tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309925122024-03-06T22:48:10.391-05:00Gordon Family NewsThe Gordon Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11268830654911679635noreply@blogger.comBlogger254125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30992512.post-61109422757851670802013-03-03T02:22:00.001-05:002013-03-03T02:22:49.931-05:00The Gordon Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11268830654911679635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30992512.post-59813715926515251722013-03-03T02:18:00.000-05:002013-03-03T02:18:05.626-05:00Naenae For Christ Community Church<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After much painting, organising, blood, sweat and at times nearly tears we launched Naenae for Christ Community Church. It was a wonderful morning, with many friends supporting us from both Heretaunga and Riverbend Bible Church. It was also made more wonderful by Joel being baptized. We were able to achieve a lot in the 5 weeks that we had the keys prior to opening. Windows were replaced, new carpet, paint throughout, sound put in and the list goes on and on. We could not have done it without an amazing team of committed people and several working bees. A big thank you to everyone who helped in any way. Thank you also to all those, especially in the States, who have supported us over the last two years to enable us to do this. We praise God for you and for your willingness to support a ministry on the other side of the world. </div>
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Following are photos of our first morning.</div>
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<br />The Gordon Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11268830654911679635noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30992512.post-63191808505592762582013-01-02T20:15:00.000-05:002013-01-02T20:15:15.915-05:00God Answers Prayer!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You may have heard that we are now the proud stewards of a church building in Naenae. Over a year ago we approached a small congregation of about 20 people who fellowshipped here to see if they were open to us starting a new work. At this time they were not open to the idea but as the year went on and an $8000 insurance bill needed to be paid, they made the decision to close the doors and pass the keys to us. We have been praying for a building for two years now and were seriously considering buying another building when this happened. We are again, amazed at God's timing and faithfulness. The last two years have been discouraging at times but this has confirmed for us that we are in the right place.</div>
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We received the keys two days before Christmas and have been busy trying to organise the many things that need to be done since. The whole place needs a paint and new carpet etc. Please pray for us as we make many decisions concerning the building and the beginning of the church here in Naenae. We are still working towards bringing Cody and Cassie Chaplin here to help in the work, especially in the area of music. This would be a huge help to the ministry. We do have a few faithful families willing to be involved but this is our summer here so it is a difficult time of year to ask people to give of their time. We have been blessed by a couple of churches here with some funds to begin some of the renovations that need to be done. </div>
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Thank you for your prayers and support. We will try to keep you updated more than we have in the past. We value your interest in our ministry here in New Zealand.</div>
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Here are some "before" photos. Hopefully some "after" photos will follow. </div>
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The auditorium. Needs a good paint and new carpet. There is also no sound gear, projector or screen. We have graciously been given a projector so all we need is a screen and to get it all up and running.</div>
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Looking from the front down. We can get more room by opening up the doors on the left hand side and turning the chairs around and putting the stage on the right.<br />
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The kitchen after two days of scrubbing. Looking forward to this getting a paint. It needs new ovens and a dishwasher, a zip etc. There is basically nothing in it, just a few teacups and saucers.<br />
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The youth hall which will be used as a Sunday School room.<br />
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The women's bathroom. </div>
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<br />The Gordon Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11268830654911679635noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30992512.post-72219035986553504142012-08-12T05:13:00.000-04:002012-08-12T05:13:44.520-04:00Much Overdue Update<h3>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Sorry about the lack of blog posts. We have been sending out email updates to those on our list so if you missed this and are interested I have posted it below. I have also included a few photos of some different happenings.</b></span></h3>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Greetings all in the precious name of Jesus Christ</span></div>
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We do hope that this e-mail finds you all well and rejoicing. According to Heb 3, the church is vital in helping the saints keep going in the faith. You all in different ways are helping us to keep going. We know, and we experience the very real hardening nature of sin. One of the ways it does not consume us is your standing in the gap through prayer and encouragement. We are deeply grateful to you all. Listed below are a few of the recent happenings, some things coming up, and some ways you can be praying for us.</div>
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Recent Happenings</div>
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1. The family are all well and growing up. We had both of our girls at work the other day; at the same time. Rachel has got her life guarding qualifications recently and is employed at Naenae pool. Praise God for that! I also redid my qualifications as that is my background. For me it is preparation for a time coming when we will need to help support ourselves, but at present I will be working at Stokes Valley pool on a casual basis.</div>
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2. Anna-Marie has recently passed her restricted drivers licence and is often out with the car (during the allotted hours and by herself!). Another indicator of a family growing up.</div>
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3. We had our biggest turn-out on Sunday at our Naenae drop-in centre. Around 60 from the community came, it was a great after-noon.</div>
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4. Mark has had the joy over the last several weeks to preach at different churches; Heretaunga, Onslow, and the Kings Arms.</div>
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Things coming up</div>
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1. This Thursday night we begin a three week life group for those interested in the church plant. At the moment about 4 families have voiced interest with at least 2 of them very keen on a church plant. After the three weeks it will turn into a Lower Hutt life group with several families interested.</div>
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2. The Lower Hutt city council are starting a program in the 4th term that provides breakfast for school age children. This will be at the community hall in Naenae and Mark is going to get involved in that.</div>
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Prayer Requests</div>
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1. That the Thursday night studies on the church plant would solidify a team that is eager to reach out with the gospel.</div>
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2. That our Sunday afternoon drop-in centre would see many people saved. That the women's Bible study that has come out of this would continue to grow and meet the needs of those coming.</div>
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3. That, even though the little church in Naenae said no to merging with them and beginning a new work, God would continue to put us on their hearts and bring them to the place where they change their mind.</div>
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4. That God may give us the grace to break down the destructive sin of drunkenness which is rampant in this community. That these women; G and S and J would respond to the gospel. That their children would be saved and spared from continuing the cycle. That Mark's mentoring of some of these women's son's; F, T, and T, would go well and produce much fruit.</div>
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5. That Anna-Marie would be healed of her sickness. Even though she has continued to function she has been unwell since the open heart surgery. She is low in iron, has been coughing now for some weeks and is generally unwell.</div>
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Thank you all for your friendship, love, and support. </div>
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May God richly fill your lives with His supernatural joy!</div>
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The Gordon family</div>
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Joel and his friends ready to go paintballing on his birthday.</div>
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Rachel and Anna-Marie ready for the school ball/prom.</div>
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Rachel represented the Hutt Valley in their under 17 basketball team. Her team did well in the regionals and went on to come 8th in the Nationals.</div>
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Mark, Joel, Rachel and Matthew after taking part in a half marathon (Mark) and a 5km run.</div>
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Mark playing table tennis at Naenae for Christ.</div>
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Rachel serving food.</div>
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<br />The Gordon Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11268830654911679635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30992512.post-49446135825069374052012-03-23T00:34:00.003-04:002012-03-23T00:51:43.485-04:00Anna-MarieWe really wanted to say a big thank you to everyone who supported us during Anna-Marie's recent operation. It meant a lot to us to be covered by the prayers of those dear to us at Immanuel, Buck Run, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Riverbend</span> Bible Church and our friends and family here. The doctors were very pleased with how everything went. Hopefully it will be at least 8-10 years before she needs the pacemaker replaced and many, many years before she needs any more open heart, valve repair or <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">replacement</span> surgery.<div><br /></div><div>She is recovering very well. It has been five weeks now. She is still quite sore but is back at school and coping well. Probably one of the hardest things for her now is getting back into school and catching up. This is made even more difficult through the effects of being on a bypass machine. Having this kind of surgery can effect your concentration and ability to think clearly for up to six months. She is finding school quite hard in this regards at the moment but will hopefully recover from this quickly since she has youth on her side.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was encouraging for us to watch her trust the Lord during this difficult time. She was incredibly brave about everything she went through and we are very proud to be her parents. She is a very strong young lady with a faith in God that reflects in her life. Many nurses commented on how polite and sweet she was even at the worst of times. </div><div><br /></div><div>This is a picture of her and Matthew just a few minutes before she was wheeled away to surgery.</div><div><div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3F3Ih16TevjIG2gK9sk9GtLu0rVwjJDkxiFjQ4lp6tPfkYWpA_lmsRL2F7e5v0V8G5uEOxeav37ki0dm_b2l83fo4UECvaQdXclCfoXZxdKEC1s8qkoTyk9B88T-MJOupZJIH/s1600/IMG_0557.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3F3Ih16TevjIG2gK9sk9GtLu0rVwjJDkxiFjQ4lp6tPfkYWpA_lmsRL2F7e5v0V8G5uEOxeav37ki0dm_b2l83fo4UECvaQdXclCfoXZxdKEC1s8qkoTyk9B88T-MJOupZJIH/s400/IMG_0557.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722946724009667826" /></a><br /></div></div></div>The Gordon Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11268830654911679635noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30992512.post-55736965054509846392012-02-04T00:35:00.002-05:002012-02-04T01:43:34.108-05:00Rafting TripMy Dad is a great outdoors man. He owns several rafts and goes on several trips most summers. This year Rachel and Joel were able to go with him and loved it. They rafted down part of the Rangitikei River which has only three or four grade three rapids but is otherwise pretty calm but fun to raft. It is also a very pretty river to raft and camp next to. The trip took three days and two nights.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8NJTtNXEeDzoWWwBBLahZKp1WT6eWzgGDUtq-XcEqWOHZOeFGsxpPYlxZR4bZPrg4Lf0vzpzc9XlGQ0scZRwX2q7B2EYHL5aArJtTsGV8dFus-__d57QWbp23s456LpmNq1qI/s1600/P1270441.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8NJTtNXEeDzoWWwBBLahZKp1WT6eWzgGDUtq-XcEqWOHZOeFGsxpPYlxZR4bZPrg4Lf0vzpzc9XlGQ0scZRwX2q7B2EYHL5aArJtTsGV8dFus-__d57QWbp23s456LpmNq1qI/s400/P1270441.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705150889673350274" /></a>This is not Rachel and Joel but some more experienced rafters on the trip with them.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWFLpMis2ZI7QN1mZWGbgADdkk-v8kLGsMHecNflN3JwirgW-IZRqBJcbpSZzf_47Nm5ygzWI3nwDbjO_zM3oKkuaSMXLzClXnAZ7Wj1hUfnm__78XGnErxKvr9ldrM6NXi0T1/s1600/P1270456.