Hello ALL,

It has been another incredible week.  The week was hard, but good.  God was at work in huge ways.  We ended last weeks class with a day and afternoon of public repentance and forgiveness.  It was very uncomfortable I have to admit; however there is something about publically and verbally confessing your sins that brings a freedom that is not normally there.  It is the act of conquering shame and guilt as you speak out your sin.  Each person in our class had a chance pray to God and do so openly.  There are 17 in our class and each person through the power of the Holy Spirit mustered the courage to speak out.  There was not much that we didn't hear that day or experienced eithe. And, it was okay.   That day we were not people judging each other.  We were Christians who had sinned, and we offered our sin and guilt to God as others listened prayerfully and with loving hearts.  We were all saints who had fallen into sin.  We were saints who allowed our love for God to be felt by everyone despite the battles of sin we faced.  It was a beautiful day.  It was a day that brought freedom to us and glory to God. 

This week (wk 4) we are already three days into worship and intercession.  It has been an exceptional class as we have been challenged to go deeper than what we ever have before to understand who God is, and what it is to praise Him.  Please see the "As You Go" page to learn more. 

Otherwise, this past weekend we got a bit of a break on Saturday.  Our friend Heather was leaving on outreach for six weeks at the beginning of this week.  Because of which she took each of the three big kids out on one hour dates.  She is such a gift and blessing to our family.  While she did that Kathy and I ran to the city to get a few things.  You forget sometimes what it is like to be able to shop without the constant presence of a child in need. 

On Sunday, we had work duty all day.  Each day of the weekend is covered by staff and a school.  This allow the base to keep running as well as to give people a break.  I worked from 9-7 or 8pm.  I made for a long day, however it was a good day.  The kids played with their friends.  They helped out in the kitchen and with cleaning the base a bit.  Carolyn was also able to help out a bit between nap times.  That reminds me, we are continuously thanking God for Kathy.  Without Kathy things here would be that much more difficult.  She allows us the opportunity to enjoy the business of this training without feeling completely overwhelmed….Thanks KATHY!  

Well, before we knew it the weekend was over and week four of our 12 week training had begun.  Time is moving quickly.  We have begun talking about our outreach destination.  As of now we will be heading to Kolkata, India.  They are working on a secondary location for us.  There is a chance we will stay in Australia and travel out to minister.  They have not said what it is we will be doing.  Details are still being finalized.  Please pray for us as our hearts are being prepared for whatever it is that God has in store. 

Thank you as always for your prayers. 

  

Hey ALL,

The last many days have been like the first few...busy.  We are not only doing the YWAM school, but also the tourist thing why we can.  In the last few weeks we have gone to the beach once, and to the parks and the city (Perth) often.  To get the  beach we enjoyed a 10 minute bus ride, followed by a 20 minute train ride, and rounded off with a 15 minute walk. Well worth the journey.  We the beach was in sight it was clear the Indian Ocean was rocking.  It took me and the kids an hour to get ourselves used to the waves beating on us and dragging us out a ways (a few feet).  Charlotte was standing in about a foot of water and was turn upside down a few times as a few came in.  She was perfectly fine, but completely unexpected for both of us.  

The parks here are incredible.  Apparently Perth has the second or third largest inner city park in the world next to Central Park in New York.  We spent time at Kings Park as a school, and fellowshipped with one another.  The park was awesome , and so was are timing being together.  Our school leader has worked hard to provide time for us to interact outside of class, so we can get to know one another.   

We also spent time in the city.  Perth has a pretty amazing downtown area.  On Easter we visited a city church.  After church we went into the square and hung out as a family.  We learned that area churches gather and put on a weekend festival for the Easter holiday.  They had crafts, a fountain for the kids to run in (that is always there), petting zoo on Saturday as well as a maze, in addition to balloon animals, painters, and a prophetic table (which was interesting).  They finished off the day with public worship.  It was pretty awesome.  The other neat fact is that all the retail stores close down for one day over Easter.  The restaurants were open, but nothing else which was fascinating to see and awesome!  Two thumbs up for Australia (at least Perth). 

I have been hoping to go to a rugby game, but that didn't work out.  We live down the street from a stadium, but the season ended I believe.         

Despite our tourist craziness, the school has kept us crazy busy as well.  God is at work and we are attempting to listen.  Last week we finished up the topic of God's nature and character.  This week we have moved into the topic of Repentance.  Lets just say...this is going to be an easy week (sarcasm included).  Please look at the As You Go page to learn more about what we are learning.  

It is amazing how fast time goes.  We are all ready entering our third week.  Most mornings we wake up with the actuality that we are in Australia.  Still hard to say and get used to.  Regardless, enough time has passed by now that we are all sleeping fairly normal. I pray every night that undisturbed rest will be are blessing.  God doesn't always help with that one, but the last two nights He has.  

This is a fun fact for you, apparently to promote healthier teeth Perth not only puts chlorine (I believe I was told) in the water but also fluoride to strengthen your teeth.  Not sure if that is all correct, but it was an interesting tid bit I learned that I would pass along to you.  

