'Jya Ne' not 'Sayonara'

On Friday night, we said goodbye to the Kaneda family. Jason took them to the airport on Saturday morning. We enjoyed a relaxing meal together at El Porton's Mexican restaurant. Tomoka was well behaved, happy and a good entertainer for us. She was styling' with her sunnies...





She held our hand and wanted to sit on my lap. She instructed Jason on his driving...'Green - GO!' and 'Red - STOP!'. Perhaps we succeeded after all in making her bilingual in just three weeks! When we all hugged goodbye, Tomoka directed the hugs...She said, 'Next Daddy hug Jason...next Mommy hug Nicole'. It was hilarious!

We have already heard from them that they arrived safely in Nagoya. Katsuyuki is already back at work and we hope that all three of them get rested and back to Japan-time quickly.

We believe we will see them again. Perhaps in Japan next time. We would like to do a tour of Japan between the US and Australia when we finally head that way. We have many friends we'd like to reconnect with. (Yes - Campbells - Hitachi is definltey on the list!)

It is not easy to send friends off to the other side of the world. I appreciate our families who have allowed us to leave them. And I am thankful for email and internet and weblogs that allow us to keep in touch the way we do. To the Kanedas we didn't say 'Goodbye or Sayonara'...just 'Jya-ne or See you later!'

Certified and Naturalized

Um...I wonder if this is legal?

Jason and Tomo-chan

Backing up to before we left for California, we were able to enjoy more quality time with the Kanedas. They came over for Sunday lunch. It was nice enough to eat and play outside.

After visiting us on Saturday evening, Akiko and Katsuyuki let Tomoka watch the video they had taken at our house that night. Much to our delight, her parents reported that Tomoka said over and over again, 'I want to play with Jason and Nicole'. How sweet she is!

Tomo-chan is always so shy with Jason at first. But once she gets comfortable, she's 'all-about-Jason'. She runs after him and every trick or game he plays is followed with a 'mou ikkai yatte' ('do it again!') from Tomo.

What a blessing she is to us!

Reflections

A little more news from our California trip. We really enjoyed our time at Pepperdine. We saw friends from around the world who we had not seen in years. Some we had last seen four years ago, others seven years ago.

For those of you who have been to the Pepperdine campus, you know the beauty I talk about. It is literally carved into a cliff. To quote one man, 'you have to be a mountain goat to get around'. He is right. Don't forget anything from your dorm, or leave something down in the main auditorium!

Our dorm room had a sweeping view of the Pacific ocean, and the campus is covered with trees, plants and flowers which are common in Australia. It was so wonderful to walk outside and breathe the sea air and smell familiar smells, like eucalyptus. For many reasons, I feel closer to home (Australian home) in LA...after all it is just 14 hours over that ocean.



One time we flew into LA and from our plane (while still flying) we could see a Qantas jet about to land. It is always a little strange to see the red-kangaroo-tailed planes there knowing they have just delivered hundreds of Aussies to the US that morning, or will be taking many home in the evening. I certainly don't feel homesick these days, and I am so happy to call America home at this time, but there's just something about those familiar sights, sounds and smells from down under.

Speaking of that part of the world - we gathered with several on Thursday evening at an 'Asia Pacific Missions Interest' meeting. It was exciting to visit, share and pray with others who feel a burden to the continued spread of the Good News in this part of the world.



And it would be a shame not to mention the culinary delights of a place like Malibu. We enjoyed some fantastic seafood. King crab legs (I have not had crab like this in so long...mmmm), shrimp, great fish.... For those of you who might think I am a petite and controlled eater, you would be shocked to see how I can pack away the seafood. It shocked my husband the first time he saw me effortlessly eat an entire crab in Hokkaido, Japan. But he sure can pack it away, too:



Ok...let's be fair...we split this 6 ways. But this was a SINGLE serving of chocolate cake! Unbelievable!

Proud to be an American

May 1st was a special day for our family. I was sworn in as an American Citizen along with 203 others in a Naturalization Ceremony in downtown Memphis. I was honoured by the presence of several friends - thanks Justin, Larry Arick, Natalie and Shawn, and of course my dear husband (without whom this would not have been possible...you know the whole marriage thing...)

