The 1st Training Begins today...

Posted by Ted; 8:26 am on Wednesday, 13 May. 

At 1:00 pm today, we open with our first 3-day Training. I am excited to meet more of the Lutheran pastors here -- I have heard so many good things about them over the years.

Yesterday, Francis and I made some adjustments to our teaching plan, and made our last reviews of the material. Although the material is quite familiar, every new setting and each new group of people brings a fresh perspective that deserves preparation. And, as is true for most teaching opportunities, I expect to learn a great deal from our participants.

Although I don't have my luggage yet, I was able to talk to someone by phone yesterday afternoon and learned that my bags arrived in Adelaide, but they were having trouble reaching me. After reviewing the contact information, I and my friend on the phone realized that I had given them an incorrect area code. So, with that being corrected, I was told that the bags should arrive sometime today.

Last evening, after a full round of golf and walking around the city, and still not yet fully adjusted to our time differences, Francis and I were feeling very tired by 6:00 pm. We resisted going to be too early so that our bodies will adjust. And, today that's quite important since today's last teaching session is in the evening. May God give us the energy to be quite awake for our work!

With King David, we proclaim: "I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High" (Psalm 9:1-2). 

It Must Be Tuesday - I've never got the hang of Tuesday

Day 2 in Oz. Tuesday, May 12, 2009. Sorry about last night’s blog. Somewhat incoherent. I guess when you’ve only had 4 hours sleep over 2 days, you’re not at your sharpest. On the upside, between staying up until I was punch drunk and taking melatonin (thanks Talitha), I think I’m turned around. Woke up at 3 am, but got back to sleep until 5:00 am local, which is my usual time up.
Adelaide is a beautiful city. Wandering around yesterday, it reminded me a bit of Victoria, British Columbia. Old stone buildings are everywhere. Instead of fences, there are walls surrounding most of the houses we say. The most interesting walls appeared to be made out of slender willow twigs woven together to form a fence. They have a very rustic, Welsh feel and oddly enough don’t look inconsistent with some of these grand old houses. I'd post a picture, but we have limited uploading capacity at this site. I'll try to post some pictures in Sydney or Canberra.
The area has been suffering from drought the past little while, however we were lucky enough to arrive shortly after they received about 4 inches of rain (after a number of weeks with only traces of moisture). Everything has greened up quite beautifully. Since the rest of the week is supposed to be rainy, so it should stay quite green while we’re here. Hopefully, there will also be some sunshine on our days off.
Found a municipal golf course, so we’re going to try to get in 18 holes today. Then it’s prepping some more for me as we start teaching tomorrow. If things go well, and I can stay awake longer today, I’ll try to catch up with my girls on MSN or Skype.
Day 2 – PM
Another beautiful day. 20C and a light breeze. We played the municipal course today. Two locals John and Dennis were nice enough (naive enough) to invite us to join them for the round. Little did they know how badly I golf. They were very gracious and we had a great time. And I must say, on a per stroke basis, I really got my money’s worth.
It was interesting to see the variety of trees and birds that people take for granted here. The gum trees (eucalyptus trees to us) are interesting. They are huge and most of the ones on the Muni have been around for hundreds of years. The outer bark appears to strip off over time (from time to time?), which I found fascinating. It is really quite cool to walk down the street and see a pomegranate growing on a tree in someone’s yard.
Well, it’s off to bed and then up early to work out and then prep some more. God bless your week.
Soli Deo Gloria
Francis

The sun is rising in Adelaide...

Posted by Ted, Tuesday morning, 12 May, Adelaide.

The birds are singing, and it looks like it will be a beautiful day in Adelaide. Francis and I arrived yesterday, without incident. I still don't have my luggage, but I always carry on a few days of clothes for just such a possibility. 

Just finished talking to my wife Sonja by Skype. It's such a great blessing not only to hear her voice, but see her smiling face as she sees mine. One of the great blessings of our modern technology. 

Today, Francis and I will go golfing to relax and get some physical exercise (after sitting in planes and airports for 25-30 hours), trying to get our bodies adjusted to a 15 hour time difference. Tomorrow morning (Wednesday) we begin our first three-day training, and need to be fresh and ready to go.

Yesterday, when we stopped by the South Australia District Office, we got a tour and introduced around. Helen was very gracious as she talked about receiving boxes and boxes and boxes of books from Melissa in the US, and then shipping all those books out to nearly 400 pastors throughout Australia. She's quite happy that season is over. She really is a great trooper in the Australian army of God. We are being served so well by our Australian sisters and brothers. Someday we will all meet together without time differences.

So much for this morning's post. Time to get moving for the day. "Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not his benefits..." (Psalm 103:2).

We're Not In Kansas Anymore, Toto

Wow. We're finally here. Well, all of us but Ted's luggage. Apparently they couldn't get the door to the luggage compartment open on the airplane. It's been 12 hours but there is still no sign of the luggage.
Anyways, my plane landed early so I had to wait for Ted to arrive. While I was out with the rest of the people, I got a chance to observe the joyous reunions that take place. Children jumping into their parents arms, lovers kissing, families embracing. There was even one fellow who tackled he buddy as he was coming off the plane. Either they missed each other or it was a Aussie Rules Football game.
Spent the rest of the day meeting with the South Australia District President and his staff. Great bunch of people who have worked diligently to put these events together. Of course, Ted has some of the materials in his luggage, so we need to get his lugaage. Then wondered around and had dinner. Now I'm exhausted and having a tough time keeping my eyes open.
Enough for tonight. To my family and friends: I miss you tons.
Soli Deo Gloria.