Storing the (Slightly Large) mess of a Family of 7- Part 2

For storing all our food, we were very glad to have our kitchen renovated. I don’t have a previous picture of our kitchen, but it was simply a cupboard, that looked like it was about to collapse. The original wood had rotted, and plain and simply, it stank. This new kitchen we got, installed in Darwin, had plenty more storage, and it is nice and new (quite a contrast to the rest of the caravan). The new bench also provides a lot of space for preparing food and cleaning up afterwards. Our fridge, which was also a new one, is a 100L bar fridge, and we do find it hard to store all our cold groceries, but we manage.

Under the lounges in the caravan, we have everything conceivable. Nerf Guns, Josh's bow, en-suite tent, blankets, camp ovens, our iron, and lots of other things. We tuck all the things we don’t regularly use under there, and it collects dust pretty well!! Sometimes, we find it hard to fit the lid properly, and then we have to do an overhaul and sort it out properly (sadly).

We store the generator, gas bottles, our petrol jerry-can, our water hose and waste hose, and our tarps. This is a really good place for storing stuff that isn’t supposed to go into the caravan, though they all get really dusty. When we have stopped, we chain them to prevent against theft, and then set off again with the chain off and at least 20 (no joke, we've had the tarp off before and things just about to fall) ocky straps holding them down.

While we have been up in the Kimberly, we all manage to sweat profusely and the dirty clothes have to go into the wash after 1 wear. Before, we could get at least 2 wears out of each set of clothes, but nobody wants someone stinky sitting next to them in the caravan. To store all our clothes, we use a garbage bin, that was originally intended for water carrying. We have had some people mistake it for an actual bin, and once someone even put a bin bag in it when we left it in laundry. Another time, someone when having dinner with us, put their food scraps in it.

The back bar that we have on the caravan holds all our bikes (only 2 at the moment, the rest all have broken and been chucked out) our helmets (if we don't lose them) and 2 jerry cans. We also have 2 spare tyres on the back (and we've used them frequently). We have had quite a lot problems with the metal splitting on it, and we can't have too many bike on it, but is is still quite a good upgrade.

To entertain ourselves, we have a cupboard full of DVD's, boardgames, and cards. We picked up most of our DVD's for Christmas, as we like watching a series every night, to put us all to sleep. The boardgames are quite varied, and every now and then we have a board game craze, and the cupboard is tidied, and then the boardgames come trooping out one by one.

Storing the (Slightly Large) mess of a Family of 7- Part 1

The back of our transit

When you have a large family and you're travelling, you will find it hard to store everything (at least we did). One of the main reasons why we purchased our Transit was the expanse of room. In the caravan, we are carrying clothes for 7 people, kayaks, ski gear (clothes and skis), food to feed 7 (a lot trust me!), toys, school work, and heaps of other stuff. Try and squeeze that all in your caravan, and you realize how creative we've been!! The best storage benefits of the caravan are the under the lounge storage and under the double bed, as well as under the two double bunks.

In the transit, we have a lot of space (12 seats) and we store things like the boogy boards, the boys clothes, water-sport gear, and camp chairs e.t.c. On the roof racks we have 2 kayaks and 5 surfboards. Our Transit is never the neatest place, but we fit lots (and lots) in there.

Our beach tub, skateboards,
umbrellas, and boogyboards. The
gazebo is stored in between the front
seats and this one.

Bedding and schoolwork on top of the
wadrobe

As we went to the snow, we had snow gear and also snowboards and skis to store. We managed to fit all the ski gear under Tahlia's bed. Ski clothes can be quite bulky, and when we started, we had it in a big bag in the beach tub that stores all the beach gear. After the snow, we tightly rolled up all the clothes and tucked them under Tahlia's bed. To store our snowboards, we simply removed the foot bindings (all you need is an allen key) and placed the snowboards in with each of our surfboards. They are storing fine, and they are protected from breakages. The skis we simply slotted in behind the boys clothes drawers (we only had Joel's skis, the rest were hired).

Clothes and more schoolwork!!

Our lovely hanging robe. Clothes and
wet clothes hang here.

Our clothes are stored in various places. Dad and Mum have a large hanging rail, that was installed by our Grandpa before we left. Mum clothes all hang up, and Dad has a clothes basket to store his extra clothes that don't hang up. The rest of our hanging clothes are also here for the rest of the family. The girls and Bethany's clothes are stored in a wardrobe, along with the school work. As we have been travelling for two years, we have last years school work, as well as this years. Joel and Josh (both doing distance Ed) have school work arriving, so they get a whole tub. The boys clothes, as before mentioned, are stored in the back of the transit in drawers. Joel has been lucky with the sturdiness of his drawers so far, but Josh's drawers are old one of ours and are starting to break. 