Celebrations began on Sunday at the Blands who had plannned a surprise party for me. It was so awesome to be honoured like that. They went all out with red, white and blue decorations from the mailbox and all throughout their home and everyone even wore red, white and blue colours! 'Bland Sundays' have become such a highlight of our time in Memphis. Thanks, friends!






Back to the actual day...it was a really neat ceremony, complete with the Navy band to provide music which stirred the heart! The guest speaker, who was also being naturalized was from Brisbane, Australia, so that was an unexpected treat.

It is certainly a blessing and an honour to be an American Citizen. Of course, it does mean that I can no longer use the line, 'Sir, I'm not an American' on corporate clients who are irritated that I don't know how to spell Roanoke, or know which state it is in... I'll have to come up with some other excuse now.

My naturalization certificate had a little glitch though - it did not get signed by the director of Homeland Security. So I had to make two extra trips to their office to get that taken care of...that is always a treat! It is all taken care of though. Most of our pictures turned out a little dark - here's one though of me at the ceremony.

Oh say can you see....the new American among us....

Greetings from Malibu, California

We're greatly enjoying the Pepperdine Lectures. What more could you ask for - we're on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, enjoying classes and speakers, singing and fellowshipping. We've reconnected with folks from Japan, Australia and from thoughout the US. We've also been acquainted with new friends from all over this country and the world. I can't help but dream a little of just how wonderful heaven will be.

The lectures will be over tonight and we will head to Marina del Ray to stay with Glen, Charla and Sienna Brown. These are friends I've known from Wynnum congregation, Griffith University and Ochanomizu congegation in Tokyo. I wonder if they've caught on that I'm following them yet?

Here's some pictures of people and places.....


What a view!



Jason and Tadayoshi Aikawa from Tokyo, Japan



Yukikazu's father Shiro Obata was honoured at this years lectures for his years of Christian service in Ochanomizu and Haruna, Japan



Here we are with Yukikazu Obata - preacher at Mito congregation, Ibaraki, Japan

Catching you up...

It will take several posts to fill you in on whats been going on. I wanted to take a minute to share with you an exciting Aussie Mission Team development. Jon, Sara and baby Grizzle will be joining us on our survey trip in July to Wollongong, NSW. The Grizzles have been dialoguing with us about Australia and joining in on our team meetings and devotionals and planning for a couple of months now. Last week they committed to coming with us to survey Wollongong! We thank God for this progress. While the Grizzles are not committed yet to our team, we praise God for their desire to serve God and to consider being partners with us in ministry to Australia. We will miss little Nina, who will enjoy about 10 days with grandparents while her Mom, Dad and newborn brother (due June 15th) will be down under.



Please remember the Grizzles in your prayers - especially for the arrival of a healthy son.

Another team blessing has been the opportunity to meet some extended family members. We enjoyed time with Shawn's Mom and brother, Jake. Of course we always enjoy time with Kendra's sister, Jane. I know she is a blessing to the Griffiths...she is a model Aunt! I'm thankful for these opportunities which bring another dimension to our team relationships.

Happy Little Vegemite

On my way to work today, I decided to stop in at World Market - a new (6 months ago) store to the Memphis area. It's basically in the same parking lot as my office and I was running a few minutes early. As I drove by there this morning, the thought crossed my mind that they just might have Vegemite. As I mentioned on a previous post...I have been in search of Vegemite for the last week but had pretty much resolved to waiting until our visit in July.

I searched the aisles of imported food and came across TIM TAMS, Cadbury Flakes, Time Outs, Curly Wurlys and other Cadbury Gems. Ahh...the mouth waters. Alas, no Vegemite. On my way out, the store clerk asked if I found everything I needed. (she could probably tell by my face that I did not!) I asked her if they stocked Vegemite. I expected a blank, 'never heard of it' stare. Instead she said, 'oh yeah, right this way'. She led me to the 'Product of AustRIA' aisle (go figure...Australia..Austria...) and lo and behold...there sat my Vegemite.