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWFLpMis2ZI7QN1mZWGbgADdkk-v8kLGsMHecNflN3JwirgW-IZRqBJcbpSZzf_47Nm5ygzWI3nwDbjO_zM3oKkuaSMXLzClXnAZ7Wj1hUfnm__78XGnErxKvr9ldrM6NXi0T1/s400/P1270456.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705150880835598866" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj6O2qZPX4ibijjPnA_uK4mVJ065tAjObGgjR7YfHavHB2VTtFkEk6ynowg5QTQYPec-Q6lJqAEE2VhKpdJVajU2lrhByIBzfbSPb3jGyB0DYWHSqFyRg2MjRscXusPMmsOdZL/s1600/P1280476.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj6O2qZPX4ibijjPnA_uK4mVJ065tAjObGgjR7YfHavHB2VTtFkEk6ynowg5QTQYPec-Q6lJqAEE2VhKpdJVajU2lrhByIBzfbSPb3jGyB0DYWHSqFyRg2MjRscXusPMmsOdZL/s400/P1280476.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705150867041599362" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWr2bD1H8FKAS6oZcGq2A3uT50arN0Ofj6wcEKf4IzcNxN2p__rMhPgbK6sgBtVLc1iw34O_70XHFC6XUjG32-Ggrwrjee4cvWqyHNpNyqDijAc01tjumSGlIXGe60w6CkDcX/s1600/P1280488.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWr2bD1H8FKAS6oZcGq2A3uT50arN0Ofj6wcEKf4IzcNxN2p__rMhPgbK6sgBtVLc1iw34O_70XHFC6XUjG32-Ggrwrjee4cvWqyHNpNyqDijAc01tjumSGlIXGe60w6CkDcX/s400/P1280488.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705150862992010786" /></a>They both had to learn how to cook over the fire and look after themselves.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC7Y_meF28oB73__wZdLBmKFQcTgUL57pears9pLu2QtJpiaZH1xug9GVJhXIDV6A9adbN50wX0nxjMcMj9RYfPyFTq0XiknOMr-AktCbm0sf2EfkzZamPD3yLcVGYdFYbvMYS/s1600/P1280490.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC7Y_meF28oB73__wZdLBmKFQcTgUL57pears9pLu2QtJpiaZH1xug9GVJhXIDV6A9adbN50wX0nxjMcMj9RYfPyFTq0XiknOMr-AktCbm0sf2EfkzZamPD3yLcVGYdFYbvMYS/s400/P1280490.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705150855946851858" /></a>The Gordon Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11268830654911679635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30992512.post-28383879926963526262012-02-04T00:23:00.005-05:002012-02-04T01:43:12.321-05:00Matthew's 11th BirthdayNow that Matthew has a summer birthday we spent the afternoon at the park and the beach. Very thankful to God for blessing us with Matthew. He starts intermediate (middle school) this year. Wow where does the time go?<div><br /></div><div>Opening presents.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9QUXcR7IngACE-PwFzYkKuEkxTJ-rCdOTDQA-xPPsyAgzK3aZDVNub4IeEYUsDV32Kgs_RqU4gxUxWKhsVSOgHeWnnF1O-AGX8QpI5UeQFM_erahFzl4NNjp21ZDvafz7amSc/s1600/IMG_3692.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9QUXcR7IngACE-PwFzYkKuEkxTJ-rCdOTDQA-xPPsyAgzK3aZDVNub4IeEYUsDV32Kgs_RqU4gxUxWKhsVSOgHeWnnF1O-AGX8QpI5UeQFM_erahFzl4NNjp21ZDvafz7amSc/s400/IMG_3692.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705148087782270434" /></a>Rachel, delivering the cake.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzOncQhnubYHxDZkGn8x3h1MAtbyOY7WY8QmJYsUKZtl31rgtrEm0EKEpND_40e30Ix_uqi6lvPSgtjwSipy-HtfWucweDwV39QY-1MFYvrxpgxDIo3nH2cpqF2B9o4yJvf1f/s1600/IMG_3705.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzOncQhnubYHxDZkGn8x3h1MAtbyOY7WY8QmJYsUKZtl31rgtrEm0EKEpND_40e30Ix_uqi6lvPSgtjwSipy-HtfWucweDwV39QY-1MFYvrxpgxDIo3nH2cpqF2B9o4yJvf1f/s400/IMG_3705.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705148074023704498" /></a><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Aunty</span> Leanne and little <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Isla</span>.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikkylVJs9RwNFl6W7WVT1UoBEGrOvof3IL5IOCJkqZb1mJIffGZOFENEbBQJX1t-QVL3wmJ3ahvpOw8n5XgWYsZnoUxijXtZQ33F7jFcDnYV1AGaZRSBdl2qU5yPYmAVrLzgwf/s1600/IMG_3701.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikkylVJs9RwNFl6W7WVT1UoBEGrOvof3IL5IOCJkqZb1mJIffGZOFENEbBQJX1t-QVL3wmJ3ahvpOw8n5XgWYsZnoUxijXtZQ33F7jFcDnYV1AGaZRSBdl2qU5yPYmAVrLzgwf/s400/IMG_3701.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705148067468145682" /></a>The cake.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjAQlMIt_x9HRpQk-nepnQXWhp3rpar6rygVwwMvG_yGaZVBVMEFvuOTEMemswwdKu9eDI1Ckj2Up14_XCOL1JILcQ8GPHdXxYxiFjqvSHvGB1RXiceU0iYXj3KNxEVE-dBYqY/s1600/IMG_3709.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjAQlMIt_x9HRpQk-nepnQXWhp3rpar6rygVwwMvG_yGaZVBVMEFvuOTEMemswwdKu9eDI1Ckj2Up14_XCOL1JILcQ8GPHdXxYxiFjqvSHvGB1RXiceU0iYXj3KNxEVE-dBYqY/s400/IMG_3709.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705147250400069282" /></a><br /></div>The Gordon Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11268830654911679635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30992512.post-41586541961622547812012-02-03T21:53:00.009-05:002012-02-04T01:42:44.979-05:00Summer VacationIn January we were very blessed to be able to go on a family vacation for a few weeks down to the South Island. Some very generous friends allowed us to use their holiday home up in the hills just outside of Christchurch. It was a beautiful home with incredible views. It was a very refreshing and relaxing time.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiGJ12eqqJt-2MeGNMVxlqwHPZiPNfNMbrlDo2qScrWGqIZdvkuONgQqqwYoAYaz1tfVgFWm9LZpDyE1HNplkc1d932XQEtGlaVjBZYeBseAx7pJ9GgH4Eor2E9b3fTC0M3tjP/s1600/IMG_3474.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiGJ12eqqJt-2MeGNMVxlqwHPZiPNfNMbrlDo2qScrWGqIZdvkuONgQqqwYoAYaz1tfVgFWm9LZpDyE1HNplkc1d932XQEtGlaVjBZYeBseAx7pJ9GgH4Eor2E9b3fTC0M3tjP/s400/IMG_3474.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705115909679204274" /></a>Some of the destruction left from the 6.3 earthquake that hit Christchurch in February 2011. 185 died in the earthquake and many areas in the city have been deemed unlivable. In the two weeks that we were there we felt at least one earthquake almost everyday. About three of them were 5.o or over. Those ones were a little scary. We experienced in a very small way what the people of Christchurch are facing every day.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqQtZKDoTIMy9cyndAAaUMfDlm3iYAu5-XwnNLEo4iotklxUwhe-7inL_0mYSlVyZfep6D-iOYmvWLP4StOKJ0Kv3tonU9OI2Rc7HO4lNY8DzbMnIg9pMrB6GPFbJPOKTBjL4p/s1600/IMG_3480.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqQtZKDoTIMy9cyndAAaUMfDlm3iYAu5-XwnNLEo4iotklxUwhe-7inL_0mYSlVyZfep6D-iOYmvWLP4StOKJ0Kv3tonU9OI2Rc7HO4lNY8DzbMnIg9pMrB6GPFbJPOKTBjL4p/s400/IMG_3480.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705115903018012002" /></a>Driving out to the beach, these containers are placed against the cliffs to protect the traffic and pedestrians in the event of another large earthquake.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihG6bj52U0tBdqGYsECI7semzcSyhDnNY7szkgmHlXO9EcuOccFGvcgI9AuqKqKpNHMcIeLFIVb0ki-Eo_sxAhT__Fp5FKy_Cr5HvbqbtkZ1A3IfEF0A7SIMS2MdA056oEppGs/s1600/IMG_3481.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihG6bj52U0tBdqGYsECI7semzcSyhDnNY7szkgmHlXO9EcuOccFGvcgI9AuqKqKpNHMcIeLFIVb0ki-Eo_sxAhT__Fp5FKy_Cr5HvbqbtkZ1A3IfEF0A7SIMS2MdA056oEppGs/s400/IMG_3481.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705115897526183762" /></a>Enjoying the ocean.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJROvHj_dmMsAqiZaIV8_hy7ONvVF5CR9jvO4heZ5AKvbdD38wuXz7swIVo22meNs76BTN580_h_kqFCr1QzOF67XAPEPouAk2C_bDBYBUr6oAIGpooh6s2vlDzC64G39Uj7-L/s1600/IMG_3487.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJROvHj_dmMsAqiZaIV8_hy7ONvVF5CR9jvO4heZ5AKvbdD38wuXz7swIVo22meNs76BTN580_h_kqFCr1QzOF67XAPEPouAk2C_bDBYBUr6oAIGpooh6s2vlDzC64G39Uj7-L/s400/IMG_3487.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705115885487269922" /></a>Flowers and notes left on the fences keeping people out of the CBD.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNbEP9g8EyoMMHkOP0bkUOh6_yQ57XWdtAnjuX1466EwGa5fDQajWGpWPovFBLArL7wDm7VMjlT4hKhSiyyoQEuGJsE-Ig043T5J-riR9zY-p3N1Xx7HlZbrvs8Vmj9WRn_PME/s1600/IMG_3504.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNbEP9g8EyoMMHkOP0bkUOh6_yQ57XWdtAnjuX1466EwGa5fDQajWGpWPovFBLArL7wDm7VMjlT4hKhSiyyoQEuGJsE-Ig043T5J-riR9zY-p3N1Xx7HlZbrvs8Vmj9WRn_PME/s400/IMG_3504.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705115876344642626" /></a>Since the CBD has been unusable since February this container mall was set up, it was very well done.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjO-Fd5QuzNzzVFeJBvM1elF-omdFLGKJLAXbYXrMffFPaQNYi8XZ0dLHidNKBPfCEoRy1hTIlJXIZcrT3AumBxzhO6nnEJSLYLTaJiehKvTrJS-GI4ApQbdoqMNcvvZV-Pngc/s1600/IMG_3518.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjO-Fd5QuzNzzVFeJBvM1elF-omdFLGKJLAXbYXrMffFPaQNYi8XZ0dLHidNKBPfCEoRy1hTIlJXIZcrT3AumBxzhO6nnEJSLYLTaJiehKvTrJS-GI4ApQbdoqMNcvvZV-Pngc/s400/IMG_3518.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705112820993436338" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLRHk_fmzhS6vhXAnECThjUut8ZdDabr19nmms_uv07ZAEwLoBYpeb3jLkoBCdpAbK-DyL0-CVHSNncmDyrjfe-U2HRF-zFusln7hpUMIZ6fHnXN5bU_EmUBdaRDYRQhs4r_KB/s1600/IMG_3519.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLRHk_fmzhS6vhXAnECThjUut8ZdDabr19nmms_uv07ZAEwLoBYpeb3jLkoBCdpAbK-DyL0-CVHSNncmDyrjfe-U2HRF-zFusln7hpUMIZ6fHnXN5bU_EmUBdaRDYRQhs4r_KB/s400/IMG_3519.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705112810591307474" /></a>Having competitions with the slug gun.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEMt6q-6gs6XNRf8c1e4TIo6Bi8AsOs7jaM5C6PsPhLow7KyhJWMT6n7J-MhEnOxbBjLWHajLaqewnokMcx8gtnJnEKWudsEFACQFpKOuIrrdAAOLmyFeX306C9Qf0xU5ngFMA/s1600/IMG_3537.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEMt6q-6gs6XNRf8c1e4TIo6Bi8AsOs7jaM5C6PsPhLow7KyhJWMT6n7J-MhEnOxbBjLWHajLaqewnokMcx8gtnJnEKWudsEFACQFpKOuIrrdAAOLmyFeX306C9Qf0xU5ngFMA/s400/IMG_3537.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705112800483922338" /></a>Anna-Marie was the first to hit the can, she was pretty happy with herself.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_XHqycRPFYfBDEZvS64LHnOUmolhhYwa3q7kz-AQoH4cI3wnF-Gd-6INtDBVU7mqgNwVa4DJOSfPJAEIr5h5e3R7MNqY3_qRAgWE60PZfXk6pdfoumVVBqttY4gth_VbQLQ3A/s1600/IMG_3530.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_XHqycRPFYfBDEZvS64LHnOUmolhhYwa3q7kz-AQoH4cI3wnF-Gd-6INtDBVU7mqgNwVa4DJOSfPJAEIr5h5e3R7MNqY3_qRAgWE60PZfXk6pdfoumVVBqttY4gth_VbQLQ3A/s400/IMG_3530.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705112793167481746" /></a>Rachel and I out rabbit shooting one evening. Rabbits are a pest to farmers in New Zealand.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPYaL0Mpwzqvg5RVOFUVI8jPGCnkk9jjRY6bU3td4MSu-oewctk6g-G4ETN0HTHYe-Zhn8OqOxT35Q2lI6lCEfMCS2T_F3Y05xq8sX0nOOMhGi00FaSnqQcp9p-mwvQt2OuDYe/s1600/IMG_3552.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPYaL0Mpwzqvg5RVOFUVI8jPGCnkk9jjRY6bU3td4MSu-oewctk6g-G4ETN0HTHYe-Zhn8OqOxT35Q2lI6lCEfMCS2T_F3Y05xq8sX0nOOMhGi00FaSnqQcp9p-mwvQt2OuDYe/s400/IMG_3552.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705111468087285730" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZmnEnaxYUTuZtjmrIey6pYNHOps2E0UiylsnhJzI5rsuBWMiy1q3q4zDCp_t9-hZtIKvcMbZodH0E6m41R_3uNHDVnBWnVszRsqsbhhcf6qHQrcOGP8htEfwngSoboguh1XN/s1600/IMG_3550.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZmnEnaxYUTuZtjmrIey6pYNHOps2E0UiylsnhJzI5rsuBWMiy1q3q4zDCp_t9-hZtIKvcMbZodH0E6m41R_3uNHDVnBWnVszRsqsbhhcf6qHQrcOGP8htEfwngSoboguh1XN/s400/IMG_3550.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705111460435922994" /></a>There were great views all around us.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2SBGKDAQLuD8M8TZL3VUNoS8D5Q17RY8rWJdIl-kwdUdoOkzfUqNdUWtqfTsBvanp5Fp7afkvAYkrHG8e2prawxUsVUjvaaJelXhFRuKhNyCiTRPCx6pmPEGdno8FvawP4Rt0/s1600/IMG_3563.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2SBGKDAQLuD8M8TZL3VUNoS8D5Q17RY8rWJdIl-kwdUdoOkzfUqNdUWtqfTsBvanp5Fp7afkvAYkrHG8e2prawxUsVUjvaaJelXhFRuKhNyCiTRPCx6pmPEGdno8FvawP4Rt0/s400/IMG_3563.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705111458374245858" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVwOZW4SL8T03fno0-H8hFz5xhOOfWIzdQyGqW2_QXrPac5Yh4pVuvKva-7ekGqNgbyJfuUNJvYwD40rPJat3vZ4c1EwpMiRS0yYdpB9WJLcW3ZXC9i9YsTKEbZjwT1g_9NsXP/s1600/IMG_3570.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVwOZW4SL8T03fno0-H8hFz5xhOOfWIzdQyGqW2_QXrPac5Yh4pVuvKva-7ekGqNgbyJfuUNJvYwD40rPJat3vZ4c1EwpMiRS0yYdpB9WJLcW3ZXC9i9YsTKEbZjwT1g_9NsXP/s400/IMG_3570.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705111442041558498" /></a>Mark and Joel kayaking in Akaroa, a cute little town not far from Christchurch.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmfwt-jwt-eHCGbYAHiKmUBh4GClYUnv6g6mvXZ2YvBftxBxohNYHLuSLl85qid_wxGnbGsHjnF1fHrDtVhOhMAEHHOqi_a98akjVwh9KzwarvvmnCCMkeLKkqvsr9kEjAw_Cc/s1600/IMG_3574.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmfwt-jwt-eHCGbYAHiKmUBh4GClYUnv6g6mvXZ2YvBftxBxohNYHLuSLl85qid_wxGnbGsHjnF1fHrDtVhOhMAEHHOqi_a98akjVwh9KzwarvvmnCCMkeLKkqvsr9kEjAw_Cc/s400/IMG_3574.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705111435337230418" /></a>Matthew has started to become interested in photography. He took this photo of seagulls with Anna-Marie's camera.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5cpuQKShuqx-VJfzCeYmZd3IhQFlygO8WB-2jAnJllCqwWv4EJYxHeRKCNeeuURBaRsLQYvvKZAYTPqglbCeQamg2Gsz3go-Q5ZZiZDn8o2m6bAeikYWv3WtdI1n3Fnhx_FbK/s1600/IMG_3594.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5cpuQKShuqx-VJfzCeYmZd3IhQFlygO8WB-2jAnJllCqwWv4EJYxHeRKCNeeuURBaRsLQYvvKZAYTPqglbCeQamg2Gsz3go-Q5ZZiZDn8o2m6bAeikYWv3WtdI1n3Fnhx_FbK/s400/IMG_3594.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705108925493041858" /></a>The rabbit that didn't get away.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQG63GhvjIapZJyWaOV0Nj_HVAgx9gz92B3sUdx5c7NYsDf5-AkZonoINxp0CWDqAxkLuJrVw9CR5QFTlTaq723wNX9sM1EQKUI1hA4l9R-b6XNGDOCoyBVdr9hdmyO8gH90_T/s1600/390532_2868573787673_1059681187_2972047_1788525438_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQG63GhvjIapZJyWaOV0Nj_HVAgx9gz92B3sUdx5c7NYsDf5-AkZonoINxp0CWDqAxkLuJrVw9CR5QFTlTaq723wNX9sM1EQKUI1hA4l9R-b6XNGDOCoyBVdr9hdmyO8gH90_T/s400/390532_2868573787673_1059681187_2972047_1788525438_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705108908029030354" /></a>Matthew and Anna-Marie enjoying the spa.