G'day Yall

Perth!

It's so surreal that we are actually here. Actually in Australia. Actually in the Southern Hemisphere. I don't even think it's sunk in for me yet. But the chilly (sometimes, down right cold) nights do help me wrap my mind around it (chilly nights in July - can you even imagine such a thing?!) That, and the kangaroos of course. And the ocean. And the driving on the other side of the road. And the accents. You'd think I'd have no trouble realizing that I am, in fact, in Australia. Crikey.

I've taken a few pictures around that I've been dying to share! And thanks to our buddy Jean-Paul (and his unlimited internet access) we can! Jimmy has been showing me around the past few days. It's crazy to see in person all these places that he's been telling me about for years.

First, this is the lovely house we are staying in. It's home to Harry and Yvonne, the most delightful couple you ever did meet. I keep meaning to get a picture of them to share. I will soon. They've been incredibly generous taking us in.

Those are real trees. I really thought they were fake at first. Like artificial Christmas trees when you don't spread the branches, you know? Of course you do.

We stopped for an overpriced coffee (known around here as 'regular coffee') at Hillary's Boat Harbor, which is a hang out spot for Perth...ites? Perthians? Perth people. People who live in Perth.

This is the exact sailboat Jimmy once took lessons on. Yes, he took sailing lessons once upon a time. A true Renaissance man he is.

Look at the water!
That weird thing at the bottom on the rock is a bird.

So far, we haven't seen as many kangaroos as I thought we would. They tend to come out at dusk, and we did drive by a few fields with about 20 or so 'roos, but didn't stop for a picture. I am determined to get pictures of them though.

Old friends catching up.

Little Joey

This is Lake Joondalup, which is very close to our current home. There are great parks all around it with bike and walking trails, really really nice!

There are also ducks in Australia.

And parrots (and pigeons...)

Ok, I don't think the white birds are actually parrots.
They do have parrots here, but I forget the name of these.
They're a beaut though aren't they?

We went into the city to get our banking stuff sorted, and stopped at King's Park on the way home. It's a gorgeous park that overlooks the city - the park is apparently larger than Central Park, you know, in NYC.

Now these are parrots. Not sure if you can see their color
well, they are bright green with some reds and yellows.

Gumtrees

Of course we had to do one here too.

The Queen comes here sometimes. No big.

 

And finally, the beach. Ahhh the beach. It's just incredible. The water is immaculate. I don't think I've really grasped that we live so close to the beach yet. (Clearly I haven't caught onto a lot of things so far...) We've managed to stop by for a look every day since we arrived. It's so refreshing. I know its so easy to grow complacent wherever you live, and I'm really determined to try with all my might not to grow complacent with such a spectacular sight. Feel free to keep me accountable.

Our rental car. We haven't named him though, we only have
him for two weeks. Don't want to get too attached.

Roll Tide.

The Lord has already been so good and gracious to us since we arrived. Jimmy already has a few prospects for work, we visited a church on Sunday that we both really enjoyed, and we've had the best time catching up with Jimmy's friends. We are still a bit homesick I think, but we are so thankful for all God is doing, how He is providing and sustaining us. This passage has been in my mind constantly even throughout the drive west, and especially now:

"May the glory of the Lord endure forever

May the Lord rejoice in His works

Who looks on the earth and it trembles

Who touches the mountains and they smoke!

I will sing to the Lord as long as I live;

I will sing praise to my God while I have being. 

May my meditation be pleasing to Him,

for I rejoice in the Lord." - Psalm 104:31-34