Sabbatical - First Stop - Mountain Circuit, Perth

I needed to share this and to give thanks to God, again, of course!

My secondary BF offered her place for us to stay in Perth. I was initially hesitant as we were arriving late after mid night and we have not met for three years! And prior to that many years were missed as we began our university, working and family lives... But C is one of my great buddy in secondary school whom we shared a lot during our teenage years and someone I would envisage to be BFF into eternity. Anyway, she offered decisively and I accepted her hospitality.

In the 10 days I share with my friend and her family. Fond memories and thoughts filled my mind and heart. There were so much to catch up! Her daughter is the same age as my elder girl and with my younger girl, they hit it off really well. To have this season to reconnect with old friends is really a God given opportunity as I reflect back.

This Stop is simply a blessing. Never felt so healthy in life with endless organic style breakfast and excellently prepared dinner with love and thoughtfulness throughout our stay at Mountain Circuit by my very hospitable friend and her lovely family.  Her daughter also gave up her room to sleep in the attic so that my two girls could share a room. C even arranged a CAMPING trip for us so that we can explore the great western frontier because we have never camped in our life before! I saw the efforts that she and her husband put in to prepare for the camp trip and I was in awe... not something I would do for a lifetime I guess... It was strange to be always 'looking after' others to suddenly being in a position to be recipients of being taken care of. I guess it takes humility to just receive from others. I am truly grateful. And the generous thoughtfulness to celebrate my husband's birthday was a sweet surprise!

Mountain Circuit was a wonderful base for us to see much of God's creation in Perth. In all the driving to the beaches, to see the farm animals and even trying sand boarding, I saw so much of God's glory in Creation. I am so small and He is so great! Yet He loves me and died for me so that I can be loved and be free. Thank you Jesus!

The passage in 2 Corinthians ring continuously in my mind as we indulges in our friend's generous hospitality.

Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.” For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. (2 Corinthians 9:6-11 NLT)

I thank God that He will continue to bless my generous friend.  I also praise God that He has taught me to love generously as a young teenager investing in friendships and relationships so that I can continue to receive all His generous love as I have grown. Sow sparingly and you will reap your 'harvests' in many fold! That reminded me that I must ingrain in my children to be a true friend like in Proverbs 17:17, "A friend is always loyal, and a brother (sister) is born to help in time of need."

To all my friends out there, thank you for being you! To C and all in your family, thank you for making our First Stop so special!