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhQvt5aPg03y0QbZdQY5cN3YgppGANb2sZ7jKD_zNxTROjeHQe2DRZy_Sw_PA-z6IHIWgOqGAbOz0tz3yk92l4BV3pzj0fufF34EbQ_a-weWkXNGCyP3sSvdNARcSzXNjYYOF8/s1600/381227_2868577227759_1059681187_2972052_1398999885_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhQvt5aPg03y0QbZdQY5cN3YgppGANb2sZ7jKD_zNxTROjeHQe2DRZy_Sw_PA-z6IHIWgOqGAbOz0tz3yk92l4BV3pzj0fufF34EbQ_a-weWkXNGCyP3sSvdNARcSzXNjYYOF8/s400/381227_2868577227759_1059681187_2972052_1398999885_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705108906967488050" /></a><br /></div>The Gordon Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11268830654911679635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30992512.post-23323852259334242052011-12-29T02:47:00.004-05:002011-12-29T05:42:02.824-05:00Christmas Update<div style="text-align: center;"><p style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Lucida Grande'; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">A very big Merry Christmas to you all. Can you believe another year has come and gone? Last year at this time we were in the mountains of Northern California, and the Christmas before that we were at Disney world in Florida. This year we are celebrating our first Christmas with family in 5 years, we are looking forward to it. We wanted to wait until our last event was over before we updated so that we could add some photos. Last Sunday we had a Naenae community Christmas dinner, we had about 170 people come, and it was a wonderful evening. The scattered photo’s are of the family at the Christmas dinner.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Lucida Grande'; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Lucida Grande'; "></p><p style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal 'Lucida Grande'; color: rgb(204, 13, 1); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">This Year</span></b></span></p> <p style="font-size: medium; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal 'Lucida Grande'; color: rgb(204, 13, 1); min-height: 18px; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Lucida Grande'; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">We can now look back on a year of mixed emotions with a real sense of thankfulness to God. We did find the re-establishing process long and at times difficult. There have been times of loneliness, frustration, and missing the States. However, as we come to the end of the year we can see how God is shaping us and the work that He wants done here. A special thank you to our supporting churches, Heretaunga Christian Centre, and Riverbend Bible Church, Immanuel Baptist Church and Buck Run Baptist Church who have encouraged us in so many ways this year.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Lucida Grande'; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Lucida Grande'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px 'Lucida Grande'; color: #33670f"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Naenae for Christ outreach</span></b></span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'; min-height: 15.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">The highlight of this year has been the establishment of a weekly outreach in our community, Naenae. We started this in March and have opened the doors at the community center for 36 Sundays. We finished, for the year, last week with a Christmas kai. What a privilege to preach the gospel to 100 adults at the dinner. We asked those who came to write their names and contacts on a piece of paper, if interested in a church starting next year, and/or a women’s fellowship group. Six people indicated an interest in church and 14 indicated an interest in a women’s group. Some of those on the list were very weary of us at the beginning of the year and it has shown us how many barriers have been broken down.</span></span></p><div><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><br /></span></div></span><p></p><p></p></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYC64amyw8QZAZ0tkjJxUSubGKdKRaNlcD1yCRkK80txSyqxY-Me447cYjcbtd6_O1fJXas7zu61myXhm8PHqBi5Z3BH8N__xjezz_joWhWx9hx8UWfGez82OW6FZ_kgSja9C6/s1600/IMG_1459.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYC64amyw8QZAZ0tkjJxUSubGKdKRaNlcD1yCRkK80txSyqxY-Me447cYjcbtd6_O1fJXas7zu61myXhm8PHqBi5Z3BH8N__xjezz_joWhWx9hx8UWfGez82OW6FZ_kgSja9C6/s400/IMG_1459.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691458678104764450" /></a><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px 'Lucida Grande'; color: #33670f"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Preaching</span></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'; min-height: 15.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Mark has had the joy of preaching 9 times at our home church this year, 5 times in other churches, and 35 times at the little “church service” at the Naenae for Christ outreach. This “church service” attracted an average of about 6 (from the community) earlier in the year but the last two months has seen on average about 16 coming. We continue to believe that the Word of God will not return void but will accomplish the task of saving and sanctifying sinners.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'; min-height: 15.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'; min-height: 15.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiajtOnO89o24NLhSMdUEn-eftixqxzvcjKUIYm5Kl0JJ3fogjtehMIHuFr5HEFx1aKzmXB4kUS8zJKhwcNgMb9hTdi9KdEszln857Xl3ZlMkp8FQbNqpPp0bHq04oQDMh8ubgC/s1600/IMG_1488.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiajtOnO89o24NLhSMdUEn-eftixqxzvcjKUIYm5Kl0JJ3fogjtehMIHuFr5HEFx1aKzmXB4kUS8zJKhwcNgMb9hTdi9KdEszln857Xl3ZlMkp8FQbNqpPp0bHq04oQDMh8ubgC/s400/IMG_1488.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691458671412109250" /></a><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px 'Lucida Grande'; color: #33670f"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Other Ministries</span></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'; min-height: 15.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">We have also been involved this year in running the Christian group at the high school Anna-Marie, Rachel, and Joel attend. Mark ran a Bible study out of a church right in the heart of Wellington city. This remained small throughout the year but will continue next year with a bit more of an evangelism focus. Mark ran a 2 month church planting home group for interested people, and he trained 5 youth leaders in how to study Scripture and prepare and preach a sermon. We have also just written an evangelistic tract especially suited for our community. It has all local photos and the fictitious story that runs through it is about a couple from Naenae. We are hoping this encourages our Naenae for Christ team in their evangelism. If you want to have a look at it, send me your address and I will send you one, your comments will be helpful. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'; min-height: 15.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbi-cSJ_nIJ4Tj2JhWWE7Y3ZFSYczqwEGquDqPTt2HsF-uiUrM4VTrsTTGEWQyZmIfha2EdEpchwsAebNyFdgPZWc2W4uvloONaXyOH7bxZTAQmnTxwUU616MbdbxlxI063HPP/s1600/IMG_1514.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbi-cSJ_nIJ4Tj2JhWWE7Y3ZFSYczqwEGquDqPTt2HsF-uiUrM4VTrsTTGEWQyZmIfha2EdEpchwsAebNyFdgPZWc2W4uvloONaXyOH7bxZTAQmnTxwUU616MbdbxlxI063HPP/s400/IMG_1514.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691458670664789842" /></a><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; font: 16.0px 'Lucida Grande'; color: #cc0d01"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Family</span></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'; min-height: 15.0px"><span style="text-decoration: underline ; letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">The children are all doing very well. They all did very well at school and have enjoyed being in school for the first time. We are so thankful to God for the work in our children that He has done. They minister with us at Naenae for Christ and have been sharing Christ at their secular school. Anna-Marie had a pace-maker inserted when she was 4 years old and in January next year she needs to have it replaced, a heart valve fixed, and an old lead taken out of one of her veins. This is going to require open heart surgery, so we are preparing ourselves for that. Please remember Anna-Marie in your prayers.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'; min-height: 15.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Tania has taken the longest to adjust back to NZ living. We have had to work through some difficult times but the Lord has always enabled us to do this. Tania is in the process of getting her teaching license renewed so that she can do some relieving teaching next year. Mark has missed the States but hides it better than Tania. He now looks back on the year with thankfulness as he sees God’s hand in our lives. His leg issues put him out of action for almost 9 weeks this year, and he did waste a bit of time, but he does desire to be more focused next year.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'; min-height: 15.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_GCIFY98g18kCUwV9bazzG6e1fGU54J6vPxrVzEFJf8sn-ZAV4mH-T2cdQ2yl8x46FkwmA6PeH3ZrXGaX38yWl6skkAiulN1Jp804ux7zH21QYKiZhHSIAIo6Gd9j-2Qfrg8W/s1600/IMG_1623.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_GCIFY98g18kCUwV9bazzG6e1fGU54J6vPxrVzEFJf8sn-ZAV4mH-T2cdQ2yl8x46FkwmA6PeH3ZrXGaX38yWl6skkAiulN1Jp804ux7zH21QYKiZhHSIAIo6Gd9j-2Qfrg8W/s400/IMG_1623.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691458667737330130" /></a><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; font: 16.0px 'Lucida Grande'; color: #cc0d01"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Church Plant</span></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'; min-height: 15.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">We will enter 2012 having not yet planted a church but still confident that all we are involved in is laying the foundations for a church to be started. The desire to pastor the people of Naenae is growing stronger and the outreach we are leading seems very likely to end in a church planted. We have struggled to find interested people to join a church planting team but the last two months has brought two families to light. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; font: 16.0px 'Lucida Grande'; color: #cc0d01; min-height: 18.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b></b></span><br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd6PLzuW5enaLNam6LShyWvhJ8QufT-fyIg-wLs6zd7op1R1Q_NwjsUQntUOa1NjFY_qBzMSg09XSZcC7LL4rRrF1zaW3oD1HaKZD3f3_CNY8KKQFCObAHPJgGRfqV5_YWfJUi/s1600/IMG_1636.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd6PLzuW5enaLNam6LShyWvhJ8QufT-fyIg-wLs6zd7op1R1Q_NwjsUQntUOa1NjFY_qBzMSg09XSZcC7LL4rRrF1zaW3oD1HaKZD3f3_CNY8KKQFCObAHPJgGRfqV5_YWfJUi/s400/IMG_1636.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691458148324197826" /></a><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; font: 16.0px 'Lucida Grande'; color: #cc0d01"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Next Year</span></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'; min-height: 15.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">All of the ministry opportunities this year are continuing next year. In addition we are adding a women’s fellowship group to our Naenae for Christ ministry which Tania will be involved in running. We also hope to establish a youth work in Naenae. We praise God that the two churches in the US and the one in New Zealand that have financially supported us this year, are continuing their support for 2012.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'; min-height: 15.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZEQJV16mbr_38RLIIrx8mBupCKuJOx6s2FvcOP-16DTaPZx5nhBJamXpjWxTuQqKntvGZWMYU8wqr7YAFm9KxK7YlB2shXbnr66A5AWGc1qQLIGsBBICqpVrkrc21ABRDd9wC/s1600/IMG_1745.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZEQJV16mbr_38RLIIrx8mBupCKuJOx6s2FvcOP-16DTaPZx5nhBJamXpjWxTuQqKntvGZWMYU8wqr7YAFm9KxK7YlB2shXbnr66A5AWGc1qQLIGsBBICqpVrkrc21ABRDd9wC/s400/IMG_1745.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691458147224538946" /></a><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; font: 16.0px 'Lucida Grande'; color: #cc0d01"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Prayer Needs</span></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'; min-height: 15.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <ul> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'; color: #cc0d01"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font: 12.0px Symbol; letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Anna-Marie’s operation in Jan or Feb</span></span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'; color: #cc0d01"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font: 12.0px Symbol; letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Word of God to do its work in people’s lives</span></span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'; color: #cc0d01"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font: 12.0px Symbol; letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">That the tract would be used to bring many to Christ</span></span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'; color: #cc0d01"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font: 12.0px Symbol; letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Family unity and continued submission to Christ above all else</span></span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'; color: #cc0d01"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font: 12.0px Symbol; letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">A church planting team raised up from those showing interest</span></span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'; color: #cc0d01"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font: 12.0px Symbol; letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Naenae for Christ’s ministries, drop in center, women’s group, and youth work</span></span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'; color: #cc0d01"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font: 12.0px Symbol; letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Thanksgiving for churches continuing their financial support of us for 2012</span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'; min-height: 15.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBddr2aOfdR6qg1vI6bvEtArccEJqN4xsLcNb6B-byTukEMTNQfZzYrhUGorVWBT6ACxNV_QL2f6CUOLBcWOoNc1wWu2MTzTdiKYXl9mmpX9uIyktT85wgsR1O2VhoX6EhozVG/s1600/IMG_1809.