Where are you again?

Ashburton, NZ... for those of you who have been wondering, I am here to put your minds at ease.  This is where we now call "home."  I was getting picked on by a very good friend of mine that we don't post enough pics, so here are some of our new home base.  Above you'll see the town at night (amazing pic that I have to admit I did not take).  We were told that this town was formed as an oasis for travelers as the ventured from Christchurch to Dunedin, a 4 hour journey by car with at least 5 rivers to cross.  Ashburton offered a ferry across one of the mighty rivers to help travelers along the way.  My mom always says"can you imagine being a pioneer in a covered wagon traveling along with your family and all of the sudden you come upon.... (insert river/gorge/grand canyon).. what would you do!"  Don't worry mom, the covered wagon can go across now:)

This is a view looking down on the Canterbury plains, we are in a little town surrounded by fields and rivers at the base of the mighty southern alps.  Thomas and I have looked down on this view from the top of Mt. Hutt, it takes your breath away... you're humbled when you ponder that God created all of this.
Today starts week 8 of being here in Ashburton and life is starting to settle down.  We no longer are living out of suitcases, we have a home base, etc.  With slowing down comes the realization that we are here for the long haul, we're not just visiting anymore.