The final hurdle

Dear everybody,
WE'RE IN!
On Thursday we had our final missionary interviews with the federal committee of CMS and we got the big thumbs up! We are now officially CMS missionaries!! It does mean we start getting paid in 2 weeks (the day after graduation)  but it also means we have to start raising money asap!! If anyone feels thus inclined to begin financially supporting a family heading to Ethiopia, then let us know!!
We have been working towards this for some time, but it still seems a bit surreal. We also had talks with our personnel person, and it looks like we will leave for Addis at the end of May to then do a language course for 8 weeks. Our course has now changed, because we are spending time looking at budgets, deputation, writing newletters, CMS protocols etc. We have 2 weeks left in Melbourne and it is all getting down to the wire!!
GOODBYES
Because we're leaving soon we are trying to fit in special things before it's too late, plus say our goobyes to people we've met here. A couple of weeks ago we went down the peninsula and saw Mum and Dad who were caravaning. We had a fantastic day at a maze and garden which was specky. They also had a tube slide and the kids loved it. It involved walking up a steep slope dragging rubber tyres then sliding down a track in the tyre. Needless to say the kids slept well that night.

Whoooaaaa!

We also spent Melbourne Cup having lunch and saying farewell to our Ethiopian friends. They gave us a bbq feast, and traditional coffee ceremony to say goodbye. Because there were 6 of them they spoke lots of Amharic to each other, but didn't really translate anything. Knowing only the colours red, green, blue and yellow in Amharic, needless to say we understood nothing of the conversation, so it was a good experience of feeling isolated and uncomfortable due to language.

Pick which ones are Ethiopian!!

Later that week we drove to Ballarat and saw old (not in age - just to clarify Rachelle!!) friends from Kadina (Jason and Rachelle Kirk). Their Bailey and lucy were great mates when toddlers, and it was such a great chance to catch up on the last few years! Their living area was bigger than our whole flat here in Melbourne. I forgot what family homes are like!

Do you get the impression we were all looking into the sun for this photo!

Then last weekend we spent the day at St Kilda with our friends here (and fellow misso's - they all got the green light too!). It was fun relaxing together, seeing the sights, and catching the tram there. The cake shops were awesome, I've never seen windows so full of bakery goods! We saw Luna Park, which looked really dodgy and old, and walked the boardwalk. We started reminiscing about our 5 months here, and it all felt a bit sad that its coming to an end!

Reiminiscing together about "old" times!!

Blog again soon!!
Love to you all
Rubies

4 Wheel Driving Away!

Hi everyone,
It's been awhile since I last blogged, so there's quite a bit to catch up on! Firstly, Shane and I had the privilege of doing a 4WD course because once we hit Addis we will need to drive one if we ever go outside the city! So we had a 3 hour night class talking about central diffs, low and high range and cross axle difflocks (are you impressed with  my lingo yet???) We then spent a whole Saturday out practicing at a national park. Shane and I each had a car and we drove up hill, and down dale, through muddy bog holes, reversed down slopes I wouldn't even walk down, and had a great time! I was nervous a few times, and it wasn't until I got home around 6 I realised I had been tense all day and every muscle in my body was aching! I spent the next day in bed relaxing after concentrating all day I was worn out but it was worth it!

It looks unimpressive but this was a HUGE mud hole I drove through!

 Unfortunately when we got home and tried to show the pictures of the mud we drove through there was a slight problem. Couldn't find the camera!! 3 weeks later it is officially lost -gone- never to be seen again! We originally bought a bright red one so we wouldn't lose it....oops!
The boys the next weekend both had basketball grand finals to play in. Oli's team lost by 3 with the last 2pts on the siren. It was close and exciting, or should I say frustrating!! Oli did get MVP trophy after the game, which made him feel happier. Toms game was a whitewash and not in his teams favour! The opposition had only 4 on the court -even more depressing!They were all Aboriginals and so impressive!! A runner up trophy eased the pain for the boys, and a junk food break up afterwards made them forget it all!

Go Saints U10 and U12's

Last weekend we went with our fellow MITs to St Kilda for the day. Caught the compulsory tram there, saw Luna Park (which looks really dodgy) walked the boardwalk and ate icecream. It was great to see the beach (I've missed it after nearly 4 months) but West Beach is so much better. In fact any beach in SA is better and prettier! Not that I'm biased!

A picnic at St Kilda, with fellow misso friends

Finally, we've both been busy writing a final assignment to help us next year. Mine is about the difficulties living amongst poverty. 26% of Ethiopians live on less than $1 while 68% on less than $2. Their staple foods have risen by 80% this last year, and not including the famine in the south - they estimate 15 million Ethiopians are starving. Depressing statistics hey!
So now we only have 3 weeks left here. Next Thursday we have our final interviews with the federal staff, and if that gets the green light we are good to go!! We've heard there is an 8 wk language course beginning June 4 that we would love to do. It means leaving at the end of May which is very exciting. So stay tuned for more details!
Love Naomi and the gang