Parting is such sweet sorrow

So we've left Melbourne.

And actually, seeing as it's taken me so long to get around to writing this, we've now arrived in Darwin.  Our new home for the next season in our lives.

Sleeping Angels

It's been an interesting journey because I didn't think that moving cities would present as many challenges or opportunities for thought as I had initially anticipated.  Having a child probably changes that I guess, given that we didn't have one when we came down to Melbourne with the commitment to return to Darwin.

As just about everybody knows, family is a huge part of having one yourself.  I.e., starting your own family can be quite difficult when the one you grew up with isn't around.  Having close friends is one thing, but being able to call upon them in the middle of the night to look after the kids while you take your wife to hospital is another (not that I've done that yet - don't panic mum!!).  Family members expect that sort of thing, and (thankfully) most of the time are ready to assist in extreme circumstances.

Tasty Fist!

Which brings me back to wondering why we've relocated ourselves to Darwin.  Yes, we prefer Darwin to Melbourne, but don't have any family here.  Also, if we were to pick any place in the country to live (and we've seen a lot of it now!), it would probably be the Sunshine Coast or Broome (Mine and Robyn's first preferences respectively ;).  We love it here, but it's not the weather or crocs that bring us back.  We feel like God's bringing us back here for a reason and we've followed Him on that.

And considering that we're only relocating our family to the other side of the country (something plenty of people do), where we (mostly) still speak the same language and have the same passport, I now have a renewed appreciation for those that follow God's call to the other side of the globe.  My friends Arthur and Tamie have just done that.  It's pretty incredible when you think about it that they would turn their worlds upside down to serve God wherever He leads them.  Must be worth it.

Too cute

As for us, it's still possible that we'll end up in a different country.  But for now, we'll enjoy the Top End while we can!

Many loves,

J.

P.S.  If you could please direct people to this blog to show videos rather than sharing the links, we'd appreciate it.  Thanks!