She knew I was happy. Trying not to be too giddy, I politely told her how she had made my day, and went on and paid my $2.99 plus tax for the goods.

I'm still pretty pumped about my find. It's very timely - since today is ANZAC day and all, and since I've had about all the peanut butter and honey, and jelly on toast that I can handle for some time. And to think it's been right there all this time.

'Australians all let us rejoice....' Memphis has Vegemite!

Reunion

It has been such a joy to be reunited with Katsuyuki, Akiko and Tomoka. Even though Akiko told us that Tomoka could say our names and identify us from a picture...my heart was filled with an unexpected joy and warmth when I heard her say 'Niko' and 'Jason doko?'...'Where's Jason?' It was the sweetest thing. She is now 2 1/2 and can speak and in full sentences - in Japanese - and it makes our interactions with her so full and rich.

Of course we greatly enjoy her Mum and Dad, too. They are strong people - they went through some trials while living in the US but persevered through each of them with a happy disposition. We look forward to our time together over the next few weeks. And hope we can visit them in Okazaki some time soon.

Good Morning!

We're both feeling much better...in spite of not being able to get my hands on any Vegemite. Thanks to my kind friends in Japan who offered to order and send me some, though!

It is a really stormy morning here in Memphis. One benefit of being sick and having slept alot, is that this morning I woke up and bounced out of bed...not my usual morning ritual...let's just say I am not really a morning person. But with so much sleep under my belt, I was glad to get up this morning. I was also helped by a morning call from Jason's family.

This weekend our friends from Japan, the Kanedas arrive. I had their arrival one week too soon... Saturday morning is HUGSR's annual 5k Run for the Son. If you're in Memphis, join us at 7:30am for registration for an 8am run. Jason will be 31 this weekend....

That's about it for 'news'. Just checking in...
Be blessed!

In search of comfort...

Last night I (Nicole) came down with a terrible stomach bug. I honestly don't think I've ever gotten sick this fast before. Jason took good care of me throughout the night as I moved between the bedroom and living room trying to get comfortable. This morning I called the office saying I would not work today. Their response was 'Are you pregnant?' I assured them that since I had fever and an aching body that this was indeed just a nasty bug! Besides, I would hope that this was not 'morning sickness'....if THIS is what morning sickness is like...then I am up for adopting!

As a child, whenever I was sick, I would eat Vegemite on toast or crackers. It has grown to be such a comfort food and as I began to get my wits about me this afternoon, I could not think of anything else. So...I went on a mission to Wild Oats only to find out that they no longer carry Vegemite. I'm very devastated....all I want is a little comfort...and I can't get it.... I had to settle for some soup from McAlisters deli..... Please feel very sorry for me! And if you have Vegemite on hand...give me a call.

Naturalization

We're pleased to announce that the final stage of my Naturalization process(Justin - please note 'proper US spelling for naturaliZation), is just around the corner. We received 'orders' for me to appear Downtown Memphis on May 1st for my Oath Ceremony. On this day I will officially become a citizen of the United States of America. I will have the priviledge of being a Dual Citizen of Australia and the US.



We started our file in Tokyo, Japan back in 2002. Overall - our dealings with the Embassies, Consulates, INS and now the department of Homeland Security have been very pleasant and smooth. There were occassional setbacks and frustrations but God provided us with endurance, patience and funds to get this taken care of.

If you would like to witness a Naturalization Oath Ceremony (really...how often does a chance like this come up???)...let me know...I'd be honoured for you to be there. (And yes...Justin...I spelled honoUred 'Aussie style' - just for you - and in honour of my roots!)