Anyways, we are now really to starting to get into a routine, which has been helpful.  The kids are continuing to adjust and enjoy their school in the morning.  We are home schooling in the afternoon.  However, the morning is filled with guided learning as we are in school.  They are all making great friends.  It has been a blessing to have so many families here.  I have said this a few times, but it is truly a blessing.  During Monday morning worship I was watching and blessed by a group of kids ranging from 4-12 playing together (ours included).  Not more than 3 weeks ago they would have never known each other.  God has provided an attitude here that everyone takes care of each other.  Starting from the parents to the smallest of child.  The distance from home is great, but the experience is worth it.   

Overall, we things are going well.  We ask that you be praying as we prepare to hear where we are to go on outreach.  We feel God is got something for us that may not be the same for everyone.  Not sure about that. That is why we need your prayers.  In addition, please pray that we are not only ministered to, but also able to minister to others.

Carolyn here! 
     So many of us see the phrase "Hearing from God" and we immediately have a reaction, this could be along the lines of doubt, disbelief, that God wouldn't pick you, that God doesn't speak, or even that God doesn't exist.
     I had the privilege of growing up in a church environment that encouraged a personal relationship with a God who chose us by name, who loves us deeply, perfectly, and who is above all Holy, Holy, Holy!!!  For some we understand that God wants to speak but we don't know how, we don't make the time for how, we are unwilling to listen or we are afraid of what God might say...
           Ture wrote recently of the ways that God speaks--I believe we need to be retrained in our listening!  

           Here are some principles of hearing from God,
            ** Praise God, Thanksgiving Psalm 100:4 Enter His gates with Thanksgiving and Praise, praise HIm not for what He does although that is amazing but Praise Him for who He is, I have started a section in my journal just to write the names of God, and who he is in my life, For a small example, "God you are Tremendous, Merciful, Strong, Powerful, Perfect, Holy, a Strong Tower, King of Kings, Leader, Father, YAWAH, Our Strength, our Shield, our Rock, Redeemer, Healer, Trustworthy, Faithful, Unchanging, Everlasting, Secure, Kind, Compassionate, Everlasting, Secure, ABLE, I AM, Merciful, Love, Marvelous, Mighty, Tender, Elohim, Unfathonable, Vast, Personal, Wonderful, Counselor, Emmanuel,

    *** We must come to God to clean out our hearts-- We must come with repentance, Psalm 66:18 states, If I had cherished sin in our hearts the Lord would not have listened.    Sin doesn't stop God from speaking but it stops us from hearing clearly from our God who loves us.

     **We must die to our own thoughts.  Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding-- We must recognize the devil wants to lie kill and destroy, we must speak truth over the lies we believe in our hearts-- For example a lie the devil constantly feeds me is " Your best isn't good enough!" I know this is a lie because God says we can do all things through Him who strengthens us Phil. 4:13 I have to speak truth over this lie with my mouth saying something like God I thank you that you give me strength and joy and the fruit of the spirit in my life.  Thank you that when I am weary you give me rest.

   ** As we die to our own the we must resist the enemy. 2 Cor. 10:4-5 "The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world.  On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.  We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God and we take captive every thought to make it obedient unto Christ.  

  **Invite the Holy Spirit-- I Cor. 2: 9 What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived the things God has prepared for those who love Him, these are the things God has revealed to us by the Spirit.

*** Wait,
*** Rejoice

Our class was given the task to ask God, what do you think, of me, and this was a daunting task for me, I know and believe what the bible says and believe it to be true, but was scared to trust a perfect loving God, what if He didn't speak-- but speak He did and I believe He delights in HIs children asking those questions to Him.  So ask Him today, Lord what do you think of Me-- don't answer yourself, walk through the steps and get rid of the lies, repent and stand in the presence of your Lord and His answers to you will be so LOVING!!! 



 

Wow!  We can't believe we are here in Australia!!!!  We wake up every morning in disbelieve as to where we are and will be for the next many months.  There is much to say!  We are going to try video Carolyn sharing a video update to cut down on the pages of news.  For now, I will be sharing a snapshot of the last few days with you.

Flights:
We were blessed by your prayers.  Over all we spent about 23 1/2 hours in the air with around 12 hours of lay over time.  The kids were excellent.  There were definitely moments in which no parenting could have with stood unexpected moments of child furry, however they did not last long.  We really can not complain about how the kids traveled.  The last flight was a challenge, but manageable.  Griffin and Tessa were done with the traveling.  We were blessed to sit next a wonderful New Zealand  women who was very helpful and gracious.  At one point she was either holding Tessa or helping lil Ture eat his dinner during the flight. Not only did God provide calm hearts for our babies as they traveled, but energy to sustain close to 36 hours straight travel.  

We were blessed time and time again as people working for the airlines, as well as security, allowed us special privileges to help us move through security and customs quickly, in addition to boarding the plane.  We were also blessed with all of our luggage arriving with us.  That fact alone was a miracle.  

