January 1 - Jordan and I woke up rested and ready to take on 2015.
January 7 - Mom and Dad arrived in our new homeland!!
January 20 - My first day of school (albeit a student-free week)
January 27 - Jordan and I officially begin a new school year!
Seven days into the new year, Jordan and I were graced with the presence of Mom and Dad. I emphasize 'presence' for two primary reasons:
1. It's my word of the year.
On the first Sunday of 2015, a pastor at Citipointe asked us to record a word to describe our 2015. Feeling challenged previously by this word and wanting to intentionally change my habitudes, I chose the word 'presence'.
2015: The Year of Presence.
The year of pursuing the presence of God; the year to be intentional in private prayer, to know and experience more of who God is; to year to discover the power of his presence in everyday interactions.
The year of being present with others; the year to set aside personal desires for the sake of others, to show love and be a light to everyone I encounter; the year to really focus on the needs of other and determining how I can be used to meet them.
Presence.
2. The experience of it is powerful.
In preparation for Mom and Dad's visit, we Skyped and Face-Timed quite frequently; I saw their faces regularly, so, to be honest, I was not quite sure what it would feel like seeing them in person. I still knew what Mom and Dad looked like and sounded like, and I kept up to date with what was going on in the family. I wasn't going to be in for any surprises when they would walk through the arrival gates, so what would their presence feel like?
While I was mentally undecided about the significance of their arrival, my emotional response to truly 'seeing' Mom and Dad for the first time in a year dictated my true feelings.
At the Brisbane airport, Jordan and I were simultaneously watching the crowd flood through the arrival gates and watching the television monitor showing those who were still internally approaching the gates. Twenty minutes later, I spotted Mom and Dad on the monitor and walked towards to gate to greet them. I cannot quite explain what was rushing through my head in those few seconds, but the moment I hugged Mom, then Dad, unexpected tears flooded my eyes.
Presence is powerful. It is unknowingly overwhelming in absence, and beautifully calming in existence.
 |
| Leaving the airport with Momma in tow! |
I had no idea how much I had missed the presence of my parents until I was able to hug them for the first time again. The two weeks we spent together were precious. The moments we shared reminded me of Mom's beautiful servant heart and Dad's golden love for family. The laughs; the conversations; the experiences; they will always be treasured.
Here are some of the great highlights of our time together:
Noosa Heads, Sunshine Coast
 |
| Jordan and Dad challenging the waves. They became surprisingly strong ... Dad definitely outlasted us all! |
 |
| Boiling Point Lookout |
 |
| Paddle boarding along the Noosa River |
 |
| Dinner Menu: Kangaroo Steak with Steamed Vegetables. Kangaroo is one of the best meats I have tasted! |
 |
| Mount-Cootha Lookout |
 |
| Ice Cream at SouthBank: one of our many ice cream stops. Ice cream every day. Actually. |
Gold Coast:
 |
| Exploring the Queensland rainforest |
 |
| Thanks to Mom discovering this spot, the Elephant Point Surf Life Saving Club, we feasted on the most delectable calamari! Irreplaceable. |
 |
| Kangaroos are always a highlight!! They love company ... thankfully, they leave boxing to the wild ones. |
 |
| A cloudy day at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary worked to our advantage: the usually lazy koalas were active - moving and eating for all observers to "ooooooh" and "awwwww". Myself included. |
 |
 |
| Gold Coast Getaway! |
 |
| The waves at this beach were frightening, although fun! |
 |
| Day 2: Poolside seemed a better option: calmer waters and less salt! |
That being said, we are inexplicably grateful for all the love and support you have given to us. You have encouraged us, inspired us, and reminded us of the bigger picture and plan in store.
Here's to an incredible 2015!!
Cheers!