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBddr2aOfdR6qg1vI6bvEtArccEJqN4xsLcNb6B-byTukEMTNQfZzYrhUGorVWBT6ACxNV_QL2f6CUOLBcWOoNc1wWu2MTzTdiKYXl9mmpX9uIyktT85wgsR1O2VhoX6EhozVG/s400/IMG_1809.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691458116719832770" /></a><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Thank you all so much for your support this year, we have needed the financial support and we have desperately needed the prayer support. We have valued the e-mails, occasional Skype conversations, and the facebook likes and comments. You are all very dear to our hearts and we thank you for your continued support and care of our family.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'; min-height: 15.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">May Christ continue to be your all in all</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'; min-height: 15.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px 'Lucida Grande'; color: #00660f"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">With much love</span></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px 'Lucida Grande'; color: #00660f; min-height: 17.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b></b></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px 'Lucida Grande'; color: #00660f"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Mark, Tania, Anna-Marie, Rachel, Joel, and Matthew Gordon</span></b></span></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqGyWgIr_fpyrQdfV_VFmupVmrSfCSphI9KreVsLo2W_hi0Bz72biZUlpLKtT6ut-5OdRnyFgzPL_QdRuJnmZoKUYyIkhP7K2jgJ_le4t75qZI1A6XDUIJupETmvdB23iWpw0H/s1600/IMG_1959.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqGyWgIr_fpyrQdfV_VFmupVmrSfCSphI9KreVsLo2W_hi0Bz72biZUlpLKtT6ut-5OdRnyFgzPL_QdRuJnmZoKUYyIkhP7K2jgJ_le4t75qZI1A6XDUIJupETmvdB23iWpw0H/s400/IMG_1959.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691458109735921346" /></a>The Gordon Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11268830654911679635noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30992512.post-73885363281593850782011-12-25T05:18:00.001-05:002011-12-25T05:20:39.316-05:00Merry Christmas Friends<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtg571EJ4XCpoYd7gP48QH6gs2xyCIX_R0-Cq_7_bAazA41tbZHfCGdSBt2zJg3VmS7VfpU7vQQv5RcwID_d5NBRebaF2YnS5-uevkOhPrUFVVsuTN9_s2qtYzdIHQeAsakX3k/s1600/IMG_0181_2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 288px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtg571EJ4XCpoYd7gP48QH6gs2xyCIX_R0-Cq_7_bAazA41tbZHfCGdSBt2zJg3VmS7VfpU7vQQv5RcwID_d5NBRebaF2YnS5-uevkOhPrUFVVsuTN9_s2qtYzdIHQeAsakX3k/s400/IMG_0181_2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690008801537549186" /></a>The Gordon Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11268830654911679635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30992512.post-21213447532087237252011-11-09T00:53:00.014-05:002011-11-09T03:39:36.075-05:00The Gordon ChildrenIt has been several months since an update. I must apologise as we have sent out a few update emails and I have forgotten to copy them to this blog. Before the end of the year we will attempt to update you all on ministry but for now here is a family update on how the children are doing.<br /><br />Matthew had a rough start to the year with too many challenges. He was so sad to leave America and still says that he is half American as he lived half his life there. He also went to school for the first time just a few weeks after returning to New Zealand and this was a little difficult for him. He is doing really well now though, he enjoys school and is doing much better. He is especially excited at the moment about gymnastics and photography classes which Anna-Marie is actually going in to help teach.<br /><br />He continues to be very talkative and friendly. Tonight he had us in fits at the dinner table telling jokes. He still loves to serve wherever he can and is a great little help at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Naenae</span> For Christ on a Sunday afternoon.<br /><br />He is just beginning to enjoy reading more. He enjoyed watching the rugby world cup with the family and likes to go out and kick the soccer ball around. He has made a few friends and is enjoying church.<br /><br />This is Matthew with his cousin Grace having fun in the van.<br /><br /><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje5Eo8s4RmZYueP4GpUiyHW9Tj7YCh0cebWkArvWfawOq2WsgGBwDavG15Ay-0VCJQ_500Ch4kmkJB08aLC72f9QpxUAkUmRD_ZaqdujCjftR7d4zq3A2UmopWdH7djGaT60Ov/s1600/100_7726.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672897508616022146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje5Eo8s4RmZYueP4GpUiyHW9Tj7YCh0cebWkArvWfawOq2WsgGBwDavG15Ay-0VCJQ_500Ch4kmkJB08aLC72f9QpxUAkUmRD_ZaqdujCjftR7d4zq3A2UmopWdH7djGaT60Ov/s400/100_7726.JPG" /></a><br />Helping on Father's Day at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Naenae</span> for Christ.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_lQi_6wUrp8k_9T5He1K8WfsTKXeLBKXEHunB4-XZD4Xyw4PZ49wCl3n4U_syczE80BO7PHZQuanyRx4ygLpdRC1_7C9CoY7YpWygE8PT95qB3LSMtCKT23U8qWR265ukyag/s1600/IMG_0907.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672897500248376658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_lQi_6wUrp8k_9T5He1K8WfsTKXeLBKXEHunB4-XZD4Xyw4PZ49wCl3n4U_syczE80BO7PHZQuanyRx4ygLpdRC1_7C9CoY7YpWygE8PT95qB3LSMtCKT23U8qWR265ukyag/s400/IMG_0907.jpg" /></a> Helping Anna-Marie take bubble photos for a photography project.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJLffZgdFbpydxw7vO_GgqOFZUO7PIUDro3dDeA14qF88Rt4Gf3euv4msevFJErwU4fWmnxezdC2ykTyRd1FM7e3Daw2cpJ1YaskXb3jrQ45FxnU0E_6qld9vydf50Es8Tj1SI/s1600/IMG_0858.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672897487967382386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJLffZgdFbpydxw7vO_GgqOFZUO7PIUDro3dDeA14qF88Rt4Gf3euv4msevFJErwU4fWmnxezdC2ykTyRd1FM7e3Daw2cpJ1YaskXb3jrQ45FxnU0E_6qld9vydf50Es8Tj1SI/s400/IMG_0858.jpg" /></a> At the zoo with a friend from church.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVy2p_5X1zv1H-Tsp1p0vMZdLakNQdCRJXTozRM8-_Akg5PoK-h8w7IHqw67UdZju0WSD4Dogcvh180G9T9xV4TNZSfGMeZtEUFh6gbA06K1MJbH1-SI8aa_jFWfOTgJd8_Dg/s1600/IMG_1331.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672897482185601506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVy2p_5X1zv1H-Tsp1p0vMZdLakNQdCRJXTozRM8-_Akg5PoK-h8w7IHqw67UdZju0WSD4Dogcvh180G9T9xV4TNZSfGMeZtEUFh6gbA06K1MJbH1-SI8aa_jFWfOTgJd8_Dg/s400/IMG_1331.jpg" /></a> Joel has settled in well into New Zealand life. He spent some time at the beginning of this year fishing with his Grandad and hopes to go hunting with him this summer. He is doing very well in school and is nearly finished his Year 9 (Grade 8) school year, his first year of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">high school</span>. He was picked for a special sports and math class and played basketball and cricket.<br /><br />He goes over to the boxing gym twice a week and trains with the Junior boys and is really loving it. It is great having the gym and the Graham family next door as being in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Naenae</span> we are a little isolated from others that we fellowship with, who are in Upper <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Hutt</span>, about 20 minutes away.<br /><br />He has grown so much this year. He eats a lot and just seems to get taller and taller. He has also been writing his testimony recently and has been talking about baptism so we are prayerful and praising God for this growth in his life. He enjoys the youth ministry at church and attends the Wednesday night bible studies most weeks.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA-RCItpcPTT8Ifhwn3XDk3-PbSi21xfxYjWhZEMAjeG-Bq2r2IN4SPDpvi1T_-gEbko0vdRK2_xb5e7DFCja5FDbNq9bH8GwrvxRsZgh5DdPvndFn3rvwk5KtNgio1RVtqCiz/s1600/HWF36-A1.jpeg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672895564009338754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA-RCItpcPTT8Ifhwn3XDk3-PbSi21xfxYjWhZEMAjeG-Bq2r2IN4SPDpvi1T_-gEbko0vdRK2_xb5e7DFCja5FDbNq9bH8GwrvxRsZgh5DdPvndFn3rvwk5KtNgio1RVtqCiz/s400/HWF36-A1.jpeg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXBfahO0HJih3DREeJvf9jqhjwGlf041OBxGLLWp4TOGbSwwohLy0ygWW7ZC3Th4SRijZHwdsAoktSaoY83K_gJJg18rK9MO6ZV8iZXp_zaeRPZYKj9m9lBhIjfEKxUTetkIvz/s1600/IMG_0524.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672895563689620722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXBfahO0HJih3DREeJvf9jqhjwGlf041OBxGLLWp4TOGbSwwohLy0ygWW7ZC3Th4SRijZHwdsAoktSaoY83K_gJJg18rK9MO6ZV8iZXp_zaeRPZYKj9m9lBhIjfEKxUTetkIvz/s400/IMG_0524.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBdPHpCPmf769g0VgnssXUr5bZ9ir6a6loHtXnHBLzZAT3P3VbUsj6oB3hH3dXtqYKE7F6WGbBX6nZZ0n3y7Umn4ZuhscddReliuYbWuTPCxy4dV9Htf-DMduHiPfAbvHGqmZ6/s1600/IMG_1672.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672895551324295362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBdPHpCPmf769g0VgnssXUr5bZ9ir6a6loHtXnHBLzZAT3P3VbUsj6oB3hH3dXtqYKE7F6WGbBX6nZZ0n3y7Umn4ZuhscddReliuYbWuTPCxy4dV9Htf-DMduHiPfAbvHGqmZ6/s400/IMG_1672.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVVUP7Rzv2F3ngDS8nbfvgm7QV3E7LXg9f91yIFnUQETvwrkpptz62e40u3a3dxiKP8L6AKWuEzvblU2SFSXmIp2IyIadIqCv2krNYUZ_fDeYqqczVmEvmg_Qny4OHovvSLUrf/s1600/IMG_1622.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672895545357419378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVVUP7Rzv2F3ngDS8nbfvgm7QV3E7LXg9f91yIFnUQETvwrkpptz62e40u3a3dxiKP8L6AKWuEzvblU2SFSXmIp2IyIadIqCv2krNYUZ_fDeYqqczVmEvmg_Qny4OHovvSLUrf/s400/IMG_1622.jpg" /></a><br />Rachel turned 15 back in May and is growing into a beautiful young women. She has just about finished her Year 11 (Grade 10) year in high school and has done really well. She received several awards at the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">prizegiving</span> last night and quite a few awards at the school sports awards including being nominated for sports women of the year. She has played both soccer and basketball this year and this would be her favourite part of school. She has been picked for a special elite sports class next year so she is very excited about that. She was also our only child to attend a youth Sports Camp up at our old church in Hastings. The quest speaker was an American from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">California</span>, Brent Eldridge. In keeping with the theme of sports she is also helping to run a women's fitness class at the boxing gym.<br /><br />She has had her learners drivers license for a few months now but <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">because</span> of some recent changes to the law she cannot sit her license for another year and a half so she has a long time to learn.<br /><br />She continues to put God first and faithfully shares with her friends at school and serves at church. Settling back into New Zealand has not been easy for Rachel but I think she has grown through the experience and has continued to mature. She is such a joy and often brings laughter to us all.<br /><br /><br />All dressed up for the Sports Camp Awards Dinner.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIGvg_oNTtqQuRksoPctm2kbDesCKzIEm-KL6ImHuZmjoYnVCK2jrYhwepKNgDa-M2aGh-sdDAZTHDkl5FxVDnv-t2OiIFUTF3-apwl2lDKxHW3_LZ5P6kPDhPQzjonKQpyYE/s1600/IMG_2256.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672881616137589634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIGvg_oNTtqQuRksoPctm2kbDesCKzIEm-KL6ImHuZmjoYnVCK2jrYhwepKNgDa-M2aGh-sdDAZTHDkl5FxVDnv-t2OiIFUTF3-apwl2lDKxHW3_LZ5P6kPDhPQzjonKQpyYE/s400/IMG_2256.jpg" /></a> Rachel and good friend Susanna from next door all ready to paint Susanna's closet.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbOntTa7sRZi1bC27wqn3QN5iRASRtiDpVDZ3KKjcfGFC545mcfaVStWq72_fUWwlvolEJvs8ZIBsOwv6BDKO68ZIXAsObOzgplOgNJmUAj1mfjXqxa57ibEc6o2zbpGbDQits/s1600/310616_232520810140097_100001465401231_679351_1658962367_n.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672881614728916322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbOntTa7sRZi1bC27wqn3QN5iRASRtiDpVDZ3KKjcfGFC545mcfaVStWq72_fUWwlvolEJvs8ZIBsOwv6BDKO68ZIXAsObOzgplOgNJmUAj1mfjXqxa57ibEc6o2zbpGbDQits/s400/310616_232520810140097_100001465401231_679351_1658962367_n.jpg" /></a> Rachel being her very competitive self on the basketball court.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivjqTkZXp9XyG_3Nt0gCR6lZaY6_XJYRtIfJ5tNFJBKD2fMKG-OrdIdtjeXzypn_iDAkHxkzUroqKBUTLH4WrIn8Zl4QYrRXT8SCXju-SMXAwABmlZGkaxekoa8Qqutyu9p4TR/s1600/302907_266475993377415_100000450492217_981734_704875078_n.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 342px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 319px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672881608408481042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivjqTkZXp9XyG_3Nt0gCR6lZaY6_XJYRtIfJ5tNFJBKD2fMKG-OrdIdtjeXzypn_iDAkHxkzUroqKBUTLH4WrIn8Zl4QYrRXT8SCXju-SMXAwABmlZGkaxekoa8Qqutyu9p4TR/s400/302907_266475993377415_100000450492217_981734_704875078_n.jpg" /></a> At Sports Camp in Hastings, NZ.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAbwCarqIu514uoetfJr4xRBZvXQMFr-YR_7sYBTJVwxovOxKurySwPAoH5ajuGqx1GsTNaQcqSnT6K57QzukrxCDDkD20UUghRpw-c5e6Z9PeQ1hxTItk43LQ88IRxPU6zqg8/s1600/300500_2510090202093_1548253124_2798445_297389328_n.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672881600589418242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAbwCarqIu514uoetfJr4xRBZvXQMFr-YR_7sYBTJVwxovOxKurySwPAoH5ajuGqx1GsTNaQcqSnT6K57QzukrxCDDkD20UUghRpw-c5e6Z9PeQ1hxTItk43LQ88IRxPU6zqg8/s400/300500_2510090202093_1548253124_2798445_297389328_n.jpg" /></a> Receiving an award at the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Heretaunga</span> College Sports Awards.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiscc-8kTQ83IUbJsxXEP7lOQT_O5lN4c3nG2PI0bvoC0Kd8ChGcC0uPqvHiKxg2pz3MLznw4wcP7SNk_XxfkqJGkMX3S01ZcVivUfqDlm6dUgRDkia71vMX00n10bGXc9r-a1e/s1600/312725_2009172108974_1233859511_2526982_726631226_n.