Visitors from Japan...coming soon

Our friends from Aichi, Japan will be back in Memphis is just a few days! We met them while they were here on a research grant at UT. We studied the Bible together and developed a wonderful friendship. We can't wait to see how they are doing - especially their daughter, Tomoka. Tomoka was born while the Kaneda family lived in Memphis. We were priviledged to baby sit Tomoka on a number of occasions. Her Mom and Dad even allowed her to spend the night with us. She is one of the sweetest little girls we have ever known. Jason says she is his favourite. I remember the first time Tomoka ever really laughed. We had just finished a meal together; Jason was singing her name to the tune of a well known Japanese folk song and she thought it was the funniest thing ever. She busted out in fits of laughter over and over again until it became a game. I think it surprised both her and her parents to hear her laugh like that. I don't think I will ever forget that.

I wonder if she will remember 'Jason and Nicole'? Her parents have been showing her our picture and said she can say our names. That will be sweet to hear! They have asked that we make her bilingual during their three week visit (one of which we will be in California). We'll have to get busy on that....good think my degree is in Linguistics. Surely that will help.



Some other special people are arriving from Japan just before them. Jared and Jenny have been on a freight liner for about 10 days. They are scheduled to hit Los Angeles some time tomorrow. We can't wait to hear that they have arrived safely. What an experience to cross the Pacific this way - and they have done this twice! They plan to come our way some time in May or June. Jason and Jared are yet to meet. I can't wait for them to get to know each other and for Jenny and I to get reaquainted. Jenny is like a sister to me. Talking, tea, knitting, laughing...these and more are well overdue.

Thank you God for the blessing of friendship.

Discover with us

I wanted to post this link to some information about Wollongong.
Click on the title of this post and you will be transported to New South Wales!

Wollongong, NSW Survey Trip

We're excited to share with you that we will survey the city of Wollongong, New South Wales (NSW) in July - in anticipation that this growing city might be our future home and place of ministry. Wollongong is about 45 minutes south of Sydney. It is the 3rd largest city in the state of NSW and the 10th largest in Australia. Mountains to the west...ocean to the east...families...a university...a diverse population...some 275,000 people searching for some meaning to life.

'May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us, that your ways may be known upon earth, your saving power among all nations. May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you. May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples justly and guide the nations of the earth. May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you.' - Psalm 67:1-5

And there was much rejoicing...Part II

I have finally figured out how to put links on our blog!!! So...welcome to those of you who are linked. I am not done yet. If you would like us to put a link to your website on ours...let me know. Um...for those of you who are already linked that I did NOT ask...let me know if you want to be removed!

As you can see...things are still a little shakey. My font for 'links' does not match my other fonts. I would like to add a few other features - but my progress seems to be very slow! First words...then pictures...now links. Wow!

I am always open to hints and tips for better blog features.

Spring Thing 2006

Saturday night was the Grad school's Spring Thing. The weather was perfect - we enjoyed a BBQ and devotional outside. Thanks, Justin for reminding us of the special friendships and community we have here. We can testify how the relationships we have developed and continue to develop here, have really shaped us and blessed us.


Thanks for stopping by our website. We hope you'll have time to post a comment and let us know you've 'dropped in' on us.

Good times in Ada

Jason and Jun - Ada, Oklahoma, March 2006

Happenings...

Life is good. God is good. God is not good just because life is good. Recently I can really sense God's goodness in life. He is good and faithful to His promises and I delight in His love more and more.

Amidst work and studies, we have enjoyed some special events during the past two weeks. We took another road trip to Oklahoma. This time to Ada where we were reunited with Jun Nakazato from Japan. If you've spent even a short time with my husband, it is very likley that you have heard about 'Jun'. It was great to catch up with him after almost 4 years and to encourage each other in our faith. Jun is a perserverer...no doubt about it! I enjoyed a visit from Billie Hesselrode who was visiting from Missouri this past week. Bob and Billie moved from Memphis to Kennett last summer. We miss their presence in Memphis, but they are still a bright spot in our lives through email and phone communication and an occassional face-to-face visit.

Our team has made a monumental step forward. We have agreed on a location to survey this summer. Let me post this news in a week or so. In the meantime, let me share with your our photo. We covet your prayers for each member - Jason, Nicole, Shawn, Kendra, Darian and Brenna. And for the hearts of those we trust that God is already preparing to hear of His love, mercy and goodness!

