Just in Time for Term Three

Some of you may remember that it was about this time last year that my qualifications for teaching in New Zealand were approved and I was able to begin teaching. I had a great time relieving (or subbing) in a couple of primary schools in Auckland. When we got to Christchurch I went into a couple of schools to try to relieve, but I was unable to due to my registration. 

Apparently, after your qualifications are assessed, you are still unable to teach until you get registered with the Teacher's Council of New Zealand. For some reason, my information slipped through the cracks! I begin teaching in Auckland without being registered. Upon realising this, (after not being able to teach in Christchurch) I called the Teacher's Council to find out  what I needed to do. They also were surprised that I was not registered as they had all of my information on file. So in May, I began the process of getting registered with the Teacher's Council so that I could teach - legally!  

The students just finished their two weeks of winter break and started back to school today for term three. My registration came just in time as I received it in the mail on Friday. I was able to go into schools today and put my name on the list to relieve. 

I am looking forward to teaching in Christchurch and I am praying that God will use this opportunity to help me meet people in the community. 

Earthquake!

Thank you for your concern for us! Apparently the earthquake last night in New Zealand made world wide news. To read more about it (from New Zealand news) click here. 

Though it was a large quake, measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale, we did not feel any movement. We live in the Canterbury region and the earthquake hit in Southland (which is further south) and in Fiordland (which is west).  

We did her of the possible tsunami but it was more of potential threat than a real one. There was a larger wave that was recoded hitting the southern most city, measuring at all of eight inches! 

I think we are safe for now. I read the article the CBS.com had and that story seemed a lot bigger than the news stories from New Zealand!

The Search is On!

                                                                          

Currently one of our most important tasks is searching for a church venue. We've viewed office spaces, schools, theaters, community centers, warehouses, and more. The pressure to find the "perfect location" can be overwhelming, as can the long list of needs we want the space to meet. One of our top priorities is to find a location that already has "pull" on the community - in other words, an area that people already go to regularly for shopping, family time, or just hanging out. A venue that is well-known by community members is much more likely to provoke feelings of curiosity and familiarity.

Please pray hard for our staff as we seek the perfect venue for RECHURCH. Monthly preview services begin this September!