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672881600857008674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiscc-8kTQ83IUbJsxXEP7lOQT_O5lN4c3nG2PI0bvoC0Kd8ChGcC0uPqvHiKxg2pz3MLznw4wcP7SNk_XxfkqJGkMX3S01ZcVivUfqDlm6dUgRDkia71vMX00n10bGXc9r-a1e/s400/312725_2009172108974_1233859511_2526982_726631226_n.jpg" /></a><br />Anna-Marie is just a few days off turning 17. She is finishing up her Year 12 (Grade 11) high school year with just exams to go. She has done very well at fitting into public school life. She had to pick up at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">NZQA</span> Level 2 quickly without having done Level 1 but should have no trouble passing at this stage. She has loved her photography class and has become more and more interested in it. With the boxing gym next door and a growing relationship with the boy next door, she has been spending lots of time at boxing tournaments where she also takes lots of photos, in fact she takes lots of photos where ever she goes.<br /><br />Public school has been a challenge but, by God's grace, she has been faithful to share her faith with others and continues to be a blessing to us and even helped me teach a study to the other young girls at church earlier this year.</p>She has had her learners license now for about 6 months and drives very well. She was quite a confident driver from the start so it hasn't been too scary teaching her.<br /><br />She also has her first job. I would love to have a photo of her in front of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">KFC</span>, in her <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">KFC</span> uniform but sometimes the photographer will not allow herself to be photographed.<br /><br />We would appreciate your prayers for her as she prepares to have her pacemaker replaced in February. The battery is low so she needs to have the unit replaced but they are also considering removing the old leads she has going through her veins into her heart as they are beginning to cause problems in one of her heart valves. This would mean that she would have to have open heart surgery and removal of these leads is quite a delicate process so we will keep you informed and would covet your prayers.<br /><br />She has only had the opportunity to do one of her other great loves once or twice since being here but I have included a great photo of her riding.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtfizuQZHUX-ApbwN6igxs5ZhXk23lbIM7NkT-6w1dv33nJv6DhAQDnDNCwpYK6QaG9UbAhdsqWuNQJfuH2BQ4Ewxkv-yBqAVQZ48kUZ8-QRGk6BLwQxptAyesghtH37fmLKrn/s1600/IMG_9475.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 327px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672872959061514242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtfizuQZHUX-ApbwN6igxs5ZhXk23lbIM7NkT-6w1dv33nJv6DhAQDnDNCwpYK6QaG9UbAhdsqWuNQJfuH2BQ4Ewxkv-yBqAVQZ48kUZ8-QRGk6BLwQxptAyesghtH37fmLKrn/s400/IMG_9475.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_cQcUG3DXqfhxIL3YuY-eUULLQJeChuDQGSl1y2uh7t5DrHdy6ZagTB5S5TZsEBPoJGxBi8afSmmrCtuw5TCKbER_DqnU2qbfXSyqzxQtIedHGfAoER0aCtJX49O_EjecnGB/s1600/edit1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 349px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672872952302387906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_cQcUG3DXqfhxIL3YuY-eUULLQJeChuDQGSl1y2uh7t5DrHdy6ZagTB5S5TZsEBPoJGxBi8afSmmrCtuw5TCKbER_DqnU2qbfXSyqzxQtIedHGfAoER0aCtJX49O_EjecnGB/s400/edit1.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxM-CVR_SKr7aPDcfxoJzx3QJTEf0Fn_pn_NjnrsH7PnlxRsOv0wEAQgW5yYivXAl2FsrPb-cT-hKOMaZhfrD-eZYYl4qitHDHR-lrmYExlXFosI1dCChoN3kMNsZMCS7zq46Q/s1600/IMG_1714.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672872939970361682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxM-CVR_SKr7aPDcfxoJzx3QJTEf0Fn_pn_NjnrsH7PnlxRsOv0wEAQgW5yYivXAl2FsrPb-cT-hKOMaZhfrD-eZYYl4qitHDHR-lrmYExlXFosI1dCChoN3kMNsZMCS7zq46Q/s400/IMG_1714.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWOkJAOD2O0ka-aCO5oZUFTyNAZH6kX6rtqZ4dT1yN9VKTCHp4mtS-1cN1BjeqeHgQ2WaG8ofY30km9iY6HGOB-8hYXuz8JL1a-WbFFdiCGntzN74Y9-au6xyCqE5lFBW2A3Pi/s1600/IMG_2141.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 338px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672872933363988674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWOkJAOD2O0ka-aCO5oZUFTyNAZH6kX6rtqZ4dT1yN9VKTCHp4mtS-1cN1BjeqeHgQ2WaG8ofY30km9iY6HGOB-8hYXuz8JL1a-WbFFdiCGntzN74Y9-au6xyCqE5lFBW2A3Pi/s400/IMG_2141.jpg" /></a>The Gordon Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11268830654911679635noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30992512.post-66626257479598334332011-08-16T16:23:00.003-04:002011-08-16T16:38:20.948-04:00Snow, Snow, Snow<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8fV1eKoRltKNNShhjWlpwPD5jYtsxLtYxUuNh3hdbJ9TssXRiVFgzTBKsYcHGf9qvMcn1sNL66hIugAFTk0ZsulNhS1sSbQqpsCdgkG35GTQYAbLO-BrBd6KO9bgYKxKdMGcD/s1600/IMG_0529.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8fV1eKoRltKNNShhjWlpwPD5jYtsxLtYxUuNh3hdbJ9TssXRiVFgzTBKsYcHGf9qvMcn1sNL66hIugAFTk0ZsulNhS1sSbQqpsCdgkG35GTQYAbLO-BrBd6KO9bgYKxKdMGcD/s400/IMG_0529.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641555429793523122" /></a>
<br />I spent our 4 1/2 years in America telling everyone that our winters were reasonably mild compared with Kentucky's winters and that it never snows in Wellington, only to be proved wrong on our very first winter home. We have just woken up to our fourth day of freezing rain, hail, snow and strong cold winds. Apparently it is the kind of storm that Wellington has about once every 100 years. Lots of people here have never seen the snow or played in it so it is quite an exciting event. The schools have closed which is unheard of, but the kids don't seem to mind. They have spent two days traveling up to the hills in Upper <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Hutt</span> for a little snowboarding and snow ball fights with our neighbors.<div>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguda2Nf1f5FoAs0G272OnsYpDLJzCNDbBnINT6YlFypDegcl2hlx1HE1xIfetNgTz2eXhZXFFX-C5o2Pxef3V_uHXsVMgUuWbe9Rp1y4WB-CmqiHt4YN5CCQsMS-926bth7NRV/s1600/IMG_0388.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguda2Nf1f5FoAs0G272OnsYpDLJzCNDbBnINT6YlFypDegcl2hlx1HE1xIfetNgTz2eXhZXFFX-C5o2Pxef3V_uHXsVMgUuWbe9Rp1y4WB-CmqiHt4YN5CCQsMS-926bth7NRV/s400/IMG_0388.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641553862011240434" /></a>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipG9y-OdBawZ52duR7qCMhn7esO9CoIzYOlllbOLbvbPqrYU_y3ndiWh6522nAKyDxj7OGpVrS1-6_oBxqW4lFAHRnXBEWv4idUOpj15HTmaq45Ap_69O6ggI-n4omNxtGOETH/s1600/IMG_0433.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipG9y-OdBawZ52duR7qCMhn7esO9CoIzYOlllbOLbvbPqrYU_y3ndiWh6522nAKyDxj7OGpVrS1-6_oBxqW4lFAHRnXBEWv4idUOpj15HTmaq45Ap_69O6ggI-n4omNxtGOETH/s400/IMG_0433.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641553210991557538" /></a>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9RFkwdJ7iTSRhFbGwxh5x6S7JtIOM1bWJ8r4Fr4sfAMYivESC_fS7qIs4nxzIlHMncDDHsp8iwSj_F7Iyc_l35-vHu7jWT0T4kLU97rG4ZQsrioYDodoeXsvfB2ZpvuFPJWdI/s1600/IMG_0497.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9RFkwdJ7iTSRhFbGwxh5x6S7JtIOM1bWJ8r4Fr4sfAMYivESC_fS7qIs4nxzIlHMncDDHsp8iwSj_F7Iyc_l35-vHu7jWT0T4kLU97rG4ZQsrioYDodoeXsvfB2ZpvuFPJWdI/s400/IMG_0497.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641553207564236578" /></a>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM7U1KYDid4oKTLQIURttJZST4eGJK2qhtM6Wz4CQ5r-kuokAqqYLTOH5BZlRdiO9C7t8r7yLMNg8c1QXsCMKdgj_cgAE3DaH22qkIPh6F3FDkRKCReT1i7nBfBcvtVlhdf3H8/s1600/IMG_0556.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM7U1KYDid4oKTLQIURttJZST4eGJK2qhtM6Wz4CQ5r-kuokAqqYLTOH5BZlRdiO9C7t8r7yLMNg8c1QXsCMKdgj_cgAE3DaH22qkIPh6F3FDkRKCReT1i7nBfBcvtVlhdf3H8/s400/IMG_0556.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641553196879634258" /></a>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9NkHFy8nKUiif29C1ic43ig538w8RV94eIGEKWFHgFmVazDO-iEyJFFlpbuHTksE_Y7M7x2xtkPH-eOYn9DBIEk7PdN1vEW9vVYZwOWzL0Tg0WJLdsSsScTxJPBB6laUdEoyc/s1600/IMG_0588.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9NkHFy8nKUiif29C1ic43ig538w8RV94eIGEKWFHgFmVazDO-iEyJFFlpbuHTksE_Y7M7x2xtkPH-eOYn9DBIEk7PdN1vEW9vVYZwOWzL0Tg0WJLdsSsScTxJPBB6laUdEoyc/s400/IMG_0588.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641553195691166690" /></a>
<br /></div>The Gordon Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11268830654911679635noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30992512.post-38474613762257891842011-08-11T18:07:00.002-04:002011-08-11T19:14:57.076-04:00Update<div>It has been awhile since we have blogged but to be honest with you not much has been happening. The reason for this has been the unexpected injury to Mark's leg. Today he takes back the crutches that he first got on the 1st of June. Yes, 9 weeks later, he can take them back. He is just able to walk without them and will take about another 4 weeks before he is fully mobile and walking like normal.</div>
<br /><div>The swelling in the calf has gone down but still a band remains, he is in no pain and is doing lots of stretching exercises to strengthen the knee and calf muscles. He has been able to drive now for about three weeks so his regular ministry activities have all begun again.</div>
<br /><div>The Naenae outreach continues to function well. The main focus at this time is gathering around us a team of people with a similar passion for the gospel who are equally desirous to see a strong Bible teaching church established in the Hutt Valley. Would you please pray for this endeavour as it may prove a little slower than we first thought.</div>
<br /><div>All of the family are really good at the moment, lots of learning opportunities and Anna-Marie has just secured her first job, and guess where it is, Kentucky Fried Chicken!!!!!! Yes she has started working at KFC about three minutes drive from our house. Both the girls have got their learners car license now. It does not take long in these years for family dynamics to change somewhat.</div>
<br /><div>Thank you to all who continue to pray for us. We feel your prayers as we are carried along by the Lord in good times and in times of discouragement, so thank you so much. We endeavour to pray for you also and would love to hear from you so as we can pray more specifically for you.</div>
<br /><div>May God richly bless your labours for Him, take care</div><div></div>
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<br /><div>The Gordon Family</div>
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<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwnmuwIgQ8uPMWVHPvWTIhFl-QMM20dNUse_8vJg_QbY9S4cjdOv7jP2DiEm3Zw1od1esFJTe1V3fCNWMrqIrV_1TkOkKnbsIMIojgPy_xyLcrR0QSifQ6QsNY3BOewCCR1sXZ/s1600/100_7782.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639723929190840114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwnmuwIgQ8uPMWVHPvWTIhFl-QMM20dNUse_8vJg_QbY9S4cjdOv7jP2DiEm3Zw1od1esFJTe1V3fCNWMrqIrV_1TkOkKnbsIMIojgPy_xyLcrR0QSifQ6QsNY3BOewCCR1sXZ/s400/100_7782.JPG" /></a>
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<br /><div></div></div></div>The Gordon Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11268830654911679635noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30992512.post-47124433463880739242011-06-27T03:38:00.003-04:002011-06-27T03:55:51.452-04:00Jarrod's Baptism<div><br /></div>What a great privilege it was last Sunday to be involved in this young man's baptism. This first photo is me briefly sharing on what baptism is.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxIwInenJvPFCIphuqVodNqdPeXuLqQAokcDHPvLRxVwr_0JmG53yeMrP3CIQYLXxboc_hgP5z6-F-fYMahktbrBGepqe0zXw6Qu1MU07m38YKD8TiGO1IAzR8TFvBBMKD4THQ/s1600/IMG_9490.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxIwInenJvPFCIphuqVodNqdPeXuLqQAokcDHPvLRxVwr_0JmG53yeMrP3CIQYLXxboc_hgP5z6-F-fYMahktbrBGepqe0zXw6Qu1MU07m38YKD8TiGO1IAzR8TFvBBMKD4THQ/s400/IMG_9490.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622802045703650274" /></a>Jarrod sharing his testimony with myself and Billy looking on. Jarrod has been involved in the boxing academy in Naenae for a few years. In his testimony he honored the Grahams for their love for him and their patience with him.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5O9CUFPBq7xy3vCuCNA4qZS6UdrwXd3AX1opjbH68v4osG92sj4BhhGagkCxOjrIjlXHXb8nCftBNOWJLmcKEjCgqtmjjjSkemumqQ9c8gGdsSPCWdVc87wDcRNqxI-GrTZoF/s1600/IMG_9492.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5O9CUFPBq7xy3vCuCNA4qZS6UdrwXd3AX1opjbH68v4osG92sj4BhhGagkCxOjrIjlXHXb8nCftBNOWJLmcKEjCgqtmjjjSkemumqQ9c8gGdsSPCWdVc87wDcRNqxI-GrTZoF/s400/IMG_9492.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622802039812259858" /></a>This mobile baptismal pool is shared among three different churches. Both Billy and I had the privilege of immersing our new brother in water, symbolizing his new identification with Christ's death, burial, and glorious resurrection.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjok8ucVxlr3o_DGGaBvjML_2jzcoJ-nfSxHxsnTuKswJqUULHVxjyuSluAymxrtzI9kfERpDDO9cHSkZ-W7koRcJDyXSHnV27Ol8ElXWSlQ3h2USKN4_YFp_yv2yV4g9pnqH6Q/s1600/IMG_9503.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjok8ucVxlr3o_DGGaBvjML_2jzcoJ-nfSxHxsnTuKswJqUULHVxjyuSluAymxrtzI9kfERpDDO9cHSkZ-W7koRcJDyXSHnV27Ol8ElXWSlQ3h2USKN4_YFp_yv2yV4g9pnqH6Q/s400/IMG_9503.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622802035005163922" /></a>May this be the first of many!!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilddGcCkQ0OVxYDNnwnn_0SWLnLk0WAQCS01oMypCohxWTa7DpULiAG1NnDA0pRTPA43-FVHyoEXqAex_kJSl4ZHGDd-wpOLyaPLUuffNdJ703mk9JD7PiyrC-qkTSOLtwssFe/s1600/IMG_9509.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilddGcCkQ0OVxYDNnwnn_0SWLnLk0WAQCS01oMypCohxWTa7DpULiAG1NnDA0pRTPA43-FVHyoEXqAex_kJSl4ZHGDd-wpOLyaPLUuffNdJ703mk9JD7PiyrC-qkTSOLtwssFe/s400/IMG_9509.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622802024058119890" /></a>The Gordon Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11268830654911679635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30992512.post-23135239366751253442011-06-22T02:45:00.002-04:002011-06-22T03:03:39.209-04:00Ministry UpdateIt feels like things have been moving slower in the last few weeks but maybe it has just been Mark who has been moving slower. He has been seeing a physiotherapist for his knee and it is feeling much better. He had an ultrasound last Friday to see what the problem was with his knee but a new and more immediate problem was found - a blood clot in his calf. This can be quite serious so he is on blood thinners and has blood tests several times a week to check his levels. He sees a specialist in a couple of weeks so we will keep you updated.