Mishaps on the Road

Just recently, I fell out a tree while climbing it. That unfortunate (and painful) episode led me to thinking about all our mishaps on the road. If you’re wondering why most of the accidents have happened to me, and Joel, is because I find it hard to remember so many great experiences, an I can remember my accidents best. Joel simply likes to talk, so I know all his and get reminded of them every now and then, just so I don’t forget!!

Granite Island:

We had stopped at Victor Island for a stroll, and we decoded to head over to Granite Island to get some good views over the ocean. Joel (as usual) decided to take his fishing rod and flick a lure into the water on the way over. On the way back to the mainland, Joel somehow managed to get his treble hook stuck deep into his jacket!! We all had a go it at, but then gave it up and Joel started to walk back to the mainland, with his fishing rod tip bent down, as he tried to free it. He luckily managed to free it by ripping his jumper, and then he had fun flicking in lures again. Didn't catch catch a fish but caught a cracker jumper

Batlow:

At Batlow Caravan Park, there was a little stream out the back of the caravan park, and Joel found a log bridge that crossed the stream. I had already crossed and recrossed it several times, and getting a bit cocky, I learnt a bit too far, and fell. I managed to hold onto a tree branch, but then I slipped and landed on my bottom in the icy cold mountain stream. Sadly, there was a sharp rock where I landed, and I had a bruised bottom during the first weeks at the snow, which was not very helpful, but instead rather painful hen I fall over (quite frequently trust me).

Cubbaroo:

At Cubbaroo, we had the experience to ride horses while mustering. We were riding an old horse, but it was quite stubborn and determined. One time while mustering, Joel was chasing up a big mob of cattle through thick wooded country, when Red (the horse he was riding) ran him straight into a tree. Joel fell off, and managed to scratch his hands. Joel, a true bushman, jumped straight back on and rounded them all up with the help of the motorbike and chopper. 

Another time, I was mounting and didn’t use enough 'oomph' to get into the saddle. I slipped, and fell flat on my back, while Red shied. Phew, horses look big when you’re lying on the ground!!

The Arrow shows where my hand was when
I fell.

Derby:

Just recently, while getting down from a tree, I managed to fall down. I fell about 2 metres, and landed on a hard root, bruising my bottom (again!!) and jarring my shoulder and arm. I had hurt the muscle in my arm, and it is still stiff and sore. Concerned about my arm, mum and dad took me to the hospital, and we had our first hospital visit while travelling. Luckily, nothing was wrong with em other than a sore arm, and a sore bottom. I reckon I just had to check out what is considered the best hospital in the Kimberly, so I conjured up a good excuse to go!!

Do not Worry About Tommorrow

 Matthew 6:25 Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothes.

When you are travelling. It can be quite stressful not knowing when you will get work. As we have been travelling and relying on work, it can be quite difficult not knowing when you get work. Dad got no teaching at all while travelling the Great Ocean Rd and along the coast of Victoria, and as we were going to the snow next we were worried. However, God was looking after us. As we travelled along the coast of Victoria and up through the high country us kids made slice and sold it walking through each town we came to. And then, just at the right moment, a kind donation from someone, out of the blue, enabled us to be able to go.

Another example more recently of God's provision happened while we were in Kununurra around Christmas time. About a week after we arrived we got into the Transit as normal and about a kilometre down the road it suddenly stopped and wouldn't go again. Luckily, at the time, we didn't know quite how expensive this repair was going to be! It was getting towards the end of term and we were facing 6 weeks without any teaching work.

Amazingly though Dad got the last 9 days of the term relief teaching. Both Josh and Dad managed to get some Cleaning work which supported us the entire way through the Christmas period (until the end of January when there was no teaching). Yes the repair was expensive, $5300 for the new engine and then $4700 for the labour..... a huge expense. But God was faithful and enabled us to have extra work just when we needed it most! Another added blessing over this time was the offer to mind two different families houses (for 5 and ½ weeks all up). SO we were comfortable cool and didn't have to pay caravan fees over this time. God was good!

God is watching over us, and he will not let us fall to the ground without his knowing. Matthew 10:29-31- Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your fathers care. And even the hairs of your head are numbered, so don’t be afraid; you are worth many sparrows.

An hour is not added to our life if we worry, so we shouldn’t. Luke 12: 25-26 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?

Place all your cares on him, and he will comfort you and support him. Lean on him and be refreshed in times of trouble. Matthew 11:28-30 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world does. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

He will sustain you in times of trouble and worry:

Psalm 55:12 Cast your cares upon the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.

Psalm 121: 1-2 I lift up my eyes to the hills; Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.

Philippians 4: 6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Witnessing to Others

A few Sundays ago, the pastor preached a thought provoking sermon. It was on witnessing to others, and he told several stories. I will you give you these stories and some verses that I think are relevant to this subject.

