Hey Champion
great seeing that smile on your face with your dad. Hope you are keeping well, sounds like you're always pretty busy! Sorry been out of touch, have been wondering how you're doing quite alot.. Any how, I'm off to teach SEN children at a small school near Taunton soon and leaving FE behind. Want to make more of a difference each day, as they're so precious. The mild autumn is just about to give way to winter here, I think first frosts will hit in a week or so. Been looking at the news around with some despair lately as there seem to be so many people suffering. I wonder what the legacy will be for the next generation. On a brighter note I'm still doing little circuits at home and my students are keeping me busy. Not long until the Christmas break and we can have a go at celebrating peace and family and friends. You must be returning soon? When you do, safe journey. All best. Steve

Hey, great blog. Such strength riding out the challenges which seem to be weighing you down. I can only imagine what effect the isolation must have on all other aspects of daily life for you Esther. Just think how wonderful and fulfilling life will be when you have accomplished all that you can out there and you return home. Even the smallest things will jump out and greet you and amaze you, and remind you what a tough wrestle you had with your emotions all those miles away. From experience, once difficult times are behind you, the life, friends and family you return to, instantly become more precious and wonderful. And another thing (who's going on now?), think how well equipped you'll be to overcome challenges in the future. For me, I consider my life measured not in time or age, but what I have and haven't done. So wake up knowing that helping one person, for one moment with one small thing, outweighs any hardship, because one will be forgotten and one will not. Any way, respect to you Esther and if its any consolation it's raining here too!

a moment ago

PS. Saw your Church blog just now, Chin up Champion, God is right there with you and your family and friends are right there too. There's just a little bit of water in the way, that's all and that wasn't a problem before eh? Take it easy, oh, and good luck for the talk. Boy, 20 minutes in Spanish!

Hey Champion
Glad to hear the Spanish is going well. I'm trying to learn a bit for a trip to Spain at the end of the Summer, so I feel for you on that one! Beautiful photos, really like the two 'married' trees. I hope you're enjoying your work and that you are well. We've just survived Ofsted this week at the college and after half term next week the summer will be on its way, hoorah! Rebuilt a pond for Phil last week, he's still at Horfield. Be able to start training in a couple of weeks as it'll be 3months since my op. Got some nice chilli plants on the go at home, but I expect there are plenty where you are. Well, all the best Esther, stay safe. Steve

Hey Esther!! Wonderful to catch up on all the news on your blog. How great that God is using you and making you a blessing to others. Yet at the same time, we are really missing you here in cold damp UK. Swap?? All our love to you. Derek & Angela xx

Hey there. Hope you get this. Looks fantastic I'm so jealous!! haha. Amazing what you're doing Champion. Missing you. lonely circuits! The places in your pics look incredible, even the "plant thing". Hope you're safe and discovering all that matters. I bet the people you've met love you, you're like a shining light. All best and look forward to more photos and blogs. Peace.

Hi Sweetheart,
So good to read your update, just sorry we wont be around on Sunday for a last hug!
Praying for you, trusting for the blessings of heaven upon your life.
Assuring you that you will be in our hearts, in our thoughts, and in our minds.
PTL Esther, that you have reached this place in your walk with Him. It's a thrilling thing to follow the Lamb wherever He leads!
Looking forward so much to reading how things go with you.
One thing strikes me re Ebe, and those that leave to serve the Lord, where are the men!!!!
Much love from us Sweetie.

Hi Esther

So pleased you are going off to serve God for a year. You'll have an amazing experience....which will be tough and fantastic at the same time. You'll have times when you're right at home, times when you're lonely, times when you know you're doing the right thing and times when you question whether you have made a terrible decision. Keep your trust and hope firmly grounded on God. he is the Rock and will be with you and support you through every struggle.

Huge hug and prayers from all the Brinds xx