Sakura

As the seasons change, I always want to change 'my favourite season'. In the Fall, as the leaves turn, and I see pumpkins for sale, I think 'Fall is my favourite season'. When it snows, Winter is number one. But then how can you beat those long Summer days? Without fail, though, Spring probably brings me the most delight! There is just nothing like the power of spring. The earth is waking from its winter slumber and God's power, majesty, and creativity are coming to life more and more each day.

My all time favourite 'Spring-Thing' is the Cherry Blossoms. In Japan, the blooming of the Sakura is a highly celebrated event. In the midst of the concrete jungle that is Tokyo, lie beautiful parks FULL of sakura trees. A spring tradition in Japan is to go 'hanami'...'flower viewing'. People come from all over, and will even camp out overnight in order to stake out the perfect place to spread out their tarp for the party the next day.

Fortunately, we can still enjoy the beauty of the sakura in Memphis. Cherry Rd, Memphis, TN is in full bloom right now. While we don't party beneath them - each Memphis Spring, we have taken a little time to wander over there and enjoy their beauty. Jason and I visited there this afternoon with our friend Rachel. Today was the first sunny day in a while so we went over there before Bible study tonight and took a few pictures. I'll post one of the two of us later if Rachel can email the ones she took. I ruined the one from our camera when I tried to enhance it. Opps.

Please enjoy my feeble attempts to capture an awesome part of God's creation. Hope you're feeling a spring in your step these days.

Clinically Normal

You'll be pleased to learn that the results of our recent psychological tests are in....

Jason and I are 'clinically normal'. Sigh of relief! :-)

This past week we spent some time with Dr. Flatt discussing our tests and their results. Of course, we are not without our 'quirks'. :-) And we certainly have areas needing growth. They say the biggest room in anyone's house is the 'room for improvement'. It has been a good learning process. Learning more about ourselves is surely going to be a benefit to us as individuals, to our marriages, and to our team relationships.

We know that our confidence cannot lie in these tests, their results, our relationships, nor our abilities. Praise be to God who continues to refine us. May He receive glory in all we seek to do...in spite of our weaknesses.

Oklahoma Happenings....

We've been to Oklahoma and back again. Oklahoma was wonderful. We were able to spend time with friends and family. It was a pretty tight schedule...arriving in OKC about 2am...almost 3am before we were able to get to sleep. Saturday we spent at Kent and Nancy Hartmans with the Powell family and the Dale Hartman family. The day was spent visiting with them, asking questions, eating, and praising God together. We were blessed by the MKs who were there and were able to visit with Darian and Brenna. As is usual for the Hartmans, they put on a great spread of food...distinctly Aussie....TIM TAMS and pavlova and cups of tea throughout the day. :-) We're really thankful because these families really pulled together to pull this thing off and were very gracious about us descending on them.



Sunday we worshipped at Memorial Rd and visited the Community Class. We enjoyed a great lunch with Doug and Cheryl, and Amanda and Judson. It was so fun to catch up with them and enjoy a leisurely afternoon together. Judson took team pictures for us before the sun went down. Thanks a bunch to him for that....

On Monday, before heading back to Memphis - we enjoyed lunch with Jason's family. It is a rare occassion for us to able to be together with Mom, Dad, and Melissa - as well as Grandma and Regina. The only one missing was Stephen and missed he was. We were so glad it worked out for us to be together. Our trip was a blessing. Thanks so much to our family and friends for a great weekend. And thanks Griffiths....they are great at 'going with the flow' and are great fun to travel with.

Headed for Oklahoma

Tomorrow we will travel to Edmond, Oklahoma. This is a long awaited trip to meet with the Campbelltown, Australia team. 23 years ago, five families moved to Campbelltown, New South Wales to spread the Good News. We are really excited to meet with these families - I know we will learn a lot from their experiences and wisdom.

Of course, we all have to put in a days work before heading west...so we will be traveling until the early hours of the morning. And it will be a quick trip - we will head back this way on Monday.

