Menindee part 2

Here are some more photos with a different theme. Click on them to see them a bit bigger. If you want any photos in full size I could send you a cd if you like.

This is the original route of the Darling River, which was block off so that they could redirect the water through the weir. The water still backs its way up here. Water can also be let out into this section from Pamamaroo and Wetherill Lakes if needed. Apparently there is a section in the levee that can be opened up in case there is ever a major flow down the river. If they do it does flood around Menindee and takes out a whole lot of roads, but it saves the weir. The last time they did that was about 1975.

Menindee Lake is still empty. I was talking to one of the guys that works for State Water and he said they don't put water into it because they can't get it back out if they need it. If there was a huge flow they would though. Hopefully there is enough water this year to not only fill them all up but also flush the river right out in South Australia. Even though it is flooding in Queensland the rain is still not falling in the right place. The big flood in Bourke though is already making its way to Menindee. Did you know that Bourke got 8 inches of rain in one day. It only rains 12 inches in a year on average. One year we were there it only rained 4 inches for the whole year.

The ants were going crazy on this gum tree getting all the nectar from the flowers.

Menindee

I recently went out camping at Menindee next to the river. I needed to get out by myself and spend some time thinking and reflecting on where things are going and to spend time listening to God. I spent some time taking some photos so I thought that I would share some of them with you. It was good to have some solitude and some quiet and to take notice of the things around me.

A few of the photos were taken inside Pamamaroo Lake one of the Menindee Lakes. This end of the lake was empty, but is usually full. More water is coming down the river so the next time I visit it will probably be full again. I camped at the site where Burke and Wills camped on their ill fated expedition North. All of the photos were taken within an hour or so from each other. It is interesting how quickly the light changes.

Sundown Trail

Here are some photos of us walking on the sundown trail. This walk is just outside of Broken Hill and is a great place to watch the sunset. The sunset wasn't that great, but we really enjoyed the walk which took us about an hour and a half. Benjamin really enjoyed his little trip in his backpack. We are looking forward to our holiday coming up soon so that we can do some walking and exploring.

news

Busy. The last week has been picking up momentum. Tafe has started again and I have a bit extra the next couple of weeks as one of the teachers has not been approved yet so I need to cover him for a bit. Found it hard to find my feet yet. I think it will before I do as this year is very different. I am a very routine person and have found the lack of routine a bit unsettling.

This year does involve a lot of connecting with people and building relationships. It is not really my strong point, but I know that it is what God wants me to do. It doesn't mean that I need to be outgoing, I know that I will never be that. Somehow I need to let the love of God flow through me and be Jesus to people. Something that I need to be reminded about all of the time.

Millie has started Art Classes on a Tuesday night. She has also been enjoying the gym which she goes to about 5 times are week. Lachlan and I have been swimming at the pool for fitness. Soccer season will start soon. Kids will be starting up little athletics again next week. Grace and Isaac are continuing with swimming lessons.

Pray for us over the next month.

Committed Company 2009

This year we will be having a bit of a change. We are taking on the role of a committed company. This means that we are involving ourselves more in the town, helping people discover hope, truth and meaning in their life. We will do this by becoming involved in the everyday parts of life, but also by running some things for youth, kids and families to help them discover more about the God who made them.

So this year we will not be taking any students at the centre so that we can be freer to be able to work together as a community to be involved in these things. Personally I am quite excited about it as it allows me to do many things that I have not had time for while running the centre. We may take students again next year, although we may continue in this way. We will see at the end of the year what is going to be the best option.

We will continue to have a mission team in Strathalbyn and I will be making a few trips down that way this year to be able to help them with their direction as I am their supervisor. As we will not have students this year there will be students going from the other centres in order to keep the team going after this year.

Continue to pray for us a we try to do things in a new way.