Sunday was one of those times that you were very glad to be a part of community life at Canowindra. Chris and Nell gathered a few friends together and celebrated the life and health of beautiful Raphael. It was a very special time where all felt full of gratitude to the giver of Life as Chris and Nel shared from their hearts what a precious gift Raphael is to them.

Stories, readings from Nell’s journal to Raph, candle-lighting, prayers from grandparents and a song from mum all invited those present into the lives of this beautiful family.

Some say that if things don’t change, they’ll stay the same … well what do you think about some of these more obvious changes we’ve noticed this year:

Last weekend a bunch of us girls went a hikin’ and a campin’ up on the perilous Mount Nangar near Canowindra. (I’m behind the camera )

It was a hard, rough walk/climb -especially for Tem who managed it in Thongs!

But we eventually emerged triumphant on the top!

It was so good to get there and enjoy the view. I was about to say “And the chocolate” but I forgot it! They didn’t kill me too much.

After a well deserved rest we trekked back down to the campsite and set up. Chocolate and Dough boys (Nat’s was a Dough Man) were in abundance! So everyone was happy.. Which reminds me of the Miracle of the never ending bottle of Golden Syrup! Having only brought about a… 7th? of a bottle of Golden Syrup with us we were all concerned the supply would run out BUT I think we somehow came back with more! Thats that I think anyway. Thanks God for that one

The next morning we shared a marshmellow, bacon and eggie thingy breakfast.. Followed by more chocolate.

We all relaxed for a while..

And then Skye and I went to find some trees to climb. After a bit we headed for home, grabing a quick Coffee/Hot Chocolate/Mars Bar Milkshake/Ginger beer/Slush Puppy Thing/Something else on the way!

It was fun all around! The guys also went camping last weekend.. But I’ll leave it up to one of them to post

Lots of other exciting things have also been happening! BUT I will also have to gently encourage someone else to put a post up!

Much love, God bless!

-Hannah

Hello! Welcome to the always slightly awkward first post of this, our Canowindra Cornerstone Blog!

For those who haven’t been introduced please say hello to our students this year–

From Left to right- Anna, June (from Korea), Richard (Solomon Islands, his 2nd 1st year), Joshua (Saudi), Casey (his 2nd 1st year also), Skye, Morris (West Timor), James (I believe this is his 3rd 1st yr), David (West Timor), Jonno, Telmy (West Timor), Philipa (not actually a student but its nice to have here in the photo anyway don’t you think?), Hannah (joined community August of last year), Joseph (has been a part of community since 2005! He is over in Korea at the moment preparing for an english test that will allow him to come back on a Student Visa!), Alex (who sadly left us in Feb) and Steve! (if you saw him now you wouldn’t think they are the same people.. he shaved off all his hair!) Also not included in this photo is Esther who has joined us all the way from Korea and Gitte and Benny, a Danish duo staying with us until mid May. We’re very glad to have them around!

Its been a busy time so far full of adjustment and growth in our understanding of ourselves and our God.

Our pledge night took place back in February. It’s taken such a long time to get this thing properly started so the details may be a little fuzzy but here goes… An a warm Saturday evening we went to three mysterious locations to each make our own personal commitments to God for the year.
The swinging bridge in Canowindra was the first location.. We had a bit of time to think and pray, then cross the bridge.

I think Richard could have misheard John about walking over the bridge.

We then made our way to the dizzying heights of the peak of Mount Canowindra where we prayed for the people of the town. We’re very glad to have James as a student this year

Finally we went to a Church in town. We lit candles outside and sang ‘All for Jesus’ together as we walked into the dark and seemingly empty Church. It blew my mind when I found a whole chorus of voices joining us in song and saw the place was full of our friends and family! Here Dave Richards told us a bit about commitment and we all publicly committed ourselves to the seeking first the Kingdom as a disciple of Jesus and putting that into action through being a member of Cornerstone Community this year.

We’re well into the swing of things. God has begun to do some very incredible things in the lives of all of us already. Pray for us all as there is a big year ahead!

Holidays are not very far off even! We celebrated Passover but that can be a separate post

Well thats all I can do right now! Will try to keep regular posts! Pray fo

-Hannah

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