We're also looking forward to this trip because we will spend some time with Doug and Cheryl Cox. I lived with them in 1995 during my year abroad in Manitoba, Canada. My relationship with them and Jenny and Brian is so dear to me. I am SO thankful that we could have these few years to be a little closer, geographically. We don't get to just 'drop in' on each other - but it is WAY more than I ever anticipated when we said goodbye to each other in December 1995. If I had of known how our lives would cross as they have...I could have saved a few tears! :-)

Missions Resource Network

This week some folks from Missions Resource Network (MRN) in Dallas, were in Memphis to meet with our team. Pictured here is Kendra Griffith, Phil Jackson (MRN), Sam Shewmaker (MRN), Alan Phillips (MRN) and me. Their visit was just what we needed. We're in the process of putting together our mission and vision with more clarity. The whole preparation process we are in the middle of seems so overwhelming at times. These very special people gave us a super dose of encouragement. Thanks guys! I feel re-aligned and focused. Our time of prayer together was uplifting and powerful. We're really thankful for their willingness to go out of their way to spend time with us. And we're thankful - very thankful - because we know that there are others petitioning God on our behalf, along with these. Thank you!

Georgia Reunion

One of our trips in December was to Atlanta, Georgia. There we visited the Howard family, and reconnected with my friend from Australia, Kuan-Chou. Kuan Chou and I were school captains (school Presidents) together at Redlands College. We both became Christians in our senior year of high school through studies with Mr. Howard. Kuan Chou is now a dentist and has his own practise in the Redlands where we grew up. During our highschool and university years, we played Monopoly together. Most people think that Monopoly is a low key, slow and drawn out game. But not when we play. We play hard and I hate to say it, but it almost gets ugly! Jason says it ALWAYS gets ugly, and thinks the safest place to be is jail.

Unfortunately, these days, Monopoly together only happens about once every two years. But we make it worth it. And every year, the inside jokes get funnier and stories of games of old get a little more twisted (in particular about how I do not trade fairly...surely not!) Good memories, though! We're thinking of developing a t-shirt to commemorate the event. The 2006 winner of the Howard-Kao-Whaley Monopoly Championship, in Atlanta, GA was....Mr KC KAO.


Te (Mr Howard) has made an awesome zip line going from their back balcony to a tree fort. I can't imagine how he got all this rigged up...but Jason and I both rode the zip line several times.
Here are some pics of Jason and I on the zip line...

Once you hit the end you have to use this scramble net to get up to the fort - unharness yourself and then climb down. Even more of a thrill than the zip line is a swing he made. It is much more exhilerating...but our camera battery died on us.

Te was my track and field coach and PE teacher...I thought my days of having my physical abilities tested were over. It seems they're not....but it was actually a lot of fun to swing between the trees and get that adrenalin pumping. :-)

The 'old' and the 'new'

....Here's a pic from Christmas 2003. I know...we're a little behind. This was Christmas in Austin, Texas. Here is Jason's entire family, complete with my sister, Melissa, all the way from Australia. Since then, we're grown by one with the arrival of Cade Southern - son of Brian and Heather.



Meet Cade Southern. Born in Denver, Colorado - July 2005. He's a cutie.

Time

I sometimes feel like life is just going too fast. Jason and I somehow manage to do one thing consistently well....'busyness'. We're very good at 'being busy'. The days seem to be turning into weeks, then months, then years - quicker than ever before! 2006 marks the beginning of our 4th year in Memphis. We are running the home stretch of our time in Memphis - or at least of Jason's time at HUGSR - and the feelings are very mixed.

This week I went to the Outback Steakhouse. I worked there for about 3 months when we first moved here. What a blast from the past that was. I felt a mixture of emotions...the smell of this place took me clearly back to my days of waiting tables. When I started there, I didn't know a thing about waiting tables. But I learned fast! I have both good memories and bad memories from my days at the Outback. My jeans still bear a scar from a fall in the kitchen. And thanks to the Outback, I am still addicted to sweet iced tea...how very un-Australian. The irony! The store manager remembered me when I ate there the other night. Let's assume she remembers only good things about me. :-)

So my visit there this week was just a loud reminder that time flies. It feels like three years in Memphis have literally slipped through my fingers. It makes me want to savor every day we have left here...and for all I know we could spend the rest of our time in the US, right here in Memphis.

