The Loughton Reunion

It was awesome to meet up with so many friends, many of whom we hadn't seen for 25 years. We expected a handful of people but found over 30, many of whom I have know since schooldays. We walked in Epping Forest for a couple of hours and went back for dinner at the Theo's. A great day - and so worthwhile.
It was especially good to spend time with our good friend John Hume who sadly has died since then. I thank God for the encouragement he has been to me especially in my early years as a Christian. Our thoughts are with Linda and the Children.

Madame Tussaud's for Free

Madame Tussaud's

We were given tickets to madame Tussauds, which was great because it got us straight past the enormous queues that stretched way down Marylebone Rd. The helpful staff parted the crowds at the doorway to get us straight inside. But once inside the place was over-crowded to the extent that you couldn't enjoy the displays. We gave up waiting for a look at the pirates of the Caribbean and ended up just walking past. All in all there were a handful of good exhibits but I would say it was worth about what we paid for it (ie nothing).

Southbank and Covent Garden

Southbank and Covent Garden

Spent some time wandering with Nick and the girls and Mum.

Christmas Lights in Regent Street.

Regent Street

On our first night in London we fought off the jetlag and braved the cold to go see the lights in Regent Street with Nick, Poppy, Lucy, Rosie and Nan. They were stunning. We had good fun in Hamleys, walked down Carnaby Street and also visited teh Apple Store.

The Flight to England

Flight to England

Just a few days before Christmas we left Auckland Airport on our way to London. We had been planning the trip all year but the last couple of weeks at work had been so hectic that we didn't have time to think about what was happening. Bryn dropped us at the airport and once we got a chance to catch our breath the excitment began to build again.

We spent three hours in Bangkok on the way and after shopping for a while we sat to wait for the plane. I opened my laptop and found Keith Price online so we started a chat. He told us he had just heard that Heathrow was closed due to fog. This was not the news we wanted to hear when we were just about to get on a plane. However we did manage to land and yes it was foggy. It turned out that the long-haul flights were getting in but the domestic and European flights were cancelled for three days.

So we arrived safely on a cold and foggy morning. Great to see Mum and Nick, and a strage feeling to be back in London after so long.

Soccer August '06

A few shots of the Encounter Soccer Team from August '06

Soccer July '06

A few shots of the Encounter Soccer Team from July '06

Breakthrough '06

Breakthrough '06 is the youth conference which is held in Kamo, Northland each year. Great to see Karine, Anna, Luke and Bryn all working hard throughout the weekend.

Easter at Taupo

This Easter we traveled to Taupo to spend the weekend with the Kings. Neville took us out on the lake and the boys (Luke, Jacob and Sam did their best to impress us with their stunts.