19 February 2013

 

Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks] for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will].

1 Thessalonians 5:18 AMP

We do have so much to be thankful for, despite all the things that are thrown at us as a family, we continue to experience God's blessing and favour on all our lives.

 

This update is really a bit of a photo album of the wonderful weekend we have just had away at the New Family Camp with Camp Quality.  I hope you don't mind.

The camp was held at Riverwood Downs, at the foothills of Barrington Tops, a world heritage wilderness. We were spoilt in 4.5 star resort rooms set amidst beautiful gardens.

We all enjoyed the many activities made available for us, including canoeing on the river ....

Ken, Victoria and Alexandra easily won the up-stream race. Marshall, Charlotte  and myself found it difficult to go in a straight line, and constantly went from one side of the river to the other.

This could possibly have been due to the lack of co-ordination between our 3 paddles!

 

Tubing down the river was another activity enjoyed by Ken, Marshall, Charlotte and myself. Believe me, it wasn't always this calm and peaceful. There were a number of rapids we had to travel through!

On the Saturday afternoon two oncology social workers from Redkite came down from Brisbane to run a parents group. The purpose of the group was to provide a relaxed, informal get-together where we could chat with other parents about the impact of childhood cancer on you and your family. Both Ken and I found the group very beneficial, as although each family's experience is unique there are many commonalities in terms of the trauma experienced at the time of diagnosis and coping mechanisms throughout the journey.

 

Whilst we attended the parent group the children were busy in the craft room.

 

 

Alexandra enjoyed afternoon tea.

 

 

Charlotte got creative on the canvas.

 

 

Victoria raided the textas tub.

 

 

Marshall, the artist at work.

 

 

After the parent group it was time for some
relaxation in the pool.

 

 

 

Riverwood Downs is just magnificent, and with
all the recent rain it was all so green.

 

Sunday morning we all had the opportunity to go horse-riding. The children were led around the paddock on various horses.

 

 

Marshall

 

 

Charlotte

 

 

 

Victoria

 

 

 

Alexandra (her legs didn't quite reach the stirrups)

 

After the children had finished their rides, they were taken back to the camp and looked after by the Camp Quality volunteers, whilst the parents had the opportunity to ride the horses on a trail over the paddocks, up hills and through the trees. It was great fun, no-one fell off.

 

All in all we had a fantastic weekend away. It was great to get outdoors and marvel at God's beautiful world. It was equally good to have some laughs as a family.

 

Prayer points

1. Victoria is well enough to have chemotherapy this week

2. Strength and energy for Ken and I as we face the challenges this circumstance brings.

 

Thank you again for your prayers and practical support. We are forever grateful.