day of the year and I am passionate about Aussies.

Anyway, Luke has been having half-days of school this week for our last week in Switzerland.. boohoo. So this afternoon I went to run an errand and ended up getting some pressies for my nieces and nephews (watches, what else would you buy in Switzerland that wouldn't melt?!) and found some gorgeous shops in Lausanne. Beautiful cobbled stoned roads.. and the rain. Ahh, it's so beautiful. J'aime la Suisse (I love Switzerland). Went to find an aussie hairdresser but, alas: "vacance" (he is on vacation). That's the only bit I understood, the rest was French jibberish unfortunately.

Tonight we went out for dinner with our neighbour, Michele. She's really very nice and has lived such a life. She's French but left for Argentina with her family when the war was about the start in the late 30's-early 40's. She lived there 30 years, escaped Argentina to go back to Paris with her 3 children and went into hiding for a year before opening a boutique to sell jewelry to support her children. She's pretty amazing. She lives with her dog, Rumba. She (Rumba) is fairly skitty and doesn't want to be my friend.. fine I say!

It was great to hear some of her story. Get to know someone ahead in life and learn a bit of what they've had to go through in order to appreciate how easy my life has been. Thank God. I mean that.

Well, the wine makes me sleepy so I have to go to sleep now.

Bon nuit,

Bisous xx


P.S. I guess I should explain the title.. you know how English speakers sometimes say "it's raining cats and dogs"? Well, the French saying makes much more sense: " it's raining ropes". Cats and dogs? Honestly.. who thought of it?! Hope you've enjoyed my snippets of le français!

These are a few of my favourite things..

Salut,

Well, I have had some boring posts lately so I thought I would continue along the same lines.. here's some things I love, in absolutely random order.

• outdoors
• affagatos
• soul friends
• trees
• quality chocolate (quite happy to not have it if it's not the good stuff)
• the idea of snowboarding (haven't tried it yet)
• getting inspiration (rhema moments) from the word
• forests
• the giddy kind of excitement children get at the simplest of things
• cute teacups
• picnics
• rough (wave-wise) beaches
• honesty (eg, friends telling me I'm being an idiot when I am..)
• bushwalks/walks in tree-full places (ok, I know I have already said forests..)
• good photography
• walking with God (things aren't ranked ok?)
• thunderstorms
• cold weather for sleeping
• siberian huskies
• cellos.. they get my heart to float along with the notes
• laying on grass talking about nothing in part
• dates with God (special times when you get dressed up and go out, intent to spend some time with God)
• remembering funny times from my childhood with my stoopid brothers :) haha, when Don made that video clip of us to "I want to ride my bicycle" as we played on mum's frog-green exercise bike, hehee.. do you know where that tape is Donny?!
• living in God's presence
• star-watching
• crying, not being afraid to show emotion at the right times
• inspirational people
• candle-lit girls nights
• everlastings (paper daisy.. pink ones)
• a good read
• running in the rain
• sudoko
• green eyes (like that afghani girl from National Geographic years ago..)
• laughing
• really sharp knives
• guys with earthy, powerful voices
• old people (particularly sweet old ladies)
• dreddies (I don't know why, I just love them..)
• seeing God's power and love totally change someone's life
• The Wild Fig Cafe near.. hmm, batemans I think
• watching a guy's face as he sees his bride walking down the aisle to him at their wedding
• team sports
• knowing you're walking in the will of God.. ahh, peace! sweet peace!
• quality jazz music
• sitting in the sun with Mum in the front room while she takes 4 hours to read and re-read the paper on a sunday afternoon
• when I know I am understood and accepted no matter what
• children's picture books
• old cars
• the thought that I will speak French eventually!
• laughing with Lou as we try to think of as many US towns/cities/states beginning with M.. (how did that start Louey love? oh, I remember.. you and your friend that has a country as a name)
• wooden furniture - chunky, rustic kinda stuff. wooden floors. wooden houses. ok, I love wood stuff.
• bass (double-bass, guitar)
• getting Joyce Meyer's podcast.. woohoo
• being the President of Kate Reynold's fan club. what an honour..
• travelling home
• fine-point pens.. LOVE THEM!
• driving nowhere for the sake of it

Well that's all I can think of just for the minute. I know there's lots more, just can't drudge it up from the depths at the moment. There's so much to love about life. It'll flash by too fast unless you take time to appreciate the things around you. Even the things that seem so small.

Love you. I mean that.

Kel

xx

Happy Birthday..

Woo, well the weekend flew by in a flash, that's for certain.

It wasn't the most exciting weekend, but not bad. It's our second last one here (till next time) so I guess I should've made the most of it.. oops.

