Goodbye

We wrote this blog just before we left for Australia. Unfortunately we ran out of publishing time before we left, so it has sat as a draft in our editing tray until now.

A kind friend has just given us some internet time, so we are trying to catch up with you all now.

We still wanted to publish it as it shows you all how we spent one fun day in the Lake District on a treasure hunt just, before we left.

It was a great half term week away that we had as a family. A mix of fun and sadness as we said our goodbyes to Charley's parents.

Our week began with a rather long car journey to the heart of The Lake District, where Charley's Mum & Dad live. A trip to the Lakes is good preparation for the vast journey distances that seem to separate most of the settlements in Australia.

One of the days we spent with them was particularly memorable as David had set a treasure hunt up through the bluebell woods behind their house and up onto the open fells and the quarry.

We would like to take you on a picture journey of that day.

First clue...

Charley's Mum, Alex and brother Jonathan.



Brilliant reading Alexandra, onto the next clue this way...


What an improvement!
Mummy & Uncle Jonathan.

Don't fall down through the hole Will, you'll get wet ...

Come back William...

Mummy couldn't watch!

Last clue.

It's got to be here somewhere!

Treasure at last!

Just as few extra pictures we thought that you might like to enjoy...

Hope you enjoyed the hunt. We hope to be able to get internet access again in Cairns, so will give you an update then.

All our love & prayers

Rachel, Charley & Children.

A Great Day Out

Dear supporters



Some friends of ours who own a sailing boat, asked if we would like to spend the day sailing along the Devon coast with them, as a family. Something we have never done before.

How blessed are we ?


My immediate thought was, what if Freddie falls overboard! He can swim, but isn't the worlds most confident child in the water.

My next thought was, what if they get really wet, dirty and cold, they might spend the next week at home with colds and coughs!

Fortunately, I came to my senses very quickly and said that we would love to go sailing for the day.

When the day arrived, the children were so excited they were up, particularly early that day and ready to leave before we had come down to breakfast!

As you can see, Freddie took to the helm and was even feeling confident enough to sail the boat after half an hour!

Georgie was in her element taking care of "Corrie" and loved looking after her !

William managed to fit a quick game of cricket in after lunch, so he was very happy!

...and Alexandra and Daddy enjoyed the whole day, particularly the B-B-Q as you can see!

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We leaped in the dingy and just made it back to the boat without too much trouble.

At one point it did look as if the dingy was going to sink and everyone was going to be fish food! However it made it and we had a really great, day spent with friends.


As we have been raising our prayer and financial support in order to go to Arnhem Land http://www.maf-uk.org/ we have realised just how great it has been to meet new people and begin to develop new friendships . So a big thank you to all of you who are praying for us.





By the end of the day I had had a great time too, but I felt just like Freddie...exhausted!





Don't forget to look out for the invitations to our valedictory service, they will be in the post soon.

Love from The Stockleys

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