More from Australia

Alison and I are more than half-way into our stay in Australia. We have gone nearly non-stop. It has been quite a ride. This past Saturday night, we gathered in Gil and Jo's home (see earlier post) along with around 50 of Alison's family and close friends (mostly, friends). In one of the speeches, which are important at nearly all celebrations in Oz, it was noted how amazing it is that someone could be gone from the country for 14 years and this many people show up for a celebration. Indeed! Several more had planned to come, but were unable to for various reasons. The numbers are a testament to Alison's commitment to stay in touch with her friends, even on the other side of the globe. It has me thinking about the importance of staying connected with the people who are important to me.

At Tuesday lunch, 15 more people gathered at the community center of the village where Alison's mother, Joan, lives. They joined us to celebrate our marriage with us. 15 more will gather next Tuesday at the same place. My memory is not as sharp as it once was, so even though it is great to meet so many new family members and friends, it is a challenge to remember names.

Food. Lots of food! We eat five times a day. Breakfast, morning tea (or coffee) with a snack, lunch, afternoon tea (or coffee) with or without a snack, and dinner. It will be "work it off" time when we return to the States.

If there is one place that I have heard that people want to visit, but have not yet done so, it is Australia. It is a long flight - 14 hours - with significant jet-lag (at least for me) and an expensive ticket (though Alison is flying free from miles and I am on a relatively cheap ticket because I got it early), but it is well worth the trip if you can make it.

I have engaged in several interesting conversations with people about theology, ministry, history, and politics. Several people have asked me about Obama. It is interesting to interact with people from other countries on the topic of America. I have found everywhere I go that Americans are treated very, very well. When the discussion turns to politics, however, very few people seem to like America, considering her (as a country) arrogant and aloof. I quite disagree, of course, but that is the perception that others have. I am eager to engage in these conversations, but they always have the potential to go awry.

The conversations about theology, ministry, and history have been invigorating and enlightening. It is so encouraging to find that the kingdom of God transcends national boundaries, and that differences inherent in politics are transcended by life in the shadow of the cross. I guess it is true that (Jesus') blood is thicker than water!

While America is waking up, I am getting ready for bed - tonight, in the States! I will close by telling you how very much I was blessed reading from the Gospel of Matthew today. The Sermon on the Mount was particularly encouraging. Jesus' words are very straight-forward in chapters 5-7. Laced with grace as they are, however, my heart soared to think that God cares for me so deeply and that He desires my full heart and attention, which will be seen in the kind and forgiving ways that I treat others. "Thank You, Jesus, for telling me what I need to hear, not what I want to hear."