14 seasons in a day...

Life in Scotland. No wonder we talk about the weather a bit. Flip. I've been back a couple of weeks now and literally every item of clothing possible has been required...

I went to see Andrew play in the last game of the season for Napier rugby. I thought I was going to die of frostbite. The rain was lashing, gales, flooded pitch. Everything that rugby should be in May in Scotland. The poor French team that came all the way from across the water...
It was really brill to see Andrew play finally - he's been working hard on his rugby and has a great witness on his team. They even managed to win!

The sun's been out since then and has been great to spend time with friends. We had a mini camping trip out to E.Lothian which was fun - freezing but fun!
Is interesting catching up with folk after quite a time away. The pain of those that don't yet know Christ will never diminish. It is encouraging when we see folk striving for Jesus, growing and being challenged. With that comes those who are finding the journey hard. It can be difficult to know how best to invest in those situations now that I'm back. The excitement of hearing of those who have come to faith is amazing though! Praise Jesus!

Been some great rugby weekends of late...Super14 final, Lions (flippin exciting from Ellie on that) first game and the Edinburgh 7s last weekend. 7s is a great game. Scotland did not bad in these last couple of tournaments. They were well and truly gubbed on Saturday by Kenya - a great testament to a minnow nation investing in the 7s game when they can't stretch to rivalling on the 15 pitch. I think this might be the way forward for a struglling Scotland team... we'll see but I reckon there's something in 7s for us!

I'm still waiting on a visa....

Have been some real encouragements in being back here - being able to share with individuals and groups, sharing Jesus- what he has done in me and others, sharing what he is doing in NZ; being able to share in difficult situations, to speak advice, to pray; to have fun in the sun, to catch up with people, to meet new people...
Is pretty challenging at times as well... is quite difficult to discern how to best to use this time. I am looking for a job but not sure how long I've got! There are challenges around where people are at and situations back here that I have to slot back into.

In Christ alone my hope is found;
He is my light, my strength, my song;
This cornerstone, this solid ground,
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My comforter, my all in all—
Here in the love of Christ I stand.

It is in Christ alone that I stand.