Surprise!

Most of you don't know this about me, but I'm not a very romantic person. In fact, mooshy, lovey-dovey stuff makes me cringe. I know! Hard to believe! Afterall, I am pretty affectionate with Jimbo. But anyhow, the reason I'm saying this is because this past Valentine's Day, Jim surprised me by spontaneously making reservations at a restaurant in the city that he thought I'd like. Then, he kept the place a secret up until the minute we got there. It was an unexpected surprise. The ambience was wonderful, the food was great, and the price even better! I was giggly and gleeful the whole time! I couldn't help myself. It was just fun to be out even though it was raining! Mind you, I usually detest being out when it's raining. I know, I know. This may not be your idea of "romance" and some of you have a long list of romantic gestures under your belt. But to me, this Valentine's day was special because the last few years Jim and I have grown closer together through the different challenges we've faced and have overcome. We've been working side by side almost 24/7 for a few years now, so YES we drive each other insane sometimes. But I am truly grateful that we have each other to talk about the things we've gone or are going through (the good and the bad). I am grateful for how God uses Jim to refine me as a Christian. He truly has been and is, as they say in Oz, my BEST MATE.

Btw, notice Jim did not get PERManent curls in his hair.

We're Permanent!

I mean, Permanent Residents of the Commonwealth of Australia! Thank you all who have prayed and supported us in this endeavor. We can now serve in Oz without worrying about extending temporary visas every two years. Praise God for answered prayers.

Here we are celebrating Australia Day.


Buddy is particularly happy; afterall, he is an Aussie dog.


Celebrating the Aussie way: eating some Italian Gelato!

P.S.: We still love the U.S. of A. and are hard-core Americans!