Zeke's birthday weekend celebrations...

Zeke had a wonderful day celebrating his birthday on Easter Sunday.  In many ways he seemed more excited about the fact that we were celebrating Jesus rising from the dead!  The morning began around 7am with a present hunt around his room.  Keeping the tradition alive for the Peacocks! :)  He was thrilled to find all sorts of light weight and flat goodies from his parents. :)  Throughout the week Zeke received many lovely and exciting cards from family and friends wishing him a wonderful birthday.  

When we returned home from church, Zeke came in to discover a very beautifully decked out dining room - balloons, birthday banners, delicious cake pops & a birthday cake.  (Thanks for the decorating lovely Jen!)

Sarah made this most amazing chocolate drum cake - Sarah you are the cake master!  

Zeke smashing down a hot dog with his favourite cheese, sauce & bacon

Toby looking forward to his share of the cake

Our little man

As if there wasn't enough sugary love going on - there was a Langston Easter egg hunt - the excitement was at an all time high!  

We had the lovely Joseph family visit us on Easter Monday and Tuesday!  It was so so lovely to catch up with them and for the children to be able to play together.  

Only one life...

Over the past couple of days I have been struggling to know what to write for this blog.  It is probably a good indication as to how my tired brain is going at the moment.  So much has happened over the past few months.  Some of these things have been wonderful and exciting yet others have been extremely difficult.

On Easter Sunday my family received news that my Grandma Bet passed away.  This is very sad for my family and it has been difficult to be so far from home during this time.  We will miss her dearly & cherish many wonderful memories of our Grandma Bet.  

It is at times like this that I am caused to consider my own life and how quickly the days pass by.  I want my life (however long it is) to count for Jesus, I want people to know Him, and to see how amazing His love truly is.  Celebrating Easter last weekend has been a wonderful reminder of God's amazing love for us all.  Life as a Christian is not necessarily an easy road at times, but I can rest assured that I have a loving Jesus, who knows what is best and I can once again put my full confidence and trust in Him.  

My beautiful mother-in-law Deb used to love listening to the Gettys.  A song that I have been listening to recently is added below.  

A lovely visit to Jack and Bet's before we left for the UK.

When Trials Come

When trials come no longer fear
For in the pain our God draws near
To fire a faith worth more than gold
And there His faithfulness is told
And there His faithfulness is told

Within the night I know Your peace
The breath of God brings strength to me
And new each morning mercy flows
As treasures of the darkness grow
As treasures of the darkness grow

I turn to Wisdom not my own
For every battle You have known
My confidence will rest in You
Your love endures Your ways are good
Your love endures Your ways are good

When I am weary with the cost
I see the triumph of the cross
So in it’s shadow I shall run
Till You complete the work begun
Till You complete the work begun

One day all things will be made new
I’ll see the hope You called me to
And in your kingdom paved with gold
I’ll praise your faithfulness of old
I’ll praise your faithfulness of old

Keith & Kristyn Getty

Happy 3rd Birthday Zeke!

Ezekiel David Lean - Born April 8, 2009

Three years ago today we met the little boy that would be our first son. Zeke has brought us an enormous amount of joy, and we thank God for his life and the impact that it has had on our lives. Whilst a lot has been packed into the last 3 years, Zeke has been a continual (and at times challenging) blessing and we pray that in the days ahead he will know the joy of a personal relationship with our risen Saviour. What a great day for a birthday!

The birthday boy

I know a young boy who turns 3 today,

This extra special Easter Sunday!

He was born in Australia, and is now in the UK,

But he's looking forward to life the Zambian way.

He once got a cast after breaking his leg,

And has to wear big hats upon his head.

He likes singing songs by the Wiggles and Colin,

And probably will one day be rockin' and rollin'.

He goes for the Hawks (or is it the Lions or the Suns?)

And loves to play wars with his uncle's Nerf guns.

He likes reading books, with his Mum and his Dad,

And gives lots of huggles when people are sad.

"So who is this young fellow?" I hear you say.

This boy who has fun and likes to play.

Well, that question's easy. Here are your last clues,

He loves to play drums and his blue running shoes.

He's always the finder in hide and seek,

Yep, you've guessed it, his name is Zeke! 

Happy birthday Zeke - Daddy

Zeke's first year

Zeke's second year

Zeke third year

Fun times in Portugal!!

Last weekend we had the blessing of being able to visit Dave's cousin Kiri, her husband Matt and their three beautiful children in Lisbon, Portugal.  We were so encouraged to be able to spend time with them and chat about their life as overseas missionaries.    

I still find it amazing that we can get on a plane for less than 2.5 hours and be in a totally different country with a new language, new culture, and warmer weather!  It was great to be able to share some fun times together: exploring the sights of Lisbon, tasting delicious foods, building train tracks, plaiting long blonde hair, eating more delicious food and battling each other on the Wii after the kids had gone to bed (Dave is still going on about his javelin record)!   - m

The fun all began when Zeke discovered this Chupa Chup stand at the airport ( & NO we didn't buy one!)

View of Lisbon from the plane

Obidos - a town surrounded by a fortified wall

Toby having a great time wearing a short sleeved top for the first time in weeks

Pasteis de Belém

These were the yummiest pastries ever!