Last Days in LA

Donald, Katie and Hannah went on this roller coaster and Katie and Hannah went on the ferris wheel. On the ferris wheel they chose to go on the swinging pod!! Yes that is right this ferris wheel has pods that swing and they swing a lot.
Donald and Katie with the Kaya Family when we went to Venutra Beach.

Well here we are just about at the end of our trip away from home. I must say that it will be nice to be home - to see our kids, to see our friends and to be home and not have to live out of a suitcase anymore.

We have had some amazing experiences, lots of fun and lots of meeting new people. It has also been really good catching up with old friends.

Today is Sunday and we went to Grace Community Church. It was great being there and we got to go to Cornerstone Sunday School Class, which is the college group that Rick Holland is pastoring. He told them all some of the stories from our Kiwi Ranch days and told everyone we were crazy!!!

I actually haven't been back to LA since Donald graduated in 1995 so for me it has been really fun to be back. For Katie it is her first time here so she has enjoyed lots and lots of 'firsts'. Today after church we went and showed Katie the house we used to live in. I didn't realise how steep the road was!!!

Tonight we are going to Placerita Baptist church. That is where Scott Ardivanis is a pastor so we are meeting with him after the service and with Patty and also Patty's brother Steve. We knew Steve from Kiwi Ranch Days as well. It will be a lot of fun. Donald will be giving a report on Samfya.

Yesterday we met with Grandpa Gerry, who just happens to be Patty's and Steve's Dad. He supported us when Donald was in Seminary by taking us to Price Club and also by paying some of Donald's Seminary Fees.

We have also been able to spend time with some of the Sheahan family which has been wonderful as well. The Sheahan family took us in when we first went to the Masters Seminary. We stayed with them for a month and they helped us to find our home and showed us where to do grocery shopping etc. We are very grateful to them for everything they did and taught us. We love them loads!

Tomorrow we are going to try to catch up with Marcia. She actually came to NZ to Impact not the last time that Martha Peace but the time before. I knew her when we lived here and sat in her counseling class to learn some of the counseling techniques. Then we will have to make sure we are all packed and ready to go. Our planes leaves here at 9:30pm Monday and we will be arriving at 12.30pm Wednesday in Napier. We actually fly into Auckland and we are going to be able to spend some time with Donald's mum at the Airport.

Well this will be my last report here. We will see you on Wednesday!
Thank you all so much for this lifetime opportunity.

Gwen