Packing, Painting, and Counting Down

If I could find our camera (it hasn't surfaced amidst the packing), I would love to show you the work that is taking place! Our 4th bedroom actually looks like a room, now that it has an undercoat and most of the architraves. Good progress was made this weekend, and 3 bedrooms are ready for carpeting, with most of our energies going on the new bedroom. I've finished packing most of the bedrooms, with the kitchen/bathroom/laundry to go (not including clothes). I've had 3-4 days work the past few weeks, and Nathan is still working full-time at Yatala.
On Saturday night we had a great get together with friends from my staffroom in D4, and I'm very thankful for a beautiful chocolate-brown full-length suede coat from Margaret K, who used to live in chilly Canberra. My Nana J in Toowoomba also found a snow jacket for Nathan - it's like a doona! We thank God for His provision in the big things, and the small things.
Last night was the Boys Brigade Leadership Reunion at Southpine Church, which has started the "goodbye"s, making the move seem imminent.
Our finances are looking more positive at this stage, thanks to Nathan's great tax return and the sale of our car at the end of this week. We had a bit of a mix-up with the visas - last Tuesday, Nathan received letters of introduction for a Study permit AND a Work permit! An urgent email sent to the consulate found that the wrong name had been typed, and a new letter was emailed with my name on it (the original is apparently in the mail). We are relieved to have those letters in our possession.
This week we will list the house with an agent, with the estimated wait being 2-3 weeks to find a tenant, which is about how long we have! Check out our departure countdown timer on the right-hand side of the page - not long to go, and we are getting excited.
Please pray that we can complete the renovations on our house with little drama or stress. Nathan in particular is feeling the pressure of the things that need completing. We hope that many of you can drop in to our Open House day on the 15th of August to say farewell!

renovations continue

The plasterer is coming on Friday, so Nath and his dad are spending Tues-Thurs night getting up the frame on the brick wall. I've been unwell, with an infected throat, so I'm not feeling that great and am hoping that an early night will help my recovery.

My brother Tim could not come home for a week, which is disappointing, but then I guess that's life in the army!

Last night was my last dancing lesson in Australia, although I hope to drop by before we leave to say a final farewell. Since Nathan had to give up soccer to finish the house, it wasn't fair for me to still be doing my hobby. The Scotia dancing competition is on this Saturday, and I will be scrutineering all day.

We are having an Open House day on 15th August (Ekka Wednesday) at Nathan's parent's house, where people can drop in during the day and say "Adieu". I will do a group email soonish, or contact me for an address.

Yours in busyness. Mareesa

Changes are happening...

Nathan is back from Boys Brigade Leadership Development Course and back to work at Yatala. Today I started a 6 day contract at Dakabin primary in learning support...Mostly organisational stuff today, into the real deal tomorrow! I am doing group work mainly with yr 5 and 7 students ready for national testing. It'll be a new experience for me! I also have some supply lined up at Mueller after my work at Dakabin finishes.

Praise God that we have sold our bar. It will remain in our carport until we move out, but it's good to know that someone is willing to pay to take it away! One more thing to cross off our loooooooong list of house improvements and 'to do' items.

Another item of good news is that my brother Tim returns home for a week next week, so we'll get to see him again before he returns to the army.

Our address in Canada

Hello!
Nathan is on Boys Brigade leadership course this week, and I am doing things around the house - like painting the bathroom (which is difficult when you buy the wrong colour base paint!). I've felt a bit like Santa this week, as we were able to pass on quite a few household items to our brothers and sisters. It's nice to be able to be generous. Last week we were also able to pay off our flights.

6 1/2 weeks to go - it's coming up very quickly. I'm starting to notice more the things we will be missing out on - local festivals, my cousin's wedding, birthdays...

Here is our address in Canada until April 08:

N & M Cunneen
#324-6040 Iona Drive
Vancouver
BC V6T 2E8
CANADA

Our email address will stay the same:
nathanandmareesa@hotmail.com