First Thoughts On Marriage and Other News!

Greetings, Loved Ones!

Well! Here we are again, me in Australia, you in the States (most of you, anyway--apparently I have some readers from Russia!).

Thank you for bearing with my not posting for a while. We have been scrambling to find our feet here in the "Land Down Under"!

Now that we have become a bit more stable, I'd like to give you a quick update. First, I have just recently passed the "Married for One Month" mark, and I have thought up a few observations that I'd like to share with you:

1. Everyone steals covers at night, and that's not bad. You just have to be the stronger one.

2. People are less likely to tell you that you're bad with people if you're married.

3. Your spouse will still tell you that you're bad with people. (Throwback to last night when I walked into a room of men and practically shouted "Goodness, it reeks of sunscreen and B.O. in here," warranting a very kind "sometimes you say things a bit too loud." from Aaron.)

4. It is SO handy to have someone to steal you free food when you're not around to get it for yourself.

5. Every "parent in law" relationship is unique and multifaceted and requires understanding prior to judgement.

6. Single people become much more hesitant to befriend you once you get married, presumably on the grounds that "you already have a permanent friend."

7. Not everything needs to be talked about. Some things need to be overlooked.

8. If you have an introverted husband, don't tease him, even lightheartedly. They take it seriously. (I suppose I should've learnt this already from watching my parents interact at the dinner table--shout out to mom and dad!) : )

Alright! Now that I've gotten those nuggets of wisdom off my chest, I'll let you know "the haps"!

Aaron and I have settled into Australia fairly well and we have news! We have decided that we will not stay at YWAM beyond our short term commitment. YWAM has been a wonderful place for us in so many ways, and it will be difficult to say goodbye to this campus and this ministry for the foreseeable future as it has a significant place in both of our lives. We are not exactly sure where the Lord is leading us just yet. We will, of course, continue ministering to our communities and those beyond, it just appears it will not be in this context for much longer. We will let you know more soon!

Health-wise, we are also doing well, though my teeth are still not in good order. I have become used to only using one side of my mouth to chew; I know this is not good, but I am still working through how to access the healthcare system here, etc. Please pray that I would find a Christian dentist and perhaps be able to determine the root (no pun intended!) of the problem quickly and at minimal expense.

As to our emotional well-being, we (and, in particular, I) are remarkably well adjusted after such a whirlwind of change. From getting married, to leaving my family on the other side of the world, to showing up in a country where I have no friends and no citizenship, I have to give myself a pat on the back for adapting so quickly. One thing, though, I will never accept: they make you pay for ketchup packets here. I don't mean bottles, I mean PACKETS-- 50c to $1 per packet!!! PER PACKET! As in, go to a fast food chain, pick up some chips (fries!) for $7, and then pay an additional wallet-full for the necessity of ketchup. As my mother has often said in my support: ketchup is a universal right.

I will tie off this post with an update on how we are doing spiritually: we are well. In the midst of such change and wonder, the Lord has continued to lead us with His steady hand of guidance. A couple of days ago as Aaron was praying over our meal, he said: "Thank you, Father, for the ability to work hard and for Your pleasure." What a gift to be able to work hard for the Lord alongside my best friend.

Well, that is all for today! Thank you so much for your prayers and your friendship. We cherish them.

Much Love,

The Fischers