The second stint of our journey took us to Auckland, New Zealand.  The kids slept most of the 13 hours.  I am not sure we would still have 5 kids if they hadn't.  Carolyn, Kathy, and I were pretty tired by than.  We decide to get out of the airport for awhile.  We had about an 8-9 hour lay over.  We rented a motel room to clean up a bit, get some food, and allow the kids to run.  We were not able to see much, but it was nice to see a small glimpse of what appeared to be a beautiful place.  The people were nice, especially those in security and customs at the airport (what a shocker from what I am use to).   


Upon landing we got to see a very  excited and friendly face....Heather.  It was great to see her.  It has been about a year since the last time.  Once we landed we jumped into the YWAM bus and took off to our homestead.  It is a nice place.  It is fascinating the difference in architecture for a place very similar to the U.S. in many ways.  We will provided picture soon.  The most interesting fact is that we have a shower room, bathroom, and outhouse.  It is very spacious, which is nice for our family.  Our house mate is a single mom with two kids.  Mary-ann is wonderful and a great mother.  Her two girls Elisha and Jael our great.  It seems as if God has truly put us together.  We hit it off well from the beginning.  There are always hick-ups, but I think this is going to be a great relationship.  


We left on Thursday.  Got to Australia on Saturday.  With the time change we skipped Friday.  Sunday we spent acclimating ourselves, learning about the base, and going into the city for supplies.  We have about a 10-15 minute walk to the base, which has been great for all of us.  On the flip side, they serve all types of bread products which makes life a bit difficult for a family who loves gluten.  Many of us were joking how YWAM Perth must have a goal to not only grow us spiritually, but also physically (in weight).  Thank goodness for the 15 minute walk one way.  That gives us hope!  


Since we arrived, sleep has been a word not understood by our kids. God has provided extra doses of energy for Carolyn, Kathy, and I.  The first night the kids got up at 2:30 am AU time.  the second night 3:30-4 am.  The third night 4-4:30 am.  We are slowly working our away in the right direction to adjust for the time.  They have day light saving time here I believe because instead of 14 hours ahead it is now only 13.  Overall, the kids have done well given the fact that night time for us is day time for you.      

Moving forward.....Monday we spent time on base for worship and a small info meeting.  On Tuesday we had registration day, as well as getting a tour of the base.  This morning, your tomorrow (crazy!), we begin our first week of classes.  The topic is on "Hearing the Voice of the Lord." 

In a nut shell, that has been the last 7 days for us.  Can't believe it has been 7 days already.  

Thank you all for your support and prayers.  Your prayers have gotten us this far and will continue to get us through this step of obedience.  I hope your prayers have also led you to hear God's voice, and begin taking steps of obedience and faith for yourself.  

Please see "AS WE GO" page to learn about our first day of class.  

Today has been a full day already and we have on been up for a few hours.  We are packed and ready to go.  Can't believe the day is finally here. Thank you all who have loved on us, prayed for us, joined our Kingdom Community,and those of you who have walked this path to get us here.  

God is good, although that goodness might be overshadowed by the final stress of packing.  The morning has been rough, but now that we have crossed the line of no return it is in God's hands.  It's funny that we have to tell ourselves that.  Everything is in God's hands all the time; even when we think it is not.  

We will post pictures and shares fun stories as our travel continues.  I can only imagine how many stories we will have (hopefully all good).


Carolyn here--Tears are close at hand as one of the first sounds I heard this morning was thunder and saw lightning.  For those of you who know me well, you know that means the world to me because when I was a young girl my brother went to Heaven and I said he was in charge of the lightning.  At every major event God has given me a thunderstorm and today as we embark as the most exciting and terrifiying moment of our lives I heard a thunderclap reminding me once again God is a loving Father who cares about every intricate detail of our lives.  A dear friend  said she would pray God will line the sky with angels today, and I echo that prayer and ask you our faithful prayer warriors, our curious onlookers or random friends we have gained along the way-- Please pray that God would line the sky with angels, give us opportunities to minister to each person we meet, on this journey. This is our journey together, you me, God us, 5 little miracles a precious answer to prayer Katherine DuFour, Northbridge, Vining, Faithway, DayBreak,Clutier and all the brothers and Sisters in Christ God has given us, We love you and are so humble that God has chosen us to be a part of this story and thank you for being part of this story as well and now we are off, too many bags, hopefully happy children, with even snack bags packed with love from precious friends- Blessed, Blessed Blessed and may you be as well- Let the Journey Begin!

The last few days have been crazy stressful.  We have been waiting for my visa, as well as the kids visa's to come in.  THEY FINALLY CAME!  They came 10:30 pm last night.  Thank you for all who were praying for us.  God is never late, although that is a hard thing to handle at time.  

We are packing like mad and working to place our life on hold here.  It is amazing how many little details you need to think through in order to put your life on hold.  This process is a strong reminder of how complicated our lives are.  It is interesting to think about how little space we have for God, but how much capacity we have for complication.  

Please be praying for us as we end one journey and begin another one tomorrow.  We have much to do and little time to do it.   

Many more update are to come, as we begin our trek across the world tomorrow at 11am.  I feel like we could have a sweet sitcom. The travel alone would be worth watching with 5 kids. We could call it  "2 adults, 1 nanny, and five kids travel the world: will they survive?"