Family Down Under

Hard to believe that we are a month into our trip and are now with Michael's Uncle David, Aunt Ann, Daxine, Peter, Courtney, Natasha, and Jared! We are being so spoiled, and have actually become a bit absent-minded because we are so relaxed.

We had a great time in Sydney. The Youth Orchestra was really very good - there is no way we could tell that they were anything but professionals. The Opera House certainly looks like it was built in the 1970's inside, but the acoustics were great. There were many pieces, but the sound just seemed to build and build until the last piece, where every part of the orchestra was used including drums, tumpets, trombones, basses, cellos, and so many violins. It was goosebump material!

On Friday we had lunch with our friend Pedro from Brazil, and had such a great time again talking to him about world politics, government, and such. He treated us to a fantastic meal and suggested a ferry ride to Manly, just on the Eastern coast where he lives. What a beautiful little beach town - we took our shoes off and strolled through the water on a great sandy beach, and made our way back into downtown just after dusk which was really beautiful.

We left Sydney and have been in Stirling (just outside Adelaide) with relatives for 5 days and have enjoyed every minute! We have our own little guest cottage outside the house, and have eaten like kings since we arrived. A garden party with Daxine and family and longtime friends and neighbors the first day, a childrens birthday party with Dax and kids on Sunday, a drive to the South coast and thru wine country on Monday, and wildlife viewing on Tuesday. The countryside in this area is really what Michael and I think is ideal, with gum tree stands dotting the rolling hills and pastureland, super colorful parrots of all differing varieties flying all around, kangaroos and koalas here and there, and sandy ocean beaches close by. Spectacular.

We talk a great deal about the situation in Zimbabwe with Ann and Dave, and how it is affecting all of their loved ones there. Hard for us all to imagine how hard it must be, and wish we could do more.

All in all we have had such a great time seeing where the family lives, getting to know the little ones, and taking in this precious time and living it to the fullest. We feel so lucky to be here.