Hello everyone,

Sorry it's been a little while since our last blog, we've had some trouble with our laptop which has not been ideal. But we press on regardless. Feels weird not being able to use our laptop. What did we do before computers? And after just watching the film Social Network, what did we do before Facebook? Incredible how things have changed so quickly and everyone seems to have Facebook now.

Anyways, wanted to update you all (or y'all for any Americans that might be reading) on what's been going on.

Since starting back at school after the Christmas Break everyone, especially in our house, has realised just how quickly time here is going. That soon it'll be May and school will be over and we'll be back home and will anything have changed. So I think we're trying to be more intentional about implementing what we've learnt and agreed with and getting as much out of our time here as we can. The importance of taking ownership of our walk with God is so key to maintaining our devotion to Him. And by that I don't mean religiously strive to keep the flame burning for God but realise Christ died to restore us to a place of relationship and enable us to live as sons and daughters of God, as He originally intended, and as part of that we have the choice to respond to His call. Because He is love, God doesn't force himself on us or force us to choose Him, it is our choice to make.

And it would be so easy for us to have loved our time here, learnt a lot, been inspired by all that's going on, but to not actually have changed or to have been impacted by the idea of God but not by the person of God. So we're all trying to get as much out of the last few months as we can and really live the life that truly satisfies.

With that in mind, we've had a great week. Bill was in Tuesday after just arriving back from a trip to the middle east. The way Bill conducts himself is a lesson in itself. He has so much integrity and strongly believes in the local church, that's why he really tries to make time for the students.

Wednesday we had Kris Vallotton talk to us. It was his birthday and his wife and some of the staff surprised him on stage by walking up behind him with presents and balloons. Was a very nice touch and everyone gave him a big cheer. Afterwards we had a great time with our revival group. Some of our very good friends were struggling financially and unable to make a couple payments so our revival group decided to bless them with money to show how much they are loved and valued by everyone. Was a really good time, very emotional.

Thursday saw a guest speaker in the form of Ray Hughes. He was great and brought an amazing message about the different Hebrew words in the Old Testament that are translated in English simply as 'praise'. Our, particularly, Western church services, miss so much of what it meant in, for example, the time of King David to worship God. We normally just sing a couple of songs or hymns and it's job done. But what the Scripture really meant was a complete range of things. Ray was really inspiring.

Today (Friday) was another good day. Our main speaker today was Jason Vallotton, who talked to us about a subject very close to him after he had to deal with a divorce. He spoke about working through pain and gave many practical tips on how to do it in healthy way.

Anyway, it's late now and I've gone on for far too long. Really hope everyone is well and has an awesome weekend. Thank you to those who have kindly supported us both in prayer and financially. It's much appreciated.

Until the next time, God bless you all.

Izzy and Liam