What we have been up to

Hello all,
I thought it was about time to update you on what we have been up to in the past nine weeks.  We headed to the States on June 4th for an eight week furlough.  We kicked off the trip with the wedding of my sister and her groom.  It was a fabulous time in Virginia and it went by so quickly.  The wedding was beautiful and the couple were happily wedded.

We took a road trip down to Florida with my dad and stepmom where we stayed for a week and a half.  Andrew got to play golf twice with my dad, while Rhonda and I op shopped (second hand store shopped).  I found some treasures which are always nice, but I didn't really think about my luggage limit.  Oops!

We were off to Colorado for four weeks and had 44 meet ups in 27 days.  This didn't include the precious time we had at church on Sundays and Wednesday evenings.  No wonder we were dragging by the time we got to Minnesota, but it was sooooo good to see everyone.

Dawn and Callie in Estes Park

We had the opportunity to have time where were honeymooned almost nine years ago (at the time of the visit).  While is Estes Park, we spent some time with Callie, a past student and graduate of Calvary Chapel Bible Institute (where we serve in NZ).  It was really fun spending time with her and encouraging her.  Please be praying for her, if you would.  She is a wee bit homesick as she is from Arizona.

There were so many wonderful memories made in Colorado.  Lots and lots of Mexican food, a tour of Celestial Seasonings, walking in the rain on Pearl Street Mall, catch ups at Sonders Coffee and Chick-Fil-A, long drives out to Julesburg, driving with the convertible Camero with the top down on the highway, connecting with missionary friends, a hike up near Grand Lake, game night, fireworks downtown on the 4th of July, and the numerous touch points with friends and family over a meal or beverage.  Thank you for the memories, Colorado!!

A hike near Grand Lake, CO

We headed up to Minnesota ready for some rest and a slower pace.  Mom and Dad McBride were wonderful hosts and we also had a few opportunities to spend time with Jered and Jenn (Andrew's best friend from college and his lovely wife).  This is where we came face to face with the reality of luggage weight limits.  Oh how we wanted to load up and bring more back, but alas, it was not to be so.

I was pleasantly surprised to see fireflies a few nights that we were outside.  There is just something special about these insects that have intermittent glowing bums.  I tried to catch one as it flew past me, but I was not all in and the bug flew by me.  After the mosquitoes started feasting, the tranquil time had passed and we headed inside.

Playing cards is serious business!

Playing cards is favorite past time with Andrew's parents when we visit and the game can get heated with competition.  Dad McBride even pulled out his electronic shuffler.  Watch out, this was getting serious.  :0)  Laughter and snacking where the hallmarks of these evenings.  These are moments that we don't want to forget.

We headed back to New Zealand on July 30th and arrived on August 1st.  One whole day was lost in translation, but the silver lining was that it wasn't our anniversary day that was lost.  We have been married for nine years now and it has been a ride, a journey, and a blessing!  God has brought us so far in these past nine years.  I can't wait to see what He does in the next nine years and beyond.

We are now house hunting... looking for a little house to rent, as our time on campus has come to an end.  We are looking forward to walking around in our jammies (comfies) and cooking in our very own kitchen with an oven and regular sized fridge.  I know that sounds silly, but it is the little things that we miss and over time it adds up.  We have been blessed to stay on campus at the lodge for 17 months, but we are excited about this new chapter.  Would you join us in praying for the right little home to open up for us?  We are praying that God would close the doors where He doesn't want us and open the door where He does.

Our next semester starts soon!  Interns arrive on the 23rd and students on the 25th of August.  It will be another sweet time with these students as we walk with them through the learning, growing, and stretching time during the semester.

Thank you for praying for us and with us!  We appreciate your love, prayer, and support as we serve in New Zealand!

Love and hugs,
Andrew and Dawn McBride

Our prayer requests:
- To find the home God has for us
- To have a great semester with our students and interns
- To be obedient to and diligent with God
- Outreach week is coming up.  Pray for the leaders to be prepared.

A few more photos from our time in the States:

Columbine - Colorado state flower

Pizza pizza!  Anthony's Pizza downtown on the 4th of July

Enjoying the top down in the Camero.

Waiting at the airport.

Thank you again!  We love you!

"The LORD your God in your midst,
The Mighty One, will save;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing.”
Zephaniah 3:17 NKJV