<div><br /></div><div>Last Sunday was an exciting day for us. It was announced at Heretaunga Christian Center, where we are fellowshipping in Upper Hutt, that they will be supporting the church plant. This is great news for us as we feel it is important to have a local church involved. We hope to move on from here and begin a homegroup for people who may be interested in being a part of a plant in Lower Hutt. Later that afternoon was Naenae for Christ. It was a great afternoon. We held a sports day for young people and had a great crowd of kids. Mark was able to preach a gospel message afterwards to the kids and also to our regulars, about 60 people.</div><div><br /></div><div>Below are a few photos of the afternoon.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4bKjwvzGZeEi8XCAeTgsGJjuM_wodzBeCJV4mEVUnIx6TjNgoGXzQC-GLEUEaT5rkHgu_D3aE3KLYBKJqsAoTX83wGZtTpU_-fgX_cL39xhl2H-2cS675LFXakqp0cYJV3-z/s1600/IMG_9255.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4bKjwvzGZeEi8XCAeTgsGJjuM_wodzBeCJV4mEVUnIx6TjNgoGXzQC-GLEUEaT5rkHgu_D3aE3KLYBKJqsAoTX83wGZtTpU_-fgX_cL39xhl2H-2cS675LFXakqp0cYJV3-z/s400/IMG_9255.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620932559990209522" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8CZT2X_D3Ge-dBdWd_gx-4pr5fL6YtuzxPWtNil8sutI0n0rVvz-y4FlceiVuWHxlxBxIh6wdeOR_XcZJo-froRFjmQ_LIWYJBKvqA5TOHN3l1ah75QKFgukX2idSgzboIN-n/s1600/IMG_9320.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8CZT2X_D3Ge-dBdWd_gx-4pr5fL6YtuzxPWtNil8sutI0n0rVvz-y4FlceiVuWHxlxBxIh6wdeOR_XcZJo-froRFjmQ_LIWYJBKvqA5TOHN3l1ah75QKFgukX2idSgzboIN-n/s400/IMG_9320.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620932549657301762" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPbTAqYTIvkRulg7a7kRksGxgv8CucXm_cIx-UDrMxl-nqbEFG5fPWUUuotW-iX3C_JEcsYz8wkBwmEWbTG2Iu3cr3n6nhAFfCNvF8MX8uFIfEYACreKd2csUPIZJ2AMHJgSG9/s1600/IMG_9369.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPbTAqYTIvkRulg7a7kRksGxgv8CucXm_cIx-UDrMxl-nqbEFG5fPWUUuotW-iX3C_JEcsYz8wkBwmEWbTG2Iu3cr3n6nhAFfCNvF8MX8uFIfEYACreKd2csUPIZJ2AMHJgSG9/s400/IMG_9369.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620932541996884098" /></a><br /></div>The Gordon Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11268830654911679635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30992512.post-33495239349942447422011-06-22T01:44:00.002-04:002011-06-22T02:38:48.125-04:00Rachel Turns 15Here's a few photos from Rachel's 15th birthday. She had several friends over and they had a cupcake cooking and decorating competition, watched a movie and slept over. <div><br /></div><div>Rachel has done really well with the move back, although she misses people terribly back in the States. She is enjoying public school and is doing really well in all her subjects, but more importantly is growing in her faith and having many opportunities to share with friends. </div><div><br /></div><div>She is busy playing both basketball and soccer for the school, doing school work, being involved in church youth group activities and in Naenae for Christ.</div><div><br /></div><div>We thank God for Rachel, she is a great blessing to us. <div><br /></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy7l8G6gnruQehuH2_u9quTcBeM7PQAfnnYf5qvyrU_epi9WvBxiaMAK96JrrmOndtvol-2pAowQvx8nJJbPLVJACjx-OTRWfuqbigfd8KV9-xrb5fJbZoQpIoffTUPE71qTZE/s1600/IMG_9071.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy7l8G6gnruQehuH2_u9quTcBeM7PQAfnnYf5qvyrU_epi9WvBxiaMAK96JrrmOndtvol-2pAowQvx8nJJbPLVJACjx-OTRWfuqbigfd8KV9-xrb5fJbZoQpIoffTUPE71qTZE/s400/IMG_9071.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620917297923433170" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEo_lqOwXfK0zIWWMK0135Jz-fgngJOROUCUK5cER-b_uo66BMCKki8a9A-hRH-GgbIT_hQ_OrymamN8UfZa4Y7eoqXzqzDaeCyccDeBcpnzDHmKy4Yt_cP-PTPR6ZtfXvIfpr/s1600/IMG_9073.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEo_lqOwXfK0zIWWMK0135Jz-fgngJOROUCUK5cER-b_uo66BMCKki8a9A-hRH-GgbIT_hQ_OrymamN8UfZa4Y7eoqXzqzDaeCyccDeBcpnzDHmKy4Yt_cP-PTPR6ZtfXvIfpr/s400/IMG_9073.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620917295615640882" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLtuJ5n7l0fzOU342S3-5R_jzT81vWiSEDglfFkme7-Dg6sjnxyoJpLWS6YYEBZDBqm2wsrgmVRDZoFUtvbzZY7J17e1TDI6Zo_d547xnLuhi3uOztDXtLc2fFPXxwk2TJ-0qU/s1600/IMG_9082.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLtuJ5n7l0fzOU342S3-5R_jzT81vWiSEDglfFkme7-Dg6sjnxyoJpLWS6YYEBZDBqm2wsrgmVRDZoFUtvbzZY7J17e1TDI6Zo_d547xnLuhi3uOztDXtLc2fFPXxwk2TJ-0qU/s400/IMG_9082.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620917287973508258" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAy5MJ4bFEboCzAz_kliFTaIyTXStf-XXEipi70gCe555ImZ1vxHYxflzVn0G6ajcAWu9ITO8AMYEC87R_ZKeGEUu1Y0y3RsB6NeJPQ5F7B3J-Ag3xtgOm_nF_8ZOfj8YPwZG4/s1600/IMG_9094.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAy5MJ4bFEboCzAz_kliFTaIyTXStf-XXEipi70gCe555ImZ1vxHYxflzVn0G6ajcAWu9ITO8AMYEC87R_ZKeGEUu1Y0y3RsB6NeJPQ5F7B3J-Ag3xtgOm_nF_8ZOfj8YPwZG4/s400/IMG_9094.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620917281995387906" /></a><br /></div></div>The Gordon Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11268830654911679635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30992512.post-8830570478111286602011-06-09T21:25:00.002-04:002011-06-09T22:01:27.165-04:00A Little Break AwayWe have just come home from a wonderful Bible conference at our old church in Hastings, the Impact Bible Conference. It was a fantastic time of fellowship. However Mark spent the conference on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">crutches</span>. His knee has been very swollen and he has been having to stay of it completely until we can find out why it is so swollen. I'm sure I don't need to tell all who know him how frustrating this is for him. <div><br /></div><div> Several weeks ago now Mark and I were able to go away for a quiet weekend for our wedding anniversary. We stayed in a little quaint town about an hour from where we live called <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Martinborough</span>. We drove over to the ocean for the day to see a seal colony and walked up to a lighthouse. </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjur2K6xjQC94rHQOQMtVCW-6z3WII94GTHH7cFjTS_svZzCjpz_gJQFRkqn8UW9GGQQCCV4I4zjrQQ6BRVOrIladJ7eM7PR3hxORx9QLLnwEQs2G1mNGVNwyHrodhzmnTY4-Jt/s1600/100_7777.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjur2K6xjQC94rHQOQMtVCW-6z3WII94GTHH7cFjTS_svZzCjpz_gJQFRkqn8UW9GGQQCCV4I4zjrQQ6BRVOrIladJ7eM7PR3hxORx9QLLnwEQs2G1mNGVNwyHrodhzmnTY4-Jt/s400/100_7777.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616397477984906770" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8E_805z0ps7l9zsSE739p906rx-ygoenNXPMltYPhydQ3t73vZUy5sIDvmHTAz1IZlksNohs4T2cuGbTGzdOvWDvCIjcK0VN3LFbTiuPasEYD2FwADjhpL2OkWACS1HVKV8JN/s1600/100_7760.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8E_805z0ps7l9zsSE739p906rx-ygoenNXPMltYPhydQ3t73vZUy5sIDvmHTAz1IZlksNohs4T2cuGbTGzdOvWDvCIjcK0VN3LFbTiuPasEYD2FwADjhpL2OkWACS1HVKV8JN/s400/100_7760.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616397454494376466" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQfG73MZasJT6BwCjs6tbRPm1tzMfrI-DMRxUksWPvEhI5moyQakr5oDQcFr4x_v1iyy6K_OwH6lF1xRwPyf2y_FWm8UKcwsNJXL2mU5IQWhyphenhyphen-NVj52m9h-cU4fTRoT7MXm-aF/s1600/100_7771.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQfG73MZasJT6BwCjs6tbRPm1tzMfrI-DMRxUksWPvEhI5moyQakr5oDQcFr4x_v1iyy6K_OwH6lF1xRwPyf2y_FWm8UKcwsNJXL2mU5IQWhyphenhyphen-NVj52m9h-cU4fTRoT7MXm-aF/s400/100_7771.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616397326936255122" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxws2X3yGV8Au69pXL8_kvLBLtb-B9HBhGxjyhSV2BqsImjzVHP-PE9UdVUPcG6lqyJQJ4h8BvrnNCqrqPrL7Q-6Z90l9xF7PFzlYmN5pCA_Hehn-tCxbfYlQEBZxWUzJ_IukZ/s1600/100_7757.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxws2X3yGV8Au69pXL8_kvLBLtb-B9HBhGxjyhSV2BqsImjzVHP-PE9UdVUPcG6lqyJQJ4h8BvrnNCqrqPrL7Q-6Z90l9xF7PFzlYmN5pCA_Hehn-tCxbfYlQEBZxWUzJ_IukZ/s400/100_7757.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616397308916024962" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCYZal57cyUtYYxKNFSZxPF3ea4VaPqS5rHbnyshRj1NEB8iBiUGY_NZuQZqJknRbL3-c9-u6htj8FpR2ZZt2OQymo_cG7Pfuy9WBz8TZoQEw0QmeyWOTsCdfq6X9CcYMzxqnb/s1600/100_7763.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCYZal57cyUtYYxKNFSZxPF3ea4VaPqS5rHbnyshRj1NEB8iBiUGY_NZuQZqJknRbL3-c9-u6htj8FpR2ZZt2OQymo_cG7Pfuy9WBz8TZoQEw0QmeyWOTsCdfq6X9CcYMzxqnb/s400/100_7763.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616397299002121826" /></a><br /></div>The Gordon Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11268830654911679635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30992512.post-65428104402190455752011-05-18T04:20:00.003-04:002011-05-18T04:31:13.077-04:0020th Wedding AnniversaryI have been married to my wonderful husband for 20 years today. I love him more every day. Being back in New Zealand we were able to have lunch today in the church that we were married in that is now a cafe. God has been so good to us through the good and the bad. His grace is sufficient! <div><br /></div><div>We did not have one wedding photo with us during our time in the States, so this is for all of you who asked to see one. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic2lGizhG13d3NSHl7ewzS6nxSbKl6OPiQMkZgjZ2qCtiKF720y8TH1su9fFi3MRTUZWhjyKCpiEJmGmJ-HeoApw40zemafWSNhzJj3AnagWXXuE1POEHeqiaqoT0LOREXzlua/s1600/Scan.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic2lGizhG13d3NSHl7ewzS6nxSbKl6OPiQMkZgjZ2qCtiKF720y8TH1su9fFi3MRTUZWhjyKCpiEJmGmJ-HeoApw40zemafWSNhzJj3AnagWXXuE1POEHeqiaqoT0LOREXzlua/s400/Scan.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607968217387941170" /></a><br /></div>The Gordon Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11268830654911679635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30992512.post-69978170630461835912011-05-12T03:54:00.004-04:002011-05-18T06:11:07.945-04:00Mothers Day OutreachThe other Sunday for Mothers Day we had a special outreach for the ladies. We tried to make the afternoon a real treat for them. We had some ladies doing pedicures, manicures, hair, makeup, and we had lots of beautiful clothes to give away. We also had a special afternoon tea for them. It was so exciting to serve these ladies and to be able to get to know them better and to share about the Lord with them. Some were in tears as they received clothes and other items.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnACO2snf8Oj28UHpvkNhushnp1ZNCd3PTdo5gek3HJlzGKnckT8cSdikOdutGM6m-27-WiNaOwyGSKPEZLOAWIFOCwCniSEcu0uTziD3nHsQLEJjLuKMjtrnK81EBG_rRiKg3/s400/IMG_8094.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605737770407511394" /></u></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhqWYUOKv4tIzgQ3V74x6yxpash7hc8wwfz3yQiwcJ96nTJrP0tnBeT_Xd2j9EX2trRkCJTjoBtkZw32Kw2eecqwtKloEr7eFuVuLKltsQKp8akujedO-2SaQmcClassiudy8g/s1600/IMG_8100.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhqWYUOKv4tIzgQ3V74x6yxpash7hc8wwfz3yQiwcJ96nTJrP0tnBeT_Xd2j9EX2trRkCJTjoBtkZw32Kw2eecqwtKloEr7eFuVuLKltsQKp8akujedO-2SaQmcClassiudy8g/s400/IMG_8100.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605737759238761266" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ-EQTK1PHn1etmnUdNNijEKfGcS9Yck6X-qFTKQt38lf67ML8N5ob_JMgLjPD9DKv7TfiARPgl9sfubzksAQqQakFfGBQAjGPh-TIo2fBH3-yPJR9QyW7vocj7T7rK9VuogxC/s1600/IMG_8101.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ-EQTK1PHn1etmnUdNNijEKfGcS9Yck6X-qFTKQt38lf67ML8N5ob_JMgLjPD9DKv7TfiARPgl9sfubzksAQqQakFfGBQAjGPh-TIo2fBH3-yPJR9QyW7vocj7T7rK9VuogxC/s400/IMG_8101.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605737755531473874" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><br /></u></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKJsunYvm7oT1Vs1DVJXJSCfppMrHWKRaBTiJVyeKalkXb6qfXMEQRWrUny8sYj_Qc8HSj0rEcCcVxxn_HUgZBGU72VEBmcXLo7DnrUdyLIQsE-GziJNnOxezngUMA_LZ4v_by/s1600/IMG_8107.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKJsunYvm7oT1Vs1DVJXJSCfppMrHWKRaBTiJVyeKalkXb6qfXMEQRWrUny8sYj_Qc8HSj0rEcCcVxxn_HUgZBGU72VEBmcXLo7DnrUdyLIQsE-GziJNnOxezngUMA_LZ4v_by/s400/IMG_8107.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605734518138860434" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpgpf1tNl-0Y0XIm3iSY2Vnsk9DAY2FrBb4xHjr0fb4ETd1CCIrtPZBB95YHNd7OE9CFh4ER6l4NgILsX-qM0OyxVyi2VekhBTnbPiAPYetrfHK1PFOLp9VagAogufV5eb-6Ub/s1600/IMG_8111.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpgpf1tNl-0Y0XIm3iSY2Vnsk9DAY2FrBb4xHjr0fb4ETd1CCIrtPZBB95YHNd7OE9CFh4ER6l4NgILsX-qM0OyxVyi2VekhBTnbPiAPYetrfHK1PFOLp9VagAogufV5eb-6Ub/s400/IMG_8111.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605734510559783890" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEctlxshzlFj3V3MZl_G-gaCV-VadgNb7uKopmQ_sUFhp8c_1ugYReBFyLMOEds9wEPFiCt7N2xR7_KCiPsO9JTruyEyeClVZYQZUenwWMuTUWg-axxT7UwDJZjrBrCXHsRIRu/s1600/IMG_8115.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEctlxshzlFj3V3MZl_G-gaCV-VadgNb7uKopmQ_sUFhp8c_1ugYReBFyLMOEds9wEPFiCt7N2xR7_KCiPsO9JTruyEyeClVZYQZUenwWMuTUWg-axxT7UwDJZjrBrCXHsRIRu/s400/IMG_8115.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605734509010782658" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg22gEAiQDQDEf6SVbrAR6ARqtn9bH4YIz0Ez7jhmoKzg9EVyF3egBJzPge6eDq-dElaOZfqr2p86fF00HlC3BgXPa_6NNwlss0jCdsCxvc9KqWMTOnUXIHe3ntH0HPdZMRKU8z/s1600/IMG_8145.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg22gEAiQDQDEf6SVbrAR6ARqtn9bH4YIz0Ez7jhmoKzg9EVyF3egBJzPge6eDq-dElaOZfqr2p86fF00HlC3BgXPa_6NNwlss0jCdsCxvc9KqWMTOnUXIHe3ntH0HPdZMRKU8z/s400/IMG_8145.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605734502896134418" /></a>The Gordon Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11268830654911679635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30992512.post-35758817135087928532011-04-11T03:20:00.006-04:002011-04-11T05:44:39.874-04:00Things I love about being back in New ZealandThe Beauty: I took these photo this morning on my walk. Matthew attends a little Christian school about 10 mins from home up on a hill. I leave the car there and go for a walk on fine mornings. The view is beautiful and I love hearing all the birds and farm animals. New Zealand really is a beautiful country.