Allbutt Journalings
What have we been doing in recent days
An online web journal (weblog) of Mike & Vanessa Allbutt. (Updated as often as we remember to.)
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
End of 2008
Another year has raced by...and we would all like to share our personal highlights of 2008 with you.
Mike's highlights:
Just being here in Puerto Escondido and feeling at home is a big highlight. We have been living here over a year now and have settled in well. It has been a pleasure watching my family adjust and grow to life here. Things are not the same in Mexico as they would be in Australia but our family has adapted well and enabled us to be involved in the call God has on our lives.
I personally really enjoy being out and about connecting with people from the surfing community. There have been many good surfing days throughout the year and just as many good days simply talking with the local and travelling surfers. There are many opportunities to do ministry and it is always exciting to look back on a day and know that you were right where God wanted you to be so you could be a blessing.
Each Thursday evening we have been involved with a surfers bible study and it was exciting to see the group grow in numbers and consistency of attendance. Those who come have been hearing the word of God proclaimed and experiencing the love from a caring community of believers.
At various times in the year some things have not gone as planned. We have had all sorts of issues with vehicles and electronic items every month. Through these trials I have been able to see God's hand on the situations and in His timing the issues have been resolved.
Vanessa's highlights:
The biggest highlight was the arrival of a baby girl into the family. Everyone said that it would be a boy because of the way I carried, and I was convinced it would be. But God gave me the desires of my heart, and Olivia Joy was born on October 30th. The birth experience is something I would like to forget, but having another little princess has been a real joy.
Having family and friends visit is always a highlight. This year we enjoyed the company of Mike's sister and brother-in-law, two Christian Surfers staff members, friends from our Melbourne church, who took a detour here especially to see us, and my parents. Each of them were generous enough to replenish our stocks of goodies that I miss so much from home.
All the packages, letters and emails we received have been a huge source of encouragement to me. I feel as though most of my heart is still back in Australia, so it's always nice to know that we are remembered.
This year I have also had the chance to meet and get to know some of the women in the community. I look forward to furthering these friendships in 2009, especially as we launch our playgroup in January.
Priscila's highlights:
I turned three this year, and since I am a big girl now, I started first year of kinder. I don't like school much because it's an effort to learn Spanish, and I don't really like to do anything that requires a lot of effort. But I can say lots of things in Spanish now, and I understand a lot too.
This year I also learned to swim, because I love to go to the beach and the pool without wearing floaties. I love playing with my brother (or bossing him around), cuddling my new baby sister, dressing up in my Mexican outfit, dancing, singing and watching princess movies.
Joel's highlights:
In September I entered the 'wonderful' twos. I am discovering how unsuccessful trantrums can be, as well as how much I like to have my own way. Mum and Dad are forever telling me to quieten down, to share my toys and to not hit people or bite them.
But they also tell me how much they love me, and what a big boy I'm growing up to be. I love going out with Dad on the motorbike, going swimming at the beach or pool, Mum's cuddles and holding my new baby sister.
Olivia's highlights:
I'm out!! I have room to stretch and move, and I'm loving being held and cuddled. I was a whopping 4.3kg (9lb 5oz), and I haven't stopped growing since.
Now that I have my ears pierced, no one asks whether I'm a boy. People were never really sure, even though mum had me wearing pretty dresses. There are no doubts now!
Thank Yous:
In November we received a huge red box sent by sea mail, that was full of all kinds of goodies. To the person/s who sent it, thank you very much. Since there was no note or return address, we have no clue where it came from. But we are very grateful.
To all the people who donated toys, books and money for the start of the playgroup, a HUGE thank-you. Things are coming together now and we hope to be starting late January.
2009 Prayer Calendar
The brand new 2009 Christian Surfers International Prayer Calendar is now available for purchase! It features Mexico in October and is a great way to visualize and pray for Christian Surfers around the world, showcasing breathtaking line-up photos; along with updates, prayer requests and key dates for 2009 from each Christian Surfers affiliated nation.
Buy one of these calendars for $12 from Mike's parents in Brisbane. brian@allbutt.net or 07 3261 7368. The profits will support our ministry expenses, including the purchase of the newly released Spanish Surfer's Bible. These Bibles are the perfect tool to sharing the gospel with the local surfers.
Adios y feliz año nuevo. (Bye and happy new year!)
PS. Connect with us via Facebook.
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[By Mike 7:14 AM ] +
I trust that this Allbutt Journalings helps bring you up to date with what I have been up to recently. If you want to contact me then click here. Thanks for reading some of my thoughts. If you want to read some of the older files then they have been stored in the archives here.