In the meantime - there is a lot to do. For now - Jason will continue to study, I will continue to work. Together, with our team, we will continue to make steps towards the mission field. I just hope that in the midst of all the 'must dos', that we will remember to enjoy life as we know it right now. You might want to help remind me...

Snow Days

I seem to be getting more snow days than the teachers around here. I am not complaining by any means. We got a little ice over the weekend and I got Saturday off! Jason is in Abilene so I have been home alone and chillin' out (literally!) He's having a great time - catching up with some great friends from the past! I wish I were there for that. More news and maybe pics when he gets home with the computer!

Formatting

Now I know how to retrieve pics and post them to our blog! But, as you can see, I am lacking some formatting skills. I seem to have trouble getting the pics just where I want them. But look how far we've come...so I have confidence we'll get it all taken care of.

And for the credits...our thanks again to the Campbells...Greens...and my patient husband!

January events

After returning from PA, we celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary - here we are on that night. Four years ago, I would not have believed you if you'd told me we would be where we are today. But we're thankful to be here. And thankful that God has been with us and goes before us.

While visiting our friends in Pennsylvania, we were able to visit the crash site of 9/11's flight 93. This is the flight which crashed into a field - it seems after the hijackers realized that the passengers were able to overcome them. It was a surreal feeling to be right there. Plans for a permanent memorial are underway.

St. Jude Memphis Half Marathon

Jason completed his first half marathon in December, 2005. He trained well and completed in less than two hours! Fellow athletes pictured are Shawn Griffith, Craig & Jeri Ford. Way to go guys!

My Daily Grind...

This is Carlson Wagonlit Travel of Memphis, TN. As you can see my desk is not in the main office. Here is the main office where the rest of our lovely agents work. I do leisure and corporate - and it is for the corporate that I am hiding at a desk behind the glass.

And there was much rejoicing!

Finally...a picture. I know, I know...it is the same picture as our Christmas card...but don't you think the rest of the world needs to see it too? This is way too cool. I might even give up 'Lifetime' for more frequent photo blogging. But...Jason is going to Abilene and taking the computer with him. So there will be a short hiatus. Aren't you so HAPPY for us, though!? Ok...off to post more pics!

Valentine's Day

Jason & Nicole
Happy V-Day. Jason made me an awesome card...I feel extremely loved and adored by him. Anyways...keeping it censored....
I hope y'all have had a good day. We began our day with the completion of our psychological testing. We're done and will spend some time with Dr. Bill Flatt in a few weeks to discuss the 'results'.

Time is flying. Less than one month until we visit OKC, 3 months until we present a class at the Pepperdine Lectures, and less than 5 months until a survey trip! Hold on to your seat - life is fixin' to get real busy!

On Saturday night we celebrated Brenna's 8th birthday. The chosen venue was Texas Roadhouse - a very good choice! Thanks to the Griffiths for a fun night. Brenna is an amazing little girl. She is a lot of fun and has such a sweet and gentle spirit. It is going to be humbling to watch as God will continue to use Brenna and her older brother, Darian, to extend God's love and grace in Australia.

As for the pictures...they say that patience is a virtue!

Help

Jason & Nicole
Thanks, Campbells and Greens for your online support. When I go to post a new entry, though - like I am now...there is only an 'ABC' icon with a check mark. I don't see any other icons to select from this point. Am I in the wrong place?