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX9V_2Ybwqgb95M-QWs38joSaMDvzl9dj0YL2Lf9mJC12CuQVxuXAFE7KdsyoVCG8XptEuh88tC70HJAqBIueUSmfkYPMtSJ8yDYkwuG6Sla8BNVE4fEgN2heEPxdAQwxoH3P_/s1600/100_7751.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX9V_2Ybwqgb95M-QWs38joSaMDvzl9dj0YL2Lf9mJC12CuQVxuXAFE7KdsyoVCG8XptEuh88tC70HJAqBIueUSmfkYPMtSJ8yDYkwuG6Sla8BNVE4fEgN2heEPxdAQwxoH3P_/s400/100_7751.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594224307069453026" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0E-Xvm_InFvm1V8ZqDzx5aXcnyJ5kwH0BYLjmEH7rBJUlVrKZcEv6WJHU3E1lBn_07C-0NjJpTG9wKVTKo5EdxZ2FOTHYzzJRYX6GKQXK-kCL6X2uPHbVR7LrrytKPz_PL0YD/s1600/100_7752.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0E-Xvm_InFvm1V8ZqDzx5aXcnyJ5kwH0BYLjmEH7rBJUlVrKZcEv6WJHU3E1lBn_07C-0NjJpTG9wKVTKo5EdxZ2FOTHYzzJRYX6GKQXK-kCL6X2uPHbVR7LrrytKPz_PL0YD/s400/100_7752.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594224306133676578" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjPTcNAqrOpZ-mdFEeJ_ifZtOwcqrFoD2mpsv2LRm3p1C4rZ9Sx-ix8Kt7e1GtxM1R_s0v_nCszatjoSBkLJESb1V9bomSkPXqgWpx2OhkkQJ6jMIOzyfzPtMlQJXKLivES3IH/s1600/100_7754.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjPTcNAqrOpZ-mdFEeJ_ifZtOwcqrFoD2mpsv2LRm3p1C4rZ9Sx-ix8Kt7e1GtxM1R_s0v_nCszatjoSBkLJESb1V9bomSkPXqgWpx2OhkkQJ6jMIOzyfzPtMlQJXKLivES3IH/s400/100_7754.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594224297911436546" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO0F6yoKgFVg092jsetMmAXxrUM4hoERVYedcbSEyjm8FavXujNfxx1k3RpnvAB6dRdTE0ObbUxBntfwmse8vIPlURgs0ICeouOGpSiQnNChQg6p2UsAED8QefIKi_PPkM2ZtL/s1600/100_7755.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO0F6yoKgFVg092jsetMmAXxrUM4hoERVYedcbSEyjm8FavXujNfxx1k3RpnvAB6dRdTE0ObbUxBntfwmse8vIPlURgs0ICeouOGpSiQnNChQg6p2UsAED8QefIKi_PPkM2ZtL/s400/100_7755.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594223873853659986" /></a>The Food: There was lots of food I missed while in the States and it is good to be able to have that again. It has been a shock to us though how much food costs here now, especially butter, milk and cheese which are all foods that we export huge amounts of. For some reason they are very expensive here. I have been enjoying my lattes though, the milk really does taste good. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZHuzVFPU0b5okvQnaRdmLeRcyUUtCdKwQrZ2XUT3VPyyLAglPjlth99Pkdp24KMiCICjub8YpayT6AH0ud8C-BDS0vLS29RHCDTZ9y1z3Sxd57E0isn2bSDjU61cU6HErmlGw/s1600/100_7747.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZHuzVFPU0b5okvQnaRdmLeRcyUUtCdKwQrZ2XUT3VPyyLAglPjlth99Pkdp24KMiCICjub8YpayT6AH0ud8C-BDS0vLS29RHCDTZ9y1z3Sxd57E0isn2bSDjU61cU6HErmlGw/s400/100_7747.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594223864164375874" /></a>The beach: It is great to be close to the beach again. We are even close enough to wake up to the sound of seagulls sometimes. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMZdtxNALQd-qV_QirmTLatBJwA9pUd_nNw7L-UuLFuRXtabHQuRMdx3W96aENS8hHQlXAqPIEYsrbtRoILBzqXcCIFFPH80TQLbkSn5cxkY5h548aI8d0XLM1qptFEeHpPPpY/s1600/IMG_6250.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMZdtxNALQd-qV_QirmTLatBJwA9pUd_nNw7L-UuLFuRXtabHQuRMdx3W96aENS8hHQlXAqPIEYsrbtRoILBzqXcCIFFPH80TQLbkSn5cxkY5h548aI8d0XLM1qptFEeHpPPpY/s400/IMG_6250.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594223862858584866" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq4zJV7UlxX7hOltVX4FcFvOiUo8t_PBufwCh0KCtcwJ8mULvSVMhAJjjBA7PGdD64O37VIene8ylC4s2psC63D3Wqh4HcWMmuWQH52N5-DhnywIgrOEAiDeaJOWl745fHXYe3/s1600/IMG_6242.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq4zJV7UlxX7hOltVX4FcFvOiUo8t_PBufwCh0KCtcwJ8mULvSVMhAJjjBA7PGdD64O37VIene8ylC4s2psC63D3Wqh4HcWMmuWQH52N5-DhnywIgrOEAiDeaJOWl745fHXYe3/s400/IMG_6242.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594223858113267666" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir5ZWHVwazziydIiLYePYUqUAmUmKlPV1fCJPGz6WzRQsoiU57PWqco1MPBY8ADxqhmbYhmo065Oxj-lYObRh-awVUx3eNwNpDiyTEyv8iAOkTb53dwmlzIRZpapXdxFz9NxiA/s1600/IMG_6267.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir5ZWHVwazziydIiLYePYUqUAmUmKlPV1fCJPGz6WzRQsoiU57PWqco1MPBY8ADxqhmbYhmo065Oxj-lYObRh-awVUx3eNwNpDiyTEyv8iAOkTb53dwmlzIRZpapXdxFz9NxiA/s400/IMG_6267.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594223852437730082" /></a>Obviously there are many other reasons why it is good to be back, like family and friends and ministry. But, there are also many things we are missing about being in the States. I miss the sweet fellowship with those at Buck Run and Immanuel. In fact we sung, Nothing but the Blood of Jesus, on Sunday and I couldn't sing it without tears, remembering how we use to sing that at Immanuel. Also on Sunday when we were serving the unchurched of Naenae I thought a lot about the example of the people at Immanuel and Buck Run. It makes me rejoice at the journey that the Lord has taken us on and makes me excited about the future.The Gordon Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11268830654911679635noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30992512.post-36284411275301837622011-03-31T02:59:00.005-04:002011-04-06T02:31:56.993-04:00America Day<div><br /></div><div><br /></div>We decided a few weeks ago to have an American day where we would drive around and take photo's of things that remind us of America. So here we go. Please note, all spelling will be in the Mother's English.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLzadQA-42sRcSg3v1XXrlnq3w46qKsdulr_kopYzx3HYISSo1qdXbDaxZIS_6IDG4JBeHxpNxpkKGHGlOKlUrSpxoKccKTJOzKXBEp2T_nLlEejAJa0_OzdaQGvqy8MgaNp4W/s1600/IMG_6294.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 281px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLzadQA-42sRcSg3v1XXrlnq3w46qKsdulr_kopYzx3HYISSo1qdXbDaxZIS_6IDG4JBeHxpNxpkKGHGlOKlUrSpxoKccKTJOzKXBEp2T_nLlEejAJa0_OzdaQGvqy8MgaNp4W/s400/IMG_6294.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590137007050941154" /></a>Would you believe it but 5 minutes from our house is an American football field. This definitely reminded us of the States.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-VqRN2XofVAMookUhSJnCsI9vlqNEDVbPOe4D3GwfCrHCefRARxyPf_BdaSykODKFbg4SUZeZMm6b6oGZ2Vkvf1Ti1McF0_ukFeQ0Fdlaapc24wkDXHb0foDqJNLWkvVTXMSR/s1600/IMG_6315.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-VqRN2XofVAMookUhSJnCsI9vlqNEDVbPOe4D3GwfCrHCefRARxyPf_BdaSykODKFbg4SUZeZMm6b6oGZ2Vkvf1Ti1McF0_ukFeQ0Fdlaapc24wkDXHb0foDqJNLWkvVTXMSR/s400/IMG_6315.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590136998599389234" /></a>If you can't see the sign I'm holding up it says, "Hershael." This is Hershael York avenue. We pass it most days when we take the kids to school. What a wonderful reminder it is of the love shown to us by Dr. York while in Frankfort, Kentucky.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDev8p6xrrHZJR3W3wqYKjspfvVAh_htyH7ag1FQwt9XxRH0HBnGpDEEx37NNMvv20c2CrSSb1HJLCQl2dUpJcH9T_ZpSD0Z7MIDccF7chQ_hypWe0bJVLfvDqIB40V_8IpqdR/s1600/IMG_6316.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDev8p6xrrHZJR3W3wqYKjspfvVAh_htyH7ag1FQwt9XxRH0HBnGpDEEx37NNMvv20c2CrSSb1HJLCQl2dUpJcH9T_ZpSD0Z7MIDccF7chQ_hypWe0bJVLfvDqIB40V_8IpqdR/s400/IMG_6316.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590136993735352210" /></a>KFC is not the same in NZ that is was in Kentucky. But passing this sign reminds us that we have been there, and that our hearts are still somewhat there.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8pfMZtGxINkJSey22jb7zd3XKk8hS5oJXSif1Vsb5bTu227LVXHOi5J22cwLBK5Ud7PKYiI72dgV7aw0JoNw7xz_jclTvWV37fUOzW6A_-G1ILst12TV6gMykp8-ezTKk2DH6/s1600/IMG_6320.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 138px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8pfMZtGxINkJSey22jb7zd3XKk8hS5oJXSif1Vsb5bTu227LVXHOi5J22cwLBK5Ud7PKYiI72dgV7aw0JoNw7xz_jclTvWV37fUOzW6A_-G1ILst12TV6gMykp8-ezTKk2DH6/s400/IMG_6320.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590136988521135170" /></a>We spent an amazing 3 weeks before we came home in beautiful, northern California with our dear friends, Ben and Chelsea. We experienced Alta, Sky Mountain, Lake Tahoe, and Yosemite national park, beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8iH8T2TBpjtihUQnMmAfep1W54QOCROIQABUejRkFh39Vy6ZbWKAOiaWBU9yo5fR7Yyl4UFcw1AFY6Rv1322e9TxwD0ZMlofK06ZYiZivKIM4eMAtwKzVKUvP8zKLjmDNyqx0/s1600/IMG_6307.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 394px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8iH8T2TBpjtihUQnMmAfep1W54QOCROIQABUejRkFh39Vy6ZbWKAOiaWBU9yo5fR7Yyl4UFcw1AFY6Rv1322e9TxwD0ZMlofK06ZYiZivKIM4eMAtwKzVKUvP8zKLjmDNyqx0/s400/IMG_6307.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590136986972081186" /></a>Cornhole, that wonderful American game we learned. We came home wanting to make some, and what do you know, our neighbours, had already made some. All I had to do was paint them up, and only one colour came to mind, Kentucky blue!!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUKWHGu3Ik2wUEaFQ-odRCIeUPksoqqzlQvVHkG_5f3uVtdrUi4MVnGLS91CbrNy50w1W6RrxJLF1GN-ct1DuuIJRCJYks_PM2DiKlT8m5YEltxy1lxiIk4BLSUy4pyaPbtO-S/s1600/IMG_6321.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 301px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUKWHGu3Ik2wUEaFQ-odRCIeUPksoqqzlQvVHkG_5f3uVtdrUi4MVnGLS91CbrNy50w1W6RrxJLF1GN-ct1DuuIJRCJYks_PM2DiKlT8m5YEltxy1lxiIk4BLSUy4pyaPbtO-S/s400/IMG_6321.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590136070286700546" /></a>No, I am not worshipping the sign, but almost. This sign reminds us of the four and a half wonderful years we spent in Kentucky. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_4x-lLukLGglpnIsds_3TITpbMpwdP2DBx3ttSvR81YMRkdtbjYrC5viU3xnBUsVaHE88TfUri1cK0H78tlRoOl-g3mvqEYp1RJxfCIpl0oWTMS4Wf4KBzDG1zAywYSI1eJel/s1600/IMG_6238.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 170px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_4x-lLukLGglpnIsds_3TITpbMpwdP2DBx3ttSvR81YMRkdtbjYrC5viU3xnBUsVaHE88TfUri1cK0H78tlRoOl-g3mvqEYp1RJxfCIpl0oWTMS4Wf4KBzDG1zAywYSI1eJel/s400/IMG_6238.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590136063682780498" /></a>Never went to Wisconsin, but these burgers are quite good. So, that was our first America day. Just an excuse to think about you all, not that we need excuses. How about one of you doing a New Zealand day and go and take photo's of everything that reminds you of NZ :)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhclAQ-XMZl2ObqTLgPUrtR0dMEusOX3qt-rkoR2v8GElEuohwC1uZx43qLF-jCMmlwubwjuNbEowwfRR60lPdtX2HFhtyl0ap2agyC3h-K62pOUxTkR6oFzbSgRJDaHhxq-_kp/s1600/IMG_6225.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhclAQ-XMZl2ObqTLgPUrtR0dMEusOX3qt-rkoR2v8GElEuohwC1uZx43qLF-jCMmlwubwjuNbEowwfRR60lPdtX2HFhtyl0ap2agyC3h-K62pOUxTkR6oFzbSgRJDaHhxq-_kp/s400/IMG_6225.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590136056815616610" /></a>Now a couple of local scenery shots. This is looking down on Wellington harbour, Wellington city is in the background. We are up on Wainuiomata hill, about 8 minutes from our house.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ELDax8SfXB6INb8P2vh29jRIPmDDDBgAhryq04YQtw_kbuPlU_RSE4RqVcQhLezIciB_VkgJpm0puA01Rsv6z2100Uo5PSz3cEap3BvriEDsgUMuIIpC3bKK2ocC2oCLKG-T/s1600/IMG_6274.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ELDax8SfXB6INb8P2vh29jRIPmDDDBgAhryq04YQtw_kbuPlU_RSE4RqVcQhLezIciB_VkgJpm0puA01Rsv6z2100Uo5PSz3cEap3BvriEDsgUMuIIpC3bKK2ocC2oCLKG-T/s400/IMG_6274.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590136053670479442" /></a>Anna-Marie and I on the Petone wharf. Wellington city again in the background. Petone is about 10 minutes from Naenae.The Gordon Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11268830654911679635noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30992512.post-64280382280142375422011-03-28T20:03:00.005-04:002011-03-28T20:28:44.937-04:00Some Random PhotosDuring our first few weeks here in NZ we went away with my sister and her family to Lake <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Taupo</span>. It was a wonderful time and now that we are well and truly into the school routine we are pleased we took the time to do it.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii65se25DjwqLmIN7guKSPWyzuHAnO28djdN-YIDRDk3LD6TC01dozBtJEapf28ApQgIJvooZudZMIt6KUFhI6aszFI2BpHxP6csDIyhm9ArdArOEd1geDJrNgMu3x7rUnYu9o/s1600/IMG_5106.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii65se25DjwqLmIN7guKSPWyzuHAnO28djdN-YIDRDk3LD6TC01dozBtJEapf28ApQgIJvooZudZMIt6KUFhI6aszFI2BpHxP6csDIyhm9ArdArOEd1geDJrNgMu3x7rUnYu9o/s400/IMG_5106.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589290798738960610" /></a>Joel in the process of falling off.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPg3dh671Ip1G3OnvmnSPa7Rbu1PE8_wy7dYyFOsy-NDEVRgLPLvuiPC1HzcnpwUQbb2K9rc1z4j9zGd4zI3OsEqvLVvOlw9KC7ywUWgBhQLtpyjTqIknTvZYv2pJ_vARdF5bk/s1600/IMG_4975.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 377px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPg3dh671Ip1G3OnvmnSPa7Rbu1PE8_wy7dYyFOsy-NDEVRgLPLvuiPC1HzcnpwUQbb2K9rc1z4j9zGd4zI3OsEqvLVvOlw9KC7ywUWgBhQLtpyjTqIknTvZYv2pJ_vARdF5bk/s400/IMG_4975.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589290793763939682" /></a>Mark <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">kneeboarding</span>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXYTW2UKK_cQvjtGGkVZu0my1FK1yTp6rg_Vf3SNCuxqxn6gdZsnRVXINlnIeHj87XY0HULRhZhG7LcyFxJE5P0oVOJvPl-BPkOyDfZ5YEgFmhzTTH8HKzjmwoeahZVOlCCikm/s1600/IMG_5054.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 292px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXYTW2UKK_cQvjtGGkVZu0my1FK1yTp6rg_Vf3SNCuxqxn6gdZsnRVXINlnIeHj87XY0HULRhZhG7LcyFxJE5P0oVOJvPl-BPkOyDfZ5YEgFmhzTTH8HKzjmwoeahZVOlCCikm/s400/IMG_5054.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589288939590354690" /></a>Celebrating Matthew's 10<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span> birthday.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpo3H4R12TYsp36S8aAgqn-aQJevdhg3JOQcEn1AC9ShsZJCSZNFivNODhXeOSultkZVXb8wqj2YhG3wB5rSXOoxWVykpGyemPDlZ7j4w1WI5xjuJUX8xui-X5PKbHzAchSdAH/s1600/IMG_5080.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpo3H4R12TYsp36S8aAgqn-aQJevdhg3JOQcEn1AC9ShsZJCSZNFivNODhXeOSultkZVXb8wqj2YhG3wB5rSXOoxWVykpGyemPDlZ7j4w1WI5xjuJUX8xui-X5PKbHzAchSdAH/s400/IMG_5080.