Preacher man!

 This week saw Mark's first opportunity to preach to the church. His message was based on the only insight we get into Jesus' childhood as seen in Luke; When Jesus is separated from his mother and father and they find Him in the temple amongst the Teachers of the Law and the Pharisees.

If you're interested in listening to or watching the message its on the church website...here's the link http://www.westlakechurch.com/lausanne/index.php/resources/sermonseries it is called 'The Boy Jesus'

well, must dash...Mark surprised me today with a trip away to Italy for two days...Ciao!!!

3 generations, 2 weeks off and 1 pitbull!!

Well, this week marked the first of two I have off from work due to October half term! please excuse me one moment...WAHHHOOOOOOOOO!!!! oh, I needed the break! This week my Mum and Nan visited which was brilliant!! They stayed in a hotel in Saint-Sulpice for two nights and then they stayed with us at the Bottimore's house, we were house- and- dog-sitting for them whilst they were having a holiday in Croatia.

It was so nice to have my Mum and my Nan come and see where we live, work and have fun! We took them to leysin on the Friday, the cloud was low and life in the valley looked a bit miserable, but as soon as you got above the clouds it was magnificent!!...

This was the cable car ride to the top

The mountain peaks literally 'peaking' out from the blanket of clouds!

BFFs

time to reflect...

Mum at the top of the world!

We ate in the revolving restaurant...it turns slowly giving you a 360 degree view without you even having to get out of your seat!

Just breathtaking!

We also did some more exploring while they were here, soaking and relaxing at Les Bains de Lavey a hot water springs place, enjoying a church service and 'pot-luck' lunch together, going for coffee and wandering around the local village together, feasting at a restaurant* together, and on their final morning we went to a beautiful lakeside town for coffee and a crepe...
*(the restaurant mentioned above was the Skipper and has already had a mention on this blog...see one of the earlier blogs for more details!!)

My mum is a treasure, she is such a blessing and is so precious to me. She has set me such a good example to follow and has been so careful to give me that good example. She loves my dad fiercely which is one of the best things she has done as an example for me! I love you mum, there is so much more I could say and so many words I could share, there is just not enough time and I wouldn't do justice to the way you have brought so much joy to my life!

It was a special time filled with precious memories, laughs and fun. It was a sad return to reality to watch them leave at the airport...the only thing we miss about England is the people we left behind. Friends and family we miss dearly are always topic of our conversation here and we think about you all a lot. I sincerely hope that we are part of your thoughts and prayers in our absence. As things here settle into a routine and daily life finds a 'norm' we need your prayers still. Please keep praying for us and our ministry here. Our marriage relationship and time together. The upcoming youth retreat and ongoing youth ministry. Also, this Sunday Mark is preaching, I know he would love you to pray that God uses him and speaks through him.

The rest of this week was spent looking after the Bottimore's house and their pitbull Tiger! It was interspersed with a trip to IKEA for those wardrobes we have been waiting for...so now the appartment is a tip and I have lots to do...but instead I thought of you guys and updated the blog! :D

With much love,

The Batemans

xxxx

PS, this week we wrote our quarterly newsletter, please let me know if you are interested in receiving one and I'll email it as an attachment to you!

x

fun in the October sun!!?

Well, we've had another busy week at work and another exciting few days of play too!! On Wednesday Mark and I got the chance to go out exploring together, it was a beautiful day and we got up pretty high. We took the furnicular train up the mountain (far too steep and far to walk!) and had a walk up there on the  tops, it was beautiful...see for yourself

The train arriving...note the incline!

Mark admiring the view on the way up

WoW!

Up where the air is clean...

Also this Saturday we woke up to a rather cloudy looking morning, surely not...? But don't panic, we were not stuck indoors all day. All we had to do was get above the cloud level and enjoy the sunshine from up there!! So Mark thought it would be a good idea to take me on my first ever Via Ferrata; its like rock climbing and walking mixed together...not for the faint hearted!

Yes, that's me climbing up a sheer rock face!

And, yep, that's me hanging on to a sheer rock face!

That's Mark hanging out behind a waterfall!

The views were incredible...when you dared to look!

The cable you see goes all along the course and it is what suspends you between life and certain death!!

A crevice to negotiate!

This is the zip wire finish to the Via Ferrata, you had to hook yourself on to the wire with a pulley and just leap off the rocks over a drop and a river...talk about a leap of faith!! The video clip begins with me just yealling to Mark "I love you!"...well, I had to say it in case it was my last opportunity!!! Needless to say, we are still very much alive!

So, as you can see our busy times are interspersed with fun adventures!

Something to add for the prayer list is I have decided to write a play for the Christmas service for the youth. Many of you will know that this has often been my job in years past! Pray for inspiration, I want it to be light-hearted and fun but at the same time evangelistic and with the serious and wonderful message of our saviour's birth! (And please don't forget to be praying for the up and coming youth retreat too!)

Yey...my mum and nan are visiting this week...the next post will let you know what we get up to!

Much love
xxx

The Appartment!!

DING DONG!!! "That'll be the door bell..."

Hehe! This is Mark looking through the spy-hole! (In case you were wondering!!)

Our cute (!?) kitchen

Tea making area!

It is surprising the delicacies you can create in here!!

Welcome to the lounge/dining area, take a seat and make yourself comfortable...

As pretty as they are, I'm beginning to think the white chair covers were a little dangerous!!

Thank you IKEA for our fabulous corner sofa bed! And thank you second hand shop for my pretty dresser!!

Our bedroom...with temporary canvas wardrobes until we get some from IKEA

A different angle on the bedroom

And  of course...the bathroom!

 Well, hope you enjoyed the grand tour, don't hesitate to visit again soon, the kettle will be on...but call first!!

Please pray for us this weekend as we are doing the kids' work for a local church who is having their retreat, they did the favour for Westlake's church retreat so we are returning favours! We will need lots of energy, and good memories as we are doing sketches etc!! Pray that the children meet with God in a way they have never encountered before.

Love to all xxx