Friday I went to France with Luke for school. He's a bit of a car-nut so Mandy and I planned a surprise trip to the national car museum. He loves trains, so it was a great bonus that it took us FOUR HOURS (had to write 4 in words for emphasis) to get there. And FOUR HOURS home :) 4 trains each way!!hehe, nah, I'm used to the trains by now and it wasn't too bad. Luke hadn't been on them yet so he was excited (especially the double-decker IC). The car museum was great and I can even say I enjoyed it! I'm not really into heaps of metal.. as long as it works. Well, I do like driving in nice cars though. And I do love cute old cars.. hmm ok. I'm not overly phased by them. There were heaps of Bugattis, Peugot, Benz, Masarati, Ferrari, Porsche etc. The originals too. Like, back in the 1800's and stuff. Crazy! The collection was started by two brothers (who our neighbour told me where imprisoned for not paying taxes and had their cars taken away..), Schlumph. Let me tell you.. the Bugattis were so nice.. there was a green one that was so beautiful. Luke loved it so that was the main thing. There was a new expo of the latest Bugatti model, Veyron, which is the fastest production car at the moment at 406km/hr. Crazy. Luke LOVED seeing that in person. So we trundled home after that and got home pretty late and rather bushed. We met some lovely French people that couldn't speak a word of English but didn't get snotty about it and helped us find the right tram to get around Mulhouse. Cheers mate!

Moving on: Saturday, had a chat with my family on skype. They were having a family reunion for my Mum's side of the family so it ended up being a great time to call. Talked to my Nana (the one who HAD been ill.. yay), my aunties, uncle, nieces, nephews, brothers, sissy-in-laws, ma, pa. Oh and the dog... Not really. Jordie, rest his soul, past on a few years back. It was great to chat! My pop got a bit disorientated when he was told to talk to Kellie in Switzerland on the computer.. he'd just woken up and it totally whacked him out (using the webcam as well) so he wasn't interested in talking. Who can blame the guy.. I mean, at 93 (or 94?) he'd have seen a fair few changes in technology that it would be rather overwhelming. It was so good to chat to everyone and I made some plans with Naomi (my niece) for the big upcoming girls sleepover.. the likes of going to see a movie, doing each others hair, nail polish, girly talk etc. Hehe, she is such a girl - it's going to be fun!

OK, so after that family chinwag, we whizzed around the house to get it clean and Mandy and I went off to France (2 days in a row!!) to do some shopping. There's a mother-of-the-bride outfit issue that needs to get sorted out. We went to Annecy and wandered around looking at different stores but not finding anything really suitable which was a bit sad for Mandy. It's amazing that you can go 1/2 an hour over the border and things really are different. France is great, but I.. eek, don't want to offend anyone.. much prefer Switzerland from what I have seen. It's crazily clean here.. I love it.

Anyway, Saturday night I went for a wander up the mountain and found some beautiful little cobble-stone villages, then went back home, took care of Luke and had an early one. Sunday, I played with some babies at church and then we took the lakeside road home before grabbing a bite to eat and heading home. It's always such nice weather on the weekend - it really is well behaved over here. Chatted to Mum for an hour or so and to a friend as well. Listened to the sermon from this morning which was BRILLIANT, helped Mandy with tea and then watched a movie about a guy turning into a dog with the family. It was quite funny actually.

Surprised that I didn't tell you when I went to the loo or when I blew my nose? I know, lots of boring info. It's like a really dull diary entry that an 11 year old girl would write. Oh well. It's good to mix things up cos usually my posts are SO exciting!! (what's with all the caps tonight..?).

Anyway, that's all I've got. Ohhh, the Happy Birthday title is for Leanne (girl..you're still young enough to be called a girl.. from church here) who is celebrating a special birthday tomorrow (Monday). I don't know if you'll ever read this, but I hope you have a really great day! :)

Love Kel

xx

Song of the hour..

From "Seated in Heavenly Places" - Victory Life Centre Perth.. song by Denise (can't remember her surname, well she's married since I left Perth anyway.. my Praise lecturer!) called "I Will Remember".


I will remember the price you paid for me
and I will remember the blood you shed for me
I can never repay you
for what you've done for me
but I give you the one thing that you desire of me

I give you my heart
I give you my life
My most precious treasure
I lay before your feet
and I'm willing to give
I'm willing to go
I'm willing to follow you to the ends of the earth my God

Bridge:
Ohh Lord, send me I will go
Ohh Lord, send me I will follow
(repeat)


Such a beautiful song. Just a heart cry to God that you'll give all that's precious to you for His service.. for His glory. Because He's worth it. He's amazing, He's given what's most precious to Him for us. I think anything I might have can even compare? Uh, no. But He's done it all! So, I ask myself: what can there be to lose in following where ever He wants me to go? Have I ever not come out the other side closer to Him when I've taken the road he's lead me on.. even though it might seem scary or difficult? Nope, that's the only thing I can be truly assured of, that He's got me in His hands, He knows what's best for me and that He trusts me to be one of His hands on this Earth.. even when I stuff up, get back up and plod on!