Mike and Vanessa Allbutt Report
Overseas trip to France, Spain & Mexico in 2004
- Paris
- Hossegor
- Groundswell
- Madrid
- Day Tours
- Talavera de la Reina
- Puerto Escondido
- Cuernavaca
- Christian Surfers
- April Baby
- Near Future
In the afternoon of Friday September 17 2004, Vanessa and Mike Allbutt left their home in Melbourne Australia and headed overseas for the next 30 days. This is their account of that trip.
Paris
We arrived early Saturday morning in Paris and made our way through the French metro maze to our hostel. As we only had one day in Paris, we soon ventured into the city to see what Paris had to offer. We got a chance to walk, and walk some more, and more, and more! But that is the only true way to see Paris. We didn't have a lot of time, but we sure did enjoy every minute of it! a^??g taking in all of the most important tourist attractions.
Hossegor
We didn't go to France just for the sights though. We travelled from Paris by train down to Hossegor, a little tourist beach town close to the border of Spain, where the 2004 Christian Surfers International conference (Groundswell) was held.
One round of the WCT (World Championship Tour) surfing event was held at Hossegor on the last few days of the conference, which gave us a great outreach opportunity.
Groundswell
The conference itself was fantastic! There were around 180 'crazy' surfers (and some wives) in attendance, which made the whole experience much more memorable. We met some of the leaders of Christian Surfers and learned what God has been doing around the world.
We met people from all different countries, and all with the same passion for surfers, surfing and for Jesus Christ. We even got to meet Marquito Santos, a Christian surfer brother from Brazil, whom we heard off months ago and have been corresponding with ever since.
Madrid
We couldn't very well travel to the other side of the world without stopping in Spain, where Vanessa grew up. So once the conference was over, we travelled again by train to Madrid, the Spanish capital.
Day Tours
During our 5 days in Madrid, we went on two tours - Segovia then Toledo. Both are medieval towns with 800 year-old well preserved buildings that are still standing. It's hard to believe that history could go back so far! It was certainly a memorable experience.
Talavera de la Reina
The most important day in Spain was the one spent in Talavera de la Reina, the town where Vanessa grew up until age 14. It was a great experience to see all the familiar sights as an adult as well as to show Mike what life in Spain was like. The scariest part of the day was running into an old family friend and being recognised! We went back to Juliana's home for lunch and caught up on all the local news.
Puerto Escondido
Since we were already on the other side of the world, we thought it wise to schedule in a visit to Mexico on the way home, especially since Vanessa had never been there. So from Spain we flew into Mexico City, and then travelled twelve hours by bus down to Puerto Escondido, a small fishing town on the south west coast.
Why Puerto? Well, if you were a surfer, you would know that Puerto Escondido is home to an amazing surf beach break called "Mexican pipeline". It also has huge potential for a Christian Surfers ministry, involving local Mexican surfers reaching out to other locals and to the visiting international surfing community.
Our ten days here were spent getting to know the local Christians and "spying out the landa" for future surfing ministry. We both really enjoyed our time in Puerto Escondido, and look forward to the day we might return.
Cuernavaca
On our way back to Mexico City, we stopped in Cuernavaca, the city where WEC Mexico is based. We spent time with the national leaders to find out where WEC Mexico is heading, also discussed potential ministry opportunities for us with WEC. Although we really enjoyed the time we spent there and are exited to see where God is leading them, we didn't feel that we should be a part of it.
Christian Surfers
Since returning home to Melbourne, we continue to live relatively normal lives. We have decided to continue our involvement with starting up the local Christian Surfers group, since that is what we feel called to do. We currently meet every week, alternating a Bible discussion and a social activity/night.
We see there is potential to establish a Melbourne based surfers group that is passionate about growing in Christ and reaching other surfers for Him. We are not very close to any waves worth surfing, but there are plenty of keen and motivated surfers in Melbourne that need God.
April Baby
As much as we would like to move to Mexico, we see ourselves staying in Melbourne for another year, especially since a little Allbutt will join us in mid April. We are both very exited about becoming parents and look forward to what God has in store for us.
In the early stages of this trip our digital video camera was lost, but we have been able to take other photos of the overseas trip. Enjoy.
That is what we have been up to of late. For more regular updates, check by our regular journal.
Near Future
We are are planning on returning to Puerto Escondido in early 2006 to participate in the establishing of a Christian Surfers ministry with local Christians (who surf) who will reach other nationals and tourists amongst the surfing community.
In the mean time, Mike will keep working as a carpenter (and any other jobs that pay the bills -- currently scaffolding) and building web sites here and there. Vanessa will stay working at her little rehabilation hospital until yearly into the new year, when the baby is due. We also plan on doing other specific things that are necessary pre a move to a new country -- raising support.
Please keep in touch and us in your prayers.