Goodbye Perth, Hello Melbourne!
We have arrived! Thanks for your prayers for the journey and the transition – it has been chaotic at times, but God has answered your prayers and showed his kindness in many ways, big and small.
After a busy final few weeks in Perth, with lots of hard goodbyes and the bizarre experience of slowly emptying our house, we made it to our new home – we even managed to have 3 out of 4 of us sleeping on the plane!
We are so thankful for the ways people have welcomed and cared for us in these early weeks. We are enjoying regular walks around the property and opportunities to make new friends as we walk past their houses.
Praise God for his kindness and the supportive welcome we received, and for sustaining us in that final couple of weeks.
I wanna stay home today …
The first couple of weeks were a steep learning curve of how we all cope with change and how to help each person settle.
Jess began enthusiastically exploring the lay of the land and setting up routines, while Jarod left the house each day for his new role. But Aloysius did not cope with the flurry of new things and needed time to settle into his new home before feeling comfortable to explore new places. We are now finding a rhythm, and Aloysius is enjoying some local outings, including the library.
Thank you for praying for us as we navigated this transition.
Oh where … is my hairbrush?!
After a couple of weeks of our belongings being in transit, we had fun receiving our box and enjoying some of our things again, like the double pram, our mattress and our favourite coffee mugs! Aloysius had a wonderful time unpacking his box of books and bringing each of his old favourites to us to read.
Jess has been confronted with her deep desire for order, and has been challenged to operate within the chaos of a new city, a house with evolving systems, and two young children who love to make mess and be unpredictable with their sleep. Can you relate to that feeling of not being able to find that one thing you need before you leave the house?
Sometimes a silly song with Larry helps her keep her cool as she sings ‘Oh wheeeeere is my jumper.’ But more seriously, this challenge has led her to look for the moments of joy, as well as looking to Jesus for the rest he provides.
Please pray for patience and rest for Jess as she tries to operate within the chaos. Please pray that she would look to Jesus for her rest, and would be wise with how she uses the small opportunities to create order.
Hi Ho, Hi Ho, it’s off to work we go …
Jarod has started in his role in the IT and Systems team at the Wycliffe Australia National Centre, and many have asked us what his role entails.
Jarod is working in a small team to implement a project to integrate two data management programs, so that important information about Wycliffe Australia’s members and financial partners can be organised and accessed easily.
He has been getting to know the team, the scope of the project, and spending time growing his knowledge of JavaScript (the programming language they are using) and database management. He is enjoying the ways he is being stretched and the opportunities to learn from people with greater knowledge and experience. Jess and the kids are also enjoying the chance to join the staff morning tea each Tuesday.
Please pray the team would work well together and that Jarod would keep learning and growing into his new role.
Church
We are settling into Eltham Presbyterian Church [link], and are enjoying getting to know our new church family. The first Sunday, Jess went alone with Lilah, and quickly became known as ‘the one with the baby’ – needless to say, they are very excited to have us join, and we have many willing baby holders and new friends for Aloysius. They even re-started their creche for us! Jess and the kids are planning to participate in their community outreach playgroup, Mainly Music, which is full of families from the local area. We are also delighted to have so many people keen to learn to communicate with Aloysius using sign language.
Please pray that God would grow us as we make more connections at church, explore Bible study options, and consider how we can serve in this local body of Christ.
FAQ: Have you found new therapists for Aloysius?
Yes! We managed to find a physiotherapist and a speech pathologist while we were still in Perth. Aloysius has had a number of sessions, and both are now regularly coming to the home. He is also on the waitlist for occupational therapy, and, in the meantime, they have given us a place in their playgroup which is run by an OT. It’s all happening!
Praise God for the support of NDIS and the new therapy team, and for the joy of watching Aloysius learn and grow.
Prayer summary:
Thank God for:
- sustaining us through a challenging and busy season of goodbyes, moving and settling in
- kind and welcoming people, and opportunities to grow new friendships here
- NDIS and Aloysius’ new therapy team.
Please pray for:
- Wisdom, energy and grace as we enter term 2 and find a rhythm of work, family and rest
- Jess to remember look to Jesus for her rest and security in the midst of chaos
- Jarod to keep learning and growing with the team and work he has at the National Centre
- us all to keep making connections and grow in our new church.
Contact us:
jess_hortin@wycliffe.org.au
jarod_hortin@wycliffe.org.au
heyhortins.com/partner/
wycliffe.org.au/jarod-jess
Wycliffe Bible Translators Australia:
70 Graham Road, Kangaroo Ground VIC 3097
https://wycliffe.org.au/
Hey Hortins 
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