our first few weeks

we've been in wales almost three weeks now.

we're adjusting to the newness of a different country and are settling in just fine. 

so far we've:

*moved into our house...the kitchen, sitting room, and back yard are my favorite spots.

before we moved, we asked God for a fenced in backyard for the kids and that our house would be near a park so that i could walk them there anytime. God went above and beyond and blessed us with more than we asked. our back yard is enclosed and just beyond is a path that leads to an amazing park for the kids. there is even a stream that sounds so lovely the moment you walk out our back door. In the words of my friend, "your garden (yard) drew me into it and i could feel God in the trees and in the streams." she's right! He went before us. He is here. He provided a place of peace and solitude for our family. i love our new home.

so far we've:

*bought our car...i conquered my fear of driving in another country! i sat on the passenger side for over a week observing how james and other drivers were driving until i finally mustered up the nerve to plop myself down on the right side of the car just behind the steering wheel. and guess what...i did just fine. 

james drove us to mumbles last weekend and i took lots of pretty pictures of the houses and the beautiful landscape. 

so far we've:

*stocked the house with things we need like a kitchen table, beds, washing machine, and cookware. so many people blessed us by giving us stuff and delivering stuff to our house and driving us here and there while we got what we needed. so thankful for all of you.

so far we've:

*browsed all the new to us places to shop for groceries and home goods like tesco, asda, argos, next, and lidl.

*embraced the differences in weather (hot and sunny vs cool and rainy) by quickly finding some rain coats and wellies.

*discovered the park near our house and enjoyed all the free and cheap activities while the weather was nice.

(cai's view of the ducks...hence the sweet foot)

*visited bracelet bay and oystermouth castle.

the kids have enjoyed learning about the rich history and culture here.

below is the reality of what was really going on around us while we were trying to be all calm and smile.

so far we've:

*enjoyed the worship and sermons at church on the move (cotm) here in neath. i've gotten to know so many sweet ladies within the church and around town. there are a handful of mums who i visit with each sunday night back in our church nursery. you gals are so fun!

*taken part in the homeless ministry through cotm. james has been taking turns with each of the kids and allowing them to go with him to be a part of something that is so important to the homeless here in neath.

*driven around town praying to see who and where God would lead us. we have already met new people and made some great contacts.

friends, continue to pray with us as we gear up to welcome the missions team in america in mid october and join with a local church in our community to bring the drama- heaven's gates and hell's flames. Please pray that many lives will be changed and they'll discover God's love.