This week marks a significant milestone in our lives here in New Zealand. Our dear friends, Dale and Amber, are moving back to Canada.
Here's the story.....
We've known Dale and Amber since before they were even married. Many years ago we met Dale when he attended our church in Peachland and we attended their wedding ceremony. Dale and Amber led our church youth group and our girls attended as young teens. After a year or two of marriage, Dale and Amber moved to China to teach English. We kept in touch.
In 2006 we felt that it was time for us to leave Peachland and go on our own family adventure, wherever that may be. Through a series of events New Zealand became that place. We were invited to pastor a small church in NZ but we had to raise our own support and go as missionaries. We sent an email to family and friends seeking advice and within a few short days Dale and Amber replied from China saying that they would meet us in NZ and join us in the church work that we were being called to. This statement was one of the many confirmations that we were indeed hearing God telling us to move to NZ.
After finishing their commitment in China, they did indeed join us in NZ in November 2008. This picture is when I picked them up from the cruise ship they arrived on! What a grand entrance and what a blessing to have people we knew and loved joining us on the other side of the world! I don't know if any of us will ever fully understand the impact that had on our lives and on the lives of our daughters as it made those early months and years more bearable.
One year turned to two, two turned to six. We have so many wonderful memories of special times with the Harts. Our lives have taken their own paths and Dale and Amber have found friends and ministry among a wide circle of people whose lives intertwined with theirs. We have seen each other often and then gone weeks without crossing paths, but through the six years that they've been here with us, we've known their presence and their friendship to both Kevin and I and our daughters, 'sons' and friends.
We have been blessed by their friendship and blessed by their obedience to God's call to come serve the Lord with us here in New Zealand. The people who have had the privilege of knowing Dale and Amber have had their lives enriched. Dale and Amber leave a huge hole but also one that has been filled with love, laughter and tea! :D
And of course, they are taking home the absolute best souvenir and permanent keepsake of their six years in New Zealand ..... baby Jack!!! I am so thankful that we were able to celebrate the miracle of his birth and to watch you become such amazing parents! Jack is so blessed to have you for his parents and to get to go on the next chapter of your exciting journey together! As I have been processing their sudden departure (they've had to leave because of not being able to renew their visas) I have gone through a range of personal emotions and pondered lots of questions! We are now the last of the Canadians who have been here over the past 8 years. In some ways it makes me wonder if it's time to go back ourselves and in some ways it adds to the permanence of this as our home. Only God knows for sure, but for now, this IS home and I'm excited for what God has in store for us and for the Harts in the next chapter of our lives.
Isaiah 41:9&10
I took you from the ends of the earth; from its farthest corners I called you.
I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you.
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand
May 2011
We love you and will miss you HEAPS!!!!! See you in Canada someday! :D
November 2014
and THANK YOU............
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