New Things!

This week has seen several new things, probably the most exciting being our new car! On Tuesday , we had a picnic in the Botanical Gardens before going car shopping and Neil 'bounced' around the idea of a people carrier - inspired by our trip to South Carolina - that didn't cost very much money. Car are much cheaper here than in the UK, but a people carrier is still out of our range. Anyway, the first place we went to was a car rental company that sell their old vehicles. We talked with the manager about what we were looking for but nothing was available. She then disappeared into her office, made a phone call and returned with the offer of a van to look at, within our price range. We were hopeful, but sceptical! We saw the car on the Friday and decided to get it inspected by an independant mechanic, he said it was in an amazing condition and the engine was in strong shape. It was exactly what we had wanted, and then the added surprise/bonus was that the car was diesel! Much cheaper to run! So we are throughly enjoying the new drive.
Just a word about the Botanical Gardens which are far more amazing than any pictures could convey. Lots of different 'gardens' within the whole park and the most vibrant colours and incredible trees. It looked awesome in winter but it seems each season leaves its own distinct impression.
Saturday night was the first of our events for children - The Light Night! We've been collecting jam jars for the last month, cutting up tissue paper and cellophane, enlisting helpers (three lovely girls got so excited about it that they asked if they could dress up as fairies to welcome the children as they arrived!), giving out flyers, teaching the youth band songs etc. all to be ready for the halloween alternative. We had fantastic time! Lots of children from church came and brought their friends (between 50 and 60 kids altogether), parents stayed to help, we jumped around like lunatics getting the kids into the songs and the games and then Neil talked to them about Jesus being the light of the world. Everyone seemed to have lots of fun and went home swinging the lanterns they had made!
Yesterday saw a return of the glorious weather so we headed off for a picnic with some friends. Benn took us to a man-made lake on a reclaimed swamp! We went for a walk around the swamp hoping that the reclamation would have included a picnic site but after walking for about 15 minutes and just getting further and further from the cars and more deeply into the swamp, we decided to turn round and have our lunch with the ducks on the banks of the lake. We then went bowling (a trip that, like skiing, has been thwarted on 2 other occasions!) which was a good laugh; Neil won but Natalie lost, unable to remember a time when she played so badly! There will be a rematch...