There was an illiterate man that was really on fire to God. He used to sit on the highway outside town and hitchhike to the next town. When he climbed into the car/truck he handed over a tract and asked the driver to read it, explaining he was illiterate. They would read it to him, and he would thank the person. Generally, the person that had picked him up asked a question, and the man explained the tract to him. When they reached the next town, he would be dropped off and then would do the same thing, going back to the previous town.

There was another person, who was recently converted and was again on fire for God. He bought a humongous sticker that stretched right across his car dash and stuck it. He frequently picked up hitchhikers, and they couldn’t help reading the sticker. It was a bright flamboyant thing, and some people complained it was quite an eyesore, but the hitchhikers read it, and quite a few asked about it. He used that opportunity to tell them about the word of God, and he led a few to the Lord.

Isaiah 55:11 So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but I will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.

John 12:32 And I, when lifted up from the earth, will draw people to myself.

In John 12:32 we read that it is not us that draw people to the Lord, but God. We need to remember that, and not rely on our own strength to draw others to the truth. Jesus himself will draw people to him and everlasting life.

And of course- Mathew 28:18-20 . Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

2 Timothy 4:2-4 Preach the Word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favourable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths.

So what is holding you back from witnessing? If an illiterate man can lead people to God, why can't you? It will require patience, perseverance and praying but with the Lord's help you can accomplish anything.

Reflections on Life

Hebrews 10:26 IF we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of truth, no sacrifice is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgement and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.

I still keep on sinning, lying, deceitfulness, rebellion and multitudes of other things. That doesn’t mean I am going to be consumed by a raging fire, it means I need to continually focus my eyes on God. We become like the God we follow, and if we are following Jesus, and keep on drawing close to him, we become like him. God doesn't see those sins; instead he sees our slate washed clean by the blood of Jesus Christ, the ultimate sacrifice. We need to keep our eyes fixed on him, not on all the ways we can fail.

Yesterday at the swimming pool, there was a birthday party with a tricky inflatable being hired. There were a couple of young kids trying it out, and they were having a ball. The inflatable was consisted of a wide platform, which narrowed into a round cylinder that stretched out to the other end of the pool. The kids weren't able to go very far, but they were still having fun and were getting further each time. They would run, keeping their eyes up, arms wide and legs moving as fast as they could. Eventually they would slip and splash into the pool. The trick was to keep their eyes up and legs moving fast without faltering.

As part of my netball training, I used to have to jog through a rope ladder on the ground. It was quite tricky, but again the trick was to keep your eyes up. When you looked up, you missed a rung, stumbled or fell.

Like keeping your eyes up when running a long an inflatable or jogging through a ladder, in life you need to keep your eyes up and fixed on Jesus. When you look down, you can stumble and you start to think of all the worldly things. We will all stumble and fall, none of us are perfect, yet the trick is to seek forgiveness and get up with your eyes fixed on the goal.

Some other verse that speak to me:
1 Corinthians 6:19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honour God with your bodies.

Philippians 4:18 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about these things.

Philippians 2: 14 do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure “children of God” without fault in a warped and crooked generation.

Proverbs 10:17 Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.

Watch Out!! Hazards About!!

You need a helmet when sitting below cupboards!!
Just don't lose them like we did!!

Now when you are in a caravan, there is actually quite a few hazards. Falling games, falling cups and plates, elbows in your face while trying to eat, falling out of beds, and last but not least....moving drawers while travelling.

When you are sitting on the lounge while relaxing and somebody opens the cupboard door above you, you must immediately dive away from the cupboard before something (like the DVD player) falls on your head. The little girls, when sitting there, with the table up disappear under the table and don’t come up until the cupboard door is closed and the person has moved away. We are all surprised that at least one person has not been knocked out by falling items.

When you open the cupboard that holds all the dining stuff, make sure the bench is nice and clean so the falling plates/cups/bowls do not require washing again. Also, make sure that you do not open cupboard while serving dinner unless you like eating melted cups.

While eating, we generally let our elbows eat half our food. We are all hoping to have mouths put into our elbows, so we can have nice full tummies, instead of greasy and dirty elbows.

All elbows and eating.

Also, when walking through the caravan (this is a really painful hazard) you mustn't slip and grab hold of the boiling hot frypan. It is quite painful and I had a nasty burn on my elbow for a while because of the frypan. Joel, just today managed to burn his finger, and now a procession of cold things are coming out of the fridge to cool his finger.

And lets not talk about when where travelling. Everything that isn't securely nailed (or ockyed) down moves. We had the food cupboard open once, and when the door was opened, out rolled the plum sauce smashing to bits and earning a annoyed look form a passerby.