Bec, Cara, and Luke

So what have Bec, Cara and Luke been up to?

On Monday and Thursday mornings, we have been going along to Under Fives. This is a playgroup run at the church. The Monday group is quite busy and noisy with lots of kids running around. Thursdays are quieter and more relaxed. The Monday group in particular has a number of non-church families who come along, including grandparents and dads who bring the kids.

On Wednesdays, we've been a part of the Bethany Group at church. This is a Ladies' Bible study. At the moment we're looking at Colossians, but there are also weeks where we spend time praying for missionaries, talking about the books we're reading and other things. During the Bible study, there's a creche which the kids have been involved in. Both Cara and Luke have settled into this really well (and likewise on Sundays at church). Morning tea is served afterwards and has been a great chance to get to know some of the ladies who aren't at Under Fives.

As a result of these activities (as well as the church services on Sundays, of course!) we're getting to know people really quickly. We've felt very welcomed into the life of the church, and also into people's homes. Cara is loving being with the other kids and is quickly making friends. A few days ago we went shopping with another family and she and their little boy, Josiah, played in the toy section together, held hands while we walked and carried one of my new shoes each to the checkout. Today, we met one of the church families at Highlands Park, a part of the university, to feed ducks, play in the playground and have morning tea in the cafe there. Cara and their little girl (Kezia - pictured here with mum, Jude, Matt and Cara) fed ducks, ran, played, ran, got dirty and ran some more. They're fast becoming good friends. Kezia's dad, Andy, is a CU staffworker here and a PhD Theology student at uni. It's been great getting to know them and Jude (mum) and Elisheva (4 months).


On top of these things, we have a shopping mall around the corner which includes most shops you can think of including a fruit and veg market on Fridays and Saturdays. Not having a car means we do more frequent smaller shops here. These are usually completed with the obligatory visit to "Cara's Park" - Broadgate Park, which is opposite the end of our street.