After a month we finally have internet...therefore I can update our blog! I am so happy to update you all on our move and how we are going out here in "woop-woop" or otherwise known as Tullamore.
Here is a little information about our new home.
We are approximately 100 Kilometers from the center of New South Whales, therefore the climate is very much like the desert, cold at night and very warm during the day. The area is relatively flat surrounded by wheat and sheep farms. Australia is one of the leading countries in wool production. Tullamore is an old Irish town that was established in the late 1800's. Today, including all the local farmers, there are approximately 700 people in the town. It has one pub, a bowling club (not the normal bowling we would think), one police officer, a small grocery store, and a post office. It has a small child care center and the school that Daniel is working at, Tullamore Central School, has approximately 80 students.
We are living in a 4 bedroom home located on the school grounds, so Daniel just walks out our gate is at the school in 2 minutes. There is a park just up the road that has a brand new covered play set that Adeline can play on. She has already learned how to slide down the slide all by herself...she getting to be such a daring child.
This last Saturday the town had a dance for all the "oldies" in support of the school. Daniel and I were able to find a few girls to watch Adeline and we were welcomed by all the township. Everyone was very friendly and festive. Besides the Irish parade they have each St. Paddy's day this is the second largest event. We had a great time. There was a great live band and they had an American chef cooking great meals and the most exciting event of the evening was the yabbie auction. Yabbie's are what we would call crayfish. After being auctioned off, a circle is drawn on the floor the disgusting little things are all placed in the middle of the circle and race to get out. Obviously whichever one gets completely out of the circle wins. It was very exciting! (And disgusting!)
Ok, so the bad news...there is nothing near us!!! To get anywhere, whether it be church (yes an SDA church with a school and tons of little one for Addie to play with!), shops, petrol stations, basically anything is about an hour and a half away! It is horrible! The nearest largest town is Dubbo which is one and half hours away and Narromine (where the church is) is just over an hour. The really unfortunate part is that to get to those towns you have to drive about 40 kilometers on a dirt road!!! Yes we are out here!! But with all that said, that won't stop Addie and I from getting involved. I have already signed her up for swimming lessons in Dubbo and have signed up for a mothers group that meets in Narromine. I am very excited!!
The other bad news...the house we are living in has been a bit neglected over the years and has taken lots of time and effort to get the place looking reasonable. With lots of help from the locals this place is looking better everyday and we will be excited to get new carpet and a fresh coat of paint soon!
Sorry this is so long but I thought everyone would want to know all about what has been going on and how we are doing. I hope you enjoy the pictures I have attached too. There will be more to come of the local scenery and animals soon!
http://www.dotphoto.com/Go.asp?l=asfangel&P=&SID=206965&Show=Y
Love you all and thanks for all your prayers!
Amber, Daniel and Addie
PS - Here are a ton of pictures including some of our last playdate with Roman and Meg, our day at the Royal Sydney Easter Show (or fair), and of course tons of Adeline playing and having fun!
