From beautiful Bororcay

Sometimes getting away can be just what we need - especially after such an intense time.
The kids are moved - yes, there is still work to do, but after the craziness of recent months it is wonderful for the ICC staff team to come together to rest, relax, have fun, worship and get some fantastic input into our lives.

We met together in Hong Kong on Saturday and had a long, but enjoyable day as we flew to Manila before taking another flight to Kalebo, and then a rocky boat ride to the Island of Borocay.

Arriving in the dark meant that we only caught a glimpse of this part of God's incredible creation. We were tired and thankful to have arrived.

Since our arrival the sun has shone, the beach is amazing and the relaxation is beginning to happen.

We are blessed to have Tom and Jacinta Read leading us in worship, and Stephen and Jean Imbach leading us in a guided prayer retreat. Through Psalm 23 we are encountering the living presence of Jesus Christ as our Shepherd - digging richly into what that means and drinking from the living water that flows from this scripture.

We have till Saturday to enjoy this wonderful part of the world, to spend time in God's presence and to have our batteries recharged before heading into 2005. I can already sense from the work that God is doing that He is meeting us and ministering to us - helping us to bring the stressful and crazy experiences of this year to Him - in order that He can make sense of all that has been happening in, around, through and to us.

Please pray for us as we enjoy this time. Pray that God would meet us each one in a deep way. Pray for the Chinese staff as they continue to hold the fort in these days - and for the kids and staff as they settle into the new homes in the community. Especially pray for Mrs Chen - our Project Manager as she oversees the work.

Thanks - your prayers make all the difference.

No photos to post today - they're just oo beautiful and we wouldn't want to make you jealous.