Sunday 13 January 2013

Our time at Phillip Island

As some of you know, last week we were at Phillip Island attending the Creation SuperCamp - Jon was in charge of the audio for it and we had gone with him. We flew to Melbourne and had a coach ride to the Island (and vice versa for getting home). Our time there was all spent on the camp grounds.

For Jonathan, the week was stressful due to some unanticipated audio issues. A lot of prayer was offered up! Things got better over the week but it was a stressful time for him, and he was very glad when the conference was finally over. He is now overseeing the editing of the recordings made of all the speakers' talks.

I'm not sure how to describe my week. The first night I wished we were home (don't worry, things got better)! Getting three young ones through that first night's chaotic dinner was hard. The lines to the servery were endless so it was quite a while before we got our food. By then the noise was just too much for Caleb (on top of a big day of travel and out of routine) and he just screamed and screamed. Jon's work colleague, Lorelle, was a huge help - she got the girls their meals and when I got mine she took Caleb away so I could eat. We then beat a hasty retreat back to our room (forgoing dessert). Caleb settled as soon as we got out into the quiet.

The girls enjoyed going to Miss Lorelle's 'playgroup' (the creche) for the first half of each morning. The rest of our time was spent mostly in our room (so Caleb could sleep). We explored some of the grounds (it was an adventure resort). A lot of time was spent in the dining halls - thankfully by the third day order came to the meals, and mothers and children were able to get their meals first! The Thursday was warm enough for the girls to have a splash in the pool (Tuesday and Wednesday were cold and blustery). And that was mostly it. Oh, and I didn't have any cooking or dishes or cleaning to do! The daylight savings threw the children's sleeping routine out (especially Caleb's) so they were up late each night. Once they were all finally asleep I enjoyed reading Corrie Ten Boom's 'In My Father's House'. We saw little of Jonathan - he joined us at most meals, and we got some quick hellos in here and there, but he was kept occupied manning the sound system etc until late at night - which is of course what he was there for.

The Conference ended midday Friday and after Jon had finished packing all the sound equipment up, it was back on the coach to the airport. We had some time to pass before our flight, but that was easily taken up getting 3 little ones through the airport without a pram (which was checked in with our luggage)! Sarah has acquired Abigail's fear of flying (they don't like the sensation of climbing/descending or any of the bumps along the way) so as the plane took off she was asking to get off. I had Caleb on my lap and held Abigail's leg (I wasn't allowed to take my hand off her!), while Jon held Sarah's hand from across the aisle. I'll need someone to hold me eventually - I'm starting to feel nervous when flying now!

A very hot Brisbane greeted us late Friday night. The Saturday was Jonathan's birthday. As is our habit, we went to Sizzler for it and enjoyed their air-conditioning for a couple of hours (and their food of course! I'm loving their rocket, pear and parmesan salad and laksa soup!). Sunday, after church and stair running (for me; probably not the smartest thing to be doing in 35 degree heat), we spent the day under the air-con in our lounge. Today finds Jon back at work, the children and I happily getting back into routine, and the temperature much cooler (it's overcast and there is a nice wind blowing).


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