Loving the Austins
27 October 11
It’s lovely to meet other blogging mothers, and yet our time with the Austin family in the Blue Mountains was much more than this. We share similar spiritual and parenting journeys but this bond is transcended by three special coincidences that unite us.

Hearing we were in the area, Lusi and Brett invited us to their home and immediately made us feel most welcome. After being so inspired by Jess’ story, I desired to hear the details of Lusi’s homebirth to Ezekiel who is now six weeks old.

The Austin children immediately made our own daughters feel very welcome. They are chatty, inviting, sharing and exceptionally nice. Aisha particularly liked the boys Ethan and Elijah (who are not twins — they informed me as soon as I crossed the threshold). 10yo Stassi is mature and thoughtful. I saw her clean the kitchen from top to bottom for her mother after we shared a meal together. 2yo Zipporah likes to talk a lot, and eagerly participates in family events.







Lusi has decorated her home beautifully. I enjoy entering so many people’s houses and seeing how they personalise their space. It reveals much of the character of the homemaker, and Lusi’s heart is clearly bound up by her family — photos are everywhere!


One good idea that I can take away from Lusi is her photo-boards displaying all the possible activities that a child can do. She’s taken photos of the puzzles and games and collated them into laminated pages presenting the options. I saw 2yo Zipporah examine the sheets which are on clear display and choose a game, which could be taken from the cupboard without pulling everything else out.
We spent so long talking with Brett and Lusi that we almost neglected our children, but they looked after themselves. It is especially relaxing to be in a home where children are trusted to do the right thing.



I think our original invitation was for morning tea, but we ended up staying for lunch, dinner and breakfast the next day. We’re thankful that we were able to keep talking about oh-so-many-subjects and the meals were delicious!

Lusi and I felt that there were three special things that bind us together — apart from our similar journeys in spiritual and parenting matters. The first is the birthdate of our firstborns: 7 February. Stassi and Aisha share the same birthday, although it is three years apart.
The second item is one of taste. I would love to boast that I share the same excellent decorating taste as Lusi, but in truth, it is David who picked out the exact same pictures for our travelling home in New Zealand as Lusi has chosen for her ensuite!

The third, extra-special divine synchronism is our scarves. Across the miles, through different circumstances, Lusi and I have the exact same scarf. Hers was hand-knitted for her by a friend, and mine was bought second-hand after I lost one on the streets of Auckland on a chilly day.

Together, we agreed with the Austins that leaving institutional church was the best thing for our own spiritual journeys and for our family life. Looking back, it is extraordinary how we thought life would be lacking in fellowship if we didn’t deliberately gather with other like-minded people on a Sunday. Now, we see how the Divine brings us encouraging encounters — like this one with the Austin family — everywhere!
1 · Stephanie · 30 October 2011, 02:36
What wonderful pictures! And I love your thoughts on leaving institutional church and encounters brought into your life by the divine.
2 · Lusi · 30 October 2011, 04:55
Hi Lauren and David and girls!
We enjoyed meeting you all too! It’s a blessing to share with each other and learn from Abba through our encounters with people who have similar beliefs and also with those whose lives look different to ours. I loved those 3 things that tied us together too!
With love,
Lusi x
3 · Sunshine · 30 October 2011, 08:35
What a delightful family…. so precious to spend the time together.
4 · Erin · 31 October 2011, 17:37
How lovely! Thanks for sharing their blog, I’ve enjoyed having a look around.