Snow

Jason & Nicole
'Snowflakes that fall on my nose and eyelashes'...definitely make my list of favourite things. What a good day! The forecast for snow was correct and we have a thick blanket of snow all over the city of Memphis. I don't know why but it makes me giddy! I left work a couple of hours early and it took me more than twice as long to get home...but the Memphis drivers were to be commended....this time! A bunch of us of campus made the hugest snowball I have ever seen...so big that we could no longer roll it. Of course, a few (???) snowballs were also thrown. I love living in a place that experiences seasons (in contrast to seasons of 'warm' and 'hot' and 'hotter' in Brisbane)...There are things I love and appreciate about each season. My love for the seasons began in Japan where they really 'live' the seasons - mostly through food. But when there is snow...'winter' ranks as my number one favourite season. Without snow though - it is a hard choice between spring and fall for me. Perhaps some of you all out there are also enjoying a wintery wonderland! I have pictures to post...someone please teach me how!!!

Reservations

Jason & Nicole
I have some reservations about blogging. I feel reserved because honestly - exciting, earth shattering things just don't happen all that often in our lives. We sure manage to keep busy, our days are fuller than they need to be, we're happy in life and each other...but what exactly do you want to hear about? See, today, all the news I have to tell you is that I have two cavities. And surely this can't bring too much excitement or change to your day! It certainly didn't bring too much excitement to my day! You wouldn't believe the money Jason and I have spent on dental work since living in Memphis! I've had my first ever cavities, I had my wisdom teeth out, and Jason now has precious metal in his mouth. We're thankful though for our Dentist. He is a Christian and we've experienced nothing but kindness and grace from each person in their office. So - thats it for now, readers. I told you it was nothing special! But we're glad you're checking in with us. Leave us a comment - and any advice on dental care - aside from brushing, flossing, brushing, flossing - that we might be missing.

Jason & Nicole

Jason & Nicole
Its been a busy week...and so almost a week has passed since I last blogged...I bet you'd almost given up hope! Good news is that we might have wireless internet in our apartment. Think of the possibilities! I could really get in to blogging and posting pictures then. Right now I must blog at work, the library or a friends home since we don't even have dial-up at home.

Tuesday we both took the MMPI II test, which is over 500 True/False questions. It was not too draining. Our next tests will be on Feb 14th. Happy Valentine's Day!

Tonight we're looking forward to spending time with Ben and Monica Thompson - our friends from the Grad school. Saturday is a team meeting and Sunday holds too many activities for being a 'day of rest'! Its all good though. We're blessed through our friends and involvements here in Memphis.

Still no word on the Oath Ceremony - I hope they are not reconsidering my application! I am sure it is not that...I imagine there could be 1000s of pending applications for this area.

Be blessed today!

Jason & Nicole
I'm inspired to write again - just ONE day after my last post! Thanks Noel for your comments, and for our friends excitement to find us in the blog-o-sphere.

Since its just been one day, I don't have any earth shattering news to blog about. We did have a great night last night though with our team. Great food, fellowship and fun. We played a game called Whoonu, by Cranium. You ought to play it some time with friends or family - you'll enjoy it, I'm sure.

We also made some major progress in working on our vision and mission statement. It is daunting but exciting.

I'm glad it is Saturday. It is a work day for me...but the last one of the week. I am looking forward to some R&R over the next 2 days.

By the way in my previous post, I meant to say 'I am NOW waiting for an invitation to the next Oath ceremony'. I need to figure out how to edit....

Reality Check

Jason & Nicole
This morning I was reading our friends, Rusty and Laura Campbell's blog. Lo and behold they have a link to our website! Talk about a reality check - now it is time to get serious with this 'blog thing'. It is undeniably a great way to stay in touch with family and friends. I will need to work on learning how to post pictures.

Yesterday was Australia Day! Happy Australia Day to our fellow Aussies, and to lovers of Oz. We plan to celebrate more tonight with our team mates.

Speaking of our team - the Butts family have decided to pursue ministry prospects in the Unites States, rather than foreign missions. We are sorry to lose them, but we do trust God's provision for them, and our team.

Our next step in the team formation process is a series of psychological tests. These are costly and time consuming but we see their benefit and are committed to preparing in 'whole' for this mission. We covet your prayers.

Other news is that a couple of weeks ago, I had my interview and US Government and History tests to become a naturalized US Citizen. It all went well and I am not waiting on an invitation to the next Oath Ceremony in Memphis.

Stay Tuned!