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589288933446956146" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN22eQjCb8tSMrBqyXDtIdIjOqrPvdMQe6nB78Co4nRwhkk97nGEZhpsLlLw-jGBPjt2g_NDqjbRNKcIqA4g6wg8FXpAiqrGgU_cmlbk46gwsy1o05bkN2w8mt0Wqz9Q3gWoNI/s1600/IMG_5070.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 378px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN22eQjCb8tSMrBqyXDtIdIjOqrPvdMQe6nB78Co4nRwhkk97nGEZhpsLlLw-jGBPjt2g_NDqjbRNKcIqA4g6wg8FXpAiqrGgU_cmlbk46gwsy1o05bkN2w8mt0Wqz9Q3gWoNI/s400/IMG_5070.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589288923743204514" /></a><br />Matthew went out on the boat on the morning of his birthday and caught this trout. His cousin, Caitlin, caught one also.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivYNM3bY1SP1zg7ppd54BB3f9On6wBEVkI2zsdL8Pf0eerKcCmAfOO2k34953XyYg7X6SxAeVmieGmzZidafSC8XjwtJl-OeQIC652LI_Yggx2i4339HTfn3DqaSN694H7CSj2/s1600/IMG_5066.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivYNM3bY1SP1zg7ppd54BB3f9On6wBEVkI2zsdL8Pf0eerKcCmAfOO2k34953XyYg7X6SxAeVmieGmzZidafSC8XjwtJl-OeQIC652LI_Yggx2i4339HTfn3DqaSN694H7CSj2/s400/IMG_5066.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589286679284118002" /></a>Joel <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">water skiing</span>.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwDMc75v7Cvf40vWyThgqMz-rwKY_H_jzUkaWJ5oUbMe9r5LuTtbYHCoIM90Ruf7VtEgVS-Hvjq_hqKB3a-BxcH8YyOl8mf5-MzfLK-1WXr_3fadi8hRqZWvQqmjYTSENCirqF/s1600/IMG_5043.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwDMc75v7Cvf40vWyThgqMz-rwKY_H_jzUkaWJ5oUbMe9r5LuTtbYHCoIM90Ruf7VtEgVS-Hvjq_hqKB3a-BxcH8YyOl8mf5-MzfLK-1WXr_3fadi8hRqZWvQqmjYTSENCirqF/s400/IMG_5043.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589286677032089794" /></a>Our first trip to the ocean and our first <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">fish'n'chips</span> just a few days after we returned for my nieces birthday.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju8Sfll8Lt3oMEV6k7Bl3z_us33Dh7nfo9LWCWShvBdtEw54NXnu8F1yFOyMJnhlT3d-IhL2hFdnazdlfNaAOB3N53IXLf6xbZsfmRnqipWBOZRZsxZIr4E-LtiLx1RtQHHgEW/s1600/100_7721.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju8Sfll8Lt3oMEV6k7Bl3z_us33Dh7nfo9LWCWShvBdtEw54NXnu8F1yFOyMJnhlT3d-IhL2hFdnazdlfNaAOB3N53IXLf6xbZsfmRnqipWBOZRZsxZIr4E-LtiLx1RtQHHgEW/s400/100_7721.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589286672840639378" /></a>Anna-Marie and Ashleigh.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt7iY0MR-6zWeiqSraXZv7BMko7qSnRZYezO_dl4ewD5dR0EIpmgHjim0jHYtD_N-R63hclKWYECMkvX1u4KA-WMm9tw5ZCJNRWYe3fN7HRv-F0a24HCZxKfrXCnF0I0w3FH5X/s1600/100_7725.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt7iY0MR-6zWeiqSraXZv7BMko7qSnRZYezO_dl4ewD5dR0EIpmgHjim0jHYtD_N-R63hclKWYECMkvX1u4KA-WMm9tw5ZCJNRWYe3fN7HRv-F0a24HCZxKfrXCnF0I0w3FH5X/s400/100_7725.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589286666023793634" /></a>Matthew and Grace.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDzmNBXBXpnzw4fTVIimPIXeQGMh9UJjJerlo8DXEUwAOQuK2LN_7J9OwXgoKBmXKmyXhR-v4X-zoefB0A_XsxeAGMKE9sjVO3gfwtDKkNJU0Uqw38Nmm7rveww5Fk3Q9XPqIM/s1600/100_7726.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDzmNBXBXpnzw4fTVIimPIXeQGMh9UJjJerlo8DXEUwAOQuK2LN_7J9OwXgoKBmXKmyXhR-v4X-zoefB0A_XsxeAGMKE9sjVO3gfwtDKkNJU0Uqw38Nmm7rveww5Fk3Q9XPqIM/s400/100_7726.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589286656780437698" /></a>The Gordon Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11268830654911679635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30992512.post-21677464592397953542011-03-21T04:34:00.003-04:002011-03-21T05:15:52.253-04:00Sunday afternoon outreaches<div>The Naenae for Christ team (made up of believers from Heretaunga Christian center in Upper Hutt, and ourselves), have started opening up the Naenae community hall on Sunday afternoons. The Lower Hutt city council has kindly allowed us to use it this year on Sundays, for free. Below are some photos of some of the things we do.</div> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnXCa2d4NuuInqCl6shcSJtAUvq06GuwvuoYJYJjQ4Gs2gw2OKms5AFozqDPiZdNAdmoFz4ODpapbQ1jnldX7qx42YkgBkr1v2X4hhmwVu0gK_sUILpgmWGQFDO8PHjYuuXGR/s1600/100_7743.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 343px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnXCa2d4NuuInqCl6shcSJtAUvq06GuwvuoYJYJjQ4Gs2gw2OKms5AFozqDPiZdNAdmoFz4ODpapbQ1jnldX7qx42YkgBkr1v2X4hhmwVu0gK_sUILpgmWGQFDO8PHjYuuXGR/s400/100_7743.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586452384202690370" /></a>Part of the afternoon involves us giving away sausages (A sausage in bread with ketchup and onions). There is always a good line-up for this.<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWN10VKxHiNnr5OxwXhi-6SVLcCvLXrk-le2HaJGAm6DmGeWF0mY3MXWxHFXqLdCmAmRMiNkFLpS94zvXPJQiKg7uyLSagsT35RvKKNz8jhLq-IV0EPV9q9vIrZbNap-2Et0-i/s1600/100_7728.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWN10VKxHiNnr5OxwXhi-6SVLcCvLXrk-le2HaJGAm6DmGeWF0mY3MXWxHFXqLdCmAmRMiNkFLpS94zvXPJQiKg7uyLSagsT35RvKKNz8jhLq-IV0EPV9q9vIrZbNap-2Et0-i/s400/100_7728.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586452381587881906" /></a>We have just developed a kids corner which has gone over well. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixJf7Y6NF6vs7pyftgEVJ3NmQjrFG9PXQd8F5z4ZrH1LA9y2yp3phx3_z8snB_gazDz6DpCAic2tHfAa0TvRqKkMvbH4X-7_RRrvyj8xgsmE54t1Eltz1udTxGKh2lKzgAK1R1/s1600/100_7741.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixJf7Y6NF6vs7pyftgEVJ3NmQjrFG9PXQd8F5z4ZrH1LA9y2yp3phx3_z8snB_gazDz6DpCAic2tHfAa0TvRqKkMvbH4X-7_RRrvyj8xgsmE54t1Eltz1udTxGKh2lKzgAK1R1/s400/100_7741.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586452374271233778" /></a>Meet my younger sister Joanne. She is available to mend items of clothing or other items, she also teaches crafts to those that want to learn.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBsq-Y1zjVrrAeHCPYW5blwzaGRv3KXuOoqE6ob6BIW70q-NSJh8YiBEPgmdsOoFRa4vXGqqi0CoVkxCxGfzUKf9exsg0rStAhWFxVRoKGnxXhikoSM-nTiRK9HHQh91VwpIaj/s1600/IMG_5913.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 194px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBsq-Y1zjVrrAeHCPYW5blwzaGRv3KXuOoqE6ob6BIW70q-NSJh8YiBEPgmdsOoFRa4vXGqqi0CoVkxCxGfzUKf9exsg0rStAhWFxVRoKGnxXhikoSM-nTiRK9HHQh91VwpIaj/s400/IMG_5913.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586452372355153218" /></a>Table tennis is a big part of the afternoon with three tables available.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhskD_Hg5fiqfzlK6LVfStEJHofUm8XUUIEMvyHwuBUQMzlrHTae-_0NC-b37ja-ykjD0bwMHtvonwD8K8u2y-mABW34MBNwN7EY5awnKCnJSJrou_8Bb8BVoUuSkq1Ai4LFbAa/s1600/IMG_5872.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhskD_Hg5fiqfzlK6LVfStEJHofUm8XUUIEMvyHwuBUQMzlrHTae-_0NC-b37ja-ykjD0bwMHtvonwD8K8u2y-mABW34MBNwN7EY5awnKCnJSJrou_8Bb8BVoUuSkq1Ai4LFbAa/s400/IMG_5872.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586450153181646578" /></a>And, surprise, surprise, we have cornhole. It is such a hit, we have since painted them up. Cornhole is not really played in NZ so we were surprised when our neighbors, the Grahams, said they had made some. We also serve a snack for everyone sometime throughout the afternoon, and we have a give-away table that even the community people have started bringing stuff to put on it. Throughout the afternoon you can see Naenae for Christ people sharing the gospel, teaching a little child how to play table tennis, or just chatting with those in the community who come because they are lonely.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ79yVNh2rCTd1vuF6ZIQjt0O66aDaOi7d0vlqWWcY5GRdftZK9CAOBrKCVevhNv2lTIs-QO9Z2gVqFGTfU2j1YAPFSGFpIkBCuJK6dz-zmybRQ5eeO1idRyL7iZ_6Lj5ISGdU/s1600/IMG_5918.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 394px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ79yVNh2rCTd1vuF6ZIQjt0O66aDaOi7d0vlqWWcY5GRdftZK9CAOBrKCVevhNv2lTIs-QO9Z2gVqFGTfU2j1YAPFSGFpIkBCuJK6dz-zmybRQ5eeO1idRyL7iZ_6Lj5ISGdU/s400/IMG_5918.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586450147612602914" /></a>The afternoon finishes with a time in the Word of God. This is not compulsory to attend but we have had around 10 members of the Naenae community stay for this. It is such a privilege to serve your community with food, a place to come, prayer, and the Word of God.</div><div><br /></div><div>Mark</div>The Gordon Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11268830654911679635noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30992512.post-6240074416360865082011-03-04T03:04:00.003-05:002011-03-04T04:39:09.287-05:00New Zealand UpdateWow, where do I start? I am sorry that I have not posted anything about being back in New Zealand yet. I keep taking my camera with me places and then not taking any photos so I have finally decided to just go ahead and post without any.<div><br /></div><div>We spent our first 5 days home at my parents just relaxing, getting over jetlag and enjoying being with family. We then went on a little vacation with my sister and her family to a little place by Lake Taupo. Uncle Paul took the kids fishing and we went swimming, boating and walking and just relaxed. It was a really sweet time with family.</div><div><br /></div><div>We then went to Hastings, where we came from 41/2 years ago, to visit and to arrange the pick up of all our stuff which was kindly stored by good friends all this time. </div><div><br /></div><div>We came back to Upper Hutt and got straight into tidying up the house in Naenae. We spent almost three weeks painting, hanging curtains and fixing up. We have lived here now for nearly three weeks and Mark has only just got his office completely organized. We are enjoying our little house. It was nice to be able to paint it just the way we wanted it.</div><div><br /></div><div>The children all started school. Anna-Marie, Rachel and Joel are at Heretaunga College, a high school in Upper Hutt. Matthew goes to a little Christian school called Maranatha. It has been quite a change for the family for them to all be in school. The older three have been quite challenged at High School and have been a little surprised at the level of disrespect and the openness of sin from their peers. They have already had some opportunities to share the gospel with their friends which is exciting. Matthew had a hard time at school at first but is doing much better now and looks forward to it every day now.</div><div><br /></div><div>Mark has been very busy getting the house organized. I am so blessed to have such a diligent husband :) He has also preached twice and has begun meeting with a couple of guys in Wellington for a bible study. He has been visiting a new believer in the neighborhood and has been running with a young man who is interested in the things of the Lord. He begins preaching this Sunday in the local community hall. Please pray for this outreach. It is a group of very sincere, faithful believers who hope to reach our community, Naenae, for Christ. We meet to pray every week on a Tuesday night and will be out in the community every week.</div><div><br /></div><div>You also would have heard about the earthquake that we have had in the South Island in a city called Christchurch. Thanks to everyone for their concerns and prayers for this country and for Christchurch. They are still pulling bodies from the rubble and people are still without power, water and sewage. We have had two earthquakes here in the last three days which is nothing unusual but has people a little nervous because of what has happened in Christchurch. </div><div><br /></div><div>We are definitely missing America. We talk about our lives there all the time. It already feels like some distant memory which saddens us. We miss the fellowship with all the wonderful dear people we met and came to love but we are thoroughly enjoying seeing and being with our extended families, seeing old friends and beginning ministry. We are excited about the future and what the Lord may do.</div><div><br /></div><div>More updates to follow, hopefully with a few photos.</div>The Gordon Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11268830654911679635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30992512.post-72345914569277506952011-01-29T00:36:00.001-05:002011-01-29T00:40:53.820-05:00Lake TahoeOn our way home we drove home via Lake Tahoe. Beautiful!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifFia-jBvj2vyMJQs5VbIJGwodoXQp2Qxf3eNAYPNRLXV8yuZpXsplU8zV-5Cx2ravAvmzUIsxhsQDZ_SzHUwnFOBTJQr2_RIOIlsqge7A0tcfqgU8usEKpP_lJud9-D4-P1K_/s1600/IMG_4876.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifFia-jBvj2vyMJQs5VbIJGwodoXQp2Qxf3eNAYPNRLXV8yuZpXsplU8zV-5Cx2ravAvmzUIsxhsQDZ_SzHUwnFOBTJQr2_RIOIlsqge7A0tcfqgU8usEKpP_lJud9-D4-P1K_/s400/IMG_4876.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567478414094606786" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqkTPyQKnaqFVjB4Yebw28KQZFxrBh9nCVptJqM2w0uoBxVrtLZXP08KzZDVwBNW-sgtZJGleG2NYQaeQVnv5w_WA1-90gqwfd-AkJGO1chUl_bFmLwWR6SKzNYrMMEk7LEIwc/s1600/IMG_4880.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqkTPyQKnaqFVjB4Yebw28KQZFxrBh9nCVptJqM2w0uoBxVrtLZXP08KzZDVwBNW-sgtZJGleG2NYQaeQVnv5w_WA1-90gqwfd-AkJGO1chUl_bFmLwWR6SKzNYrMMEk7LEIwc/s400/IMG_4880.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567478406710771394" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj960wEMpFZbyDD-4gDes09_uEk0_iMoBTk4WIo-gldJnlau7U18arx4pLozQjQ4-TjecIz8puTsBaAfmUm5W_kO-9RoVqwu0tS6wgeR8HyMOt2LqHJlQjxnTZ5sBAr2d9Rx4KU/s1600/IMG_4864.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj960wEMpFZbyDD-4gDes09_uEk0_iMoBTk4WIo-gldJnlau7U18arx4pLozQjQ4-TjecIz8puTsBaAfmUm5W_kO-9RoVqwu0tS6wgeR8HyMOt2LqHJlQjxnTZ5sBAr2d9Rx4KU/s400/IMG_4864.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567478397814472418" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc8NofMHEsTDmWoGzb2HuYgC4ZHbBpbrS3uUHpFuRSdysyMwdeeYM1OzLD1yA2SU_fiwTm9VUuzv0ypSUR9qioy4-ey-31NyCv8MsP4Z5u-_3GaGD1or0dT0EGkxLKDRjNY56h/s1600/IMG_4873.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc8NofMHEsTDmWoGzb2HuYgC4ZHbBpbrS3uUHpFuRSdysyMwdeeYM1OzLD1yA2SU_fiwTm9VUuzv0ypSUR9qioy4-ey-31NyCv8MsP4Z5u-_3GaGD1or0dT0EGkxLKDRjNY56h/s400/IMG_4873.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567478390145359362" /></a>The Gordon Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11268830654911679635noreply@blogger.com0