We're in the US!

Hello all!
It's been way too long since I have sent you an update, but wanted to share with you that we are back in the States during our winter break.  Yes, it is winter in New Zealand and we are not missing the chilly, wet winter days.  We started our furlough in Virginia as we celebrated the marriage of my sister and her new husband.  It was a crazy, beautiful, fun time and I look back on it with fond memories.  Congratulations to Jackie and Darrell!!

We then caught a ride with my dad and stepmom to Florida.  We enjoyed our time with them as the heat and humidity soared.  Fortunately, they have a lovely pool where we could cool off.  We enjoyed spending time with them and their three feline children.  They were wonderful hosts that allowed us to slow down and breathe again.  School stuff is still going on and students are applying for this semester which is so exciting.  Having the opportunity to visit family and friends has been even more exciting.

We had a wonderful time catching up with Mike and Liza Gilbert, who moved from Colorado to Florida to plant a church....  Calvary Chapel North Port.  We had a sweet time of fellowship and then Andrew and I presented at their Saturday evening service.  You can find them on Facebook at @CalvaryNorthPort to see what they are up to.  They also provide live video from their services.  We are so happy and proud of this family for taking a huge step of faith and following the call God has put on their hearts.  Since moving to Florida, their family has grown again.  We love Mike, Liza, Maranatha, Phoebe, and Zoe!

We are now in Colorado for a few weeks and would love to catch up with our friends and family here.  Send us an email at mcbrideflock@yahoo.com to connect with us.  There is simply no place like home... friends and family make it home!

We will be presenting at Julesburg Christian Church on Sunday, July 8th and Calvary Aurora on Wednesday, July 11th.  We look forward to sharing about what God has done in our lives these past two years.

We also look forward to enjoying some food that we simply can get over in NZ.. like - Anthony's pizza, Chick-fil-A, Tamale Kitchen, Santiagos, John Holly's to name a few.  There is really no true Mexican food in our area of New Zealand and we haven't flushed out Auckland to see if there is a great little place waiting to be discovered by us.

We will head to Minnesota on July 18th and spend time with Andrew's mom and dad.  They are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary at the end of July.  We hope to have a special meal with them and Laurie, Andrew's sister.  We are also looking forward to catching up with our newlywed friends, Jared and Jen and their fur baby, Sadie.  Ms. Jen and I enjoy looking at pretty shiney things while Jared and Andrew enjoy playing expensive "quality" musical merchandise.  He he.. Andrew's words.

All around, this trip back to the States has been a blessing and refreshing.  We look forward to making new memories and hope you will be part of them too!  Hope to hear from you soon.  Lord bless you and keep you!

By the way... we have updated our prayer requests which are located on our blog (www.mcbrideflock.blogspot.com).  We have some big things coming up and we would appreciate your prayers.  We love you and appreciate you!

In His love,
Dawn and Andrew McBride