The Engle's in New Zealand!

"For I know the plans I have for

you" declares the Lord, "plans to

prosper you and not to harm you,

plans to give you hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11

Well Christmas has come and gone and the new year is here! If you told me this time last year that I would be spending the holidays in New Zealand I would have been very excited and wondering how everything would happen. Now that I'm here it seems a bit strange to celebrate the holidays in the middle of summer. It is fun though to be able to celebrate Christmas and New Years before the rest of the world as we live in the first time zone of the world! With the new year always comes thoughts of the past year as well as plans for the new year. My plans for this year are a little different than last year's plans...no, they are a lot different than last year's plans! Last year I was planning for job applications being sent to numerous schools and businesses in New Zealand in hopes of hearing positive news from one of them. This year I already have the job secured and am hoping to be able to continue living here in an effort to spread the gospel of Christ and be a part of our church in Whangarei.

New Years fireworks off the Skytower in Auckland.

Harrison and Heidi performed at a Prize Giving program at school.

First Christmas in New Zealand!

Youth group likes to have good, "clean" fun!

We are currently taking a break from our weekly kid's club and youth group meetings but that doesn't mean these kids aren't learning about Jesus. I recently had an opportunity to speak with a middle school aged boy about Jesus. As he was talking to me before a church service, he asked about a picture of Jesus on the wall. He pointed to the picture of Jesus on the cross and asked if that was a bad thing. His lack of knowledge and understanding about Jesus and the bible are unfortunately very typical of a Kiwi youth. Most of them grow up having never attended church or heard any messages of the gospel of Jesus. Most families and adults act as if they have no time for Jesus. It's quite sad really when they live in a country that is free and independent, yet most don't have time to even acknowledge their creator. Anyway, I took advantage of the question this young boy asked and told him that Jesus' death on the cross looks like a bad thing but was really a wonderful thing as he died for us. I don't know how much of everything I told him he understood but I know that he wanted the truth. I am thankful to God for the opportunity to share that with him.

Being off work for the summer holiday has given us time to visit a beach or two and relax with some gardening, sunshine, and fixing a few meals on the grill (or the barbecue as they say here). We have learned to make homemade breakfast sausage (as they don't have that here) and have been trying some new foods, most of which are pretty tasty (or taste yum to use another Kiwi phrase). We have all been here long enough now to begin to appreciate many of the differences between American culture and Kiwi culture. However, there are some things I'm not sure any of us will fully get used to (no heat or air conditioning in houses for example). I still don't understand cricket but I will admit that rugby is pretty cool to watch. Go All Blacks!

Hadley got a cricket set for Christmas and he loves it!

Hadley jumping into the foam pit while Hollister watches.

Harrison catching some big air flying into the pit!

In reference to the scripture at the beginning of this blog, it's nice to know that as we start a new year, God has plans for us already. This is comforting to think about whether starting a new year, a new relationship, a new job, or just a new day. God is always in control even when we feel like our lives our out of control. Knowing that God is there for us can be such a comfort and bring such peace. I wish that those who don't have a relationship with Him could realize this. Remember this in your day today and be sure to share it with someone!

Finally, I will try to be more regular about updating my blog on Tuesdays as I have been scolded for not keeping up with it. I won't mention any names (Deanna Phipps) but someone told me that I was not doing a very good job with it...and she was right. Anyway, may God bless each and every one of you that read this and I hope that this short message can give you a smile and blessing!