Show Choir...Journey

Grace has been part of the school's Show Choir since last year.  Getting in to the school's top choir as a freshman was a feat in itself...but the benefits these last two years have been one of the most impactful pieces of high school.  She has made amazing friends, works with a fabulous, godly teacher, and it has pushed her artistically in ways nothing else has or would have.  It is time consuming, but so rewarding.  In Januray, every year, the Show Choir does a performance that benefits domestic helpers, but also chooses a theme to raise people's awareness.  This year it was refugees...and the show was called Journey.

The Choir did a number of songs that connected with the struggle of refugees and their story of difficulty and challenge...and perseverance.  This year, Grace had a huge solo in the song, "Overcomer" by Mandisa.  She was humbled to have been chosen for this role, and the girl rocked it!!  Talk about a proud mama and papa moment. The second half of the show was a medley of songs from Aladdin.  This part was just plain FUN.  The kids looked great and they did amazing!!

New Year's in Brisbane

So we ended 2016 in the same country that we started it. New Year's Eve was spent with dear friends that we made in Hong Kong.  When we were given the opportunity to have a long layover in Brisbane, we had to take it.  We love the Savonoff's and it's not everyday that we can get to Australia...especially after we move back to the US.  They were gracious to take us for a few nights, starting with New Year's Eve.

We began by renting a car and driving to the Savy's, just in time to get ready for their New Year's party.  They had invited some family and friends, most if not all we met the previous year.  It was a great time...the kids swam and sang, we ate lots of sweets and other goodies, and we laughed a lot as the adults played Telestrations.  It was hilarious.

The next day, was a laid back day...just hanging out,, recovering from a late night, more swimming (they have a great pool), more eating and simply enjoying each other's company. We went for a nature walk and was able to see more of the neighborhood. It was just so good to be with them and catch up from the last time we were together.

One of the highlights of the visit was our day trip to the Sunshine Coast and King's Beach, which is north of Brisbane.  Last year we went south of Brisbane to Gold Coast.  Both coasts are gorgeous and so beautiful, so vast.  When we arrived, we set up and found the kids in the water, pretty much the entire time.  They had a blast, as the water was much warmer than in NZ and the waves were perfect.  They boogie boarded, and we also investigated the tide pools and found some eels.  While the weather wasn't a perfect sunny day, it was still hot and it didn't rain...the clouds were a relief.

We are incredibly blessed to have these dear friends, and even though we don't do life with them like we used to, the Lord has created a bond between our families that we will have for a lifetime:) So we will keep in touch until our paths cross again...maybe on the east coast USA:)

These two...our Hong Kong babies

The boys and their toys

The Little girls had fun in the sand

Jenna is ready to ride!

Last ones in the water

One of my favorites:)

Older girls

The whole crew!!

Snack before having to say goodbye